Penske Installing Truck-Lite LED headlights on 5,000 Rental Semi-Trucks
November 30, 2012
Penske Truck Leasing is retrofitting 5,000 of its 2012 and 2013 semi-tractors currently within its commercial truck rental fleet with new, cutting-edge LED headlights from Truck-Lite. Penske is the first and only commercial truck rental operation to currently offer thisinnovative headlamp option within its fleet.
<p>The retrofitting will take place over the next 12 months. Penske plans to make these LED lights part of its core standard specifications for all the semi-tractors in its <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rental/">commercial truck rental fleet</a>.</p><p>“We’ve field tested these new lights,” said Art Vallely, executive vice president of operations for Penske Truck Leasing. “They provide greater nighttime visibility compared with traditional headlights, which enhances safety for commercial truck drivers operating our equipment. The high durability of these lights also provides a significant cost-savings from a maintenance standpoint.”</p><p><strong>Incredible Durability</strong></p><p>The new Truck-Lite custom LED headlamps were initially developed for military use and offer increased durability, visibility and safety. Manufactured in the U.S., Truck-Lite’s forward lighting technology is battlefield tough and tested on vehicles serving in the Iraqi and Afghan theater since 2007.</p><p>“Our LED forward lighting capabilities and product line has continued to strengthen and grow,” stated Beth English, vice president of marketing for Truck-Lite. “The overwhelming response from the military and commercial vehicle markets has allowed us to push forward and move the technology toward the custom heavy-duty market and our fleet partners. As a direct replacement to current headlamps, retrofit is easy, taking only minutes.”</p><p>English continued, “Our new LED headlamp offering really speaks to high performance, durability and increased visibility for forward lighting applications. Offering longer life than comparable incandescent lamps, these LED headlamp products are worth the upfront investment, saving the time and expense of replacing lamps multiple times while offering increased safety for the driver.”<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>A "Better Kind of Light" for Truck Drivers and Fleet Managers</strong></p><p>Truck-Lite’s custom LED forward lighting headlamps offer improved driver visibility through its more natural light spectrum, leading to improved object recognition at night. Truck-Lite’s LED beam pattern also reduces eye-strain for drivers and reduces harsh headlight glare to oncoming traffic. An additional benefit is a significant reduction in amperage draw on the vehicle’s electrical system, freeing up power for other uses and resulting in a 50-times longer lighting system life than conventional halogen technology.</p><p><b>Clear Benefits Over-the-Road for Truckers and Fleets Driving at Night</b></p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Meets DOT Specifications</li> <li>2.9A Low-Beam | 4A High Beam @12.8V</li> <li>Rated at Over 30,000 Hours</li> <li>Special New Lens Coating Combats Hazing, Crazing and Yellowing</li> <li>Quick Aim</li> <li>Plug and Play Installation</li> <li>Sunlight Color Temperature Provides Excellent Light Color and Intensity</li> <li>Better Overall Visibility for Truck Drivers</li> <li>Less Maintenance</li> <li>Uses Less Energy than Halogen Headlights</li> <li>Added Durability Helps Reduce Waste Stream of Discarded Traditional Halogen Bulbs</li></ul><p><strong>Request More Information for Your Trucks or Truck Fleet</strong></p><p>To request more information about using or installing these custom LED headlights in your truck fleet please <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/trucklite/" title="Penske Truck Rental & Leasing Truck-Lite Custome LED Headlights for Trucking and Trucks.">contact Penske here.</a></p><p><em>By "Move Ahead" Staff</em></p></div>
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Carriers Seek Ways to Combat Truck Driver Shortage
November 26, 2012
The driver shortage remains a top concern for private fleets and for-hire carriers alike. The National Private Truck Council (NPTC) called the driver shortage a “chronic problem” in its 2012 Benchmarking Survey, and the American Trucking Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2012 “Critical Issues” survey said the driver shortage placed fourth on the list of top industry concerns,with nearly 13 percent of respondents selecting it as the most serious issue.
