Alabama Trucker, 1st Quarter 2015

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Officers Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne Watkins Vice Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greg Brown Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce MacDonald Immediate Past Chairman . . . . .Kevin Savoy

ATA Board of Directors Steve Aronhalt, Dennis Bailey, Robert Barnett, Aubrey Baugh, Rhonda Bees, Joe Black, Gary Bond, Jack Brim, Ray Brock, Will Bruser, Mike Callahan, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church, Mark Coffman, Jeff Coleman, John Collier, Rodger Collins, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Gail Cooper, Al Cox, Jerry Davis, Ranny Davis, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Russ Elrod, Dean Flint, Jack Fricks, Terry Kilpatrick, Susan Kirkpatrick, Jason King, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Drew Linn, Hunter Lyons, Bart McCrory, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Tom McLeod, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Ross Neely, Jr., Tommy Neely, George Overstreet, Butch Owens, Clay Palm, Jim Pickens, Mike Pursley, David Rouse, Bill Scruggs, Danny Smith, Harold Sorrells, Ronnie Stephenson, Steve Stinson, Paul Storey, John Summerford, James Suttles, Bill Ward, Scott White, David Wildberger, Skip Williams, T.J. Willings, Keith Wise.

ATA Staff

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WTI celebrates 25 years

Last December, Tuscaloosa’s WTI Transport reached a quarter century in business through delivering quality services, focusing on fleet safety, and making individual employee success a priority. The standout flatbed carrier celebrated the milestone by building an incredible driver facility and naming it in honor of one of its first drivers.

ATA sues for fair tax assessment

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Ever heard of someone paying the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a new truck? Few have, but for some reason the state of Alabama prefers to tax new truck purchases on MSRP rather than the actual price paid. Soon, ATA gets its day in court to change that practice when its lawsuit against the State goes to trial in Montgomery on March 16.

Fighting to end trafficking

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

The Alabama Trucking Association has joined Truckers Against Trafficking’s crusade to end human trafficking and forced prostitution at truck stops, rest areas and other locations frequently used by members of the trucking industry.

ATA WCSIF Staff

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Kimble Coaker, CEO & Fund Administrator Don Boatright, COO Don Anchors, Director of Loss Control & Safety Todd Hager, Director of Claims Debra Calhoun, Office Manager Scott Hunter, MS, CDS, Loss Control Engineer Duane Calhoun, CDS, Loss Control Engineer Kimberly Best, Payroll/Audit Coordinator Kim Campbell, Underwriting Coordinator Katie Edwards, Accounting Specialist Kim Sims, Administrative Assistant Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337.

ADVERTISING RATES: Quoted upon request.

E P A R T M E N T S

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Alabama Trucking Association

Alabama Trucking Association 334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org

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From the President

Tax Man Cometh

G Frank Filgo, CAE President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘The impact of doubling sales tax on a $130,000 truck – less Federal Excise Tax (FET) – would be an additional $2,288.’

overnor Bentley recently unveiled his much-anticipated plan to raise an additional $541 million in taxes to shore up the state’s general fund budget.

To the surprise of many, a major part of his tax initiative purportedly is to double the sales tax on the purchase of vehicles, including large trucks and semitrailers. Furthermore, the state lease tax is increased from 1.5 percent to 4 percent. Both tax proposals account for 43 percent of the overall tax package revenue.

The impact of doubling the sales tax on a $130,000 truck (12 percent Federal Excise Tax of $15,600 and purchase price of $114,400) would be an additional $2,288.

This is in addition to the current 2 percent state sales tax, an average of 2.5 percent for local sales taxes, and the FET (which is really a federal sales tax) on new equipment at a rate of 12 percent. Cumulatively, the current tax paid to federal, state and local government is 16.5 percent, which would increase to 18.5 percent resulting in add-ons of $21,164. As local jurisdictions match the increase (as they inevitably will), this figure would rise yet again.

Doubling the sales tax on a new semitrailer at $25,000 (less FET) would result in an increase of $440.

The increase of the state lease tax from 1.5 percent to 4 percent would amount to an additional $50 added to a $2,000 monthly truck lease rate, for a total of $1,800 for a three-year period.

Governor Bentley’s press release stated that the tax increase proposals focused on “tax fairness.” However, I offer the following facts to suggest otherwise: l A reduced sales tax rate on vehicles is justified since, unlike almost all other consumer goods, the effective rate on most vehicles is several times the actual rate since the 2 percent tax is charged on the selling price each time the vehicle is exchanged, whether through a dealer or between individuals. l Most states exempt sales taxes on trucks and trailers. Mississippi recently exempted IRP trucks from paying a state sales tax.

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Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas are just a few of the surrounding states that exempt sales tax on trucks and trailers. An increase in sales tax puts Alabama motor carriers at a significant disadvantage. l In addition to sales tax, trucks and trailers generate millions of additional tax dollars through motor fuel taxes, tag fees, title fees, ad valorem taxes, and sales taxes on repair parts. l There are more than 300 city and county vehicle taxes that could follow suit and increase the local sales taxes as it exists on other consumer goods. In Montgomery that tops out at 10 percent which, with the federal excise tax, will make the total 22 percent. l EPA emission regulations have increased truck costs by an estimated $40,000.

Additional tax increases on motor carrier equipment at the federal, state and local level invariably drive up Alabama motor carriers’ costs of doing business. l Motor carriers involved in interstate commerce could conceivably purchase their equipment elsewhere, reducing Alabama’s sales tax receipts. l Since lending institutions limit the amount a consumer can borrow based on anticipated resale value of a vehicle exclusive of the tax cost, it may be difficult for motor carriers to finance the additional tax, making it impossible to purchase new equipment. l The tax increases will adversely impact the private sector. Such an adverse impact in a weak economy will cause further deterioration in the State’s gross domestic product making it more difficult to hire new employees, increase pay for employees and make capital investments.

In summary, reduced sales taxes on motor vehicle equipment are justified and the proposed increases put Alabama motor carriers at a competitive disadvantage. Respectfully, we fail to see any hint of tax fairness.

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Power in People WTI Transport reaches a major company milestone by delivering quality services, focusing of fleet safety, and making individual employee success a priority.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. n its 25 years, WTI Transport has enjoyed steady growth and success since opening its doors here in November 1989. And while shrewd business maneuvers by its management team has placed the company in the best possible position to achieve that growth, company officials are quick to point to the dedication of its driver network as the main force behind its many accolades.

Through the years, the company has experienced a few changes to corporate structure, but one trait has always remained: a commitment to the success of individual

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employees from boardroom to truck cab.

WTI, a subsidiary of Boyd Bros. Transportation, is part of the Daseke family of open-back/flatbed carriers.

With its vast fleet network, Daseke ranks as the second largest open-deck carrier in North America, according to industry publications.

Today, WTI has more than 400 employees and drivers at four terminals (Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Whites Creek, Tenn.) servicing 26 states, primarily in the Southeast, Southwest, Northeast and Midwest. Main shipments consist of roofing, building materials and all types of iron and steel products from local manufacturers.

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WTI, a subsidiary of Boyd Bros. Transportation, is part of the Daseke family of open-back/flatbed carriers. With a vast network of fleets, Daseke ranks as the second largest open-deck carrier in North America.

Culture of Success Like the well-known collegiate athletic program that shares its same hometown, WTI is regularly celebrated for its many successes and accomplishments. Anytime you glance at an industry list of top carriers, there’s typically a slew of familiar names, and in recent years, WTI has been a mainstay on more than a few.

For example, for four straight years (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014), the company ranks nationally among the Best Fleets to Drive For by the Truckload Carriers Association. It has also been recognized for overall fleet safety from both the American Trucking Associations and the Alabama Trucking Association.

WTI employees have also fared well at the Alabama Trucking Association’s annual individual safety awards including 2010 Alabama Safety Professional of the Year Cecil Harris, and numerous nominations for other individual awards.

At its annual fleet safety awards last fall, National ATA tapped WTI as the top carrier in the Over 10 Million Mile Flatbed/Linehaul Division, beating out more than 200 other applicants. National ATA officials noted that with an accident rate of 0.31 per million miles, WTI won the award by a record margin — the closest fleet in the competition had a rate of 0.44. Considering that the national average for truck accidents in the flatbed segment is 0.54 per million miles, it’s one of the company’s greatest achievements to date.

