Rhode Island Trucking Association

09/01/2026

Thank you to Volvo Trucks North America for their support as a 2026 Annual Sponsor.

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08/31/2026

Edward Lanfredi said one of the most significant achievements during his time as RITA Chair was helping implement the Highway Watch program, a post-9/11 initiative developed in response to national security needs. As he recalled, the goal was to position truck drivers as “eyes and ears” on the road to enhance safety awareness.

At the same time, Edward emphasized RITA’s core mission of working closely with the Rhode Island General Assembly on legislation affecting the industry and developing educational seminars on safety and regulatory updates.

The retired president of JF Moran Trucking with decades of logistics experience, Edward’s career began in 1974 with a customs brokerage business, JF Moran Co., Inc. To this day, his fondest memories of his involvement in RITA stem less from specific initiatives and more from people. “I always valued the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who owned and operated trucking and allied businesses and to learn from their deep experience,” he said.

Edward believes RITA’s enduring value lies in its ability to keep members informed and supported. “By sharing knowledge about what’s happening nationally and locally and offering resources, the association provides critical guidance,” he said. “Its affiliation with the American Trucking Associations further strengthens its advocacy, ensuring that even a small state’s industry voice is heard.”

Edward Lanfredi, Chairman of RITA 2005–2006, in the latest Rhode Warrio magazine.

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

08/28/2026

Daniel Bell brought leadership skills and deep institutional knowledge to his tenure as RITA Chair. “The biggest challenge was to engage membership and adjust staff roles to streamline RITA operations as the organization navigated financial pressures,” he said. “During this period, we were able stabilize the association and refocus its mission.”

Among Daniel’s fondest memories is the sense of camaraderie at RITA. For example, he pointed to holding an overnight conference, the association’s first group retreat in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

“That gathering helped members and define where we were and what we needed to do,” he said.

Daniel’s industry career is equally distinguished. He founded Ocean State Oil in 1980, growing it over four decades before its eventual sale in 2012. Now retired, he is enjoying time with his grandchildren while he remains actively engaged with the industry and the association. Over the years, Daniel become a trusted advisor and go to expert for countless fleets.

For Daniel, his enduring belief in RITA is personal. “RITA was instrumental to my success and led to relationships with fellow trucking business owners who made me feel that I wasn’t navigating the industry alone,” he said. “That collaborative spirit is RITA’s greatest strength and remains essential to Rhode Island’s trucking sector.”

Daniel Bell, Chairman of RITA, 2003-2004, reflecting on his tenure as chair and the impact of the association. In the latest issue of Rhode Warrior magazine:

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

08/26/2026

Further, there is the question of who would actually bear the burden. It was repeatedly stated that the target of truck tolls was 'out of state' trucks that drive through Rhode Island without stopping to deliver or load. However, per the state’s own study, these constitute less than 6% of truck traffic. Accordingly, 94% of the burden of truck tolls, now without caps, would fall on Rhode Island’s supply chain and, therefore, on consumers ...

[Chris Maxwell in Sunday's Providence Journal]

Rhode Island plans to restart truck tolls, but the author argues the program is a costly failure hurting consumers.

08/26/2026

Thank you to Santoro Oil for their support as a 2026 Annual Sponsor.

A trusted, family-owned heating oil, fuel, and HVAC provider serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts since 1952.

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Dependable fuel delivery and HVAC services in Rhode Island & Southeastern Massachusetts. Heating oil, propane, AC, and water heater services. 24/7 support.

08/25/2026

Thank you to Rhody Transportation and Warehousing for their support as a 2026 Annual Sponsor.

Truckload and LTL throughout New England. Dedicated Fleet Services and For Hire. Cargo receiving, storage and distribution. Warehousing and Refrigerated Food Storage Services. Port Drayage Operations.

Located in North Kingstown, Rhody Transportation and Warehousing was founded in 1977 by third generation trucking industry brothers Ken and Steve Harrall originally from Cranston. Rhody has grown by staying true to the focus on the customer while respecting and rewarding the hard work and dedication of their employees.

