Briefly: Wisconsin program provides grants for CDL students -

Thanks to a recently passed law, she state of Wisconsin has a new commercial grant program to help pay for students seeking their commercial driver’s licenses.

The bill signed by Gov. Tony Evers require the state’s Department of Workforce Development to establish and administer the grant program.

Sen. Eric Wimberger, a Republican from Green Bay, championed the legislation, which specifies a CDL training provider must satisfy entry-level driver training requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Grants are limited to up to 50% of the training costs or $3,000, whichever is less.

Saia to use renewable diesel in California

Diesel Direct, a provider of sustainable fuel delivery solutions, recently announced a partnership with Saia Trucking to pilot the use of renewable diesel at Saia’s locations in Oakland, San Jose, Orange and San Diego.

The pilot project is part of Saia Trucking’s fleet initiatives that include modernizing equipment to boost fuel efficiency, transitioning to alternative fuels, and leveraging new technologies to optimize routing, loading, and freight handling. The decision to switch to renewable diesel at several California locations underscores Saia’s commitment to sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact, according to a statement from Diesel Direct.

Renewable diesel is a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional diesel, offering benefits that include:

Lower Emissions: Renewable Diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of Saia Trucking’s fleet
Enhanced Engine Performance: It provides superior engine performance, even in challenging conditions, ensuring Saia’s trucks operate smoothly and efficiently
No Engine Modifications Required: Renewable Diesel can be used in existing diesel engines without any modifications, making the transition seamless and cost-effective
Improved Air Quality: By reducing exhaust emissions, Renewable Diesel helps improve air quality, benefiting the communities around Saia Trucking’s operational hubs

Diesel Direct said its partnership with Saia Trucking extends beyond fuel supply. Diesel Direct said it also provides comprehensive fuel management solutions designed to optimize operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Saia Trucking’s fleet across key California hubs will benefit from Diesel Direct’s direct fuel delivery services, ensuring the fleet is always ready to meet diverse client needs.

Diesel Direct’s West Coast Green Corridor stretches from San Diego, California to Portland, Oregon and is expanding northward. Direct Diesel said with its mobile fleet fueling program, Saia has significantly reduced fuel procurement costs for about 135 tractors across four major markets. This improvement has enhanced route efficiency and contributed to significant labor savings. Additionally, by switching to Neste’s Renewable Diesel, Saia is projected to save 5,455 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually — comparable to removing 1,185 cars from the road.

“Diesel Direct’s partnership with Saia Trucking marks a significant step forward in our mission to promote renewable energy solutions in the transportation sector,” said Tim Johnson, senior vice president of Diesel Direct. “By piloting Renewable Diesel, Saia Trucking is enhancing their operational efficiency while contributing to a healthier environment. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future for everyone.”

J.J. Keller named to Best Employers for Women list

J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., a provider of safety and regulatory compliance solutions, was recently named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024. The Neenah, Wisconsin-based employer ranked 66th of the 600 employers who made the list. J. J. Keller ranked second among professional services companies on the list.

This is the seventh annual America’s Best Employers for Women ranking by Forbes. The publication partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 150,000 women who work at companies with 1,000 or more employees in the United States. Rankings were based on how likely women are to recommend an employer, as well as factors such as work environment, pay equity, leave or time off, and ethics. Companies on the list do not pay or apply to be on the list.

“We consider this a great honor due to the organic nature of the Forbes America’s Best Employers for Women list,” said Rustin Keller, president and CEO of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. “We believe our highly flexible culture that allows for a balanced life, our trusted reputation over 70 years, and our meaningful purpose of protecting people and the businesses they run – these combined to lead to this ranking.”

The company has more than 1,800 associates across the U.S., with additional associates in India, Canada and Mexico.