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J.J. Keller & Associates, a North American provider of safety and compliance solutions for the transportation industry, has joined the Next Generation in Trucking Association, a nonprofit organization promoting trucking as a positive career field and connecting young people to opportunities in transportation education.
“J.J. Keller has been serving the transportation industry since 1953,” said President & CEO Rustin Keller. “Respect for the driving professional runs deep among our associates. This respect is part of our company culture. If we can help address the driver shortage and share with younger generations the importance of truck driving as a career choice for the world today, we’re honored to commit resources to doing so.”
Helping the association inspire high school students to consider a career in trucking, J.J. Keller will offer a Next Generation in Trucking high school program to educators through the association. Developed in collaboration with a leading high school educator on transportation careers, it will provide hands-on insight into truck drivers’ daily activities. It will also explain how to meet educational and training requirements to become a driver and emphasize the importance of safety and compliance with transportation regulations.
“We are excited to partner with J.J. Keller,” said Next Generation in Trucking Association President & Co-Founder Lindsey Trent. “College enrollment has seen its biggest decline in 50 years, and we see the need to engage with secondary education and steer Gen Z towards careers in trucking. With an aging workforce and a shift towards the skilled trades, we feel like the time is ripe for our mission. We hope the industry will support us in this endeavor.”
Founded in 2021, the Next Generation in Trucking Association is led by volunteer industry professionals and members including students, teachers, schools, trucking professionals, industry carriers, dealers and allied sponsors working together to carve out pathways for young individuals to start careers in the trucking industry.
Visit jjkeller.com for more information.
[07.22.22]
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The Illinois Limousine and Bus Association held the July edition of Coffee With ILLBA educational Zoom series on Tuesday, July 19. Eschewing the usual guest speaker format, this month’s webinar was an open roundtable called Ask the Board Anything. This lively Q&A allowed attendees to share information about and possible solutions to hot-button topics faced by operators in the Midwest and beyond.
The webinar was launched by ILLBA Vice President Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus, who welcomed attendees and introduced the ILLBA Board. The discussion immediately got underway as attendees offered their two cents on whether they are adding or removing vehicles from their fleets. With vehicles in short supply (particularly executive vans and sedans), the participants debated the pros and cons of utilizing the new Jeep Wagoneer in our space as well as the benefits of supplementing fleets with sedans versus SUVs.
From there, the talk moved to rates and whether the rising prices seen since the pandemic have finally plateaued. The consensus among the attendees was that clients don’t mind paying more for luxury ground transportation provided that superior service—and safety—are consistently delivered. In fact, ILLBA President Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies stated that a rising crime rate in Chicago is the biggest issue he’s currently facing. Other operators noted that they are finding staff from former Chicago Transit Authority employees who left their job due to concerns about personal safety.
Another hot topic explored was delays at airports, due to the shortage of manpower. Some operators have seen delays of more than three hours at baggage claim, leading them to change the way they bill clients arriving on international flights. While some have taken to billing international arrivals as charter time (i.e., a two-hour minimum), ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks recommended that operators institute a one-hour spot time for travelers coming in from abroad.
The conversation then moved to insurance matters, chiefly the requirements for airport pickups. Operators on the webinar vented their frustration about the coverage discrepancy between the TNCs and our industry.
Before the meeting ended, attendees shared what’s working in regard to adding new staff and drivers. Overwhelmingly, it was agreed by participants that job sites like Indeed are not as effective for hiring long-term employees; instead, it appears that referrals and word-of-mouth are particularly beneficial for onboarding chauffeurs.
This month’s Coffee With ILLBA seminar was recorded and will be available on the association’s YouTube channel here.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[07.19.22]
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- Category: Industry News
INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing recently unveiled its brand-new armored Lexus LX 600—enhancing the already highly sought-after model with discreet 360-degree protection and advanced security features. The company also produces highly specialized armored vehicles on other platforms, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Cadillac Escalade.
INKAS Armored Lexus LX exterior
With a new 3.5L V-6 twin turbo engine with 409 hp, and equipped with a 10-speed sequential-shift transmission, INKAS says the armored LX 600 is as tough and reliable as it is luxurious, boasting the most advanced technology for critical VIPs. The vehicle comes in a variety of seating configurations, including the standard 5-seat layout, various 7-seat layouts, and an ultra-premium 4-seat VIP layout.
INKAS Armored Lexus LX interior
“Despite the significant fundamental redesign Lexus made to the newest generation of its leading SUV, the INKAS team was eager to undertake the immense challenge of completely reengineering the core ballistic components and design of its earlier LX 570 armored model,” said INKAS Co-Founder and Chairwoman Margarita Simkin. “I am thrilled to say that INKAS has successfully engineered the new armored LX 600 with meticulous precision, maintaining the integrity and exacting quality that both INKAS and Lexus are renowned for.”
INKAS Armored Lexus LX
The vehicle achieves ballistic protection that meets the CEN 1063 BR6 standard, according to INKAS, ensuring the vehicle can withstand attacks from 7.62mm assault rifle ammunition, as well as the explosion of two DM51 hand grenades detonated simultaneously. INKAS’ proprietary armoring system integrates features such as reinforced suspension, a door frame overlap system, engine and fuel tank armoring, ballistic glass, run-flat tires, and underbody fortification to secure all critical structure points and provide full-perimeter protection.
A variety of add-on equipment and tactical upgrades are available, including night-vision cameras, heavy-duty wheels, door-assist systems, engine bay fire suppression systems, and emergency escape solutions. Additionally, INKAS has developed its own exclusive 10-piston heavy-duty braking system which will be available as an upgrade by the end of 2022.
Visit inkasarmored.com for more information.
[07.19.22]