Alabama Trucker, 1st Quarter 2012 by Alabama Trucking Association

ATA_1Q12_11751 ATA 3/9/12 12:15 PM Page OFC1

Officers Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill Ward Vice Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jack Brim Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce MacDonald Immediate Past Chairman . . . . .Gail Cooper

ALABAMA TRUCKER

ATA Board of Directors Dennis Bailey, Robert Barnett, Aubrey Baugh, Rhonda Bees, Gary Bond, Ray Brock, Greg Brown, Will Bruser, Mike Callahan, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church, Mark Coffman, Jeff Coleman, John Collier, Rodger Collins, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Al Cox, Jerry Davis, Phil DeSimone, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Russ Elrod, Dean Flint, Jack Fricks, Clay Halla, Terry Kilpatrick, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Drew Linn, Alan Love, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Tom McLeod, Shane McMinn, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Ross Neely, Jr., Tommy Neely, George Overstreet, Butch Owens, Clay Palm, Jim Pickens, Mike Pursley, David Rouse, Kevin Savoy, Bill Scruggs, Harold Sorrells, Ronnie Stephenson, Paul Storey, Wayne Watkins, Bill Watson, Scott White, David Wildbrger, Skip Williams, T.J. Willings, Keith Wise.

N S I D E

H I S

S S U E

WTW Enterprises, Inc. After a successful career in the automotive industry, Wendell Williams of WTW Enterprises, Inc. came to trucking as a second career in 1995. Although, he has been in trucking only a short time comparably, he has kept his trucking side going strong by being realistic with his limitations and focusing on doing what best serves customers.

New SMMC Section

January officially began ATA Director of Safety & Member Services Tim Frazier’s tenure as the Association’s top fleet safety and maintenance management expert. In this issue, we launch a new section covering news, events and other happenings for ATA’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council’s three chapters.

ATA Staff J. Frank Filgo, CAE, President & CEO Tim Frazier, CDS, Dir. of Safety & Member Services Jane Nixon, Executive Assistant Lynn Thornton, Bookkeeper Ford Boswell, Communications Manager Brandie Norcross, Administrative Assistant

ATA WCSIF Staff

E P A R T M E N T S

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kimble Coaker, CEO & Fund Administrator Debra Calhoun, Office Manager Kimberly Best, Account Representative Rick Hunter, LSP, CDS, Director of Loss Control Harold Smith, ESQ, Legal Counsel Scott Hunter, MS, CDS, Loss Control Engineer Duane Calhoun, CDS, Loss Control Engineer Kim Sims, Administrative Assistant Kim Campbell, Underwriter Coordinator

Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337. ADVERTISING RATES: Quoted upon request.

Alabama Trucking Association

Alabama Trucking Association 334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

From the President

Anti-indemnification: A call to action Frank Filgo President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘Since most Alabama trucking companies are small, family owned businesses, unable to negotiate on a level playing field, they are forced to accept these conditions in order to get freight.’

ith the State Legislature 2012 Regular Session in full swing, I want our members to be aware, that the Alabama Trucking Association has introduced legislation, known as the Antiindemnification Bill, in both the House and the Senate. Representative Roy Johnson of Sylacauga has filed HB339, and Senator Gerald Dial of Lineville has introduced its companion bill, SB219. Simply stated, these bills deal with contractual agreements between shippers and motor carriers. Both have responsibilities in the movement of freight, but our members are finding that some shippers are including language in contracts which indemnifies or holds harmless the shipper for acts of their neglect – and, in effect, shifts all risk to the motor carrier. Since most Alabama trucking companies are small, family owned businesses, unable to negotiate on a level playing field, they are forced to accept these conditions in order to get freight. We have three arguments against these indemnification provisions: First, it is an unsafe practice since it relieves the shipper of any accountability for their responsibilities. Second, to force another party to accept the consequences due to the neglect of oth-

ers is an unfair business practice. And thirdly, from the industry’s vantage, it is bad public policy to force motor carriers to accept these indemnification provisions in contracts between shippers and motor carriers. HB339 and SB219 will void contractual provisions in motor carrier transportation contracts whereby the motor carrier is forced to accept liability for someone else’s negligence; and would in effect maintain the incentive for both the shipper and the motor carrier to perform its legal obligations. Alabama’s legislators are encouraged to do the fair thing by passing HB339 and its companion bill SB219. To date, 31 states have passed similar legislation. However, passage of the Anti-indemnification Bill in Alabama will not be easy since it has drawn significant opposition by several of the state’s largest shippers. I ask members of the Alabama Trucking Association to contact their respective state representatives and state senators to vote in favor of HB339 and SB219. Remember, trucks are the wheels of industry, hauling more than 80 percent of Alabama’s manufactured goods. Passage of HB339 and SB219 will help ensure a safe, responsible, and efficient Alabama transportation goods movement system for all.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Thinking (Not By Ford Boswell ROANOKE, Ala. o matter the size or type of operation, the Alabama Trucking Association is the only advocate for trucking businesses in the state, offering resources, community, and a wealth of talent among its ranks. Counted among them are, of course, larger carriers, such as Boyd Bros. Transportation (Clayton, Ala.), AAA Cooper Transportation (Dothan, Ala.) and Transport American (Birmingham), businesses routinely ranked among the nation’s largest and most innovative fleets. But the reality is the big operators aren’t really the norm. As of this printing, the Alabama Trucking Association offers nearly 500 carriers among its member firms. The lion’s share of these is small to mid-sized carriers – those with less than 100 trucks and less than 30 employees. For these businesses, being able to organize under a unified banner for trucking offers a valuable edge. Such is the case for Wendell Williams of WTW Enterprises, Inc., a small flatbed carrier based here since 1995. The 57-year-old owner has been in trucking only a short time comparably, getting into the business as a second career, after selling a car dealership and body repair shop he started a decade before. But in that time, he’s stayed on top of his business by being realistic with his limitations and focusing on doing what best serves customers. He says a key part of that success has been hiring and keeping talented people and utilizing the many resources from the Alabama Trucking Association and the ATA Workers’ Comp Fund.

Wendell and Kathy Williams have a good thing going in WTW Enterprises.

Continued 4

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

So) Big

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Staying trim and resisting an urge to expand beyond his customers’ needs make successful recipe for WTW Enterprises’ Wendell Williams.

It was actually the Workers’ Comp side that brought WTW to the Association eight years ago. Working with its staff, particularly fleet safety engineer Harold Smith, who now serves as the Fund’s legal counsel, WTW reined in costs associated to risk and streamlined operations to bolster the bottom line, all while keeping employees productive and working safely. “I can’t say enough good things about the advantages of my affiliation with ATA,” he says. “It has helped tremendously in terms of operating my business more efficiently and safely. The Association also serves the trucking industry through political action and regulatory representation. Our leadership board does an outstanding job making sure that the Office staff, left to right, Joe Minnifield, Jim Sloan, Wendell Williams, Kathy Williams, and Melinda Duffey Association focuses on issues that will allow businesses like mine to operate at Meantime, Williams diversified his customer base, picking up their full potential. My only regret in this business is that I didn’t supplemental work here and there from steel producers in Birmjoin the Association sooner.” ingham. This proved to be a wise move. When leadership at the Williams says that the Association’s and Workers’ Comp Fund’s plant changed and responsibilities became too demanding, he was safety experts have always taken his fleet safety concerns to heart. able to quickly broaden his reach. Eventually, Williams quickly “Harold Smith has conducted many safety meetings for my drivers – pulled in freight with little loss in revenue. a lot of them on Saturday,” he says. “Also, Gene Vonderau, and now “We had grown large enough at the time I decided to leave that Tim Frazier, with the Association have always been available any we were able to make up the difference pretty quickly. (Being exclutime we needed them. They have all helped me learn so much about sive with SteelFab) was a great situation for us for a number of years, the trucking business.” but we are better off going on our own. It has freed us up.” Williams says his years with SteelFab allowed him to learn the Second Career trucking business on the job, so to speak. He says it was probably the best way for him to start out. Based in the eastern Alabama town of Roanoke, a community of He tells, early on, all he could offer anyone was service. “I started about 7,000 inhabitants, WTW Enterprises operates entirely as this trucking company without knowing a whole lot about the busiflatbed carrier offering about 25 trucks, mostly serving Birmingness,” he admits. “Everything I know now came from learning the ham’s steel industry. hard way. But one very important thing I knew from being a busiIn 1995, Williams started his trucking business as a dedicated ness owner for so long is that your customers don’t mind paying for hauler for a local structural steel fabricator with several locations great service. That’s something everyone here really tries hard at: across the Southeast. making sure we take care of customers.” Prior to this, Williams had been a silent partner in a small trucking Williams has even gone so far to as to spend time at customers’ fleet that hauled fresh produce and refrigerated items to and from facilities to assist in streamlining the pre-shipping processes, recomCalifornia. At that time, his involvement with the fleet was minimal, mending best practices for loading and unloading trailers. “I will do only helping with big picture decisions, not day-to-day operations of a whatever it takes to help a customer,” he says. “I’ve spent several trucking business. When an offer was made for his car dealership that days at a time learning how they operate. It helps me decrease delivhe couldn’t refuse, he sold out thinking he would become more inery times and offer more complete services for them. I have a great volved with the trucking side, which was beginning to feel pressure relationship with all my customers, and that is what I am most from California’s exorbitant workers’ comp insurance prices. proud of.” Not long after, however, a plant manager at the local SteelFab mill approached him about starting a trucking business to haul exclusively for the plant. “I had sold the plant a few trucks, and manGood People agers there knew I was somewhat involved in trucking already, but at the time, I wasn’t sure I really wanted to get into trucking comWilliams says because of his inexperience when starting his truckpletely,” he explains. ing business 15 years ago, he has always sought employees who Early on, the agreement with the SteelFab was mutually beneficould offer experience and loyalty. And due to this, the company encial. The economy during the late 1990s and early 2000s was joys very little turnover, even among drivers and service techs. “I’ve strong, allowing the steel industry to thrive, and thus Williams was been blessed with great people,” he says. “They are the reason this able to keep his trucks on the road and drivers happy. Within a few company does as well as it does.” years, WTW grew to nearly 40 trucks. At the top of the list is his wife and business partner of more than “(Being a dedicated hauler) definitely had its advantages for us,” 10 years, Kathy, who oversees bookkeeping and office staff. “She Williams says. “We always had to adjust capacity on what SteelFab and I worked together for 5 or 6 years before we married, so she projected they would need, so we could forecast our whole year at knew what she was getting into. She is very involved with the dayone time. We operated like that for 15 years.” to-day operations.” Continued 6