“We couldn’t be more proud of our drivers – they are the ones who made that happen,” said WTI president Rendy Taylor. “Safety has always been a priority here, along with our on-time delivery rate, which is pegged at 98.6 percent. Our people have done a phenomenal job, and we’re only getting better. Since joining the Daseke family, we’ve A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2015

had mentorship and a partnership with our sister companies. That’s allowed us to grow and become better as we glean best practices from some of the best transportation minds in the industry.”

With close to 400 drivers — a 40/60 split between company and owner operators – piloting nearly 700 tractor-trailers, WTI is one of the area’s largest employers. Company officials say its growth can be attributed to customer service, a dedicated group of drivers, and a culture of success fostered by a true family atmosphere.

But, all things considered, drivers are the firm’s bread and butter.

“Drivers are not only the fiber, but a catalyst for our growth,” adds Taylor. “We’ve hired the right people and have offered programs, such as our lease/purchase option for becoming an owner operator.

That (program has) become very popular. It’s one reason why our turnover rate is about half the industry average.”

History The company was started by friends Steve Rumsey (who is still an executive with the company) and Miller Welborn. The partners got their feet wet in the industry working at a trucking company owned

by Rumsey’s father-in-law. After a few years of learning the business, they decided to start their own company with a fleet of 12 trucks and a big dream.

The company grew and added capacity as the market required.

They forged strong relationships with customers by always doing exactly what was promised. If something fell short of perfect, the issues was addressed as quickly as possible.

As word spread of the growing company, new opportunities appeared. In 1997, The Boyd Companies acquired WTI. Boyd presi5

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dent Chris Cooper says that two companies were a great match.

“We were asset heavy, and WTI was asset light with quite a few owner-operators hauling their loads,” he said. “We saw true synergy between the companies that would allow each to grow.”

And, both have. For instance, Boyd is today among the leading flatbed haulers in the U.S., and WTI has doubled in size since coming under the Boyd umbrella.

Emotional Tribute

WTI recently dedicated its new driver facility for the operation’s first driver, Willie Brown.

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In December, as part of its anniversary celebration, WTI built and unveiled the Willie Barnes Driver’s Suite at the Tuscaloosa company headquarters and terminal. The new driver building was named in honor of a long-time WTI driver who succumbed to cancer in 2013.

“The dedication ceremony couldn’t have been much more emotional,” said Taylor. “I was so close to Willie that I just couldn’t do it. I had to have Steve Rumsey, one of our founders, help make the dedication.”

Barnes was the first driver hired at WTI, and according to many he was the operation’s anchor.

“He was with us from day one,” says Taylor. “He loved driving a truck, and everyone looked up to him. He meant so much to us. He lost his life to cancer a year ago, but we decided that he would never leave us. We wanted to honor him by naming our new driver’s suite after him.”

Nearly 100 people attended the anniversary celebration, including Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox, Barnes’ wife, Barbara, and their son, Anthony Prewitt, who is currently a WTI fleet manager.

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For four straight years, WTI has ranked nationally among the Best Fleets to Drive For by the Truckload Carriers Association.

“There were more than a few tears shed during the dedication,” said Taylor. “We honored Willie, and then we toasted all our drivers who have helped us have 25 great years. We’re now onto the next 25 and we’re as passionate and dedicated as we were when the company began.”

“The belief of both companies has always been that drivers are the fiber of our existence,” said Cooper. “It’s a philosophy lived and breathed each day, and we were thrilled that WTI opened its new driver’s suite in honor of (Mr. Barnes).”

According to Taylor, drivers are thrilled with the new building. It offers a quiet room with recliners, big-screen TVs, a lounge area with food and drinks, an exercise room, and a laundry facility. “It’s a tremendous facility for our drivers, who come in on breaks or when they have to have maintenance done on their trucks,” said Taylor.

“We know they have one of the toughest jobs in the trucking industry and we want to take care of them – the suite makes life a bit more comfortable when they come to Tuscaloosa.”

According to Don Daseke, president and CEO of Daseke, the anniversary celebration, and the company’s dedication and appreciation of drivers, only reinforced his decision to bring The Boyd Companies and WTI into the Daseke fold.

“The Boyd Companies and WTI truly epitomize our philosophy that people make the difference – we’ve always said we invest in people, not companies,” said Daseke. “WTI has a beautiful facility, with late-model equipment and is extremely well-managed under the guidance of Rendy. But he can’t do it without the support of his staff and drivers – and they’re all committed to one goal, and that is to be the premier carrier in the region.”

— Compiled and edited by Ford Boswell A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2015

Company president Rendy Taylor (top right) consoles Anthony Prewitt and Barbara Barnes (son and wife, respectively of Willie Barnes).

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FOLLOW UP...

ATA ready for its day in court over truck value assessments

By Ford Boswell MONTGOMERY, Ala. ast summer, the Alabama Trucking Association filed a lawsuit with the 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama challenging the way the Alabama Dept. of Revenue assesses property tax on new truck purchases.

The case seeks relief from the Department’s practice of artificially inflating values used to tax new commercial motor vehicles unrelated to their actual value. The state does this while the 1901 Alabama constitution, Alabama’s statutes, and a previous court decision all indicate that commercial motor vehicles be appraised for property tax purposes at their actual fair market value.

In a nutshell, the Association contends that Alabama incorrectly assesses taxes due on new truck and other rolling stock Alabama taxes trucks at 89 percent of MSRP (which purchases at 89 percent includes an 11 percent exemption for devices like of the manufacturer’s APUs). suggested retail price (MSRP) rather than the vehicle’s actual invoiced purchase price.

If ATA wins, it would mean savings of approximately $500 per new truck purchase, depending on the transaction.

According to the Association’s attorney James Sizemore, Alabama’s current regulation states that “market value shall be a certain figure precluding evidence of any other value other than the one the state places on it.”

He explains that the Dept. of Revenue mandates a market value

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ATA argues the value of a new truck is the price paid, not MSRP.

for a purchase using the MSRP as a guideline and disregards all other indications of value.

“So far as I can determine, I have been unable to find anyone who pays the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a new truck,” Sizemore says, “but the regulation ties this taxable value to a factor that is really not an indicium of value. Most of the evidence of rules provides that an offer to sell (which is really all the MSRP is) is not evidence of value.”

Sizemore says there are other ways than MSRP to determine property value. “The true value of a truck you just bought actually is available — it’s the price that you paid for it,” he argues. “(The State) ignores that and imposes a market value of 89 percent of the MSRP. They arrive at that 89 percent because of a provision in the Alabama code that exempts property tax for pollution control de-

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vices (such as APUs).”

The Alabama Constitution of 1901 states that “all taxes levied on property shall be assessed in exact proportion to its value.”

“The Constitution elsewhere states that property shall be assessed for ad valorem purposes in the following ratio of assessed value to the fair and reasonable market value. Both of those provisions are violated by the regulation that (Dept. of Revenue) has promulgated,” Sizemore says.

Sizemore adds that the statutes adopted by the Legislature for the purposes of assessment require that “property shall be appraised for its fair and reasonable market value by taking into consideration all elements and factors bearing such value.” “(The Dept. of Revenue) also excludes that,” he adds.

Sizemore compares how the State currently taxes new truck purchases with how the Alabama Trucking Association believes they should be taxed based on state law.

As an example, Sizemore offers figures from an actual new truck The suit could save carriers more than $500 per truck. sale, purchased last October for

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$104,690. The published MSRP for that truck was $164,981 — $60,292 more than what was actually paid. If the state used the actual sale price it would mean a tax savings of $542.

ATA suit asks for four things: 1) the state Dept. of Revenue appraise new trucks at the fair market value (or the actual invoiced price paid); 2) that there be a complete disconnect from using MSRP in any formula to calculate value for taxing purposes; 3) that the sale price be used as the only indicator of value; and 4) use sale price when no other indicator of value exists.

Last year, ATA prevailed over the state in a separate lawsuit, with the result that interstate carriers with equipment based in Alabama may henceforth apportion their property tax instead of paying 100 percent to Alabama. ATA officials are confident that this current case will result in additional savings for Alabama trucking businesses.

For more information, contact ATA president Frank Filgo at ffilgo@alabamatrucking.org

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ATA Against Alabama Trucking Association joins national coalition to end human trafficking.

By Ford Boswell

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he Alabama Trucking Association recently joined forces with Truckers Against Trafficking, a Coloradobased non-profit organization fighting to end human trafficking and forced prostitution and slave labor at truck stops, rest areas and other locations.

