Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024:
‘Trucking automation’ company shut down after FTC complaint
A so-called “trucking automation” company has been ordered to cease operations following a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Florida.
The company, Florida-based RivX, was shut down for allegedly scamming customers out of millions of dollars with deceptive promises of trucking industry investment opportunities.
The complaint filed by the FTC and the Florida Office of Attorney General alleges that RivX, along with its owner Antonio Rivodo and company executive Noah Wooten, have used deceptive claims of guaranteed income to entice consumers to pay $75,000 or more to buy trucks that they often never received.
“Defendants tricked consumers into paying tens of thousands of dollars each with false promises that they would operate a trucking business for the consumer,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Instead of receiving the lucrative returns promised by defendants, many consumers lost their life’s savings. The FTC will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on consumers with bogus earnings claims.”
This slide, included in FTC’s complaint against RivX, shows RivX’s claims of how it would operate a truck for an investor, including some of its alleged trucking customers.
According to the complaint, RivX offered business opportunities in the trucking industry, claiming that after consumers pay $75,000 or more, RivX would purchase a truck in the consumers’ name and operate it on their behalf — securing loads, drivers, and managing all the logistics for the consumer.
In its advertising and marketing, RivX made numerous claims about how much money consumers can supposedly earn from the scheme, but according to the complaint, very few consumers have ever received trucks, and none have been able to recoup their investment, much less make any profit, FTC claimed.
[Related: NOOA leasing program in battle with its first contracted owner]
RivX, Rivodo, and Wooten claimed consumers can make “passive income” totaling $5,000 to $7,000 every month from their truck, and regularly guaranteed that consumers will make back all their money plus more, with the consumers’ entire trucking “business” being set up in as little as 60 days.
RivX has “littered the internet,” according to the complaint, “with claims about the profitability of RivX and its investors, most often through videos featuring” Rivodo.
FTC alleged that when consumers reach out to RivX, they hear more false income claims from Rivodo and Wooten and even receive documentation saying that if they fail to make the promised profits, RivX will return their initial investment.
According to the complaint, RivX, Rivodo and Wooten have pocketed millions of dollars from consumers while failing to provide anything approaching the profits they promised. In addition, the company’s contracts include unlawful provisions that make consumers liable for as much as $100,000 every time they publicly complain about the company or leave a negative review online, the complaint alleged.
In response to the FTC and Florida’s court complaint, a federal court has issued a temporary restraining order that halts the company’s operations and freezes the assets of RivX, Rivodo, Wooten and several associated companies that are part of the RivX operation or have profited from the illegal scheme.
The complaint charges the defendants with violating the FTC Act, the FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and the Consumer Review Fairness Act.
[Related: Exposed: Scammer targeting prospective Tesla Semi buyers]
Mack launches new online Truck Builder service
Mack Trucks recently launched a new digital offering that allows customers to customize their dream Mack from the ground up.
Mack’s Truck Builder tool represents an overhaul of the company’s previous online truck customization offering and improves the user experience, the company said.
“Our new Truck Builder isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a complete reimagining of how customers interact with our products,” said David Galbraith, Mack Trucks vice president of global brand and marketing. “We’ve created an immersive, user-friendly experience that brings the excitement of building a Mack truck to life in new and unprecedented ways.”
The Mack Truck Builder allows users to personalize every aspect of their truck, and covers the Mack Pinnacle, Granite, Mack Anthem, Mack MD Series and the Mack LR, including MD Electric and LR Electric models.
Customers can explore a full 3D rendering of both the truck exterior and the cab interior, including various trim options. In addition, customers can customize the exterior color with an expanded palette. Users also have control over component selection across body, powertrain, axles, suspension and chassis, ensuring each truck is tailored to their specific needs. Multiple viewing angles, including studio view, 360-degree rotation and detailed hotspots, provide a thorough visualization of the customized vehicle.
In addition to a robust and detailed customization experience, Truck Builder also integrates Mack’s financing options and the Mack Connect fleet performance portal into the customization process, providing customers with a comprehensive view of their potential Mack truck ownership experience. The platform details Mack’s financing solutions, including loans, leases and insurance options, tailored to meet the specific needs of both over-the-road and vocational applications.
The Truck Builder also introduces users to Mack Connect, a unified dashboard that offers real-time performance data, location tracking, analytics and diagnostic insights.
Once a build is complete, the platform connects customers with local Mack dealers who can refine the specifications and bring the truck to life. The builder saves configurations, allowing users to revisit and modify their designs at their convenience.
[Related: Mack refreshes MD Series with larger cab, more interior features]
TA raises $300K for trucking charities
TravelCenters of America has raised nearly $300,000 for St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) and TAT, formerly Truckers Against Trafficking, in two separate fundraisers this summer, the company announced.
An annual charity golf event held in August was TA’s most successful event ever, raising nearly $200,000 that will be distributed evenly between the two non-profits.
SCF, which provides financial assistance to professional drivers out of work due to illness or injury, will receive an additional $89,000 from funds collected during a register Round Up campaign held in June and July at participating TA, Petro and TA Express locations.
“Thank you to our many guests, vendor partners, franchisees and team members who have been so generous with their time and support for SCF and TAT,” said Debi Boffa, TA CEO. “These organizations have an immense impact on the trucking community, and we are committed to continuing our support of their important work.”
[Related: Truckers celebrated with Truck Driver Appreciation Week deals, recognition]