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Political, Community Williams says that the two have a great working relationship. “We both have our Leadership strengths and we complement each other in the areas where the other might fall short,” According to ATA president and CEO he says. Frank Filgo, a main focus of the Association Other office staff includes Melinda Dufis bolstering the state’s trucking industry fey, accounting; Joe Minifield, safety manthrough lobbying and building grassroots ager/dispatch; and Jim Sloan, primary dissupport for issues important to Alabama’s patcher and driver recruiter. business community. Shop foreman Jeff Mitchell spearheads a “From time to time, we rely on members to crew of two full-time services techs Chris contact their state representative on behalf of Service with a smile: Shop employees, left to right, foreman Long and Lucas Araujo, and one part-time the trucking industry,” Filgo explains. “Having Jeff Mitchell, techs Lucas Araujo and Chris Long, and welder tech Cooper Hodges, who is actually the a business leader from their district personally Tony Yawn. fleet’s former shop foreman, now semi-recontact them carries a lot more weight behind tired, and full-time welder Tony Yawn. it. Wendell is a leader in his community and “Because of our size, we are able to hanchurch, and is well known throughout eastern dle all of our maintenance, performing Alabama. He has some close ties with state legfull-service maintenance at 15,000-mile inislators from his area, and he has approached tervals where the guys change oil, grease some of them on trucking’s behalf on a few and perform a transmission checkup,” occasions.” Williams explains. “We also check each More recently, Williams, at the request of truck whenever it hits the yard, inspecting the Alabama Trucking Association officials, the entire truck with a point-to-point approached his state senator Gerald Dial, Rcheck and greasing the driveline. Our guys Lineville, to sponsor which, SB 219 will also perform our own wheel work, includeliminate the practice of shippers placing lanShop foreman Mitchell maintains a warehouse of parts and suping alignments.” guage in contracts with carriers that shifts, in plies to minimize downtime and costs. There are times when trucks are on the some instances, all liability for personal inroad for an extended time, and service interjury and property damage on the carrier devals come due, Williams adds, but the shop spite fault. A similar bill, HB 339 is working purposely schedules service intervals to give its way through the House. a cushion. “Allowing shippers to shift liability is a huge The focus on in-house maintenance helps blow to trucking businesses like mine,” reins in costs, and allows the company to Williams says. “Last year, I spoke with Sen. extend truck life the company’s 25 mostly Dial about sponsoring a bill to end the practice. Freightliners trucks and 70 trailers. He pledged his full support, promising me that Mitchell and crew stock and maintain a he would do whatever he could for the trucksmall warehouse of parts and supplies to ing industry. He is a strong Senator, and I beminimize downtown. “We’re quite a ways lieve his support will help us tremendously.” from the nearest parts store, so we try to keep Outside of the business, the Williamses are most of what we need on hand,” Williams involved with several local civic and business Depending on mileage and maintenance schedules, trucks visit says. “We sometimes get calls from other organizations, donating time, money and rethe shop each time they hit the yard. local repair shops looking to buy parts.” sources. “I’ve lived in this community all my Williams is also quick to praise outsourced professionals who have life,” he says. “It has supported my businesses over the years. There helped his business thrive the last few years. For instance, independhave been times when I thought of moving, but this is my home.” ent financial advisor Will Armstrong has worked with Williams for The Williamses also enjoy spending time with family. The couple several years helping him with important purchasing and investment has two children, son Jeff Mitchell, and daughter Kim Loveless; and decisions. two grandchildren, Maegan Loveless and Brandon Mitchell. “Although he is based in Atlanta, he is in the office here at least once a week, and can remote in through a computer anytime we Right Place need him to,” Williams explains. “He is such an important part to For Williams, success is not measured in the amount of trucks or how we keep our costs down. I seek his advice for major purchasing number of terminals his business offers, but rather how well he and decisions like trucks and trailers. For instance, he monitors the marhis staff manage the current operation. Overall, Williams says he is kets and gives his opinion as to when we should buy — or not buy. comfortable with where the business is today. He even advises us on real estate decisions. He is a great resource.” “We’re not looking to grow any larger than we are now,” he says. Williams also calls on ATA member and independent fleet safety “If we got up to 50 trucks or so, that would be fine. Truth is I could expert Lane Van Ingen of Transportation Safety Services, who spent add capacity today if I wanted to, but we are where we want to be, many years with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for the most part. A lot of that (hesitation to expand) is because it is (FMCSA) where he was responsible for a variety of tasks and proso difficult finding and keeping quality drivers.” grams, including conducting hundreds of onsite motor carrier safety Still, Williams says that most important thing for him is making sure audits. “Lane knows how the DOT works,” Williams says. “He has he can take care of customers, and for now, staying trim, and resisting helped us examine our safety rating, and we’re working to improve the urge to expand beyond his customers’ needs is success enough. that with his guidance.” 8

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights

We can’t afford complacency T

Tim Frazier, CDS ATA Director of Safety and Member Services

‘If we are not continuously monitoring the many facets of our businesses, accident frequency can suddenly rise, costs can get out of control, and the bottom line could suffer.’

raveling the state the past few months, meeting and greeting many of our members, it is evident to me that the best companies are those that are the most concerned with their operations becoming too complacent. A mentor of mine described complacency as “doing the same thing all the time, comfortable, satisfied, routine, but stuck in a rut. The only difference between a rut and a grave is that a rut is nothing but a grave with the ends kicked out.” With that in mind, I found myself reviewing how many ruts I’ve experienced in my career, and how many trucking companies have had similar problems, or even failed, due to their ruts. Early in my career, I had an opportunity to work for an individual who continuously challenged the many facets of his business, including my department. At first, I could not understand why he was never satisfied. My department would be coasting along at what I considered a smooth pace, and he would pop questions like, “How are we going to reduce accidents, or how are we going to reduce our cost per mile?” My initial reaction was frustration; but then, I’d settle down, take a good look at things, and tackle the task. As the years went by, and my maturity grew, I found myself becoming one of these people always wanting to change or challenge a particular area of concern. I learned being stuck in a rut causes great difficulty with moving an organization to the next level. An occupation in the trucking industry is one of the most challenging professions one could have. As we face regulation changes, freight issues, and/or people needs, it’s obvious that complacency, if unattended, will create severe problems for a company. If we are not continuously monitoring the many facets of our business, accident

frequency can suddenly rise, costs can get out of control, and the bottom line could suffer. The most successful companies I’ve had the opportunity to visit are the ones whose managers constantly challenge the status quo – I’m not talking one a year or once a quarter, they do it on a daily basis. It’s easy to sit back and let things roll along with no thought to becoming better. Tasks such as compliance, preventative maintenance schedules, dispatch procedures, driver hiring, and about a hundred others, can become such a routine that we can become inattentive and start overlooking details. A safety director who becomes complacent will not notice subtle changes in log violations, inspection reports, moving violations, and the many other areas that can affect the carrier’s safety rating and liability risks. Fleet managers who are not consistently monitoring these and other areas such can suddenly find the organization in financial trouble, too. All areas of a trucking company must be monitored continuously so dreaded slip ups don’t happen. Many times you will see a satisfied operation conducting business in a reactive mode. But, as we all know, being reactive is most often too late in our industry. In the days ahead, we will face regulatory changes, rising equipment costs, freight demands, and people needs. We must prepare to battle complacency in our organizations by reminding our people to keep first things first, such as safety, training, expectations and rising costs. Fortunately, this Association is composed of the best in the business, industry leaders who routinely hold themselves to a higher standard. That makes my job easier, but most importantly, the industry safer … and better. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS ATRI lists local and state anti-idling laws The American Transportation Research Institute has updated its listing of local and state anti-idling laws to include two regulations that have recently taken effect and one change set to take effect soon. For instance, Oregon’s law banning idling for longer than five minutes took effect in January. Truckers face fines of up to $180 per offense, but the law makes exceptions for air conditioning or heating during extreme temperatures. Salt Lake City bans idling longer than two minutes, with exceptions for air conditioning and heating thanks to a law passed in October. First-time offenders get a warning, but a second offense will cost $160. A provision to West Virginia anti-idling law that allows idling for air conditioning or heating purposes will expire in May, ATRI said. The guide is available in both a fullpage and card-sized version on ATRI’s website, www.atri-online.org. FMCSA releases handy BASIC fact sheet The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program has released a new Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) factsheet series on the CSA Outreach Website. These factsheets are targeted for motor carriers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who want to learn more about the agency’s seven BASICs, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) upon which they are based, and how to ensure they comply with those regulations. Motor carriers and drivers should read all seven of these new factsheets to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the CSA program and, more specifically, the BASICs. The BASICs are Unsafe Driving, Fatigued Driving (Hours-of-Service), Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances/Alcohol, Vehicle Maintenance, Cargo-Related, and Crash Indicator. As these factsheets outline, the BASICs are safety categories in the CSA program’s Safety Measurement System (SMS). Motor carriers can see where they stand in each BASIC by logging into the SMS online at A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