<p>The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) estimates that there are currently 200,000 long-haul trucking jobs open in the United States and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 300,000 more jobs to open by 2020.</p><p>NPTC reported that driver demographics, meaningfully higher qualification requirements and chronically low wages in many industry segments are detracting drivers. Liability concerns in addition to increased competition from less demanding occupations are also keeping more drivers from entering the industry.</p><p>Truckers are projected to exit the workforce in a growing wave with the first baby boomers beginning to turn 65 in 2012. At the same time, the pool of CDL-eligible 21 year olds starts to grow at a slower rate.</p><p>NPTC reported that private fleets do a better job of retaining drivers than for-hire carriers. In 2011, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for-hire carrier driver turnover averaged 83 percent for the year compared to an 11 percent turnover reading amongst NPTC’s 2011 benchmarking survey.</p><p>Private fleets are able to keep drivers happy with shorter lengths of haul, regular trips home and better pay, according to the NPTC report.</p><p>However, driver demand will continue to increase, and carriers are responding in a number of ways. ATRI said the top proposed solution to the problem is to examine the competitiveness of truck driver pay and benefits as compared to other industries.</p><p>NPTC predicts that the for-hire segment is likely to experience greater driver wage inflation as the economy continues to expand.</p><p>Benefits also play an important role in attracting and retaining drivers. Younger drivers in particular are interested in having more sick time and a 401(k) retirement account.</p><p>In addition, many fleets are turning to driver wellness programs. NPTC said the number of carriers offering wellness programs is on the rise. This year 67 percent of the survey respondents reported having a driver wellness program, up from the 57 percent that reported operating a wellness program over the last two years. Only 14 percent of the respondents reported having no driver wellness programs.</p><p>Individual components of these programs include weight management, smoking cessation, sleep apnea assessments and nutritional counseling. Fleets also reported providing drivers with gym memberships, diabetes testing, exercise classes, stress management, mental health counseling and blood chemistry testing.</p><p>For a wellness program to be effective, drivers need to get onboard. Creating a strategy to disseminate information to drivers can help get drivers involved. Text messages, emails, a company message board, social media page or intranet site may be effective ways to reach drivers who are on the road.</p><p>Although labor issues remain a significant challenge, the NPTC survey reports that the 10.9 percent turnover rate, up from 10.3 percent turnover recorded in 2011, reflects the increased number of drivers opting for retirement.</p><p><a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/">Penske Logistics</a> is currently hiring truck drivers. For additional information visit <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/" title="Jobs at Penske">Penske’s careers page </a>or follow the company on Twitter, <a href="http://http/twitter.com/gopenskecareers">@GoPenskeCareers</a>. The company offers competitive wages and a wide range of benefits. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p></p><p align="right"><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p></div>
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Government Eases CDL Requirements for Veterans
November 19, 2012
As the trucking industry works to attract new drivers, federal and state legislation is making it easier for veterans and active-duty members of the military to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and become professional drivers.
<p>In late October, U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012 into law, which allows states to issue a CDL to members of the armed forces in the state in which they are stationed, even if they are away from home.</p><p>The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires CDL applicants to be legal residents of the states where they apply, but the new law carves out an exemption for members of the military who are frequently stationed at bases outside of their home states.</p><p>In addition, a growing number of states are implementing their own initiatives.</p><p>Virginia is working to attract members of the military to the industry with its Troops to Trucks program. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has streamlined the CDL application process for veterans with truck driving experience who now only have to pass the written knowledge exam and can forgo the road skills test.</p><p>For military members without truck driving experience, the Virginia DMV is working with military installations to provide training, and has certified two military bases in the state as certified CDL third-party testers.</p><p>So far, 26 states have waived the driving portion of the CDL test for returning veterans and reservists who have driven heavy-duty vehicles during their military service. Nearly a dozen other states are working towards similar waivers.</p><p>American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said in a statement, “Trucking already faces the beginnings of a driver shortage and, with increases in freight demand, as well as demographic changes, we will soon see demand for drivers increase rapidly. Making it easier for veterans to move into these jobs is a good thing for the military, for the veterans themselves and for our industry.”</p><p>Penske is on the current <a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/news/penske-makes-top-100-military-friendly-list-for-second-year/">G.I. Jobs magazine Top 100 Military-Friendly Employers</a>® list.</p><p>The company is currently hiring truck drivers. For additional information visit <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/" title="Jobs at Penske">Penske’s careers page </a>or follow the company on Twitter, <a href="http://http/twitter.com/gopenskecareers">@GoPenskeCareers</a>. The company offers competitive wages and a wide range of benefits. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3cec657de3333746245799bb8a7ff0df" id="97bb8"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="270598345582579713"><div style="margin:1em 0">Via the Penske blog: federal/state governments ease CDL recs for military members
http://t.co/Fy20SFy8</div> — Penske Transportation Solutions (@Penske Transportation Solutions)<a href="https://twitter.com/PenskeNews/statuses/270598345582579713">1353350647.0</a></blockquote></div><p></p><p align="right"><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p></div>
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Penske’s Great Rates on Truck Rentals
November 13, 2012
Penske’s free unlimited mileage on one-way rentals and our newer, well-maintained trucks make Penske a popular choice for one-way rentals, which is why our trucks end up in popular “move-to” destinations.
