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Previous Features of the Month
September
IdleAire under new management
Six investment management companies now own IdleAire Technologies Inc. after their $17.5 million bid was accepted on Friday, Aug. 29.
IdleAire filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2008 after losing more than $93.4 million in 2007. In all, the company’s total net loss was more than $246 million since its inception.
According to an IdleAire press release announcing the acquisition, new owners include the following: Airlie Group, Kenmont Investments Management, SV Special Situations Fund, Whitebox Advisors, Wayzata Investment Partners and Wilfrid Aubrey, LLC.
“It’s a new company with new owners who are very optimistic about IdleAire’s prospects,” said John Calabrese of CRG Partners Group. CRG is providing “transitional management of the company while a search for a CEO is underway.”
IdleAire, a provider of shore-powered electrification services, is available at 131 truck stops and travel plazas in 34 states.
AUGUST'S
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Economy tough on trucking in second quarter
Trucking companies going out of business continued at a record pace in the second quarter, according to a report released by trucking analyst Donald Broughton.
In the second quarter of 2008, 970 trucking companies with five or more trucks went out of business. They join 935 companies that were shuttered in the first quarter.
The closures in the first half of 2008 have eclipsed the previous records set during the downturn in the trucking industry in 2000 and 2001, according to Broughton.
“This is the highest level of company failures seen since the record level achieved in 2000 and 2001,” Broughton wrote in his report. “Although there were slightly more company failures per quarter from the third quarter of 2000 through the third quarter of 2001, the total number of trucks per quarter never reached the levels attained in both the first and second quarter of 2008.”
Broughton, managing director with Avondale Partners LLC, reported that 46,000 trucks were idled by the shutdowns in the second quarter – a whopping 2.4 percent of the over-the-road trucks. That brings the total number of trucks sidelined in 2008 to 88,000, or 4.5 percent of the nation’s capacity.
He notes that although companies failing in the 2000 to 2001 downturn averaged 20 to 35 trucks in their fleets, in 2008 companies failing averaged more than 45 trucks.
Companies falling prey to the tough economic pressures tend to be smaller companies with longer hauls, according to Broughton. Fuel prices and the lack of surcharges that recoup 100 percent of the increased cost of fuel have also played a role on failures in both the first and second quarter.
Broughton’s report isn’t exclusively gloom and doom. He did lay out the silver lining for those companies still in business.
He predicted that those companies still in the game will soon begin to enjoy better paying freight. Also, with the decline in the number of trucks available to haul freight, it will be easier to keep trucks loaded with that better paying freight.
The end result is that earnings will “creep higher.” That could be especially true if oil prices continue to creep lower or even level out.
– By Jami Jones, senior editor
jami_jones@landlinemag.com
JULY'S
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
National average price of diesel shoots up 8 cents per gallon
The short-lived downward trend in the national average of on-highway diesel prices came abruptly to an end when the national average shot up 8 cents per gallon, setting yet another record high.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration detailed in its July 7 report, a national average price for on-highway diesel at $4.727 per gallon. The increase comes after the EIA reported slight declines in the national average the previous two weeks.
The new record high national average has truckers paying an average of $1.878 more per gallon than they were during the first week in July of 2007.
The average price in California jumped 7.3 cents per gallon to once again top the $5 per gallon mark with a regional average of $5.001 per gallon. The West Coast region as a whole jumped nearly 7 cents per gallon as well to average $4.886 per gallon.
The Central Atlantic and New England regions both showed increases week to week, but remained in the $4.80 range with regional average of $4.887 and $4.863 per gallon respectively.
The regional average for the East Coast hovered below the $4.80 mark despite an 8.5 cent per gallon increase to a new regional average of $4.789.
The Lower Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions both had regional averages increase by more than 9 cents per gallon in a week’s time to averages of $4.741 and $4.697 per gallon.
The Rocky Mountain regional average increased the least, increasing 3.4 cents per gallon to $4.672.
While boasting the lowest average in the nation, the Midwest regional average still jumped significantly – 8.3 cents per gallon – to $4.654 per gallon.
JUNE'S
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
From coast to coast: Florida approves California-style idling limits
A Florida state environmental body recently approved a five-minute idling limit for all diesel vehicles of 8,500 pounds and larger that closely resembles California’s idling regulation. The Florida reg goes into effect Dec. 15 and fines can be as much as $1,000.