ATA, NATMI to offer safety director certification in July The Alabama Trucking Association, in partnership with the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI), is offering Certified Director of Safety and Certified Safety Supervisor courses beginning July 16-20, 2012. The courses will be held at the ATA headquarters in Montgomery. All-inclusive tuition fees for the Accelerated Certification School Program (includes both course fees, NATMI membership fee, certification kit and certification application fee) are as follows: $1,295 (4 days of classroom training); $1,195 (testing option for Motor Fleet Safety Basics + 2 days classroom training); courses taken by themselves are each $480 for members or $580 for non-members; and both courses taken together are $865 for members and $1,065 for non-members NATMI’s stated mission is to improve the performance and productivity of fleet professionals directly responsible for effective fleet and driver performance — e.g. safety directors, maintenance managers and commercial driver trainers. Also, insurance companies take NATMI certification into account among other factors in setting premiums. Through training and professional certification programs, NATMI helps transportation professionals develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to reduce vehicle accidents; reduce employee injuries; control costs associated with vehicle maintenance; recruit and retain qualified drivers; avoid fines through proper regulatory compliance; and present a favorable public image. For more information on the course, visit www.natmi.org or contact Tim Frazier at 334-834-3983.

ATA's 2011 candidates for certified director of safety (CDS) accreditation conducted by North American Transportation Management Institute. From left, Robert Folk of Cobbs, Allen & Hall; Kent Williams of R.E. Garrison; Stephen Murray of Dupre Logistics; Tonya Wilson of Barnett Transportation; NATMI instructor Mike Connelly; and Connel Coggins of Buddy Moore Trucking.

http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/. These BASIC factsheets fulfill an informational need for motor carriers and drivers looking for ways to improve their safety performance. Motor carriers should consider these factsheets not only as a resource for themselves but also as a tool for educating their drivers. FMCSA will highlight

one BASIC factsheet each Monday for the next seven weeks through this subscription email service to support industry’s understanding of the BASICs. To view the BASIC factsheets visit https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/resources.aspx?locationid=58. More SMMC news on page 12 11

News DOT issues HOS Final Rule As expected U.S. Department of Transportation inissued its Commercial Driver Hours-of-Service Final Rule, keeping daily driving limits intact at 11 hours, but significantly trimming the amount of time they can work within a week. Specifically, FMCSA’s new HOS final rule reduces the weekly limit by 12 hours, from 82 to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. According to DOT, the rule requires truck to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows driv-

ers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. The Final Rule allows drivers to use the restart provision only once during a seven-day period Meanwhile, the Rule states that companies and drivers who commit egregious violations of the rule could face the maximum penalties for each offense. Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11hour driving limit by three or more hours could be fined $11,000 per offense, and the drivers themselves could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Commercial truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1, 2013. American Trucking Associations officials expressed frustration and disappointment that the Obama administration issued an “unjustified final rule governing hours-ofservice that will do nothing to improve highway safety, but will very likely increase the risk of truck-involved crashes.” ATA President and CEO Bill graves said, “What is surprising and new to us is that for the first time in the agency’s history, FMCSA has chosen to eschew a stream of positive safety data and cave in to a vocal anti-truck minority and issue a rule that will have no positive impact on safety.

P.O. Box 382105 Birmingham, AL 35238-2105 www.jptsc.com

Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC 12

“From the beginning of this process in October 2009, the agency set itself on a course to fix a rule that … by all objective accounts is working to improve highway safety. Unfortunately, along the way, FMCSA twisted data and, as part of this final rule, is using unjustified causal estimates to justify unnecessary changes.” ATA officials noted that even with an uptick in truck-involved fatalities in 2010, since the current rules went into effect in 2004, fatalities have fallen 29.9 percent while overall miles traveled for trucks has risen by tens of billions of miles. ATA Chairman Dan England added that “by forcing through these changes FMCSA has created a situation that will ultimately please no one, with the likely exception of organized labor. Both the trucking industry and consumers will suffer the impact of reduced productivity and higher costs.” ATA argues that groups that have historically been critical of the current hours of service rules also won’t be happy since they will have once again failed to obtain an unjustified reduction in allowable daily driving time. “This rule will put more truck traffic onto the roadways during morning rush

JON O. COOK Safety Consultant Phone 256-249-4731 Cell 205-329-8183 Fax 256-249-1161 email: jcook@jptsc.com

Continued on page 14

PAUL DILLARD Safety Consultant Phone 205-408-0780 Cell 205-329-8182 Fax 205-408-3995 email: pdillard@jptsc.com A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

News hour, frustrate other motorists and increase the risk of crashes,” Graves said. “By mandating drivers include two periods between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. creates additional and unnecessary congestion and putting motorists and those professional drivers at greater risk. The largest percentage of truck-involved crashes occurs between 6 a.m. and noon, so this change not only effectively destroys the provision of the current rule most cited by professional drivers as beneficial, but it will put more trucks on the road during the statistically riskiest time of the day.” The rule is being sent to the Federal Register and is currently available on FMCSA’s Web site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/HOS FinalRule.

Troopers launch awareness campaign for ‘Move Over’ Law Alabama State Trooper officials have joined with other Southeastern states in a campaign to teach motorists the importance of “moving over” to protect emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road, the Birmingham News reports. More than 170 law enforcement officers in the U.S. since 1999 have died after being struck by motorists, and thousands others have been injured, according to a statement released last month by Col. Hugh McCall, director of Alabama’s Department of Public Safety. The Alabama highway department is teaming up with the Florida Highway Patrol and the Georgia State Patrol during February to draw attention to the “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to move over one lane when authorized emergency vehicles — including police, fire, EMS vehicles and tow trucks — are stopped on the roadside with emergency signals activated. “To do our jobs, we must work in close proximity to traffic,” McCall said in prepared statement. “The ‘move over’ law provides all first responders and emergency workers the clearance they need to work safely.” Alabama Trucking Association officials recommend covering the law to remind 14

drivers to always attempt to move over when passing by law enforcement officers working accidents or traffic violations. “I notice commercial drivers are pretty good about getting over or at least slowing down, so our industry seems to be way out front on the issue,” said Association spokesman Ford Boswell. “It’s a probably not a bad idea to review the law with drivers from time to time. Law enforcement officers are pretty vulnerable at these stops, and all drivers should provide them plenty of space to do their jobs.”

National ATA asks federal court to review HOS final rule The American Trucking Associations filed a petition with the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on February 14, asking the court to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s recently published final rule changing the hours-of-service regulations for commercial truck drivers. “We regret that FMCSA and the Obama administration have put ATA and its member companies in a position to take this legal action,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “The rules that have been in place since 2004 have contributed to unprecedented improvement in highway safety. The law is clear about what steps FMCSA must undertake to change the rules, and we cannot allow this rulemaking, which was fueled by changed assumptions and analyses that do not meet the required legal standards.” According to National ATA, FMCSA’s own analyses show that even when they overstate the safety benefits of these changes, the costs created by their rule still outweigh those benefits. “We need this issue to be resolved in a credible manner, taking into account the undisputed crash reduction since 2004, so we can focus limited government and industry resources on safety initiatives that will have a far greater impact on highway safety,” Graves said. ATA officials pledged to continue to work with FMCSA to implement rules and programs that are based on sound research, and that will have a meaningful, demonstrated impact on highway safety. As such, ATA will support FMCSA’s move toward mandated electronic on-board recorders to ensure greater compliance with the current, effective HOS rules, and to facilitate better enforcement of those effective rules. Since operating speed and “traveling too fast for conditions” in particular is, according to FMCSA’s own data, a far greater

highway safety concern than fatigue, ATA supports a new government requirement for large trucks to be electronically speed limited; a return to a national maximum speed limit of 65 mph for all vehicles to avoid safety consequences of car-truck speed differentials; and greater deployment of automated speed and traffic enforcement technologies. ATA said it will also continue to push for greater deployment of active safety technologies to change specific, unsafe driver behaviors and aid specific crash avoidance responses; as well as industry and government programs to address distracted and inattentive driving since that unsafe behavior is at or near the top of the list of crash causes for both commercial and non-commercial drivers. “Improving highway and truck safety is about understanding the behaviors and events that precipitate crashes and about implementing programs and countermeasures that truly address those causes. We trust FMCSA will be a partner with ATA in implementing meaningful countermeasures aimed at the biggest causes of crashes.” said ATA Chairman, Dan England, chairman of C.R. England, Inc., Salt Lake City.