<p>We love being popular, but we can’t keep all of our rental trucks in Florida and Arizona – we need to spread them out across the country, which is why we offer great rates on one-way moves out of certain states and into others.</p><p>Moving from Arizona to New Mexico? Great rate.</p><p>Moving out of Florida and into New York? Great rate.</p><p>Moving to California? You got it…Great rate.</p><p><a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/unlimited-miles/">Penske’s great rates</a> are a win-win-win. Movers save money on quality rental trucks and Penske gets trucks moved where they’re needed. The environment even wins when you take advantage of our Great Rates due to the fact that we don’t have to use extra fuel to geographically re-position vehicles.</p><p><em><strong>Note: This promotion is no longer valid.</strong></em></p><p align="right"><em>By Bill Combs</em></p></div>
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Penske Makes Top 100 Military Friendly List for Second Year
November 09, 2012
For the second year in a row, Penske has been named to G.I. Jobs magazine’sTop 100 Military Friendly Employers® list.
<p>The magazine recognizes military friendly companies that demonstrate commitment to recruiting America’s veterans. Penske ranked 94<sup>th</sup> on the overall 2013 Top 100 list and 9<sup>th</sup> among the transportation sector.</p><p>“We’re pleased to again be included on the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers List,” said Ken Hurley, Penske’s senior vice president of human resources. “We appreciate the skills, loyalty and work ethic that veterans bring to our Penske team. This year we actively recruited near military bases with large transportation commands to fill dozens of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">technician</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">vehicle maintenance supervisor/manager</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">driver</a>, and <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/career_paths/sales.html">sales</a> and <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/career_paths/customer_service.html">customer service</a> positions.”</p><p>You can read more about Penske’s military recruitment efforts in its <a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/news/penske-salutes-veterans-and-military-personnel/">Veterans Day blog story</a>.</p><p>Are you a veteran with a deep passion for customer service and high ethical standards? Visit <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/veterans.html">Penske’s military careers page</a> or follow our job posts using Twitter: <a href="http://http/twitter.com/gopenskecareers">@GoPenskeCareers</a>. We offer competitive wages and a wide range of benefits. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p align="right"><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Penske Salutes Veterans and Military Personnel
November 09, 2012
In recognition of Veterans Day,Penske thanks veterans and active military members for their valuable contributions to our nation and our organization.