The Florida Environmental Regulation Commission unanimously approved the five-minute limit on June 19. The live-minute idling limit would allow idling under the following exemptions:
- While the driver is sleeping or resting in the sleeper berth (this exemption expires in September 2013);
- While stopped during traffic conditions over which the driver has no control;
- To operate defrosters, heaters, air conditioners or other equipment “to prevent a safety or health emergency”; and
- To operate auxiliary equipment like a lift or cement mixer.
One official with Florida’s environmental department said education about the new idling limit will be more important than enforcement, initially.
“For the first year of implementation, our emphasis will be on what we call compliance assistance,” Ferris told Land Line recently. “We want to help truckers understand that the rule is out there and give them time to learn about it.”
California’s idling regulation includes a five-minute limit, unless a truck needs to idle for temperature-dependent loads or “to prevent a health emergency.”
– By Charlie Morasch, staff writer
charlie_morasch@landlinemag.com
May's Feature of the Month
Missouri measure would create fuel tax holiday
With the end of the legislative session in Missouri fast approaching, a bill nearing passage in the House would temporarily discontinue the state’s fuel tax this summer.
House lawmakers gave initial approval to a bill – HB1644 – after adding a provision that would offer consumers a three-month price break on gas and diesel purchases for personal vehicles. The provision was added to a bill that would phase out the state corporate income tax by 2013.
Rep. Jim Lembke, R-St. Louis, amended the bill to authorize a fuel tax holiday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Consumers would continue to pay the state’s 17-cent-per-gallon tax on gas and diesel but they could petition the state for reimbursement.
Lembke made the change to the legislation while talks nationally are focusing on a potential federal fuel tax holiday. President George W. Bush is considering asking Congress to suspend collections of the federal tax on gas and diesel.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama is opposed to such a plan. He dubbed it a “short term, quick fix.” Democratic contender Sen. Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Sen. John McCann have both already called for the holiday.
Advocates for the price break in Missouri from May 24 through Sept. 2 say it would help consumers cope with fuel costs that continue to escalate. Opponents are concerned about reports the tax holiday would cost the state $120 million.
The bill needs one more vote on the House floor before advancing to the Senate. With the regular session scheduled to end May 16, time is running out for the measure to advance to the governor’s desk.
To view other legislative activities of interest for Missouri in 2008, click here.
– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor
keith_goble@landlinemag.com
APRIL'S FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Soaring fuel costs, shrinking bottom lines force tough choices on truckers
While many drivers parked their rigs on Tuesday, April 1, to protest record-high fuel prices, others made the business decision to keep their wheels turning.
In recent days, OOIDA and Land Line Magazine have received countless phone calls, e-mails and letters regarding the issue of whether or not a shutdown would be effective, but with diesel fuel prices hovering near the $4 mark or above in many parts of the country, many agree something must be done soon to relieve their pain at the pumps or they may lose their businesses.
Tom Holsapple from Rhinebeck, NY, is shutting down today. He said he is supporting the protest as a trucker and a “concerned citizen.” He said he believes the “economy is being destroyed by greedy oil companies” and wants to know why elected officials allow it to happen.
Douglas Hammontree, an OOIDA member from Hiram, GA, owns Three Tree’s Logistics. He made the decision today to shut down his four trucks for a few days.
“I shut my trucks down in honor of this strike,” he said.
OOIDA member Alice Cummins, who runs Northern Light of Paw Paw, located in Paw Paw, MI, said she isn’t shutting down, but instead drove at 55 mph in solidarity of the national trucker effort.
OOIDA member Jim Gossett of Chapel Hill, NC, told Land Line on Friday, March 28, he planned to park his rig at home for a while after delivering his load on Monday, March 31. He said he will do this until economic conditions in the trucking industry improve.
“If it’s not going to pay the bills, I can just as easy go broke at home,” Gossett said.
Some members have made the decision to keep trucking because they just can’t afford to park their rigs right now. Others disagree that a shutdown is the right answer to combat high fuel prices.
Craig Hansen of High Ridge, MO, told Land Line on April 1 that he wasn’t participating in the shutdown, but wasn’t driving his semi today either because he was escorting an oversized load with his pickup truck.