FMCSA updates SMS to include cell phone ban The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enhanced its Safety Measurement System (SMS) Methodology to include violations based on the recent cell phone use regulations and more detailed breakouts on existing brake, wheel, and coupling regulations. FMCSA has added five texting and cell phone use violations in its Unsafe Driving Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) – refer to 177.804 (b), 49 CFR 392.80 and 49 CFR 392.82 for descriptions and violation severity weights. The violations reflect FMCSA’s decision to ban commercial drivers from using mobile telephones while driving, which includes a ban on texting. Meanwhile, the SMS update also includes a breakout of six current vehicle maintenance violations into 22 segments that provide more descriptive and detailed information about compliance with existing brake, wheel, and coupling regulations. According to FMCSA officials, this change ensures that SMS remains aligned with improvements recently made to roadside data collection systems. Those imContinued on page 16 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Summary of HOS Rules In late December, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued its Commercial Driver Hours-of-Service Final Rule, keeping daily driving limits intact at 11 hours, but significantly trimming the amount of time they can work within a week. The chart below compares the new rules to the older ones.

News provements are the results of a joint FMCSA and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance effort to increase data uniformity through improved processes and tools. This change will help to clarify who the responsible party is for the violations, either the motor carrier or the Intermodal Equipment Provider. Motor carriers can check their safety assessment now at http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms To login into the SMS Web site, you will need an FMCSA-issued U.S. DOT Number; personal identification number (PIN). If you do not know or have forgotten your PIN, you can request one via http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and select ‘Click here to request your Docket Number PIN and/or USDOT Number PIN.’ Be sure to request a U.S. DOT Number PIN, not a Docket Number PIN. More SMMC news on page 20

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

June 1-2, 2012 Alabama Truck Driving Championships

Calendar Birmingham Chapter Chapter meetings begin at 6 p.m. and, with the exception of the Safety Awards and Christmas Party, are usually held at the Bessemer Civic Center in Bessemer, Ala. Registration to attend meetings is required. Call Brandie Norcross at 334-8343983 to reserve your spot at least a week in advance. March 26, 2012 Fleet Safety Awards (Pelham Civic Center) April 12, 2012 Tuscaloosa Roadside Inspection May 14, 2012 Policy Manual Building

June 5, 2012 Road Check 2012 Heflin, Ala. Aug. 7-11, 2012 National Truck Driving Championships Aug. 13, 2012 PSP/Data Q Sept. 12, 2012 Audit Role Play Oct. 18, 2012 Clanton Roadside Inspection Nov. 12, 2012 Regulatory Update Dec. 10, 2012 Christmas Celebration (Pelham Civic Center) Jan. 14, 2013 Driver Wellness/Agility Feb. 11, 2013 Electronic Recordkeeping

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Wiregrass Chapter Chapter meetings begin at 3 p.m. and are usually held at the Association Headquarters in Montgomery, Ala. Registration to attend meetings is required. Call Brandie Norcross at 334834-3983 to reserve your spot at least a week in advance. Feb. 15, 2012 Accident Reconstruction March 26, 2012 Fleet Safety Awards April 19, 2012 Ozark Roadside Inspection May (TBA) Wiregrass SMMC Golf Tournament June 1-2, 2012 Alabama Truck Driving Championships (Bessemer Civic Center) June 5, 2012 Road Check 2012 Heflin, Ala.

Aug. 7–11, 2012 National Truck Driving Championships Aug. 16, 2012 Accident Response September No Meeting October (TBA) Ozark Roadside Inspection Nov. 15, 2012 Audit Role Play Dec. 10, 2012 Christmas Party & Celebration (Bessemer Civic Center) Jan. 17, 2013 DOT Update Feb. 14, 2013 PSP/DataQ Gulf Coast Chapter This growing chapter meets quarterly. For more info; contact Randy Watson at randyw@evergreentrans.com

WH Thomas Oil Co. Clanton, AL 205-755-2610 Decatur, AL 256-351-0744

www.thomasoil.com

Think of us as your lubrication experts for the long haul.

As your Chevron Distributor, we do more than just offer high quality motor oils, transmission fluids and gear lubricants for your fleet. We provide effective lubrication solutions that can reduce your operating costs and improve your bottom line.

Whether it’s performing an oil analysis, helping with inventory management or any other service, we’re always ready to help minimize downtime, extend maintenance intervals and the life of your engines so your entire business is always in high gear.

And that’s good for your bottom line

DPS officials recommend the best way for Alabama’s more than 175,000 commercial drivers to protect their driving privileges and avoid costly downtime is to ensure that DPS has a current mailing address for the CDL holder.

News New medical certificate requirement now in effect As of Jan. 30, 2012, the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Div., in accordance with new federal guidelines, is requiring new applicants for commercial truck and bus driver licenses to submit a photocopy of their medical certificate. This change also affects current CDL holders wanting to renew, transfer or change class or endorsement. According to DPS officials, current CDL holders must submit a photocopy of their medical card to DPS either in person, by fax or by mail to continue holding a commercial driver license. The final deadline to provide medical certificates is Jan. 30, 2014. This requirement is part of federal safety standards aimed at ensuring that all CDL holders are medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. It is important to note, however, that driver physical requirements are not changing. These regulations also require drivers to certify the type of driving they do or might do in the future and whether it is interstate or intrastate commerce. Drivers with a CDL that expires before January 30, 2014, must submit a copy of their medical certificate when they renew their license. On the expiration date of their medical card, if a updated one has not been received by DPS, a driver’s medical status will become decertified. The driver’s CDL is still good at this time, but they are not medically certified to operate a CMV. Further, if the new medical card is not received after 45 days, the CDL is then canceled. Meanwhile, CDL holders whose commercial license expires after January 30, 2014, will receive a request from DPS to submit a copy of their medical card and certify their driving type. If a driver does not comply with that request, DPS will send a CDL cancellation notice that is effective 30 days later. When a driver’s medical card expires, the driver must submit a copy of his or her new medical card. DPS will send the driver a CDL cancellation notice if a medical card submitted to DPS expires before receipt of a new medical card. The driver can stop a cancellation from going into effect by submitting a copy of the renewed card to DPS. 20

Frequently Asked Questions Q. What must I do to comply with the new requirements for making my medical certification part of my CDL driving record? A. Starting on January 30, 2012, when you: Apply for a CDL; Renew a CDL; Apply for a higher class of CDL; Apply for a new endorsement on a CDL; Transfer a CDL from another State, You will be required to self-certify to a single type of commercial operation on your driver license application form. Based on that self-certification, you may be required to provide the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) with a current medical examiner’s certificate and if applicable, provide any variance (waiver) you may have along with the medical certification card. Q. What if I am an existing CDL holder who does not have a license renewal, upgrade or transfer between Jan. 30, 2012 and Jan. 30, 2014? A. You are responsible for providing DPS with your self-certification of operating status by January 30, 2014. If it is required for you class, you must also provide your current medical examiner’s certificate and if applicable any variance (waiver) document by January 30, 2014. DPS is already collecting this information now on any CDL holder. Q. After I provide the Alabama Department of Public Safety with my unexpired medical examiner’s certificate, do I still have to carry an original or copy of my medical examiner’s certificate? A. Yes, until the program is fully implemented on January 30, 2014, you will still have to carry an original or copy of the medical examiner’s certificate and provide a copy to your employer for your driver qualification file. After the 2014 date if a driver has a variance (waiver) this must always be in the drivers possession when operating a commercial vehicle. Q. What should I (as a driver) do with the medical examiner’s certificate beginning on January 30, 2014? A. After a driver provides DPS and employer with the medical examiner’s certificate (card), the medical examiner’s certificate (card) will only be valid to present to law enforcement for the first 15 days after it was issued, after that time the information will be accessed by law enforcement via CDLIS. Your medical examiner’s certification information will be

recorded on your driving record and will become the valid version of your medical certification (card). Q. What if I do not provide the Alabama Department of Public Safety with my self-certification and if required, my medical examiner’s certificate (card) and any required variance (waiver) document by January 30, 2014? A. DPS will notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a CMV, after 45 days of that notice, if the required information has not been received then all the CDL privileges will be removed from your license. Q. What should I do when my medical certificate (card) and/or variance (waiver) is about to expire? A. You must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. You must then provide the DPS the new medical examiner’s certificate (card). You are also responsible for applying to FMCSA for a renewal of your variance (waiver) if applicable. Q. What happens if my medical examiner’s certificate or variance expires before I provide the Alabama Department of Public Safety with a new one? A. Alabama DPS will notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a CMV in non-excepted Interstate commerce. If a current medical examiners certificate and if applicable the variance (waiver) is not received within 45 days all your CDL privileges will be removed from your license. Q. How can I get back my CDL privileges? A. If the medical examiner’s certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one and provide it to the DPS, and if applicable, if the variance has expired, you must renew it with FMCSA and provide it along with your medical certification to DPS. NOTE: Re-examination will be required if your Alabama CDL has expired over three years. Q. What if I change the type of operation I perform? A. You can change your self-certification status at www.dps.alabama.gov. Go to QUICK LINKS, then CDL SELF CERTIFICATION, complete the form and hit submit. Mail or fax the photocopied medical card/certificate and a self-certification affidavit form no later than 10 days prior to renewing your commercial driver license to: Alabama Department of Public Safety Driver License Div. CDL Unit P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102-1471 Fax: 334-353-1980 For questions, please email cdlmedical merger@dps.alabama.gov. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

DON’T BE ALONE ON THE ROAD….. TAKE THE BAXTER AGENCY WITH YOU! We specialize in writing insurance for short & long haul truckers. Also available are unique programs for owner operators. So, whether you have one truck or a fleet, we are committed to serving your needs.

We can’t control the price of fuel, but we can help you reduce your insurance cost and provide you with top quality service.

