‘Running on Fumes in North Dakota’

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The Opinion Pages|‘Running on Fumes in North Dakota’

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Running on Fumes in North Dakota

A young woman, lured to North Dakota for a truck-driving job in the oil industry, shares her agonizing existence in an isolated boomtown.

Op-Docs

By LEWIS WILCOX, JAMES CHRISTENSON, ELIOT POPKO and JONAH SARGENT

Since around 2006, North Dakota’s oil boom has been a beacon for recession-ravaged Americans. The oil towns in the western part of the state are a land of possibility and opportunity, a “Kuwait on the prairie,” where the American Dream is alive and well in the rural heartland. Or at least that’s the sales pitch that has lured thousands of job seekers.

But Jonnie Cassens, a 38-year-old truck driver who is the subject of this Op-Doc video, offers a different perspective. Unable to find decent work on the West Coast, she moved to North Dakota carrying unpaid hospital bills, student loans and a commercial driver’s license. It was easy for her to get a job in the oil industry, as a contract “hotshot” truck driver — basically a round-the-clock special-delivery driver. When a rig or a pump jack breaks down, a hotshot is called to rush a new part out to a site, often in very remote areas. Jonnie calls it “U.P.S. on steroids.”

The work is steady, but her life has been agonizing. The pay can be lower than expected (her employer says she earned $34,000 last year) and the cost of living remarkably high (a tight housing market has, in some cases, inflated rents to Manhattan levels). Her loneliness is magnified by a desolate landscape that’s dominated by men.

Jonnie’s story calls into question whether hard work and courage can eventually bring a decent living in contemporary America — a longstanding promise this nation makes to its citizens. As it happens, we can’t all be winners. Not even in a boomtown.

Lewis Wilcox, Eliot Popko, James Christenson and Jonah Sargent make up The Cheddar Factory, a production company in Minneapolis. They’re currently completing production of a feature-length documentary  that chronicles North Dakota’s oil boom.

Op-Docs is a forum for short, opinionated documentaries, produced with creative latitude by independent filmmakers and artists. Learn more about Op-Docs and how to submit to the series.

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COMPETITION WATCH: Britton Transport acquires North Dakota trucking firm

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Britton Transport, a US subsidiary of Bison Transport, has acquired Scott’s Express and Scott’s Transportation Services, located in Grand Forks, N.D. Scott’s is a nationwide trucking and truck brokerage company, specializing in agribusiness throughout the US and parts of Canada

"The acquisition of Scott’s expands and builds upon Britton’s customer relationships and capabilities as a logistics service provider in the Red River Valley,” said Dave Britton, president of Britton. “Scott’s has a long tradition of service excellence among agricultural shippers within the valley and will continue to service its customers with Britton’s support. We are excited about the opportunity to serve Scott’s long-term customers with Britton’s asset-based capabilities.”

Brad Seymour, president of Scott’s, will continue with the company in the transition of ownership and servicing of Scott’s customers. He says, “I have known Dave Britton for over 25 years and have a high regard for the way Britton does business. We are very pleased to be joining forces with Britton and I feel it gives our employees and our customers a platform to grow in the years ahead.”

Founded in 1952, Scott’s was initially operated as a filling station, but soon after began sourcing trucks on behalf of local potato farmers, becoming the first truck brokerage in the Red River Valley. Today, Scott’s continues to service the potato and specialty crop sector.

Financial details concerning this transaction have not been disclosed.

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North American surface trade climbs 8.3% year-over-year in May

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US and Mexico, was 8.3% higher in May than in May 2011, totalling $83.8 billion (not adjusted for inflation), according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. Adjusted for inflation and exchange rates, the May total was $60.7 billion in 2004 dollars, up 11.7% from May 2011. 

BTS reported that the May value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 13.0% from May 2008, six months into the recession, and 75.0% from May 2009, late in the recession.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in May increased by 72.6% compared to May 2002. Imports in May were up 62.5% since May 2002, while exports were up 85.9%.

In May, 86.5% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved via land, 9.6% moved by vessel, and 3.8% moved by air.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico increased 5.0% in May from April.

US-Canada surface transportation trade in May increased compared to May 2011, reaching $48.1 billion, a 4.0% increase.

In May, Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada, at $6.5 billion, a 2.6% increase from May 2011. Of the top 10 states by value, California had the largest percentage increase over May 2011, at 29.7%.