OOIDA members Carol and Steve Edwards of Siloam Springs, AR, have five trucks. She said none of their trucks were participating in the shutdown.
“We have one truck that is in the shop with mechanical problems, but everybody else is rolling today,” she said.
OOIDA member Wade LaLone of Rosebush, MI, wrote in a letter to Land Line that he wouldn’t be participating in the shutdown, either.
“Shutting down will only upset your shippers and they will find new carriers and you will possibly lose that freight,” he wrote.
Rev. Bob Celeste of Harrison, ME, isn’t a trucker, but he has parked his 1990 Dodge pickup truck, which has a Cummins diesel engine, in support of truckers who shut down their trucks on April 1.
“Although by trucking standards, my truck is small and doesn’t use a lot of fuel, I will park it on the days that those who park their big rigs,” he said. “If we don’t side with the guys who bring us our food now, we will all be in worse trouble later.”
– By Clarissa Kell-Holland, staff writer
clarissa_kell-holland@landlinemag.com
March's Feature of the Month
| Owner Operators-A Guide for Working with Brokers
Helpful tools to assist you in your day-to-day business dealings with Brokers!
It is important to always remember that there are valuable resources available to assist you in choosing legitimate brokers to do business with. For instance you can check the status of a broker’s authority on the FMCSA website http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov . If you do not have access to a computer you can call them at either of these numbers: 866-637-0635 or 202-385-2423.
Additional information that can be obtained at this site is Bond and Trust information. Go to the insurance screen…here you can obtain the bond company’s name and telephone number. Check the status of the bond before taking the load. If the broker authority is not active DO NOT TAKE THE LOAD.
There are also credit reporting services and tools available, such as RTS Credit Services, http://www.RTSCredit.com or 800-506-7438. At this time RTS offers OOIDA members a 30-day free trial period.
OOIDA also has available our very own Check’s in the Mail article, which is only available to OOIDA members through their members only site at www.ooida.com. Here you can get a listing of brokers, carriers, freight forwarders and shippers complete with payment history.
Key things to remember and check before accepting a load through a broker:
*Ask for at least three (3) references. These should be carriers that have hauled for this broker consistently for one year. Check them.
*Do not move until you have a signed rate confirmation. Make sure the confirmation is complete with any additional charges you may incur, such as lumper fees, detention time, etc. Include a fuel surcharge to compensate for spiraling fuel costs. Once you sign and return the confirmation, it acts as your contract for that load.
*Use caution when asked to sign a Broker/Carrier Agreement. Avoid it if possible. If you decide to sign it, read it carefully. Make sure your position is stated. You as the carrier, want no relationship between yourself and the broker. Under no circumstance is the broker acting as your agent nor are you acting as the broker’s agent. If the broker/carrier agreement does not say this, WRITE IT IN, INITIAL AND DATE THE CHANGE.
*Make sure all information is correct on the paperwork you receive pertaining to the load. You need the correct broker name, correct bond information and so on.
*Never wait for payment past your agreed upon payment date. Chances are if they are not paying you on time, they are not paying any drivers on time. The bond is only $10,000; it does not take long to exhaust it.
*Anytime there is a change while you are in route that concerns your pay, get an amended confirmation before proceeding, (i.e. layover, extra stops, etc.)
*When hauling government loads, make sure you call ahead for delivery time verification.
*Take steps to ensure that the broker is paying you the percentage that was agreed upon. In order to do this you can turn to Title 49 CFR 371.3 of the FMCSRs. Here's the wording:
Under Title 49 CFR 371.3 Records are to be kept by brokers.
(a) A broker shall keep a record of each transaction. For purposes of this section, brokers may keep master lists of consignors and the address and registration number of the carrier, rather than repeating this information for each transaction. The record shall show:
(1)The name and address of the consignor;
(2)The name, address, and registration number of the originating motor carrier;
(3)The bill of lading or freight bill number;
(4)The amount of compensation received by the broker for the brokerage service performed and the name of the payer;
(5)A description of any non-brokerage service performed in connection with each shipment or other activity, the amount of compensation received for the service, and the name of the payer; and
(6)The amount of any freight charges collected by the broker and the date of payment to the carrier.
(b)Brokers shall keep the records required by this section for a period of three
years.
(c)Each party to a brokered transaction has the right to review the record of the
transaction required to be kept by these rules.