WE ARE HERE TO INSURE THE TRUCKS THAT KEEP AMERICA MOVING!

www.baxteragency.com

Roundup T Ru c k i n g i n d u s T Ry

Tonnage slips in January The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index fell 4.0% in January after surging 6.4% in December 2011. The latest contraction put the SA index at 119.4 (2000=100), down from December’s record level of 124.4. ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years as part of its annual revision. For all of 2011, tonnage rose 5.8%, slightly lower than the 5.9% previously reported, and matched 2010’s gain of the same magnitude. The index increased 3.6% from January 2011. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 112.1 in January, which was 3.5% below the previous month. “Last month I said I was surprised by the size of the gain in December. Today, I’m not surprised that tonnage fell on a seasonally adjusted basis in January simply due to the fact that December was so strong,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. Costello noted that December’s increase was the largest month-to-month gain since January 2005. “I’m still optimistic about truck tonnage going forward. In fact, while many fleets said January was normal, they are also saying that February has been pretty good so far,” he said.

State requires employers to verify for undocumented workers The State of Alabama is requiring all employers to enroll in and verify employment eligibility through its new electronic verification system called E-Verify by April 1, 2012. The new law prohibits all Alabama employers, public and private, from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens. The E-Verify requirement applies to all business entities transacting business in Alabama. Violations of the law can result in significant penalties for employers. The Alabama Department of Homeland Security is providing E-Verify service for businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Alabama small businesses can call the Alabama Department of Homeland Security in Montgomery 22

at 334-353-3050 for enrollment. Likewise, businesses can go to uscis.gov/everify or use the service provided by the Department of Homeland Security, which is required to provide the service under the state’s new immigration law. The service is available at http://immigration.alabama.gov. Businesses may also call 1855-VERIFY-6 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. E-Verify participation posters must be displayed by participating employers to inform their current and prospective employees of their legal rights and protections. Once enrolled and after completing the online tutorial, the employer will be prompted to download, print and post the English and Spanish Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Office of Special Counsel Right to Work posters. Employers can access the posters after logging in to E-Verify.

Fras-le to make brake liners at Prattville facility Fras-le North America, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of friction materials, says it is investing $11 million at its Prattville, Ala. plant, adding new equipment and approximately 100 employees. The company says this will be the first time it has ever produced brake linings in the U.S. (The Prattville plant has produced disc brake pads since 2008). According to published reports, additional employees will be hired over 18 months, as the company expands its supply capabilities for North American commercial vehicle business customers. Fras-le officials say the expansion demonstrates the manufacturer’s expanded commitment to the North American market. Daniel Randon, Fras-le CEO and president said,”We

Pilot who flew Bush on 9/11 to speak at convention Mark Tillman, the former Air Force One Commander who flew George W. Bush during the terrorist attached on Sept. 11, 2001, will speak during the Friday Business Meeting at the 2012 Alabama Trucking Association Annual Convention & Meeting, set for April 26-28 at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Miss. Selected by the White House as the nation’s 12th Presidential pilot, Col. Tillman (ret.) served President Bush as pilot and commander of Air Force One from 2001-2009. By many accounts, his tenure was marked with excellence and an adherence to what he calls a “Zero Fail” philosophy. Tillman commanded Air Force One through multiple national Mark Tillman events. Most notably, he protected the President and his staff on the day of September 11, 2001 by escaping and evading many potential threats. Through careful planning and flawless decision-making, Tillman and his crew provided two urgent needs for the President—complete safety and constant connection to the nation’s first responders. President Bush’s seemingly impromptu Thanksgiving visit to the United States military in Iraq was another highly regarded success of Tillman and his crew. The challenge was unprecedented: transport the most targeted man in the world into the heart of terrorism. Tillman personally orchestrated and executed the covert operation with flawless success. His planning, done in complete secrecy, allowed for a complete surprise to the entire world, including the press. Tillman later brought President Bush into the war zone on three other occasions and defended against numerous threats during his tenure as Presidential Pilot. Each of these experiences have been declassified and serve as a centerpiece to his keynote address at Convention. His inspiring messages on leadership, teamwork and the “Zero Fail” policies will hopefully provide inspiration for attendees as they take this message to heart as the face the pressures and obstacles of leading Alabama trucking businesses. He approaches each opportunity with the same personal mantra, “Zero failure doesn’t just happen…successful leaders make it happen.”

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

appreciate all the support we’ve received from officials in Prattville to help facilitate our company’s expansion. We are excited to be a part of bringing new jobs to the area.” Fras-le said it currently makes braking liners in Brazil and China for distribution worldwide, but the expansion of the Prattville plant will significantly increase its global capacity. The company’s products are found in a wide variety of on- and off-highway commercial vehicles, including trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, dump trucks, light vehicles and other specialty vehicles and equipment.

Truckload capacity drops 1.1 percent, survey shows According to results of a survey published last month, the Journal of Commerce, said capacity at a group of six large truckload carriers slipped 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter from the previous quarter and 1.1 percent year-over-year, as tractor-trailer supply and freight demand found a rough equilibrium at the end of 2011. A survey of the fourth quarter financial reports of the six publicly owned carriers by The Journal of Commerce found their combined tractor count declined only 1.4 percent over the past two years, but was down 7.6

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Commercial Relocation Network (CRN) Welcomes New Member The Commercial Relocation Network (CRN), a North American organization which is comprised of more than 50 top-tier commercial moving and storage companies, recently admitted ATA member Scott McNelley of the Montgomery, Ala.-based Admiral Movers to its ranks. Governed by the CRN executive steering committee, a strict selection process is followed prior to a new member being accepted into the network. All members of CRN must be able to provide specialized commercial relocation services, programs, equipment and solutions that are competitive within the industry. Members must also participate in various activities throughout the year to ensure ongoing Scott McNelley professional development and industry leadership. Chairman Steve Komorous of the King Companies said in a statement, “Being invited to join CRN is recognition of the new member’s abilities and performance. Scott and Admiral Movers have demonstrated they are of the caliber needed to be a part of CRN, and we are glad to welcome them into the group.” McNelley started Admiral Movers 23 years ago in Montgomery, as an office moving firm, and has led it through several phases of growth. Today, Admiral is an agent for Mayflower Transit and performs local, long distance, and international residential moves, but still finds its specialty in office and industrial relocations. Admiral Movers is an award-winning industry leader and is home to several service-marked, revolutionary techniques that have changed the way offices are relocated. percent since the end of 2008. Only one of the six carriers added capacity in the fourth quarter, despite rising demand reflected in the American Trucking Associations For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, which

surged 6.4 percent in December and 5.8 percent in 2011. That general reluctance to add capacity could put more pressure on freight Continued on page 26

2012 Annual Convention ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION ATA 74th Annual Convention & Meeting Beau Rivage â&#x20AC;˘ Biloxi, Miss. April 26-28, 2012 For more information and to register, go to www.alabamatrucking.org

SPEAKERS:

Mark Tillman

Jeanne Robertson

Roundup T Ru c k i n g i n d u s T Ry

Continued from page 23

rates if economic activity and freight shipping demand gains strength in 2012. Overall, the $10.5 billion carrier group’s capacity plummeted 15.6 percent from the end of 2006 through the fourth quarter of 2011, as the independently owned carriers cut more than 8,000 Class 8 tractors from their combined fleet. That percentage number tracks other estimates of the overall amount of truckload capacity lost since the beginning of the freight slump in 2006 that became a “freight recession” and a harbinger of the economic recession that ended in June 2009. The deepest cumulative cuts in tractor capacity at the group came in 2008 and 2009, when the combined tractor count dropped 6.9 percent and 6.3 percent. The group’s capacity dropped only 0.3 percent in 2010, and then 1.1 percent last year. Five of the six carriers cut capacity over the five-year period, but one carrier, Knight Transportation, consistently increased tractor count. Knight boosted truck capacity 2.9 percent year-over-year in 2011, and 6.4 percent over a two-year period. The deepest capacity cuts were at J.B. Hunt Transport Service’s truck division, which has slashed its over-the-road fleet in half since 2006, while J.B. Hunt built up its intermodal trucking division, almost doubling its intermodal tractor count. —William B. Cassidy for the Journal of Commerce

Feds publish revised payroll tax form In February, Congress passed and President Obama signed federal legislation that extends the existing payroll tax reduction through the end of calendar 2012. The reduction has been in effect since the beginning of 2011, but, before the extension, had been due to expire at the end of this month. Employees don’t have to take any action to continue to get the tax cut. For employers, however, the Internal Revenue Service has issued a revised Form 941, available here, that reflects the extended tax break. The legislation also extended the current tax cut for the self-employed.

Oil and diesel prices will be highest in first few months of 2012, analyst says The highest prices for diesel fuel and crude oil in 2012 will likely occur during the first 26

What’s next for EOBR?

