c a r r i e r   n o t e s

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CFI, Joplin, MO, will institute a pay plan Jan. 1 to reward long-term drivers. Service awards will be given at 120,000-mile increments rather than for years of service, and base pay per mile will change once the driver accumulates 250,000 miles. CFI states that the plan will require a search through historical files to determine which drivers deserve a pay increase. The company expects nearly 800 drivers will benefit.

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West Side Transport, Cedar Rapids, IA, will purchase 400 Freightliner Century Class trucks from Stoops Freightliner of Indianapolis. The trucks are 70-inch condos with deluxe interiors, 470-hp Detroit engines, full fairings, air slide fifth wheels and aluminum front wheels.

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Overnite Transportation Co., Richmond, VA, has selected Jacksonville, FL-based Omni Community Credit Union as its first-ever employee credit union. Membership is open to all Overnite employees and their families.

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Star Freight, Charlotte, NC, has been purchased by its president, Richard L. Frucci. The company operates primarily within the southeastern U.S. and operates terminals in Charlotte, Charleston and Greenville, SC, and Savannah and Atlanta, GA.

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Ryder, Miami, FL, has added 900 premium, over-the-road tractors to its commercial rental fleet. The vehicles, acquired from Navistar and Freightliner, include 600 Navistar F-9400 Eagles, 100 Century Class Freightliner FLC-12064 STs and 200 Freightliner FLD-12064 STs. Most are powered by 435-hp engines.

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Epes Carriers, Greensboro, NC, has purchased the assets of Greensboro-based Salem Express. The operation will be managed by the Epes subsidiary, Epes Logistics Services. Its new name will be Epes Express Services, a division of Epes Logistics Services Inc., and will provide local pickup and delivery service, expedited service and air freight pickup and delivery.

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Overnite Transportation Co. employees have voted against union representation by a margin of 19-to-11. It is the second time employees of the Richmond, VA-based company have rejected the Teamsters union.

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Melton Truck Lines, Tulsa, OK, has announced a pay increase for drivers who have completed at least 120,000 miles with the company. Designed to reward company loyalty, increases will be made according to the numbers of miles run with Melton and will continue to increase as miles are accumulated. The pay progression ranges from 31 cents per mile for 120,000 miles to 36 cents for 1,200,000 miles.

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Comcar Industries, Auburndale, FL, received the National Employer of the Year Award, Large Employer Category, from the Washington Office of the American Legion.