This regulation is a very powerful tool for you to use when dealing with a broker to keep them honest. The impact of requesting this information after you haul the first load for a new broker is a strong tool to use. Remember 371.3 (c) states that each party to a brokered transaction has the right to review the record of the transaction required to be kept by these rules.
Whether the load was flat rated or a percentage the regulation still gives you the right to review the record. If this rule is ignored it is enforceable under private right of action, Federal law 49 USC 14704 (a), and 14707. This rule will allow you to obtain a court order requiring brokers to comply with regulations.
In the event you have to go to court to get this information private right of action also allows a court to award reasonable attorney's fee that the court can impose as part of the costs of the action.
*Remember—you need everything in writing and keep copies of all paperwork. |
FEBRUARY'S
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Happy Valentine's Day!
SPECIAL REPORT: Comments on HOS regs due by Feb. 15
Friday, Feb. 8, 20007 – The public has until Friday, Feb. 15, to comment on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s interim final rule on the hours-of-service regulations.
Truckers can continue using both the 11th hour of driving and the optional 34-hour restart provision thanks to the interim final rule published by FMCSA. The interim rule went into effect Dec. 27.
According the interim final rule posted on the Federal Register Dec. 17, 2007, the agency is leaving the current hours-of-service regulations as is – with no changes to the sleeper-berth provision.
Agency officials decided to keep the current rules rather than create confusion within the trucking industry and the enforcement community by issuing revisions to the rule.
“This proposal keeps in place hours-of-service limits that improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers are rested and ready to work,” FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill said in a press release.
Those sentiments were echoed strongly in the interim final rule.
“Uncertainty is the enemy of enforcement and compliance; it can only impair highway safety,” FMCSA officials wrote in the interim final rule. “This (interim final rule) will ensure that a familiar, uniform set of national rules govern motor carrier transportation, while FMCSA gathers additional public comments on all aspects of this interim final rule.
“By re-adopting the 11-hour limit and the 34-hour restart, the agency’s intent is to allow motor carriers and drivers to combine work-rest schedules that follow the optimal 24-hour circadian cycle (10 hours off duty and 14 hours on duty) while maintaining highway safety with operational flexibility.”
The two provisions were tossed by the court on procedural grounds – not based on safety concerns.
FMCSA officials address this point in the interim rule by providing information on reviews of previous analysis of studies, submitting new analysis and even more statistical data that back up keeping both provisions in a final rule.
Comments on the interim final rule will be accepted through Feb. 15. To see how to comment, click here. You will need the Docket ID, which is FMCSA-2004-19608. You must include it on any comments you submit by fax, mail or in person. In order to comment electronically, you will need the Document ID. That is FMCSA-2004-19608-2528.
– By Jami Jones, senior editor
jami_jones@landlinemag.com
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January's
Feature of the Month
Federal panel could recommend fuel tax increase
A federal panel chaired by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters is set to release recommendations for future transportation funding. Some people believe the report will include a recommendation to federal lawmakers to increase federal fuel taxes.
The 12-member National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, created in 2005 as part of the highway reauthorization bill known as SAFETEA-LU, is scheduled to announce its recommendations on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Trucking and transportation officials and others are anxious to get their hands on the report.
The Bloomberg news agency, citing an un-named source close to the report, has declared that the “gas tax” of 18.4 cents would increase between 5 cents and 8 cents per gallon, per year, for five years.
Truckers know that a mention of a “gas tax” by mainstream media often actually means “fuel tax” and includes diesel. The current federal tax on diesel fuel is 24.4 cents per gallon.
Officials from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said they will wait to comment on the report once it is in their hands.
“Aside from what may come out in the report, I doubt anyone will be talking about or pushing for a fuel tax increase until next year, or at least after the elections,” said OOIDA Director of Government Affairs Rod Nofziger.
Private investors are also interested in learning what the report says because Transportation Secretary Peters is an advocate of outsourcing and privatization of highway infrastructure.
OOIDA officials continue to oppose the privatization of existing highways and the conversion of existing highways into toll roads.