By Dave Kraft

In August 2011, the Seventh Circuit court vacated the EOBR 395.16 rulemaking based on a determination that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) had not adequately addressed the potential for driver harassment with the new guidelines. FMCSA later indicated that it would redo the EOBR rulemaking and not appeal the judge’s decision. Since FMCSA’s proposed EOBR mandate rulemaking depended on the 395.16 rule for technical guidelines, it appears that the mandate will also be delayed. So what is next, and when? Until the next EOBR rulemaking, EOBR providers must continue to rely on the 395.15 rule for “Automatic On-Board Recording Devices” or “AOBRDs” as they were once known. While the rule was published in 1988, it is still the basis for certifying compliance of all EOBRs today. The term EOBR was informally applied to these systems about 10 years ago, so there is no real distinction between AOBRD and EOBR. Over the last 10 years, best practices for these systems have evolved. Today, leading EOBRs/AOBRDs have capabilities that significantly exceed the requirements of the 395.15 rule and are fairly consistent with what was in the vacated 395.16 rule. Going forward, EOBR providers will continue to enhance their systems. The aim is to further refine driver usability, carrier compliance management tools, and system scalability as many more carriers continue to add EOBRs to their safety management programs. With FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program, carrier safety measures include a category related to hours of service (HOS) violations. EOBRs are now widely recognized as a means to better manage compliance in this area. A future EOBR rule may require new methods of providing data to enforcement, but it is not likely to significantly change EOBR features for the way drivers and carriers use their EOBRs. The timeline for FMCSA’s EOBR rulemaking is yet to be specified, but there is new technical guidance to be used going forward. A new process has been used to involve industry subject matter experts to define EOBR standards. Working with the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC), this group of experts and other stakeholders formed an EOBR subcommittee to provide recommendations to FMCSA for new EOBR technical guidelines. These recommendations should help FMCSA more quickly prepare accurate EOBR technical guidelines for the new EOBR rule. An EOBR mandate bill has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate as an essential safety initiative to be addressed by FMCSA. The bill identifies requirements for EOBRs that are consistent with the MCSAC recommendations, and it would require a EOBR rulemaking consistent with what FMCSA is planning for updates to EOBR technical requirements and then an industry-wide EOBR mandate. My forecast for what’s next with EOBRs in 2012: The industry will continue to expand its use of EOBRs for HOS compliance management on a voluntary basis. CSA program focused investigations will increasingly identify underperforming HOS compliance management programs – getting many of these carriers to use EOBRs. FMCSA will initiate a new EOBR rulemaking that includes the new recommended technical guidelines and requirements to prevent and discourage driver harassment. —Dave Kraft is Director of Industry Affairs for Qualcomm Inc. and OnQ Blog - San Diego few months of the year according to the Oil Price Information Service. The upward pressure on prices has as much to do with diesel demand as with political tensions and a possible oil embargo in Iran. The year began with the U.S. pressuring other nations to stop importing oil from Iran, and Iran threatening to block Middle East oil routes in return. Prices could be volatile for the next few weeks. Oil Price Information Service chief oil analyst Tom Kloza says an oil embargo for Iran will have an effect on oil trading and therefore prices, but it is not the only factor in the equation. “There is a premium attached to the saber-

rattling, and to the fact that a lot of the light sweet crude oil comes from chaotic parts of the globe,” Kloza said Tuesday, Jan. 17. “It’s not something that’s inspiring a lot of speculative buying, but it’s probably discouraging a lot of selling for the moment.” Kloza says oil traders, particularly the sellers, seem to be waiting for two important January dates to pass. The European Union has a meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 23, to discuss possible sanctions against Iran, and Iran has scheduled a military demonstration in the Strait of Hormuz on Jan. 27. The demonstration could have a short-term effect on oil prices similar to last Continued on page 28 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

year’s “day of rage.” “I do think we see higher prices in the spring, but I really do believe it will be episodic,” Kloza said. “We’re going to have these episodes, which for the moment provide price support – a day of rage, a day of war maneuvers – but anyone reasonable has to believe that … where we go in the next few months will not last.” Global demand for diesel continues to be a major factor in energy prices. Despite the U.S., Europe and Japan showing a decreased demand in recent months, a number of major investment banks believe the growing demand in South America, India and China could boost prices, Kloza said. “I think the investment banks tend to predict what they want to have happen,” he said. “I think that this year is going to be similar to last year in that it’s going to be front-end loaded.” Kloza penned a blog this week about a decrease in gasoline consumption in the U.S. He said it could be part of a lifestyle change compelled by unemployment, cost of living, and the fact that people are trying to use less energy but are paying more. He said January is often a month of cutbacks as the holiday bills come due. Many times, people will consolidate trips or simply cut down on driving in order to pay off other

bills. Truckers, for example, do not survive long in the business without operating efficiently and learning to balance their bills. “People are incredibly emotional,” Kloza said. “It’s like overpaying for tolls. If you overpay for tolls every time, it’s not that it’s going to knock you from upper class to middle class, but you just don’t do it. I think we’re seeing some sort of behavioral change out there that looks as though it’s inspired by high prices but also the sense from the public that ‘I’m using less, but I’m paying more, and I don’t like it.’” —By David Tanner, Land Line magazine

Governor seeks voter permission to borrow $2 billion for roads, bridges The Birmingham News reports that Gov. Robert Bentley intends to seek voter approval to borrow $2 billion to repair roads and bridges. Bentley also said he will pursue voter approval to change how state budgets work by seeking to move some state dollars that go to schools and instead use them to help pay the costs of prisons and some hospitals. Bentley said the state is facing a severe financial crisis that demands the state rethink how it uses tax dollars. For years, Alabama has

by law set aside a group of taxes that can only be spent for school needs. It’s likely that any attempt to shift those dollars would face a stiff challenge in the Legislature, which would first have to approve the change before the issues went before voters. On the proposes bond issue, the governor said too many bridges and roads are in need of repair, work the state has for too long put off.

State Revenue department issues fuel tax guidance The Alabama Department of Revenue has issued guidance for implementing the state’s change of incidence of its motor fuel taxes from the distributor level to the terminal rack. The change takes effect October 1 and will involve both a floor-stock tax and the relicensing and rebonding of many businesses that operate in the chain of fuel distribution. According to American Trucking Associations Vice President for State Laws Bob Pitcher, most motor carriers will not be affected by the change, but those that transport fuel and those licensed as suppliers or distributors may be. For more information, contact the department at 334-242-9608 or visit www.revenue. alabama.gov/motorfuels/racktax.html.

TRANSPORTATION INSURANCE

W W W.

REGIONSINSURANCE.COM

With Regions Insurance, what do you get? One of the largest trucking agencies in the country ● Over 500 employees and 1 billion in written premium ● Loss Control and DOT compliance ● Guaranteed Cost, Large Deductible, Retros, & Captive Programs ● Multiple insurance companies represented directly ● Many exclusive markets and products ● Competitive pricing ●

Locations: 28

Troy, AL Mark Knotts 800-807-1412

Jackson, MS Gage Gibbs 800-844-6700

A trucking company needs the best representation they can have in all facets of their business. Regions Insurance, as one of the premier truck agencies in the country, will provide that professional representation and construct an insurance program to effectively and efficiently protect your assets. Call today to set up a consultation and quote.

Nashville, TN Sean Dickerson 800-600-0991 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

“Trucking’s Voice in Alabama”

PO Box 242337 • Montgomery, AL 36124-2337 • Phone: (334)834-3983 • Fax: (334)262-6504

Application For Membership DIVISION Motor Carriers: ❑ Domiciled In Alabama ❑ All other For-Hire ❑ Household Movers ❑ Private Carriers

Allied Industry: ❑ Local and State Suppliers ❑ Nat’l Concerns, small items ❑ Nat’l Concerns, major items

Your Dues Amount: $ __________________ (see schedule on reverse) Firm Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (PO Box) ____________________________________(Street)__________________________________________________ City __________________________________________State __________________________ Zip ________________________ Telephone: __________________________________Fax ______________________________800/ __________________________ Email address: ________________________________________Website Address: __________________________________________ Type of Business: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Official Representative : __________________________________________________Title: __________________________________ Alternate Representative: __________________________________________________Title: __________________________________ Signed: ______________________________________Date: ____________Referred by:____________________________________

CONTRIBUTIONS OR GIFTS TO THE ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, INC., ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. HOWEVER, THEY MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ORDINARY AND NECESSARY BUSINESS EXPENSES.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY CODE # _________________ Freq_____________________

ACT ____________________

BC ____________________

Check # __________________

Exp Date__________________

ATU ____________________

DC ____________________

Dues Amt ________________

Nxt Bill Date _______________

MAG __________________

400 ____________________

Mbr Class ________________

AL Sen___________________

MC ____________________

WCSIF __________________

GC ____________________

CONTACT SHEET __________

Mbr Type _________________

AL Hse___________________

YR ____________________

WINFAX ________________

Dues Cat _________________

CG Dist __________________

Date_____________________

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

LTR/PLQ ________________

Schedule of Membership Dues A. Motor Carriers Domiciled in Alabama 1) Gross Annual Revenue Under and not over 1,000,000 and not over 5,000,000 and not over 10,000,000 and not over 15,000,000

$999,999 4,999,999 9,999,999 14,999,999 19,999,999

Annual Dues $500 600 900 1,200 1,500

2) Gross Annual Revenue 20,000,000 and not over 25,000,000 and not over 30,000,000 and not over 35,000,000 and not over 40,000,000 and over

$24,999,999 29,999,999 34,999,999 39,999,999

Annual Dues $1,800 2,100 2,400 2,700 3,000

B. All Other For-Hire and Private Carriers Schedule based on miles traveled in Alabama From 0 500,001 1,000,001 2,000,001 3,000,001 4,000,001 5,000,001 6,000,001 7,000,001 8,000,001 9,000,001

To 500,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 8,000,000 9,000,000 10,000,000

Annual $200 250 360 510 640 750 870 960 1,040 1,150 1,250

From 10,000,001 11,000,001 12,000,001 13,000,001 14,000,001 15,000,001 16,000,001 17,000,001 18,000,001 19,000,001 20,000,001

To 11,000,000 12,000,000 13,000,000 14,000,000 15,000,000 16,000,000 17,000,000 18,000,000 19,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000

Annual $1,320 1,410 1,495 1,575 1,650 1,720 1,795 1,865 1,950 2,030 2,500

C. Allied Industry – Annual Dues • Local and State Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 • National Concerns (distributors or manufactuers of accessories, parts and small equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400 • National Concerns (distributors or manufacturers of major equipment, integrated product lines, leasing companies and companies marketing statewide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600 D. Household Movers Based on intrastate revenue only - includes tariff participation 1) Gross Annual Revenue Not Over 100,001 and not over 150,001 and not over 200,000 and not over

$100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000

Annual Dues $420 480 540 600

2) Gross Annual Revenue 250,001 and not over 300,001 and not over 400,001 and not over

Annual Dues $780 $300,000 900 400,000 1,200 500,000

Payment Schedule (Dues payable in advance) Below $500...................................................................Annually $500 - $1,200 ......................................................Semi-Annually

Above $1,200 ................................................................Monthly

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT – The amount of dues paid by individual members of the Alabama Trucking Association is confidential information and is not subject to publication. Dues information can only be released by ATA to the principal representative of the member in question, and requests by other persons or parties will not be honored. Members are strongly urged to honor this privacy statement and to not share their confidential dues information with other ATA members or the general public. 32

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

As a member of the Alabama Trucking Association you can realize significant savings on more than 35,000 office supplies by ordering through our Web site, www.alabamatrucking.org. We have added even stronger discounts on toner and inkjet cartridges.