According to statistics, human trafficking directly and indirectly affects thousands of lives across the U.S. Law enforcement officials say it’s a $32 billion-a-year business, which includes forced prostitution and forms of slave labor. The Dept. of Justice even estimates that between 100,000 to 300,000 of American children are at risk for entering the sex for sale industry each year.

And while some victims are sold online, in brothels, at clubs, and elsewhere, the FBI, through a series of stings during the past decade, has identified truck stops and rest areas as hotbeds of activity where women and children are forced into prostitution – most likely due to the transient nature of these locations and the risk of being caught or reported is low.

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Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) was co-founded six years ago by Kedis Paris and Kylla Lanier to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the trucking industry about the critical role they can play

in fighting one of the most lucrative and destructive crimes in the U.S. In the past, the trucking industry was seen rightly or wrongly as a willing partici-

pant to the sex trade. Public perception and tactics sought to shame truckers from buying sex.

Paris and her organization wisely chose a more inclusive and diplomatic approach to building a coalition, realizing that branding an entire industry ostracizes those who could actually help their cause. The former approach didn’t provide an avenue for the industry to build a role for itself in the fight against trafficking, beyond abstention; and more importantly, it failed to take into account more vital needs for victims – using a valuable, wellconnected resource like truck drivers to help rescue them from their terrible circumstances.

Since its inception, TAT has done a masterful job of partnering with every single actor in the trucking industry (from truck stop owners, to national and state trucking associations, trucking schools, trucking firms, independent driver organizations, among others).

The organization’s goals are simple: 1) Incorporate TAT materials as a regular part of training/orientation for drivers, so when they see or suspect human trafficking, they

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Trafficking Anyone suspecting human trafficking should call the TAT National Hotline at 888-373-7888. will call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 888-3737888 to report what they know; 2) Partner with law enforcement to facilitate the investigation of human trafficking; and 3) Marshall the vast trucking industry networks and resources to increase awareness and combat this crime.

Why Truckers?

According to TAT officials, ongoing sting operations by the FBI and other law enforcement personnel reveal that criminals and often target locations frequented by truckers to sell their wares. Since 2004, these sting operations have rescued hundreds of children, recovered millions of dollars and arrested numerous perpetrators. But much more can be done.

Traffickers raid schools, malls, online sites, streets and neighborhoods, stealing children – boys and girls, teens and young women – drugging, raping, beating, threatening and selling them for sex, as well as labor, and making millions. Sadly, some of these trafficking victims are as young as 11 years old.

In some known cases, traffickers have even hired truckers to haul their victims to various locations. Traffickers find safety for their work with transient populations. But truckers, in the course of their daily work, are continually on the move – and are well equipped to help through observations and overhearing conversations.

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Joining the Fight Current ATA Chairman of the Board Wayne Watkins of Watkins Trucking Co. in Birmingham learned of the organization through an employee at his firm and immediately asked ATA’s leadership to consider joining the fight against human trafficking.

“In my research of the Truckers Against Trafficking organization, it really surprised and disappointed me to learn that Alabama has only one trucking company actively training its drivers under the (TAT) program,” he said. “As a leader of the state’s trucking industry, I wanted that changed immediately, so I approached (ATA president) Frank Filgo to enlist the help of our Board of Directors to bring our organization into the fold.”

At its Board of Directors meeting in January, ATA’s leadership was overwhelmingly in favor of hitting the ground running to bring Alabama up to speed with other state’s support of TAT. ATA now joins more than 34 other state trucking associations as a TAT partner to end human trafficking.

The first step for the Association was to invite TAT’s deputy director Kylla Lanier to attend the group’s annual convention in April, when she will introduce her organization’s mission and message to more than 400 state trucking leaders.

Meanwhile, ATA staff will soon begin a membership awareness campaign to educate fleet owners and managers about how they can incorporate training for their drivers and employees about recognizing and reporting

human trafficking. “Once we get a few member firms on board, we will announce our involvement to the public,” says Watkins.

In the meantime, TAT provides scads of resources for fleet owners and managers to educate their employees, including a comprehensive website, www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org; a trucking-industry-specific training DVD; webinars; Human Trafficking 101 classes and other presentations; wallet cards truckers can carry with information to help them recognize trafficking and use a National Hotline number to call when it is suspected; and posters and additional materials the trucking industry can use for publicity and promotion.

Recruiting the trucking industry is only part of the plan. TAT also builds coalitions with state and local law enforcement, antitrafficking organizations and general managers of truck stops and travel plazas to further the apprehension of traffickers and the rescue of victims.

The organization strategizes with appropriate state and national agencies to have its materials implemented across all venues involving trucking and with state and local law enforcement and government on additional ways the trucking industry can provide invaluable help.

For more information on Truckers Against Trafficking or how you can help, contact ATA’s Ford Boswell at 334-8343983 or fboswell@alabamatrucking.org; or contact Truckers Against Trafficking directly at tat.truckers@gmail.com or visit www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org.

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights

Tim Frazier, CDS ATA Director of Safety and Member Services

Honoring Alabama’s Best ‘Our state is home to some of the best transportation professionals in the business.’

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he Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety and Maintenance Management Council gears everything it does toward promoting highway safety.

As the demands and stress of traffic, weather, freight volume, and regulations increase each year, it’s amazing to see the majority of our carrier members improving their safety performance. Considering the many obstacles and opportunities faced, our motor carriers and their drivers continue to prove our state is home to some of the best transportation professionals in the business.

These folks work so hard to stay on top and are rarely recognized outside the industry for their efforts. But for our Association, one of its most prestigious events is the annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet.

During our banquet, we recognize our safest fleets and our Association’s top transportation professionals. Individual professional award winners include the Fleet Manager of the Year, Maintenance Professional of the Year, Safety Professional of the Year, Presidents Award, and (in my humble opinion) the most important one: The Alabama Professional Driver of the Year.

The competition is not limited to Alabama based trucking firms. In fact, any company

with at least one facility within the state, and is a current dues-paying member of the Association, is eligible to submit entries. Company awards are based on miles run in Alabama and crash history for the past year. I’m always amazed at the number of carriers that have few or no accidents throughout the year. This data proves our carriers operate some of the safest fleets in the nation.

While the deadline to enter this year’s contest just ended, I honestly wish every eligible motor carrier would consider entering accident data for next year. This is such a great way to recognize your people for outstanding work. Plus, the plaques and trophies we present look great displayed in your facility—not to mention a great morale boost.

Meanwhile, we will present plaques for the top three performers for their respective classes, and improvement awards to all that have decreased accident frequency for the past year.

The SMMC Fleet Safety Awards are set for 5:30 p.m., March 23 at the Pelham Civic Center. Cost is $45 to attend and includes a fantastic dinner. I invite anyone who’d like to attend to contact Brandie Norcross at 334834-3983 or email her at bnorcross@ alabamatrucking.org for more information.

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MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS Final rule for stability control systems moves to White House Land Line’s David Tanner reported that a final rule for stability control devices on all new trucks moved to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review on Friday, Feb. 6.

The rule would mandate electronic stability control, or ESC, systems on new trucks and motor coaches. If the rule clears OMB, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be on track to publish a final version sometime later this year.

According to the report, NHTSA estimates the cost of ESC systems at $1,160 per truck, but that is an average that takes the most expensive systems and the cheapest systems into account.

Professional driver groups say ESC systems are too costly and far outweigh their advantges. Some even point out that the cheapest systems may not even meet the standards of a mandate. These groups also question NHTSA estimates for final costs to the industry as a whole, stating that costs will be much higher than anticipated.

However, the federal agency insists that trucking companies can simply pass the costs on to their customers.

NHTSA claims a mandate could prevent up to 2,300 crashes, 858 injuries and 60 fatalities each year. OOIDA believes those numbers are inflated based on “inaccurate assumptions” about truck crashes and about ESC systems.

State adds first new class of troopers in four years The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) recently added 21 troopers who graduated from the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center in Selma earlier this year. It’s the first new class of troopers in four years.

“We are very proud of ALEA State Trooper Class 2014-A,” said Col. John E. Richardson, who commands the ALEA state troopers. “This is the first trooper class to graduate since 2010.”

Due to underfunding and cutbacks, experts say that state troopers have been understaffed for years. For example, last year, there were only 289 troopers assigned to highway patrol, which is significantly less than the 871 recommended in a recent study by the University of Alabama.

Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement and chief executive of ALEA Spencer Collier A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2015

ATA safety council donates $4,000 to Alzheimer’s group At its annual Christmas party held last December in Birmingham, ATA’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council donated $4,000 to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, a non-profit organization that supports families caring for a family member or loved ones suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

The amount was made possible in part by individual donations from members of the Alabama Trucking Association and its Vance Holder, left, of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama acthree safety council chapters. But a surcepts a donation of $4,000 from Butch Owens of Golden prise donor was keynote speaker for the Flake Snack Foods. The donation was made possible by the event, local television personality James SMMC Benevolent Fund.

Spann, chief meteorologist for ABC 33/40. Spann donated his entire speaking fees (slightly more than $1,000) to the final sum for Alzheimer’s of Alabama.

“We are so grateful for our member’s continued generosity to the SMMC’s Benevolent Fund,” said Butch Owens of Golden Flake Snack Foods, who oversees the Fund. “Each year we pick a charity to support, and pass the hat around, so to speak. We had a good amount going into this year’s event, but we were pleasantly surprised when Mr. Spann graciously donated the amount we offered to pay him for speaking to our group. No one expected that. He’s an extremely busy person, but that kind of dedication to community service and support is pretty much par for the course for him – he’s the real deal.”

According to ACA Program Coordinator Vance Holder, who was in attendance to accept SMMC’s donation, said his group’s sole mission is to support families who care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Their organization assists families in more than 21 Alabama counties.

“We support those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s at home, whether it’s due to financial or personal reasons,” he says. “We provide these families supplies and scholarships for daycare and other support so they can care for their loved ones.”

The group currently serves about 130 families in central Alabama. For more information, please visit www.alzca.org. said, “With the addition of the new graduates, and the recent consolidation and reorganization of Alabama’s law enforcement agencies, ALEA was able to reallocate personnel and establish law enforcement priorities through a singular state police command structure resulting in more than 400 troopers now patrolling Alabama highways.”

TSA warns to expect delays for CDLs with hazmat endorsements ATA officials recently received word from Alabama CDL Coordinator Sgt. Brian Duke that applicants seeking a CDL with hazmat endorsements through the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program (HTAP) should be prepared for a slightly longer wait time for processing.

According to federal officials, due to the high volume of cases currently being processed by TSA, the normal turnaround for completion of HME STAs is now closer to 45 days versus the usual 30 days. Not a

huge problem, but TSA officials say they are working diligently to reduce case processing time as soon as possible.

Visit the program www.tsa.gov for more information.

Kevin Tomlinson named TMC general chairman Kevin Tomlinson, director of maintenance for South Shore Transportation in Sandusky, Ohio, was elected 2015-2016 general chairman and treasurer of American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council during TMC’s 2015 Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

“Kevin has been a longtime and valued member of TMC and has been an important voice on the issues we work so hard on,” said Carl Kirk, ATA vice president of maintenance, information technology & logistics and TMC executive director.

Tomlinson, who served this past year as Continued on page 14 13

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National ATA pleased with improvement in truck crash rate

News the Council’s vice chairman and chairman of meetings, replaced Dan Umphress, A&R Logistics, as TMC’s general chairman and treasurer.

“I greatly enjoyed my year as chairman,” Umphress said, “I want to thank my fellow TMC members for the opportunity and congratulate Kevin on his election.”

“It is an honor to be selected by one’s peers for a leadership position,” Tomlinson said. “I’m greatly looking forward to this next year as TMC chairman.”

Others serving as TMC officers for 20152016 include: Vice Chairman and Chairman of Meetings Doug White, Dunbar Armored; Chairman of Study Groups Glen McDonald, Ozark Motor Lines; Chairman of Membership and Publicity Peggy Fisher, TireStamp; Chairman of Associates John Adami, NW Heavy Duty Component Sales; and Immediate Past Chairman Umphress and Executive Director Kirk.

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In February the American Trucking Associations highlighted the release of new federal data showing a drop in the large truckinvolved crash rates in 2013.

After the release of data from the Federal Highway Administration of estimated miles traveled by large trucks in 2013, ATA calculated the large truck-involved crash fatality rate as 1.44 per 100 million miles traveled – a 1.6% decline from the 1.465 per 100 million miles traveled in 2012. With 2013’s decline, the fatality rate has plummeted 39.2% over the past decade. The injury rate saw a 34.2% decline over the past decade as well.

“The trucking industry’s efforts to improve safety on our highways are showing results,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “While there is still much work to do, we should feel good that because of the efforts of ATA and others in the industry, our highways are safer, even as our trucks deliver more goods all across our nation.”

ATA calculated the fatality and injury rates using the figure for truck miles traveled 275,018,000,000 miles in 2013 according to FHWA – and the number of truck-involved fatalities and injuries – to calculate the rates.

“Safety isn’t just job one for trucking, it is jobs one, two, and three,” said ATA Chair-

man Duane Long, chairman of Longistics, Raleigh, N.C. “The commitment that carriers like mine have made to ensure that not just our drivers, but everyone on the road arrives safely, is producing results.”

Just last week, ATA-member Werner Enterprises highlighted the industry’s impressive safety record, pointing out areas where the industry and the federal government could collaborate to do more to reduce.

“For years, as our industry was driving more miles and involved in fewer crashes, ATA has been urging the federal government to better focus on the known causes of crashes,” said ATA First Vice Chairman Pat Thomas, vice president, UPS. “From petitioning NHTSA on speed limiters, to urging more traffic enforcement to prevent aggressive driving, ATA will continue to press regulators to implement the most effective highway safety countermeasures.”

New enforcement guidance on driver med card possession The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has issued a new Inspection Bulletin for roadside enforcement personnel on the verification of driver medical qualification. Beginning January 30, 2015 drivers are no longer required by regulation to carry medContinued on page 18

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ELD final rule expected “sometime this year”

News ical examiners’ certificates (med cards)—following the 15th day after issuance by a medical examiner—to demonstrate they are medically qualified.

Instead, enforcement officials are to verify medical status by conducting an electronic driver record check with the state licensing agency. In the event that the driver’s licensing record fails to reflect the proof of qualification submitted by the driver, enforcement officials have been instructed to cite the driver for a violation. The driver or motor carrier may then challenge the violation through the DataQs system by showing proof of medical qualification submission to the state licensing agency.

Given the potential for problems with the capturing and transmission of medical data by state licensing agencies, drivers should consider continuing to carry medical examiners’ certificates to prove medical qualification in the near term.

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Heavy Duty Trucking reports that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will publish its final rule mandating the use of electronic logging devices sometime this year, according to Joe DeLorenzo, director of FMCSA’s office of enforcement and compliance.

FMCSA believes the devices will improve safety and will improve the recording of drivers’ hours and cut down on citations that result from simple paperwork errors drivers may make.

Experts agree the ELD rule will provide uniformity. “Right now, there are a lot of devices out there,” he said. “We’ll get to a point with this rule where we will have uniformity” across the industry. A key point for carriers, he said is to “know the difference between the devices you are using now and make sure your drivers are well versed in how to use them.”

National ATA official named to driver training rule committee The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has selected a committee of interested parties to represent industry, driver, and the general public’s interests on a committee to develop a new entry-level driver

training proposed rule.

FMCSA has appointed Boyd Stephenson, ATA Director for Commercial Driver Licensing Policy, as a committee member. The committee will meet on February 26 and 27 and then roughly once a month over a six to eight month period in an attempt to develop a consensus recommendation that the agency could publish as a proposed rule. FMCSA’s previous ELDT rule had to be withdrawn due to the agency’s inability to demonstrate that its benefits exceeded its costs.

Establishing a negotiated rulemaking committee does not, however, relieve the agency of this requirement. ATA will also encourage the committee to develop a rule that uses performance-based, rather than hours-based testing methods and that sets reasonable requirements for those who teach and test ELDT requirements. For more information, contact National ATA’s Boyd Stephenson at bstephenson@trucking.org.

More than half of Alabama traffic fatalities weren’t using seat belts Al.com transportation beat reporter Mike D. Smith reports that more than 60 percent of victims killed in state trooper-investigated crashes in Alabama last year were in vehicles that had seat belts, but chose not to wear them.

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Alabama TDC set for June 12

News State figures showed that in a year when overall crash deaths dropped slightly—from 515 in 2013 to 511 in 2014—405 fatal crash victims were in vehicles where seat belts were available, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

Of those 405 victims, 255 people—63 percent—weren’t wearing seat belts at the time of their crashes.