The top commodity category transported between the US and Canada by surface modes of transportation in May was vehicles, valued at $9.5 billion.

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North East Expedite Logistics Acquired by Action Products

Holding company Action Products International Inc. on Wednesday announced its acquisition of North East Expedite Logistics, a provider of transportation and logistics services on the East Coast.

NEEL will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of APII and the existing staff at NEEL will be retained, Action Products CEO Gary Polistena said in a statement.

He also said the company’s “first order of business” will be to move away from the traditional terminal and paper tracking system to fully cloud-based supply chain technology.

Even though APII is not focused directly on logistics, NEEL adds cash flow and improves APII’s balance sheet and financial position, Polistena said.

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Haldex's American CEO steps down; will focus on North American market

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The American CEO of Haldex has announced he is stepping down as CEO of the company effective Dec. 1.

Jay Longbottom cited difficulties in managing a publicly-listed company based in Sweden from the US as a reason for his decision. He'll be replaced by Ulf Ahlen, former executive vice-president of Haldex Traction as acting CEO until a permanent replacement is found, Haldex announced.

Longbottom will remain with Haldex as president of North American operations and will also serve as executive vice-president for the Haldex Air Control division.

"My commitment to Haldex will not in any way change," Longbottom said. "From a personal point of view this is the best solution for all parties since it has shown to be very difficult to combine living in the US and leading a global company with its headquarters in Sweden."

"We respect Jay´s decision to step down as CEO of Haldex," says Goran Carlson, chairman of the Board of Haldex AB. "Jay is a well-liked manager who has greatly added to the company's development. We are pleased that Jay will be able to focus more on the North American market and take on the role as head of the important Air Control Division. At the same time we have secured a smooth transition with Ulf Ahlen as acting CEO, who with his Haldex Group background will add valuable experience and competence."

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Volvo's 3Q Earnings Jump; Predicts 20% Growth in North American Sales

Volvo AB’s third-quarter profit jumped 36% and the company said heavy-duty truck sales in North America will rise 20% next year, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Net income rose to $585 million, while sales rose 15% to $11.2 billion, Bloomberg reported. Gothenburg, Sweden-based Volvo reports its earnings in Swedish krona.

Third-quarter truck orders rose 18% as purchases in North and South America helped offset slowing demand in Europe and Asia, Bloomberg reported, citing Volvo.

CEO Olof Persson, who headed Volvo’s construction equipment unit before taking the top post last month, said Volvo is now taking orders for the beginning of next year in North America, Bloomberg reported.

Volvo, the parent company of Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America, is also the parent of Renault trucks in Europe.

Earlier this month, Volvo announced a reorganization of its heavy-duty vehicle truck business to align along geographic regions rather than by brands.

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Michelin North America appoints new president, chairman

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Michelin North America has a new chairman and president in the form of 29-year Michelin veteran Pete Selleck. He succeeds Richard "Dick" Wilkerson, who is retiring to become chairman emeritus.

Selleck assumes responsibility for coordinating all Michelin activities in Canada, Mexico and the US. He returns to Greenville, S.C., from the Michelin Group's global headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, where he has served as president of Michelin's global Truck Tires division since January 2006. In that role, he was responsible for 30% of Michelin's revenues, and established Michelin Durable Technologies to leapfrog truck tire performance by incorporating multiple innovations in each tire across the product line.

"Pete has a keen business insight and a heart for his employees," said managing partner Jean-Dominique Senard. "He is one of the key leaders who sets Michelin apart. He has a passion for innovation and is dedicated to transforming mobility. I am confident that Michelin North America will continue to excel under his leadership."

"I've been proud to have Dick Wilkerson as a colleague and a friend for more than 25 years," said Selleck. "Dick has left an indelible mark - with Michelin performing very effectively in North America even during the worst recession in decades.  My challenge is to take a strong company with exceptional people to the next level - delivering even more for our customers."

In his previous role, 56-year-old Selleck led many major initiatives, including the rollout of X-One tires in North America. Additionally, he implemented modernization efforts at truck tire plants in Europe and North America while launching major capacity expansions in China, India and Brazil.

Earlier in his career at Michelin, Selleck served in various manufacturing positions, including industrial engineer, shop manager, plant production manager and plant manager. He was also vice-president of Michelin Tire Manufacturing in the US and Canada, COO of Michelin Americas Small Tires and COO of the passenger car and light truck tires replacement market business in Europe.