A LABAMA T RUCKER â&#x20AC;˘ 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

2012 ATA BUYER’s We make every effort to ensure this list is correct. For changes or corrections to your company’s listing, contact Jane Nixon at jnixon@alabamatrucking.org.

Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have taking an active role in supporting Alabama’s trucking industry by becoming members of the Association. We ask that each time you plan a purchase that you consult this guide and give ATA members the opportunity to gain your business. These companies proudly support your association and deserve your support, as well.

Aronov Insurance, Inc. (205) 907-9622 www.aronovinsurance.com

Zurich (800) 553-3055 www.zurichna.com/zdu

Avizent (205) 581-9283 www.avizentrisk.com

ADVERTISING/PUBLISHING Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information (205) 349-2990 www.rrpub.com

Paccar Parts/Kenworth (205) 679-7925 www.kenworth.com

The Baxter Agency (334) 678-6800 www.baxteragency.com

MEDICAL/DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES Alabama Specialty Clinic (256) 736-1460 www.ascoccupationalhealth.com

Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net

BB & T Insurance Services (912) 201-4706

BUS SALES & SERVICE Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Transportation South, Inc. (205) 663-2287 www.thebuscenter.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. (334) 693-3318 www.rushingenterprises.com COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com PeopleNet (888) 346-3486 www.peoplenetonline.com QUALCOMM, Inc. (770) 271-3654 www.qualcomm.com/qwbs XATA Corp. (501) 835-1585 www.xata.com EDUCATION & TRAINING J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.com

Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com Westport HD div. of Westport Innovations, Inc. (251) 635-7143 www.westport.com EQUIPMENT LEASING H.E.C. Leasing, LLC (615) 324-3538 www.hecleasing.com National Semi-Trailer Corp. (205) 520-0050 www.nationalsemi.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com Truck & Trailer Leasing Corp. (256) 831-6880 EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING BigBee Steel (256) 383-7322 www.bigbee.com Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing (205) 601-8440 www.roadranger.com EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Airgas Specialty Products (205) 515-5498 www.airgasdef.com Ancra International, LLC (334) 306-4372 www.ancra.com

Messerschmidt Safety Consulting (205) 444-0071 www.mscrecon.com

Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 www.dothantarp.com

National Trucking Safety Consultants, LLC (850) 939-8926 www.expertwitness.com/brown

Fleet Air Technologies, Inc. (256) 754-0034 www.fleetairtech.com

FleetPride, Inc. Transportation Safety Services (205) 322-5621 (251) 661-9700 www.fleetpride.com www.transportationsafetyservices.com GFA, Alabama Trucking Partners, LLC (205) 277-2157 (256) 737-8788 www.gfany.net www.truckingpartners.com Imperial Supplies LLC USA Driver-s, Inc. (920) 494-7474 (205) 661-0712 www.imperialsupplies.com www.usadrivers.com Kinedyne Corp. Wise Consulting, LLC (334) 365-2919 (256) 709-0768 www.kinedyne.com ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Mid-South, LLC (901) 488-8033 www.cummins.com

Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. (205) 323-2877 www.metrotrailer.net

Benton & Parker Insurance Services Thermo King of B’ham-Thermo King (770) 536-8340 www.bentonandparker.com of Montgomery-Thermo King of Dothan Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 591-2424 (205) 822-7577 www.midstatetk.com www.caribouins.com Thompson/Caterpillar Cottingham and Butler (205) 849-4365 (407) 850-0894 www.thompsontractor.com www.cottinghambutler.com W.W. Williams Great West Casualty Co. (205) 252-9025 (865) 670-6573 (334) 279-6083 www.gwccnet.com www.wwwilliams.com ESCORT SERVICE ESTATE AND BUSINESS PLANNING Christian & Small LLP (205) 795-6588 www.csattorneys.com FINANCIAL SERVICES BancorpSouth Equipment Finance (205) 422-7111 www.bxsequipmentfinance.com BBVA Compass (205) 297-3349 www.bbvacompass.com Freight Capital (800) 775-0391 www.freightcapital.com GE Capital (770) 960-6307 www.getransfin.com KSM Transport Advisors, LLC (317) 580-2324 www.ksmta.com People’s Capital & Leasing Corp. (205) 856-9354 www.peoples.com People’s United Equipment Finance Corp. (205) 664-9374 www.financialfederal.com Power Funding (256) 606-1546 www.powerfundingltd.com Renasant Bank (334) 223-1445 www.renasant.com Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC (256) 739-0312 www.wakm.com

Bradley Screening, LLC (334) 272-3539 www.bradleyscreening Carlisle Medical, Inc. (251) 344-7988 www.carlislemedical.com Employers Drug Program Mgmt., Inc. (205) 326-3100 www.edpm.com ErgoScience, Inc. (205) 879-6447 www.ergoscience.com J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695

Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5450 www.bhs-inc.com

Johnson-Locklin & Associates (205) 980-8008 www.johnson-locklin.com

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Liberty Mutual Group (804) 380-5169 www.libertymutual,com Liberty Truck Insurance (205) 322-6695 Marvin Johnson & Associates, Inc. (812) 372-0841 www.mjai.com McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc. (205) 252-9871 www.mcgriff.com Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 670-6544 www.joemorten.com

Hollingsworth Oil Co. (205) 424-5823 www.hoclubes.com Jack Green Oil Co., Inc. (256) 831-1038 Kimbro Oil Company (615) 320-7484 www.kimbrooil.com Major Oil Company, Inc. (334) 263-9070 www.unitedfoodandfuel.com The McPherson Companies, Inc. (888) 802-7500 www.mcphersonoil.com W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com

S. S. Nesbitt (205) 262-2620 www.ssnesbitt.com Palomar Insurance Corp. (334) 270-0105 www.palomarinsurance.com Regions Insurance, Inc. (501) 661-4880 www.regions.com Regions Insurance/Barksdale Bonding (334) 808-9441 www.barksdalebonding.com Reliance Partners, Inc. (877) 668-1704 www.reliancepartners.com

Sentry Insurance (800) 610-4888 Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. www.sentry.com (615) 587-9032 Trans Con Assurance, LTD www.wellsfargo.com (205) 978-7070 INSURANCE Turner & Hamrick L.L.C. Aon Risk Solutions (334) 566-7665 (501) 374-9300 www.turnerhamrick.com www.aon.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Attorneys: Albrittons, Clifton & Moody P.C. (334) 222-3177 www.albrittons.com Austill, Lewis & Pipkin, P.C. (205) 870-3767 www.maplaw.com Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. (205) 328-0480 www.bakerdonelson.com Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. 334-387-7680 www.ball-ball.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Guide

(as of March 1, 2012)

Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson (800) 582-3793 www.carrallison.com

JP Transportation Safety Consulting (205) 329-8182 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.com

Christian & Small, LLP (205) 795-6588 www.csattorneys.com

McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com

DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com

Mobile Asphalt Co., LLC (251) 408-0770 www.mobileasphalt.com

Ferguson, Frost & Dodson, LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffdlaw.com

Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455

Fisher & Phillips, LLP (404) 231-1400 www.laborlawyers.com Friedman, Leak, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedmanleak.com Haskell, Slaughter, Young & Rediker, LLC (205) 251-1000 www.hsy.com Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart (205) 328-1900 www.ogletreedeakins.com James M. Sizemore, Jr. (256) 409-1985 Webster, Henry, Lyons, White, Bradwell & Black, P.C. (334) 264-9472 www.websterhenry.com Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC (251) 694-1700 www.ziemanspeegle.com Other Services: ACS Expedited Solutions (801) 349-2433 www.acsexpeditedsolutions.com ACS State and Local Solutions, Inc. (931) 520-7170 www.prepass.com Ahern & Associates LTD (602) 242-1030 www.ahern-LTD.com Best Drivers (205) 916-0259 www.bestdrivers.com Direct Chassislink (704) 571-2155 www.chassislink.com The Earl Dove Co., LLC (334) 793-7117 George L. Edwards & Assoc. (334) 745-5166 FleetMatics USA, LLC (847) 378-4380 www.fleetmatics.com J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Jeffers Trucking, Inc. (205) 808-1112