Already in 2015, 79 percent of deaths troopers have investigated were people in vehicles where restraints were available but weren’t used, according to ALEA. There have been 44 deaths statewide this year, with 29 victims not wearing safety belts.

“Troopers continue to see lives needlessly lost because the choice is made to not wear a seat belt,” ALEA Sgt. Steve Jarrett said.

Meanwhile, the Alabama Department of Transportation has launched an initiative with the goal of working toward zero traffic deaths over a 25-year period.

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The Alabama Truck Driving Championships will run Friday, June 12, 2015 at the Pelham Civic Complex near Birmingham. More than 100 drivers from two dozen Alabama Trucking Association member firms are expected to compete this year in nine designated classes.

“This is by far our Safety Council’s favorite event of the year,” says TDC Chairman Lonna Yearwood. “The drivers love it and their families and co-workers will set up tents and spend the day tailgating. It’s a great family atmosphere, too.”

Winners of each class will compete in the National Truck Driving Championships August 11-15 in St. Louis, Mo., which includes top drivers from across the U.S. competing at company, state and regional levels to make it to the nationals. The event attracts more than 2,000 cheering friends, family, colleagues and spectators.

Registration information will be sent to SMMC members in March and all information will be available at ATA’s website, www.alabamatrucking.org.

Drive Safe Alabama will focus on educating drivers about highway safety by focusing on the four main causes of crashes in the state—not wearing seat belts, speeding, distracted driving and driving under the influence.

The program is part of ALDOT’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which is required by the Federal Highway Administration.

“Safe roadways start with each one of us making a commitment to be safe drivers,”

ALDOT Director John Cooper said in a statement. “Through Drive Safe Alabama, we will help educate drivers and motivate them to change their driving habits.”

The campaign includes a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ and public service announcements about the main causes and highway safety issues in Alabama such as motorcycle safety and driver safety in construction zones, according to ALDOT.

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Researchers lists top truck freight congestion locations

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released findings of its 2014 Congestion Impact Analysis of Freight-Significant Highway Locations. The research, which assesses the level of truckoriented congestion at 250 locations on the national highway system, used several customized software applications and analysis methods, along with terabytes of data from trucking operations to produce a congestion impact ranking for each location. The data is also used in conjunction with the FHWA-sponsored Freight Performance Measures (FPM) initiative. The locations detailed in this latest ATRI report represent the top 100 congested locations.

The number one spot on the ATRI list this year is the George Washington Bridge which connects New York and New Jersey.

It surpassed the perennial first-place holder, Chicago’s Circle Interchange (No. 2 on the list). ATRI’s analysis points to construction on the top deck of the George Washington Bridge which created significant delays for trucks in 2013.

The top ten on ATRI’s list are (from top to bottom): Fort Lee, NJ: I-90 at SR 4; Chicago, Ill.: I-290 at I-90/I-94; Atlanta, Ga: I-285 at I-85N: Cincinnati, Ohio: I-71 at I-75; Houston, Tex.: I-45 at US 59; Houston, Tex.: I-610 at US 290; St. Louis, Mo: I-70 at I-64W; Los Angeles, Calif.: SR 60 at SR 57; Louisville, Ky.: I-65 at I-64/I71; and Austin, Tex.: I-35.

Not to be left out, Birmingham’s I-65 at I-20 (also known as “Malfunction Junction”) made the list, appearing at No. 76. It was the only location in Alabama to make the Top 100.

“ATRI’s identification of congestion impacts at freight-significant locations is a critical tool in the transportation planning toolbox. Better-informed decisions mean more targeted infrastructure investment at critical freight nodes,” remarked Matt Hart, president of the Illinois Trucking Association and a member of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee. “Here in Illinois we’re seeing first-hand how ATRI’s identification of the Circle Interchange as the number one freight bottleneck in previous studies led to a significant state investment to fix the chokepoint.”

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For access to the full report, including detailed information on each of the 100 top congested locations, visit www.atrionline.org.

ASF Intermodal opens Charlotte terminal ASF Intermodal recently opened a new intermodal drayage facility in Charlotte, NC. This location, which is the company’s first North Carolina terminal, joins ten other strategically-located facilities throughout the South and Midwest. In addition to intermodal drayage services, Domestic regional trucking will also be offered from this terminal.

ASF Intermodal president Michael Smith said, “We are very excited to establish a presence in North Carolina. Charlotte fits very well within our Southeast network and overall growth strategy. The new location will begin with two employees and approximately ten drivers.

Smith added that he expects the location to expand to 30 trucks operating from this location within the next six months.

ASF Intermodal’s new Charlotte terminal is located at 3801 Corporation Circle in Charlotte. Steve Dellinger serves as terminal manager.

Study says driver pay on par with national average According to new data released by the American Trucking Associations, median pay for drivers is on par with the national median for all U.S. households, and the industry offers drivers competitive benefits.

“The data in our Driver Compensation Study, which covered 130 fleets and more than 130,000 drivers, shows that now more than ever, trucking is an excellent career path,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Fleets are raising pay and offering generous benefit packages in order to attract and keep their drivers in the face of a growing driver shortage.”

Among the study’s key findings concluded 1) median pay for drivers ranged from just over $46,000 for national, irregular route dry van truckload drivers to more than $73,000 for private fleet van drivers; 2) pay met or exceeded the U.S.

median household income of more than $53,000 annually; 3) three out of four fleets used multiple methods to pay drivers, including the most frequent approach, paying some drivers by the mile and some by the hour; 4) nearly 80 percent of truckload fleets offered drivers paid holidays; and 5) 80 percent of private carriers offer a 401(k) retirement plan with employee contributions.

“As the economy grows, we are seeing an ever more competitive driver market,” Costello said. “The data in this report will be critical for fleets looking to recruit and retain the best drivers.”

IFTA license can go electronic International Fuel Tax Agreement executive board met recently to discuss replacing (or enhancing): Some ideas floated were deemed inappropriate for trucking and would serve only to burden the industry more. Almost in passing, however, the IFTA Board agreed that there is nothing in the Agreement or its rules that prevents an IFTA licensee from maintaining and displaying the IFTA license – which is required to be carried in every vehicle when it operates under IFTA – electronically.

This encompasses, presumably, images on a driver’s laptop, tablet, or phone. Not every motor carrier will want to try this, and the Board’s remarks do not constitute an official opinion on the matter. Still, provided the electronic image of the IFTA license is readable by enforcement there seems to us no reason it wouldn’t work as well as a paper license.

In fact, industry officials report some carriers are already downloading the IFTA license to their drivers’ phones. To the extent the IFTA license has been a problem for carriers, this development would seem to provide the industry some options to address that problem, and in effect make it go away.

Trucking groups offering new trucking books for children Two new children’s books about the trucking industry were recently published by industry groups. The first, written by Susan Burton, a former driver at Boyle TransportaA LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2015

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tion, Billerica, Mass., is titled My Auntie Susan Drives a Big Truck and demonstrates to children the role that trucks and truck drivers play in their daily lives.

The second is titled Papa Doug Hauls Strawberries & Smiles. Published by the Tennessee Trucking Foundation, the story tells the story of a committed professional truck driver and his young son. As an added bonus, Huneryager has pledged a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Papa Doug to the Trucking Moves America Forward campaign.

For more information on both books, including how to order, contact Elisabeth Barna at ebarna@trucking.org.

Four Star marks its 15th anniversary This year marks an important milestone in the history of Montgomery, Ala.-based dealership Four Star Freightliner, Inc. Last month was the dealership’s 15th anniversary.

In 2000, Jerry Kocan acquired two Freightliner dealerships in Dothan and Montgomery, making the purchases following a successful career as Vice President and General Manager of one of the largest truck dealerships in the Southeast.

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Kocan Family: (From left) Meredith, Samantha, Nancy and Jerry

“My family encouraged me and moved 200 miles southwest to support my dream.

Without them none of this would have been remotely possible,” said Kocan. “I want to recognize my wife, Nancy and daughters (Meredith and Samantha) for believing in my dream to build a truck dealership that is employee and customer focused.”

Kocan later purchased dealerships in Tifton, Ga. (2001), Tallahassee, Fla. (2003), Valdosta, Ga. (2011) and Albany, Ga. (2014). The original name of the company, Freightliner of Southern Alabama, was changed to Four Star Freightliner in 2006.

Four Star is now among the region’s leading heavy and medium duty truck dealers, offering a complimentary line of Freightliner, FUSO, and Western Star brand trucks for both highway and vocational use. The firm now employs more than 150 people in Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Kocan is grateful for the employees who started out with him 15 years ago. “Without those employees (who) took a leap of faith to build something special we would not be where we are today,” Kocan said.