Selleck is a graduate of both the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he studied civil engineering, and Clemson University, where he earned a master's degree in business administration. He began his career as an Army officer in the 4th Infantry Division, where he served as a platoon leader and a company commander.

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Selleck Takes Chairman/President Post at Michelin North America

Pete Selleck has assumed his posts of chairman and president of Michelin North America, succeeding Richard Wilkerson, who is retiring, the tire manufacturer said Monday.

Selleck began working in the new positions Oct. 17, responsible for coordinating all Michelin activities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, Michelin said. The company had first announced the changes in June.

Wilkerson becomes Michel’s chairman emeritus. Michelin first announced his retirement and Selleck’s succession in June.

Selleck, a 29-year Michelin employee. is now based at Michelin North America’s headquarters in Greenville, S.C., returning from Michelin Group’s global headquarters in France, where he served as president of Michelin's global Truck Tires division since January 2006.

In his previous role, Selleck’s initiatives included the rollout of X-One tires in North America, implementation of modernization efforts at truck tire plants in Europe and North America, and capacity expansions in China, India and Brazil, Michelin said.

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“One of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America”

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Nascar Is Now North Carolina’s State Sport. Really?

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue signed a bill Tuesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway that makes NASCAR the state’s official sport. The bill was an idea that came from North Carolina elementary school students, who discovered that their state lacked an official sport. Really? Did it take this long to figure this out because they thought that there was something else going on in North Carolina? I wonder what the “Tar Heels” think about this? Or how about Duke basketball? Don’t get me wrong, I think its great that Nascar is now the official sport of the state that held its racing roots. I am just shocked that they didn’t have an official sport. As a matter of fact I wonder how many states have an official sport. I live in Illinois now and according to Wikipedia there doesn’t seem to be an official sport for my state. If I had to guess it would be “Attempting to put Governors is prison”. Just sayin.

Among those on hand for the signing were 2011 Hall of Fame inductees Bobby Allison and Ned Jarrett, current Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan, and the students who originated the bill. “Sometimes it takes really bright kids to tell all of us grown-ups what we ought to be doing,” Perdue said. “And that’s what these students are about today.” The students had worked over a year to get the bill passed. According to a Charlotte Motor Speedway release, the motorsports industry employs nearly 20,000 people in the Charlotte, N.C. region.

            in other news Dover Motorsports Group announced that it is going to move it’s spring race back to it’s original June setting due to soft attendance at it’s recent spring race. I have news for them, it had nothing to do with the date and everything to do with the poor way they manage their race track properties. Dover Motorsports Group has not dropped ticket prices on any races that I know of and in light of this awful economy that is just plain stupidity. They have lost touch with the fan bases at their only two remaining facilities, Dover and Nashville, and fans are trying to tell them about it through lack of ticket sales. I don’t know who is in charge up in there but they must be completely ignorant or just so in debt that they have no choice. They already had to sell Memphis Motorsports park and last year shut down Gateway in my back yard, what is next to get the axe? Nashville? Dover itself? Somebody up there in Dover needs to wake up and smell the coffee because they truly are not getting the message. They can try all they want to blame the rain or lack of it, on the weathermen up there but I’ll tell you this much had there been no threat of rain at all you would have still seen the same empty grandstands.

            This weekend Nascar heads out to wine country. Running at Infinion raceway, a road course that,,well I think is a wasted race date. I’ll make no bones about it, I think road course racing in Nascar is just plain boring and I will be looking at something else to do besides watch a freight train of stock cars chase each other around a road course. I would however love to go out there to see wine country and all that it entails. I imagine there are some really nice places to eat up there as well as the great vineyards. As far as stock car racing goes up there it might be cool to see it live, sort of walk the course and watch it from different turns but it is really boring to watch it on television. If I had to pick a driver to win out there this weekend it would be Carl Edwards. Maybe I would go with Juan Pablo Montoya or Jeff Gordon. Carl seems to take to road courses like a duck to water and Juan came to Nascar from a racing dicipline that predominantly ran road courses. I would however stay away from the road course ringers like Patrick Carpentier and Boris Said due to the fact that these so called road course ringers have not done well for the most part when it comes to Nascar. I hope you all enjoy the racing this weekend including the Nationwide race at Road America in Elkhart Lake Wisconson. I will be working in my garden or watching a movie. its just not my cup of tea.

Stay safe out there.

TW

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