Payroll Management, Inc. (800) 243-5604 www.pmipeo.com Power South Energy Cooperative (334) 427-3207 www.powersouth.com Quality Vehicle Processing, LLC (205) 507-2758 Riley Sales and Distribution (256) 872-6620 Securance Group, Inc. (334) 272-1200 www.securancegroup.com

Carrier Transicold South (404) 968-3130 www.ctsouth.com Carroll Truck Repair, Inc. (205) 983-3375 Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 www.childersburg-truck.com

TRAILER DEALERS/ MANUFACTURERS C & C Trailers, Inc. (334) 897-2202 Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com

Mack Trucks, Inc. (678) 201-4770 www.macktrucks.com

Fontaine Fifth Wheel NA (205) 421-4300 www.fifthwheel.com

Neely Coble Co. (256) 350-1630 www.neelycoble.com

Great Dane Trailers (205) 324-3491 www.greatdanetrailers.com

Nextran Truck Corporation (205) 841-4450 www.nextrancorp.com

Lazzari Truck Repair, Inc. (251) 626-5121

Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc. (251) 438-5521 www.gulfcity.com

Peterbilt Motors Co. (615) 208-1800 www.peterbilt.com

Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. (205) 323-2877 www.metrotrailer.net

Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. (251) 476-2744 www.gulfcoasttruck.com

Peterbilt of Montgomery & Birmingham LLC (800) 264-4555 www.peterbilttruckcenters.com

Rowe Management Corp. (205) 486-9235 www.rowemachinery.com

R C Trailer Sales & Service Co., Inc. (205) 680-0924 www.rctrailersales.net

Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc. (334) 687-0391 H & M Trailer Repair, Inc. (334) 262-0692

Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com

Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.com Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com

Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com

Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com

Tennessee Valley Recycling LLC (256) 353-6351 www.tvrllc.com

Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com

Transport Trailer Center TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS (334) 299-3573 Best-One Tire & Service (615) 785-2834 Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC www.bestonetire.com (334) 794-7345 www.utilityalabama.com Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC Bridgestone/Bandag Tire Solutions (205) 788-4000 (800) 681-6245 TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS www.trucktires.com Action Truck Center Transportation Compliance (334) 794-8505 Services, USA Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. www.actiontruckcenter.com (228) 872-7160 (334) 376-0178 www.dottrucksafety.com Birmingham Freightliner Columbus Tire Co., Inc. (205) 322-6695 Transportation Safety Services (706) 321-8133 www.birminghamfreightliner.com (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com www.columbustireco.com Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer GCR Tire Centers (334) 262-8856 Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 914-6818 www.capitalvolvo.com (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com Integrated Waste Services, LLC Coffman International Trucks (205) 620-5812 (334) 794-4111 Trucking Partners, LLC www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com (256) 737-8788 McGriff Tire Co. www.truckingpartners.com (256) 739-0710 Empire Truck Sales, LLC www.mcgriffindustries.com (601) 939-1000 Welborn & Associates, Inc. www.empiretruck.com (423) 822-1608 McGriff Treading Co., Inc. www.transportcap.com (256) 734-4298 Four Star Freightliner www.mcgriffindustries.com (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) Real Estate: Mary Lou’s Team RE/MAX, Inc. www.alabamafreightliner.com (205) 566-5911 Michelin North America, Inc. www.marylousteam.com (864) 201-6177 Freightliner Trucks/Daimler Trucks www.michelintruck.com North America Repairs: (404) 368-6860 Big Moe Spring & Alignment of Snider Tire, Inc. www.freightlinertrucks.com B’ham, Inc. (404) 361-0130 (205) 780-0290 www.snidertire.com International Truck & Engine Corp./Navistar Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (813) 382-3113 (205) 322-4844 (256) 878-0211 www.internationaldelivers.com birminghamframeandalignment.com www.wilkstire.com Kenworth of Alabama Carl Carson Truck Center, Inc. (205) 326-6170 (205) 592-9966 www.kenworthofalabama.com www.carlcarson.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012

Long-Lewis Sterling Truck Sales (205) 428-6241 www.longlewistrucks.com

Equipment Logistics, Inc. (256) 739-9280

Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. www.starleasing.com (205) 664-2000 www.specenviro.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. www.thompsontractor.com (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 Teletrac, Inc. (334) 279-6083 (714) 897-0877 www.wwwilliams.com www.teletrac.net TMW Systems, Inc. (216) 831-6606 www.tmwsystems.com

Kenworth of Huntsville, Inc. (256) 308-0162 www.kenworthofalabama.com

Volvo Trucks North America (336) 393-2975 www.volvotrucks.volvo.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERS Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (770) 304-3355 www.rbauction.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com TRUCKSTOPS Love’s Travel Stops, Inc. (405) 202-4451 www.loves.com Oasis Travel Center, LLC (251) 960-1148 Pilot Flying J (800) 562-6210 www.pilotflyingj.com TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (404) 231-4142 www.tatravelcenters.com VEHICLE LEASING National Semi-Trailer Corp. (205) 520-0050 www.nationalsemi.com Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

ATA

new membeRs & evenTs

ATA Calendar of Events

New Members (12/1/2011 to 3/1/2012)

Fleet Safety Awards March 26, 2012

Abe Wills Trucking LLC Mr. Abe Wills Talladega, AL 35160 (256) 591-5725

Gannon Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Frank R. Gannon Birmingham, AL 35216 (205) 516-9110

Baldwin Pole and Piling Co., Inc Mr. Earl Stephens Bay Minette, AL 36507 (251) 937-1022

Geneva Logistics, LLC Ms. Joy Thames Geneva, AL 36340 (334) 684-6450

ATA Annual Convention April 26-29, 2012 ATA Board of Director’s Meeting April 28, 2012 Alabama Truck Driving Championships June 1-2, 2012 ATA Board of Director’s Meeting & Officer Installation June 26, 2012 National Truck Driver Championships August 7-11, 2012 (Minneapolis, Minn.) National Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 16-22, 2012 ATA Golf Classic October 2, 2012 American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition October 7-10, 2012 (Las Vegas, Nev.) SMMC Christmas Celebration December 10, 2012

For Advertising Info Call Ford Boswell 334-834-3983 36

Birmingham Freightliner Mr. Mike Thompson Birmingham, AL 35214 (205) 322-6695 CDP Trucking, LLC Mr. Clinton Harris Bessemer, AL 35020 (205) 424-5216 Columbus Tire Co., Inc Mr. Dan Snavely Columbus, GA 31901 (706) 321-8133 Confirmed Delivery Logistics, LLC Ms. Mary Ann Morgan Lincoln, AL 35096 (205) 763-1092 CSS Transport Service Mr. Chris Sanders Tuskegee, AL 36083 (334) 826-0109

GFA, Alabama Mr. Patrick Freeman McCalla, AL 35111 (205) 277-2157 Hamrac Trucking Mr. Bobby Hamrac Frisco City, AL 36445 (251) 575-9144 James Reed Trucking Mr. James E. Reed Bay Minette, AL 36507 (251) 937-6661 Jerry W Taylor Trucking, LLC Mr. Jerry W. Taylor Hamilton, AL 35570 (205) 921-7241 Kimbro Oil Company Mr. Cliff Druit Alabaster, AL 35007 (615) 320-7484

Major Lubricants Co. Inc. Mr. Robert L. Chambliss Montgomery, AL 36108 (334) 263-5404

Riley Sales and Distribution Mr. Rick Riley Sylacauga, AL 35150 (256) 872-6620

Mary Lou’s Team Remax, Inc Mr. Gene Vonderau Helena, AL 35080 (205) 566-5911

S & D LLC Mr. Sam Mullens Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-2733

Move Daddy Enterprises LLC Mr. Sean J. Palmer Columbiana, AL 35051 (205) 208-0100 Pace Runners, Inc. Mr. Casey Crook Birmingham, AL 35236 (205) 621-9013

Service Chemical Industries Mr. Glen Langley Birmingham, AL 35204 (205) 252-9955 Umphrey Truck Lines, Inc Ms. Angie Fuller Gadsden, AL 35904 (256) 442-6928 Westport HD/Westport Innovations Inc Mr. Keith Clark Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 635-7143

PROMOVERS Mr. Sammy O. Cantrell Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 673-4852 Renasant Bank Mr. Gerald Boone Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 301-5955

D V E R T I S I N G

N D E X

ADVERTISER PG. NO. PH. NO. ACS 29 (877) 245-4166 ATA WCSIF BC (334) 834-7911 The Baxter Agency 21 (800) 873-8494 Carrier Transicold South 7 (205) 328-7278 Great Dane IBC (800) 383-0094 Great West Casualty Co. 13 (800) 228-8053 HEC Leasing, LLC 17 (615) 471-9300 International Trucks IFC (800) 844-4102 JP Transportation Safety Consulting 12 (205) 329-8183 J.J. Keller 9 (888) 473-4638 ext. 7892 PrePass 24 (800) 773-7277 Regions Insurance 28 (800) 807-1412 Remax/Gene Vonderau 23 (800) 306-0010 Thompson Cat 3 (205) 849-4288 Turner & Hamrick 16 (888) 385-0186 WH Thomas Oil Co. 18 (205) 755-2610 UPS 27 (800) 325-7000 W.W. Williams 15 (800) 365-3780

WEB ADDRESS www.trippak.com www.atacompfund.org www.baxteragency.com www.trucktrailer.carrier.com www.greatdanetrailers.com www.gwccnet.com www.hecleasing.com www.navistar.com www.jptsc.com www.jjkellermobile.com www.prepass.com www.regionsinsurance.com www.thompsontractor.com www.turnerhamrick.com www.thomasoil.com www.ups.com www.wwwilliams.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2012