Alabama Trucker, 2nd Quarter 2012 by Alabama Trucking Association

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

Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337.

S S U E

With a recognized top safety program and several employees tapped for individual awards by the Alabama Trucking Association, Charles G. Lawson Trucking shows why it’s among the state’s safest trucking operations.

ATA Convention Coverage

More than 280 attendees were exposed to in-depth discussions of trucking’s future as major player in the state and nation’s economies, as well as the Association’s role in the state’s political arena. The event raised a record $160,000, with 148 companies donating cash, and even more sending representatives.

Rookie wins Alabama TDC

Stephen Pressely, a Birmingham-based driver for AAA Cooper Transportation, was named Grand Champion at the 2012 Alabama Truck Driving Championships held in June. The annual event is sponsored by the Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council.

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

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

H I S

Lawson’s Safety Accolades

ATA Staff

ATA WCSIF Staff

E P A R T M E N T S

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

ADVERTISING RATES: Quoted upon request.

Alabama Trucking Association

Alabama Trucking Association 334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

From the President

Thank You Mr. Chairman Frank Filgo, CAE President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘Under (Bill’s) watch, the Association has enjoyed one of its best years in recent memory...’

n June 29, Bill Ward completes his term as the Alabama Trucking Association Chairman of the Board for fiscal year 2011-12. Under his watch, the Association has enjoyed one of its best years in recent memory, with increased membership numbers, important political victories at the State; wellsupported (and attended) events, and increased membership participation, especially in southern part of the state, where his business, Ward International Trucks, is based. As the owner of an award-winning truck and equipment dealership, Mr. Ward is a master salesman and promoter; and in serving this Association’s as its top elected officer, he put those skills to good use to build member consensus and promote the activities and events of the Association. Not only that, but he also led with an eye toward the future, doing his part to ensure the health and longevity of one of state’s most vital industries. Listed below are a few of the Association’s accomplishments under his watch. ●

ATA’s membership numbers are up;

● Sponsorship of ATA’s major events including the Convention, Classic, and the Truck Driving Championships were at an all-time high; ● ATA’s political action committee (TRUK-PAC) raised a quarter-of-a-milliondollars to support pro-truck candidates in future state elections; ● ATA exceeded its financial goals preserving its future prosperity; ● ATA passed an anti-indemnification law strengthening the negotiating position of carriers, as the worst indemnities are now prohibited. Furthermore, no anti-truck bills became law; ● ATA successfully filled the position of Director of Safety & Member Services; and ● ATA’s stature and influence among state public policy makers and industry regulators continues to grow.

Mission accomplished, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for your leadership!

● ATA continued to strive to be state’s Capitol pre-eminent highway safety advocate;

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Lawson’s safety accolades are no accident With a top safety program and several employees tapped for individual awards by the Alabama Trucking Association, Charles G. Lawson Trucking shows why it’s among the state’s safest trucking operations. By Ford Boswell HOPE HULL, Ala. estled at a back corner of a darkened banquet room, a contingent of a dozen or so Charles G. Lawson Trucking employees sat wondering who among the group would win individual awards at the Alabama Trucking Association Fleet Safety Awards held last spring in Birmingham. As the evening wore on, and representatives from the state’s best and safest fleets stepped forward to accept accolades, there was an apparent trend among the names being called: A good number of them

worked for Lawson Trucking. ATA’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council named the Montgomerybased food grade hauler the Safest Fleet in both the General Commodities Linehaul (1- 3 million miles) category and Tanker Truck category. Not only that, but all three Lawson employees nominated for individual awards won or placed in their respective categories, including Driver of the Year and Safety Professional of the Year contests.

Driver(s) of the Year The big honor of the evening went to Driver of the Year Recordo Jackson, a 35year trucking industry veteran who has

logged more than 3 million accident-free miles in four decades of driving a large commercial vehicle. According Lawson Trucking Safety Director Debbie Henderson (also this year’s First Runner Up for Safety Director of the Year), Jackson has worked 23 years for Lawson. He has been honored for his safety efforts and professionalism many times in his career – several times alone from various industry groups including the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) and from Lawson’s long-time insurance provider Great West Casualty. Moreover, Jackson has participated in ATA’s annual Truck Driving Championships several times, placing 5th in 2007, A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Charles G. Lawson Trucking drivers Recordo Jackson (left) and Larry Thomas have been recognized many times by the Alabama Trucking Association for highway and workplace safety.