Members of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission include Secretary Peters; Maria Cino, former deputy Secretary of U.S. DOT; Patrick Quinn, Co-Chairman of U.S. Xpress and former chairman of the American Trucking Association; Frank Busalacchi, secretary of transportation for Wisconsin; Rick Geddes, director of undergraduate studies for Cornell University; Steve Heminger, executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; Frank McArdle, senior advisor with the General Contractors Association of America; Matt Rose, CEO of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad; Jack Schenendorf, general counsel for Covington & Burling; Tom Skancke, CEO of The Skancke Company; and Paul Weyrich, CEO of the Free Congress Foundation.
To learn more about the commission, click here.
– By David Tanner, staff writer
david_tanner@landlinemag.com |
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DECEMBER'S FEATURE
OF THE MONTH
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM LUNCHMEAT EXPRESS!
NOVEMBER'S FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Wishin’ you were truckin’ again? Arrow to the rescue
Sometimes, through no real fault of their own, life hands truckers some very tough breaks. It might mean losing their trucks – and the means of supporting themselves and their families.
A program is under way that aims to help a trucker who’s fallen on hard times. The program is called “Back on the Road 2008.” It’s the brainchild of Arrow Truck Sales which, along with cosponsors, including OOIDA, aims to put one deserving trucker back on the road.
After a nationwide search, Arrow and its industry associates will present the winner with a 2005 VNL 670, provided by VolvoTrucks North America, a one-year work agreement with Heartland Express, and other essentials needed to start a trucking business.
“We are excited for the opportunity to help someone get their life back on track,” said Carl Heikel, president and CEO of Arrow. “Back on the Road is about more than simply giving a truck away; it is about giving someone back their livelihood.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and National Truck Protection Inc. have joined as supporters of the Back on the Road program and will provide the winner with insurance and a warranty respectively.
The winner will also receive business consulting services and financial tools from ATBS, a group that educates professional drivers on how to handle their business and finances.
Arrow began accepting nominations Nov. 5 and will continue to do so through Jan. 15, 2008. To visit its Web site and nominate a trucker, click here. The winner will be announced in March 2008 and will be given the keys to the truck during the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY.
Arrow Truck Sales encourages people from across the country to nominate friends, family members, associates and even themselves for this opportunity. Applications should include a compelling 250-word story explaining why the nominee deserves to win. Stories about family loss, loss from natural disaster, or a recent return from military service could all be considered valid story submissions.
Following MATS, the winner will head out on the road. Along the way, he or she will provide a glimpse into life on the road through updates posted on the Back on the Road Web site.
Octobers Features of The Month
October 3, 2007
SPECIAL REPORT: Court gives FMCSA 90 days to sort out HOS regs
Wednesday, Oct. 3 – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has until just after Christmas to sort out what changes need to be made to the hours-of-service regulations.
On July 24, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit tossed the provision that increased driving time to 11 hours from 10 hours and the 34-hour restart provision. In that same decision, the court denied a petition by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association asking the court to consider the impact of changes to the sleeper-berth provision.
The court’s July decision – initially to go into effect Sept. 14 – was held off by petitions by OOIDA and the American Trucking Association.
OOIDA petitioned for a rehearing on its request to review changes to the split-sleeper berth provision and how FMCSA arrived at the final rule. ATA asked that the court’s decision not go into effect for eight months.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration echoed ATA’s request for a stay – only the agency wanted a 12-month stay.
The agency was rather limited on options in trying to meet the initial Sept. 14 deadline. In a response filed with the court supporting ATA’s motion for a stay, FMCSA’s legal team indicated agency officials had considered issuing an interim final rule to buy the agency enough time to gather data and comments in conjunction with a new final rule.
In an order – without any supporting opinion – handed down by the court late Sept. 28, nobody got their way, really.
OOIDA’s petition for a rehearing was denied and the court ruled that its order would go into effect in three months, not eight months as requested by ATA, or 12 months as requested by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
“Obviously we’re disappointed in the court’s decision denying our petition,” said OOIDA Director of
Regulatory Affairs Rick Craig.
OOIDA officials are in the process of reviewing options for working toward changes to the rule in the future. Officials at FMCSA are also looking closely at the order.
“We are carefully evaluating our options in light of the court’s ruling. Make no mistake, maintaining the
safety of America’s highways continues to be our priority,” FMCSA officials said in an official agency
release following the court’s September order.
In the meantime, until some sort of interim final rule or some other official agency action, truckers are to continue operating under the current regulation, using the 11th hour of driving time and the 34-hour restart provision if they want.