“Our foundation is built on selecting great individuals who fit into our Four Star Freightliner family.”

Drivewyze now offers bypass at Florida Agricultural inspection sites Drivewyze announces that eligible commercial carriers can now use the Drivewyze PreClear bypass service to bypass 22 agricultural inspection stations in Florida, in addition to 440 weigh stations and inspection sites in 33 states across the country.

Drivewyze recently reached an agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Continued on page 24

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(FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) allowing qualified carriers to bypass the Florida agriculture interdiction sites using Drivewyze PreClear.

The OALE will allow qualified fleets to bypass agriculture inspection sites through the mobile inspection site bypass service.

Drivewyze already began offering truck fleets and operators weigh station bypass service at 19 fixed interstate locations in Florida last year.

“The agricultural site bypasses are delivered as part of the standard Drivewyze bypass service,” said Drivewyze president Brian Heath. “There’s no additional sign-up process, and no lengthy paperwork or extra fees required.”

All carriers that do not haul agriculture, and that do not operate refrigerated units (loaded or empty), may be eligible for the Drivewyze bypass opportunity at the agriculture inspection sites.

“But Florida officials also understand that requiring carriers, who aren’t operating reefer units or hauling agricultural products, to stop at all agriculture inspection sites can add unnecessary operating costs and delays

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to freight deliveries,” Heath added. “The delays can also contribute to congestion and backups in and around the sites, which create a serious safety hazard for the motoring public and make the work of their officers more difficult.”

Drivewyze PreClear is a cloud-based service to alert drivers 2 miles before approaching a weigh station or an agriculture inspection site in Florida. This allows the truck fleet or operator to earn up to a 98 percent bypass rate at weigh stations, depending on their safety record, and even more bypasses at Florida agriculture sites, depending on their load status. Each bypass saves an estimated $8.68 in driver time, vehicle operation, and fuel.

Drivewyze works on Android or iOSbased tablets or smartphones, and is also available on popular in-cab fleet devices from PeopleNet, Zonar and Rand McNally.

Drivewyze customers using the Android version of the service are able to start receiving bypasses at the 22 Florida Agriculture sites immediately, while an update for Rand McNally, Zonar, PeopleNet and iOS users is coming soon.

A map with all of the currently active weigh stations in the South and across the country is available on the Drivewyze web site: http://drivewyze.com/coverage-map/.

Sen. Richard Shelby recognizes Coleman American for 100 years of business Coleman American Moving Services, the largest agent for Allied Van Lines, recently celebrated its centennial anniversary.

The milestone was capped by a visit from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby to the Coleman headquarters in Midland City, Ala. The Senator spoke briefly at a town hall meeting with company employees. Coleman World Group CEO Jeff Coleman who also presented Shelby with a gift that commemorated Coleman’s anniversary.

Shelby was later greeted by the Coleman family and shown some of the company’s

From left, John Coleman, Vice President & General Counsel; James Coleman, Chairman; Sen. Richard Shelby; Jeff Coleman, CEO, and Lacy Brakefield, President

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trailers and the antique trucks that are showcased at the Coleman’s campus.

“I have been honored to work with Sen. Shelby and to know him over the years. He is a great advocate for our industry and strongly supports our largest customer in the U.S. military. I am encouraged to have a voice in Washington who cares for the Wiregrass Community and the State of Alabama,” said Jeff Coleman.

“I felt this was a great opportunity to showcase the family atmosphere at our company as well as the size and scope of our operation. We are continuing to grow and strive to deliver the best service possible for the many families and individuals we service every year.”

Diesel prices to move lower in the short-term U.S. Energy Department’s latest shortterm Energy outlook states that despite the first upturn since November in average diesel prices, the industry expect prices to move slightly lower at least for a while longer.

According to a report by Heavy Duty Trucking on Feb. 10, the agency lowered its forecast for the average cost of on-highway diesel this year to $2.83 per gallon, down 2

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cents from last month’s report and is in sharp contrast to last year’s average of $3.83.

The report stated that diesel is expected to average $2.87 in the first quarter of the year before slipping a little more to $2.71 in the second quarter. In the third quarter it is forecast to move higher to $2.78 before averaging $2.98 in the final quarter of 2015.

In 2016 DOE expects diesel to average $3.24. This forecast comes as the department predicted oil prices of $55 per barrel for benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude this year, up less than 50 cents from last month’s forecast, and $71 in 2016, though it says there is “very high uncertainty in the price outlook.”

Further, the 50 percent drop in oil prices from the highest levels seen last year are due to “continued growth in U.S. tight oil production and strong global supply, amid weaker global oil demand growth, which contributed to rising global oil inventories.”

Also U.S. inventories of crude oil lately have reportedly been the highest ever.

The U.S. is projected to produce 9.3 million barrels of crude oil per day of oil this year and 9.5 million in 2016, close to the record 9.6 million barrels per day hit in 1970.

Regular grade gasoline prices are expect-

ed to average $2.33 this year, nearly the same as DOE’s report from a month ago, and compares to an average of $3.44 in 2014. The 2016 average is forecast at $2.73.

“The average household is now expected to spend about $750 less for gasoline in 2015 compared with last year because of lower prices,” the department said in the report.

Action Resources moves headquarters to Birmingham ATA member firm Action Resources, a specialized transportation and hazardous materials carrier, recently moved its headquarters to downtown Birmingham’s Paramount building at 204 20th St. N. ARI Logistics, a subsidiary of Action Resources, also moved into the building from nearby Hoover.

“We did that because there’s a great city and we did that because it’s a great environment for recruiting, retaining and hiring folks who want to work and live in the same place,” Dean Flint, chief executive of Action Resources, told Al.com.

Continued on page 26

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About 40 people work there now, and Tom Aumann, General Manager of ARI Logistics, said he’s looking to fill 40 jobs in sales as soon as possible. He stressed there were several job openings available to recent graduates.

Action Resources employs 1,100 people and was formerly based in Hanceville.

Tonnage hits all-time high in January The American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 1.2 percent in January, following a revised gain of 0.1 percent during the previous month. The January index equaled 135.7 (2000=100), which is an all-time high.

Compared with January 2014, the SA index increased 6.6 percent, which was the largest year-over-year gain in more than a year.

Meanwhile, the not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 126.9 in Janu-

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ary which was 3.5 percent below the previous month (131.5).

ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years as part of its annual revision. For all of 2014, tonnage was up 3.7 percent, slightly better than the 3.4 percent originally reported. In 2013, the index increased 5.5 percent.

“Truck tonnage continued to improve in January, marking the fourth straight gain totaling 3.5 percent,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Last year was slightly better for truck tonnage than we originally thought and I am expecting that momentum to continue in 2015.”

Costello added that since bottoming out in March 2014, tonnage is up 6.7 percent.

Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 69.1 percent of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 9.7 billion tons of freight in 2013. Motor carriers collected $681.7 billion, or 81.2 percent of total revenue earned by all transport modes.

ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 10th day of the month. The report includes monthto-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons and key financial indicators.

GOT NEWS? Send to Ford Boswell at fboswell@AlabamaTrucking.org

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“Trucking’s Voice in Alabama”

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

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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

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

$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 $420 480 540 660

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.

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2015 ATA Buyer’s Guide 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.

BB & T Insurance Services (912) 201-4706

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.

Benton & Parker Insurance Services (770) 536-8340 www.bentonandparker.com

ADVERTISING/PUBLISHING Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information (205) 349-2990 www.rrpub.com 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 CarrierWeb LLC (770) 289-8005 www.carrierweb.com J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Omnitracs, Inc. (615) 594-7565 www.omnitracs.com PeopleNet (888) 346-3486 www.peoplenetonline.com Rand McNally (501) 835-1585 www.randmcnally.com SmartDrive Systems (858) 225-5550 www.smartdrive.net

DRIVER STAFFING TransForce, Inc. (205) 916-0259 www.transforce.com Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-5855 www.transportationsupport.com

EDUCATION & TRAINING J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 945-8550 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) 471-9300 www.hecleasing.com KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC (205) 515-1478 www.equipmentsolution.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 Transport Enterprise Leasing LLC (423) 463-3390 www.transportenterpriseleasing.com

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING BigBee Steel (256) 383-7322 www.bigbee.com

Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-MobileMontgomery Cottingham and Butler (205) 591-2424 (563) 587-5521 www.midstatetk.com www.cottinghambutler.com Thompson/Caterpillar Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc. (205) 849-4365 (770) 729-8160 www.thompsontractor.com www.custard.com W.W. Williams Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 252-9025 (901) 274-5424 (334) 279-6083 www.farrisevans.com www.wwwilliams.com

ESTATE AND BUSINESS PLANNING Christian & Small LLP (205) 795-6588 www.csattorneys.com FINANCIAL SERVICES BancorpSouth Equipment Finance (205) 422-7111 www.bxsequipmentfinance.com Comdata, Inc. 615-376-6917 www.comdata.com Crestmark Bank 615-620-3523 www.crestmark.com Electronic Funds Source, LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com GE Capital (770) 960-6307 www.ge.com

Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing (334) 398-1410 www.roadranger.com

People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.