With 14 dock doors and one ground level dock door, Rhody can accommodate the activity of their third party warehousing customers while managing customer transportation activities. They offer a temperature-controlled, food-grade, 125,000 square foot secure warehouse with both pallet racking and machinery floor storage. Their facility has security cameras and pass code limited access and meets the rigorous inspection standards for cleanliness to be licensed for food storage.

Recipient of the 2025 RITA Volvo Trucks Fleet of the Year Award.

https://rhodytrans.com/

08/23/2026

Original cost projections have proved to be way off. Over 75% of toll revenue went to gantry expenses while the program was active, leaving less than 25% for infrastructure. The term "boondoggle" now comes up. Exacerbating the situation are non-credible and inconsistent toll revenue figures offered by Gov. Dan McKee. He is claiming, for example, that if the truck-only toll program is restarted, it will cost $5 million per year. But when the toll gantries were active from 2018 to 2022, the state spent $17,300,000 per year on gantry expenses alone.

[From Chris Maxwell's op-ed about truck tolls in today's Providence Journal.]

Rhode Island plans to restart truck tolls, but the author argues the program is a costly failure hurting consumers.

08/20/2026

From the latest issue of Rhode Warrior magazine:

Thomas McCaughey points to helping secure relief for operators dealing with vehicle weight distribution issues as one of the most significant achievements during his tenure as RITA Chair. He recalled situations
where trucks could be “overweight empty” due to their configuration, creating compliance risks.

“Through collaboration with agencies like the DMV, DOT, and FMCSA, RITA helped push for an exemption, providing meaningful protection for operators,” he said.

One of the most defining memories for Thomas, however, came during a moment of crisis. “The events of September 11, 2001, decimated the travel and tourism business,” he said. “It affected the entire industry for about a year.”

Thomas has more than five decades of industry experience in a career that spans waste hauling, trucking, and motor coach operations. His roots in a family-owned trash hauling business laid the foundation for his deep understanding of equipment, regulation, and operations. “I like things with wheels,” he said. Today, Thomas remains active in transportation through a moving and storage venture, which he operates with his sons.

Thomas, current owner of GoMinis of Southern New England, has more than five decades of industry experience that spans the ownership and operation of waste hauling with McCaughey Standard and motor coach operations with Flagship Bus.

Thomas McCaughey, Chairman of RITA, 2001-2002. Check out the compelling stories of other past RITA Chairs:

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

08/18/2026

Carleton “Spud” Whitney guided RITA through a time marked by both uncertainty and opportunity. “The defining challenge was that the economy was softening and required new kinds of management skills to navigate,” he said. “We ushered in a transition to a more forward-looking, proactive leadership approach that fueled a lot of enthusiasm and set the stage for growth and long-term planning.” ...

Today, Spud remains convinced that RITA is on a strong footing, supported by long standing members and a close-knit culture. “RITA continues to be a great network,” he said. “Its enduring value lies in its ability to bring people together and maintain strong relationships within the Rhode Island trucking community.”

Carleton 'Spud' Whitney, Chairman of RITA 1999-2000, in the latest issue of Rhode Warrior magazine

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

08/17/2026

David Roche focused on one of the most consequential policy efforts affecting the Rhode Island trucking community during his term as RITA Chair—securing an excise tax exemption on equipment purchases. “Success required coordinated advocacy across the entire membership,” he said. “By mobilizing members to engage their local representatives, the effort ultimately succeeded, and the lasting impact continues to put a lot of money in members’ pockets.” ...

“Without active engagement in legislative matters, industry concerns won’t be addressed. The association’s enduring value is as a unified voice for Rhode Island’s trucking community.”

- David Roche, Chairman of RITA 1997-1998, reflecting on his tenure as Chairman and the importance of the association in the latest issue of Rhode Warrior magazine

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association