<p>“Our company greatly benefits from the core values, outstanding work ethic and leadership skills of veterans,” said Ken Hurley, Penske’s senior vice president of human resources. “Their diverse insights and fresh perspectives have proven invaluable to our Penske team. We thank them for their years of service and dedication to protecting our country. ”</p><p>One such valuable Penske associate is former U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Sal Boemia, an area maintenance manager for the company’s Northeast region. In this role, Boemia oversees maintenance for more than 10,000 Penske trucks across 40 service locations.</p><p>This 11-year veteran began his career performing jet engine maintenance on helicopters before becoming a Penske expert on fleet maintenance. “The military does an outstanding job of teaching the skills needed to correctly follow any type of maintenance manual for jet engines or trucks,” Boemia said.</p><p>Penske is participating with other businesses in the <a href="http://www.10000jobs.com/">10,000 Jobs Challenge</a> to provide 10,000 jobs to veterans like Boemia, as well as military spouses, by the end of 2013. The transportation company actively recruits and hires veterans nationwide to join its diverse U.S. team. So far this year, almost 11 percent of Penske new-hires were veterans, filling <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">technician</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">vehicle maintenance supervisor/manager</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">driver</a>, and <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/career_paths/sales.html">sales</a> and <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/career_paths/customer_service.html">customer service</a> positions.</p><p>Penske is proud to partner with numerous military-friendly organizations and offer <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/military/">discounts</a> on truck rentals for active military members and veterans. G.I. Jobs magazine named Penske to its Top 100 Military Friendly Employers list in 2012.</p><p>Penske is seeking high-performance veterans with a deep passion for customer service and high ethical standards. Sound like you? Visit <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/veterans.html">Penske’s military careers page</a> or follow our job posts using Twitter: <a href="http://http/twitter.com/gopenskecareers">@GoPenskeCareers</a>. We offer competitive wages and a wide range of benefits. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p align="right"><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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Special Used Single Axle Daycab Truck Promotion
November 08, 2012
Here is a great special from Penske Used Trucks on heavy-duty, single-axle day cab tractors. For a limited-time, enjoy $2,000 off and get a 1-year, 100,000 mile warranty. Choose from our extensive inventory of Freightliner, International, and Volvo tractors, and more. Call 1-855-237-5689 for details. Search our used truck inventory online www.penskeusedtrucks.com and be sure to follow @PenskeUsedTruck on Twitter for our daily specials. Note: Limited time offer, expires on Jan. 31, 2013. Certain terms and conditions apply. Please call for details.
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Penske to Attend Milicruit Online Career Fair
November 05, 2012
Penske will participate in a Milicruit online career fair on Nov. 13, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.Milicruit is a website devoted to pairing U.S. military veterans with prospective employers. This event is open to both military veterans and military spouses. Visit http://www.veteranscareerfair.com/to register.
<p>Penske’s human resources staff will host real-time chats with prospective associates, seeking to hire for U.S. jobs like: <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">technicians/mechanics</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">vehicle maintenance supervisors/managers</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">drivers</a>, <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/career_paths/sales.html">sales</a> and <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/career_paths/customer_service.html">customer service</a>.</p><p>Penske is on the current G.I. Jobs magazine Top 100 Military-Friendly Employers® list.</p><p>For additional information visit <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/" title="Jobs at Penske">Penske’s careers page </a>or follow the company on Twitter, <a href="http://http/twitter.com/gopenskecareers">@GoPenskeCareers</a>. The company offers competitive wages and a wide range of benefits. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer. </p><p align="right"><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p></div>
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Penske Joins WyoTech & Lincoln Tech Career Fairs
November 02, 2012
Penske Truck Leasing’s fleet maintenance and recruiting teams will be at WyoTech, Laramie, Wyo., and Lincoln Technical Institute, Grand Prairie, Texas, to fill diesel technician and customer service representative positions.
<p>Please check with your school’s Career Center for exact times and locations.</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Nov. 6-7: Fall Career Fair at <a href="http://laramie.wyotech.edu/">WyoTech Laramie</a>, Laramie, Wyo. </li> <li>Nov. 8: Career Fair at <a href="http://www.lincolnedu.com/campus/grand-prairie-tx">Lincoln Technical Institute</a>, Grand Prairie, Texas</li></ul><p>For more information about Penske’s open positions, visit the <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/">Penske careers</a> page or follow the company on Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/gopenskecareers">@GoPenskeCareers</a>. We offer competitive wages and a wide range of <a href="https://www.gopenske.com/careers/employment_benefits.html">benefits</a>. Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p><p align="right"><em>By Kandace Wertz</em></p></div>
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