(205) 856-9354 www.peoples.com

Phillips Industries (706) 202-5348 www.phillipsind.com

People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.

(205) 664-9374 www.financialfederal.com

EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Dana (734) 516-8032 www.dana.com

PNC Financial Services Group (251) 441-7286 www.pnc.com

Delco Remy (205) 515-7330

Renasant Bank (334) 301-5955 www.renasantbank.com

Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 www.dothantarp.com Imperial Supplies LLC (800) 558-2808 www.imperialsupplies.com Kinedyne Corp.

(334) 365-2919 www.kinedyne.com

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems 334/798-0080 Transportation Safety Services www.arvinmeritor.com (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. (205) 323-2877 Trucking Partners, LLC www.metrotrailer.net (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com NAPA Auto Parts (205) 510-2900 USA Driver-s, Inc. (205) 661-0712 Paccar Parts/Kenworth www.usadrivers.com (206) 898-5541 www.kenworth.com Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (903) 792-3866 Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. www.lmstrucking.com (251) 653-4716 ENGINE MANUFACTURERS www.southerntruck.net Cummins Mid-South, LLC (901) 488-8033 Star Truck Parts www.cumminsmidsouth.com (205) 324-4681

First Guard Insurance Company (941) 485-6210 www.1stguard.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 670-6573 www.gwccnet.com

Turner & Hamrick L.L.C. (334) 566-7665 www.turnerhamrick.com York Risk Services Group (205) 581-9283 www.yorkrsg.com

MEDICAL/DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES Alabama Specialty Clinic (256) 736-1460 www.ascoccupationalhealth.com Bradley Screening, LLC (334) 272-3539 www.bradleyscreening.com 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

Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695

J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

Interstate Motor Carriers/Capacity Agency, LLC (251) 490-3150 www.interstatemc.com

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 Blu (Transfuels LLC) (251) 421-5757 www.blulng.com

J.R. Prewitt & Associates, Inc. (205) 397-5118 www.jrprewitt.com

Clean Energy Fuels (423) 341-1779

Liberty Mutual Group (804) 380-5169 www.libertymutual,com

Corridor Clean Fuels, LLC (256) 894-0098

Liberty Truck Insurance (205) 352-2598 Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency, Inc. (251) 473-4600 www.lyonfrycaden.com

Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511 GAIN Clean Fuel – Div. of US Oil (804) 291-7892 www.gainfuel.com Green Buffalo Fuel (716) 768-0611

Marvin Johnson & Associates, Inc. (812) 372-0841 www.mjai.com

Jack Green Oil Co., Inc. (256) 831-1038

McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc. (205) 252-9871 www.mcgriff.com

Hunter Oil Company, Inc. (800) 607-4066 www.hunteroil.net

Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 392-3844 www.joemorten.com

Kimbro Oil Company (615) 320-7484 www.kimbrooil.com

S. S. Nesbitt (205) 262-2620 www.ssnesbitt.com

Major Oil Company, Inc. (334) 263-9070 www.unitedfoodandfuel.com

Palomar Insurance Corp.

(334) 270-0105 www.palomarinsurance.com

Pivotal LNG (404) 783-3550 www.pivotallng.com

Regions Insurance, Inc. (501) 661-4880 www.regions.com

The McPherson Companies, Inc. (888) 802-7500 www.mcphersonoil.com

Regions Insurance (334) 808-9441 www.regionsinsurance.com

Transportation Safety Services (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com

Reliance Partners, Inc. (877) 668-1704 www.reliancepartners.com

Trillium CNG (678) 358-1365 www.trilliumcng.com

Stephens Insurance LLC (601) 605-5681 www.stephens.com

W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com

BancorpSouth Insurance Services (334) 272-1200 www.bxsi.com

Trans Con Assurance, LTD (205) 978-7070

The Baxter Agency (334) 678-5900 www.baxteragency.com

TransRisk, LLC (334) 403-4114 www.transriskllc.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com

ServisFirst Bank (205) 949-3433 www.servisfirstbank.com TAB Bank (404) 202-4870 www.tabbank.com Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (314) 374-2165 www.wellsfargo.com

INSURANCE American Claims Service, Inc. (205) 669-1177 Aon Risk Solutions (501) 374-9300 www.aon.com Aronov Insurance, Inc. (205) 414-9575 www.aronovinsurance.com Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. (317) 452-7413 www.baldwinandlyons.com

ATA_1Q15.qxp_11751 ATA 3/2/15 3:16 PM Page 31

(as of 02/25/2015) Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com

Direct Chassislink (704) 571-5408 www.chassislink.com

Warren Averett (256) 739-0312 www.warrenaverett.com

DriveCam / Lytx Inc. (838) 430-4000 www.lytx.com

Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (205) 250-5091 www.adamsandreese.com

Drivewyze (780) 461-3355 www.drivewyze.com

Austill, Lewis & Pipkin, P.C. (205) 870-3767 www.maplaw.com

George L. Edwards & Associates (334) 745-5166

Help, Inc. Provider of PrePass (931) 520-7170 Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & www.prepass.com Berkowitz, P.C. J. Brandt Recognition (205) 328-0480 (800) 435-5749 www.bakerdonelson.com www.jbrandt.com Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. 334-387-7680 (920) 722-2848 www.ball-ball.com www.jjkellerservices.com Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Jeffers Trucking, Inc. Sisson, P.C. (205) 808-1112 (205) 822-2006 www.carrallison.com JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC Christian & Small, LLP (205) 329-8182 (205) 795-6588 (205) 329-8183 www.csattorneys.com www.jptsc.com DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. Lytx Inc. (251) 433-1577 (838) 430-4000 www.delmar-law.com www.lytx.com Ferguson, Frost, Moore & Young LLP McLeod Software (205) 879-8722 (205) 823-5100 www.ffdlaw.com www.mcleodsoftware.com Fisher & Phillips, LLP Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (404) 231-1400 (205) 871-4455 www.laborlawyers.com Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedman-lawyers.com Hand Arendall LLC (251) 432-5511 www.handarendall.com Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, P.C. (334) 834-7600 www.hillhillcarter.com James M. Sizemore, Jr. (256) 409-1985 McDowell Knight Roedder & Sledge, LLC (251) 432-5300 www.mcdowellknight.com Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow, Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com

Real Estate: Mary Lou’s Team RE/MAX, Inc. (205) 566-5911 www.marylousteam.com

TRAILER DEALERS/ MANUFACTURERS C & C Trailers, Inc. (334) 897-2202

Repairs: Big Moe Spring & Alignment of B’ham, Inc. (205) 780-0290 www.bigmoespring.com

Dorsey Trailer (334) 897-2525 www.dorseytrailer.net

Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 birminghamframeandalignment.com Carl Carson Truck Center, Inc. (205) 592-9966 www.carlcarson.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 Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc. (334) 687-0391 Lazzari Truck Repair, Inc. (251) 626-5121 www.lazzaritruckrepair.com Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. (205) 323-2877 www.metrotrailer.net

Rowe Management Corp.

