Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/123324
news and notes news and notes last year. Funded by the SH 130 Concession Company, this newest discount is also valid on the new 41- mile stretch of SH 130 from Mustang Ridge to Seguin. This new year-long incentive will help TxDOT address two of its main goals. "By getting some of our big rigs off I-35, we are making Central Texas roads safer," said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. "Moreover, people driving on I-35 will see some most-needed congestion relief, which is going to help them get to and from work easier and improve their quality of life. At the end of the year we will have a full set of data to see the cost/benefits and look for other opportunities to extend." Interstate 35, from SH 71 to US 183, is the fourth-most congested roadway in Texas. Last year, families on vacation, commuters traveling to work, and truckers moving shipments experienced more than 4.6 million hours of delay. Toll rates on other Austin-area toll roads, including Loop 1, SH 45N, 183A, and 290 East will remain unchanged during the upcoming promotion. TxDOT cannot offer this discount permanently since it must repay debt on toll revenues pledged. For the lowest toll rates throughout the year, drivers are encouraged to get a TxTag. Getting a tag is easy and can be done by calling 1-888-468-9824, or visiting www.txtag.org. While cash is no longer an option when using Austin-area toll roads, drivers can still pay by mail. Rates for the Pay-by-Mail option are a third higher than TxTag rates, to offset the costs related to processing the toll charges, and a $1.15 fee is applied to each monthly bill. Landstar Named 2013 Best Overall Fleet For Owneroperators Landstar System, Inc., a non-asset based provider of integrated supply chain solutions delivering safe, specialized transportation and logistics services, today announced that it has been named the 2013 Best Overall Fleet for Owner-Operators, according to the owneroperators who participated in the fifth annual survey conducted by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge. "We're proud that the freedom, opportunities and support services that we offer our business capacity owners (BCOs) is serving them in such a way that they feel Landstar is the best fleet for owner-operators," said Landstar Chairman, President and CEO Henry Gerkens. "We feel that Landstar's unique business model affords owner-operators the best chance at success, and that our requirements to become a Landstar BCO make our fleet the best of the best." The nomination process began last year, when owner-operators and company drivers were asked to nominate carriers operating 10 or more trucks. "The freight pays excellent. The staff is always there when you need them, with answers or support," wrote one BCO in his survey. "I've never had a company set me up for success like Landstar." Another BCO wrote, "Had I known 10 years ago how and what Landstar had to offer, I would have leased on then. This has been the best move I've made. Thank you Landstar." "I want to personally thank not only those who voted to make us number one in the Best Fleets survey, but also the BCOs who have always made Landstar the very best it can be, through consistent excellence in safety and service," said Gerkens. Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge, was impressed by the statements from Landstar BCOs. "What is really remarkable about Landstar is the level of engagement from their contractors, and the overall satisfaction level within the company. Landstar has clearly found a model that works and the results came through loud and clear," said Murrell. After months of nominations, interviews and scoring by CarriersEdge and the TCA, the top companies in two categories were revealed during an awards ceremony at the TCA An- / Owner operator/ May 2013 / / 54 OO 0513 edit.indd 54 4/5/13 2:19 PM