In the 90 days leading up to Dec. 27, FMCSA must take some sort of official agency action to make any changes to the regulation.
– By Jami Jones, senior editor
jami_jones@landlinemag.com
September's
Feature of the Month
FMCSA adopts UCR fees, plan
After two years working on the creation of a new, better interstate registration plan, success is on the horizon. The FMCSA has issued final regulations establishing the fees for the new program known as the Unified Carrier Registration plan that will replace the old Single State Registration System
The fee schedule was finalized on Aug. 27 and last week, the new UCR system was adopted. Monday, Sept. 10, has been designated as a commencement date for registration. The UCR Agreement developed by the UCR plan is the interstate agreement governing the collection and distribution of registration and financial responsibility information provided and fees paid not only by motor carriers, but private carriers, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies. OOIDA Director of Regulatory Affairs Rick Craig is one of the five trucking industry representatives who serve on the 15-member UCR Board of Directors. Craig explained that by spreading around the costs, the new system lowers fees for interstate haulers without cutting into the revenue that states use for highway maintenance and transportation programs.
UCR is a plan that will have a fee structure that goes from the old per-truck basis to a per-carrier basis and will be the same for all member states. Truckers will no longer have to pick and choose states, as they do with the Single State Registration System. One fee will cover all states.
On the UCR bandwagon in ’07 are 34 of the 38 states that participated in the SSRS last year.
Carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies and brokers based in Canada or Mexico and operate in interstate or international commerce in the United States are subject to the UCR Agreement and must register through one of the participating states.
Companies will be able to register their fleets, beginning Sept. 10, via the Internet, by mail or by visiting the appropriate agency in their home state.
“Motor carriers should be getting notices on how you can participate,” Craig said. “States who are participants should be sending letters. If you don’t get a letter, you can still register online and if all else fails, through the Indiana state portal online.”
Craig said the UCR Board suggested that states should not begin enforcement any sooner than Nov. 15, 2007.
The proposed fee schedule will raise money to replace SSRS revenues and to pay for administrative costs. The proposed schedule is:
- 0 to 2 units – including trailers – as well as brokers and leasing companies, $39;
- 3 to 5 units, $116;
- 6 to 20 units, $231;
- 21 to 100 units, $806;
- 101 to 1,000 units, $3,840; and
- Motor carriers with 1,001 or more units, $37,500.
– By Sandi Soendker, managing editor
sandi_soendker@landlinemag.com |
August's
Feature of the Month
Trucker’s son helps stop runaway truck
A trucker’s nine-year-old son, a trucker on CB and a Good Samaritan are being credited with bringing a tractor-trailer to a halt after the trucker blacked out for unknown reasons at the wheel.
It happened on Tuesday, Aug. 6, on U.S. Highway 30 in the town of St. Helens, OR, in the afternoon.
Trucker Matthew Lovo Sr. told “Land Line Now” on XM Satellite Radio he was doing about 25 mph through town – with his son Matt riding along in the passenger seat.
“I had just got off the phone with my wife, and that’s actually the last thing I remember,” Matthew Sr. said. “The next I remember, I was sitting on the side of the road on the asphalt, and the paramedics and police officers were talking with me. And that’s when they told me what (my son) did.”
His son, Matthew Jr., said at first, he thought his dad was joking around – then realized he wasn’t. So, he tried steering and got on the CB radio and called out for help. A trucker responded, telling him to turn the key off. He slowly guided the truck to the side of the road. Immediately, a man walking by was able to jump in the cab and help.
That man who jumped in was Chris Howard, a Good Samaritan who saw the rig veering dangerously into the oncoming lane and ran to catch up with it.
“I jumped up on the step of the truck and opened the door and pulled myself up toward the compartment,” Howard said. “I actually got a little bit confused looking at the dash – there were quite a few knobs and buttons on there, and I’m not used to that. I realized that there were regular pedals on the floor, though, so I just stepped on the brake.”
The St. Helens police chief has publicly praised the boy for his “bravery and cool demeanor” and Chris Howard for “a heroic act.”
Matt’s dad has a few words of praise for his son, too.
“You’re not going to get a more proud father in America today,” Matthew Sr. said.
– By Reed Black, staff writer
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Previous Features of the Month