(205) 486-9235 Pegasus TransTech & ACS Advertising www.rowemachinery.com (801) 349-2433 Star Leasing Co. www.pegasustranstech.com (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com Power South Energy Cooperative (334) 427-3207 Thompson/Caterpillar www.powersouth.com (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com Preferred Risk Services (334) 836-0358 W.W. Williams www.premployerinc.com (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers www.wwwilliams.com (334) 207-4294 www.rbauction.com TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. Best One Tire & Service (615) 207-9079 (205) 664-2000 www.bestonetire.com www.specenviro.com

Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com Equipment Logistics, Inc. (256) 739-9280 Fontaine Fifth Wheel NA (205) 421-4300 www.fifthwheel.com Great Dane Trailers (205) 324-3491 www.greatdanetrailers.com Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc. (251) 438-5521 www.gulfcity.com Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. (251) 476-2744 www.gulfcoasttruck.com R C Trailer Sales & Service Co., Inc. (205) 680-0924 www.rctrailersales.net Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com Tennessee Valley Recycling LLC (256) 353-6351 www.tvrllc.com Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573 www.transporttc.com Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC (334) 794-7345 www.utilityalabama.com

TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS Action Truck Center (334) 794-8505 www.actiontruckcenter.com Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer (334) 262-8856 www.capitalvolvo.com

Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (770) 317-5777 www.trucktires.com

TMW Systems, Inc. (216) 831-6606 www.tmwsystems.com

Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. (334) 376-0178

Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com

Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000 www.starneslaw.com

Todd & Sons (334) 794-0111

Columbus Tire Co., Inc. (706) 321-8133 www.columbustireco.com

Daimler Trucks NA LLC (404) 368-6860 www.freightlinertrucks.com

Webster, Henry, Lyons, White, Bradwell & Black, P.C. (334) 264-9472 www.websterhenry.com

Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc (205) 226-5500 www.tlsincorp.com

McGriff Tire Co. (256) 739-0710 www.mcgrifftire.com

Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com

Speegle, Hoffman, Holman & Holifield, LLC (251) 694-1700 www.ziemanspeegle.com

Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

McGriff Treading Co., Inc. (256) 734-4298 www.mcgriffindustries.com

Fleetco, Inc. (615) 256-0600 www.fleetco.net

Transportation Compliance Services, USA (228) 872-7160 www.dottrucksafety.com

Michelin North America (864) 201-6177 www.michelintruck.com

Four Star Freightliner (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) www.fourstarfreightliner.com

Other Services: Ahern & Associates LTD (602) 242-1030 www.ahern-LTD.com BTI Transportation Services, Inc. (205) 242-6908 C & C Graphics (256) 727-5049 Delta Distributors, LLC (334) 222-3671

Snider Fleet Solutions (404) 361-0130 Transportation Safety Services www.snidertire.com (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (256) 878-0211 Trucking Partners, LLC www.wilkstire.com (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com Yokohama Tire Corp.

(317) 385-2611 www.yokohamatire.com

Long Lewis Western Star (205) 428-6241 www.longlewistrucks.com Mack Trucks, Inc. (678) 201-4770 www.macktrucks.com Navistar (813) 382-3113 www.internationaldelivers.com

Neely Coble Co. (256) 350-1630 www.neelycoble.com Nextran Truck Corporation (205) 841-4450 www.nextrancorp.com Peterbilt Motors Co. (615) 208-1800 www.peterbilt.com Peterbilt of Montgomery & Birmingham LLC (800) 264-4555 www.peterbilttruckcenters.com Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.com Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com Truckworx Kenworth – Birmingham (205) 326-6170 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Dothan (334) 712-4900 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Montgomery (334) 263-3101 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Mobile (251) 957-4000 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville (256) 308-0162 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Thomasville (334) 636-4380 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Tuscaloosa (205) 752-2886 www.TRUCKWORX.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 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 Centers (865) 207-3219 www.pilotflyingj.com TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (678) 591-4675 www.tatravelcenters.com

VEHICLE LEASING Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

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ATA

NEW MEMBERS & EVENTS

ATA Calendar of Events

New Members (as of 2-25-2015)

Fleet Safety Awards Pelham, Ala. March 23, 2015

American Safety Movers, Inc. 2811 Briarcliff Rd Dothan, AL 36303 Phone (334) 798-2611 Mr. Patrick Coleman

GAC Transco/Gardner Asphalt Corp.

P. O. Box 5449 Tampa, FL 33675 Phone (813) 248-2101 Mr. Michael Lazuk

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers 4170 Highway 154 Newnan, GA 30265 Phone (334) 207-4294 Mr. Fred White

Busbin & Watson 1467 Furnace St Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone (334) 414-5517 Mr. Brian Busbin

Hunter Oil Company, Inc 2145 Acton Rd Birmingham, AL 35210 Phone (800) 607-4066 Mr. Ramsey White

SAM Trucking LLC 965 Main Street Shorter, AL 36075 Phone (334) 740-3022 Mr. Robert Swift

CFI Resources, Inc P. O. Box 746 Sumiton, AL 35148 Phone (205) 255-6800 Ms. Pamela Gilliland

Muscled Up Movers LLC 3070 Leeman Ferry Rd Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone (256) 325-2429 Mr. Joseph Ajdarodini

Sullivan's Pallet Solutions 191 Cousins Court Wetumpka, AL 36092 Phone (334) 567-4498 Mr. Gary Sullivan

Conecuh River Logistics, LLC P. O. Box 9 River Falls, AL 36476 Phone (334) 488-6102 Mr. Johnny Beckworth

Norris Materials & Trucking, LLC 11777 Wares Ferry Rd Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone (334) 207-7775 Mr. Chad Norris

TRI State Collision, LLC 272 Hwy 95 Eufaula, AL 36027 Phone (334) 616-7555 Ms. Mila Dewberry

CR Deline Trucking Inc. P. O. Box 160686 Mobile, AL 36616 Phone (251) 473-6800 Mr. Carl Deline

Platte River Transport, LLC 1810 Avenue C Birmingham, AL 35218 Phone (205) 788-4000 Mr. Tyler Hearin

U S Specialized LLC 2719 Hamilton Rd Pell City, AL 35128 Phone (205) 763-1090 Mr. Michael J. Morgan

Crestmark Bank 800 Crescent Centre Drive #620 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone (615) 620-3523 Ms. Lynne Farrar

Red Mountain Transportation, LLC 1810 Ave. C Birmingham, AL 35218 Phone (205) 788-4000 Mr. Tyler Hearin

Viking Transportation, LLC P. O. Box 2459 Jasper, AL 35502 Phone (205) 295-2616 Mr. Craig Dennis

Dixie Transport, Inc. P.O. Box 548 Millport, AL 35576 0506 Phone (205) 662-3559 Ms. Sharon Berry

Retif Oil & Fuel, LLC 1840 Jutland Drive Harvey, LA 70058 Phone (504) 349-9000 Mr. Bill Keller

Williams Transfer and Storage Co, Inc. 621 E. President Ave Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone (662) 842-4836 Mr. John M. Williams

ATA Spring Courtesy Roadside Inspection Location TBA April 2015 ATA Annual Convention Destin, Fla. April 23-25, 2015 ATA Board of Director’s Meeting Destin, Fla. April 25, 2015 Alabama Truck Driving Championships Pelham, Ala. June 12, 2015 ATA Board of Director’s Meeting & Officer Installation Montgomery, Ala. June 23, 2015 NATMI Certification Courses Montgomery, Ala. TBA National Truck Driver Championships St. Louis, Mo. August 11-15, 2015 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 13-19, 2015 ATA Golf Classic Prattville, Ala. September 29, 2015 SMMC Fall Courtesy Roadside Inspection Location TBA October 2015 American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition Philadelphia, Pa. October 17-20, 2015 SMMC Christmas Celebration Pelham, Ala. December 14, 2015 32

A ADVERTISER Pivotal LNG ATA WCSIF The Baxter Agency Dorsey Trailer Infiniti-i International Trucks Johnson Locklin J.J. Keller Nextran Truck Center Palomar Insurance Regions Insurance Thompson Cat Truckworx Kenworth Turner & Hamrick WH Thomas Oil Co. W.W. Williams

D V E R T I S I N G

I

N D E X

PG. NO. PH. NO. 14 (713) 300-5116 BC (334) 834-7911 24 (800) 873-8494 9 26 (205) 585-3895 IFC (800) 844-4102 25 (251) 947-3015 21 (888) 473-4638 ext. 7892 3 (800) 292-8685 18 (800) 489-0105 20 (800) 807-1412 IBC (205) 849-4288 19 (800) 444-6170 23 (888) 385-0186 16-17 (205) 755-2610 15 (800) 365-3780

WEB ADDRESS www.pivotallng.com www.atacompfund.org www.baxteragency.com www.dorseytrailer.net Ahicks0604@bellsouth.net www.navistar.com www.johnson-locklin.com www.jjkellermobile.com www.nextrancorp.com www.palomarins.com www.regionsinsurance.com www.thompsontractor.com www.truckworx.com www.turnerhamrick.com www.thomasoil.com www.wwwilliams.com

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