IANA salutes Baima
George G. Baima, executive vp of Pacella Trucking Express, recently won the prized Silver Kingpin Award from Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) for 2008 — an award that recognizes individuals for their significant, long-term contributions to the intermodal industry.
Baima spent the first two decades of his intermodal career at the Missouri Pacific Railroad and its MoPac Truck Lines subsidiary, where he worked extensively with Charlie Groton, the company's president and the 1980 Silver Kingpin winner. Baima spent another two decades as vp-sales at Chicago's Central States Trucking Co. Inc. until joining Pacella Trucking Express Inc. in 2003.
Throughout his 50-year career, Baima has served in leadership positions at many transportation associations and organizations, serving on IANA's board, as president of the Traffic Club of Chicago, and working in executive roles with the Midwest Rail Shippers Association and the Chicago Area Transportation Association.
Unleashed online
Mack Trucks has created a one-of-a-kind web site for its Titan Class 8 heavy-haul tractor. Located at www.titanbymack.com, the web site allows visitors to spec their own Titan inside and out.
“When you unleash a truck this big and bold, you anticipate turning heads,” said Michael Reardon, vp-marketing. “But the level of interest in the Titan by Mack has, quite frankly, exceeded expectations.”
Roll them racers!
The Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) plans to host its annual 18-wheel “Pinewood Challenge” Feb. 18 in Orlando during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week '09. Truck-Lite, CVSN noted, is the defending champion and they welcome all comers.
Word on the street is that Marc Karon, HDAW '09 co-chair and president of Total Truck Parts, has challenged his co-chair Joe McAleese, president & CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, to a “One Race Distributor/Supplier Smack Down.” To see photos of last year's entries, get all the rules and register an entry, go to www.cvsn.org and click “Pinewood Challenge.”
Ryder hits 75
Another reason to stop
Ryder System Inc. recently celebrated its 75th year with a celebration at its headquarters in northwestern Miami-Dade, FL, where the honored guests included former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Miami-Dade Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and retired Miami Dolphins player Nat Moore.
The company's roots extend back to the Depression when teenaged Jim Ryder made a $35 down payment on a used 1931 Ford Model A truck to haul concrete in Miami Beach. Today, Ryder is a $6.6- billion transportation and logistics enterprise with more than 28,000 employees and 15,000 customers in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
“This day is meant to celebrate those who have played such an integral part in our success over the years — our employees, our customers, our suppliers and our community,” said Greg Swienton, Ryder chairman and CEO. “We thank them for helping us to continue delivering on our promises.”
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