4th in 2008, and 3rd in 2010 in the tanker division (He placed 5th in for Driver of the Year in 2009). Henderson says the management team at Lawson considers Jackson to be a model driver, not only for his extreme commitment to highway and workplace safety, but also for his loyalty to his employer and its valued customers. According to Henderson, Jackson’s ontime delivery is 100 percent, making him “a favorite among dispatch, payroll and safety departments.” “He has one of the most intense trucking jobs there is: pulling a food grade, non-baffled tanker,” Henderson wrote in Jackson’s nomination letter. “Not only is the equipment a task, but he is responsible for the food product safety. He has received numerous awards from his us over the years, and recently received a 23-year safe driving and loss prevention award from Great West.” Jackson says hauling liquids in tankers is one of the hardest jobs he has ever done. “It’s a trip, I’ll tell you that,” he deadpans. “I like to say my load is nervous – always shaking. And because of that, I have to be careful to maintain lower speeds at all A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

times. The way I see it, the posted speed limit is for cars. I have to be well below that – especially with a partial load.” Henderson adds, “(Recordo) is an exceptional driver and deserves to be recognized for his years of dedication to Lawson and the trucking industry in general. We are all so proud of him, and think he represents the industry very well.” Jackson is appreciative of the Driver of the Year honor and all the accolades and privileges that go with it, like attending the Association’s annual meeting in Biloxi last spring. “My wife (Beatrice) and I had a ball,” he says. “Everyone at the meeting was

incredibly nice. It was honor to attend. We didn’t want to leave Looking ahead, Jackson, 55, says he wants to drive a truck as long as he can – or at least as long as the managers at Lawson will let him. “I have no plans to retire,” he says. “I love being a truck driver; it’s all I have ever wanted to do. Besides, what am I going to do: Go home and sit around the house? Bills won’t get paid if I do that!” Interestingly, fellow Lawson driver Larry Thomas earned Second Runner Up in the Driver of the Year contest behind First Runner Up Jeffrey Wilson, a Montgomery-based driver for Osborn Trans-

“(Recordo) is an exceptional driver and deserves to be recognized for his years of dedication to Lawson and the trucking industry in general. We are all so proud of him, and think he represents the industry very well.” —Lawson Safety Director Debbie Henderson 5

Lawson Trucking employs 184 people at three terminals, including Port Barre, La.; Gainsville, Ga.; and its headquarters in Hope Hull, Ala.

portation, Inc. in Gadsden, Ala. Thomas, 50, has worked nearly 30 years for Lawson, starting in his late teens spotting trailers on the yard, before eventually graduating to driving over-the-road trucks. “This is a great a company to work for,” Thomas says. “The Lawsons are a great family – just honest, caring people. I can go directly to the owners with pretty much any issue I have; and I know they will do whatever it takes to take care of it. It’s not just one person; all the employees here are like a family. That’s why you see people work here so long.” Thomas is most appreciative of the fact that the company took a chance on him as a young man. “A lot of trucking companies wouldn’t have, and I’ve always appreciated that.” Thomas says it’s that kind of mutual respect that inspires him to be a great employee. “Your (work) speaks for you,” he says. “My customers are my main concern. I always try to be on time with my delivers and make sure that I always do all I can to make sure the customers are happy.” During his career, he has earned numerous safety awards for his efforts and one of the most prized is his award from Great West Casualty for 23 years of outstanding achievement in highway safety and loss prevention. 6

In recent years, he has participated in Share the Road events on behalf of the Association and also driven for the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Ticketing Aggressive Cars & Trucks (TACT) program. Thomas was also First Runner Up in 2009 for the driver of the year, but Lawson officials believe it’s only a matter of time before Larry wins Alabama Driver of the Year. “As long as he is eligible, I’m going to see to it that he is nominated,” Henderson says.

Safety Program Henderson is solely responsible for employee training, driver management and prehire screening, 154 drivers spread among three terminals. She has worked in fleet safety management for nearly 25 years – the last eight with Lawson. She was named ATA’s top fleet safety professional in 1998 and has been among the finalist several times. “I’m very proud of the awards,” she says. “Being a woman in fleet safety can be a challenge, especially back when I started in the field, but there are more great women working in the field than ever. For me, this job is about having great drivers. I just try to treat our guys with respect and professionalism. For instance, I never tell a driver to do something, I tend to ask politely. But

having great drivers starts at the hiring process, and we seek to hire great people to begin with. I’ve always heard when it comes to drivers; you hire your problems.” She recalls being more or less pushed into fleet safety by a previous employer, and never intended to make a career of it. However, she learned over time that she enjoys the work. And despite the long and occasionally sporadic hours, she couldn’t see herself working in another capacity. “I worked at a leasing company before I came here where my former boss just kind of threw me in there,” Henderson explains. “I started doing tags and permits, ordering parts. A lot of it I suppose I learned on the job, but I’ve also been so lucky to have help from a lot of great folks along the way,” she says. “I learned a lot working with great people like Judy Van Luchen (former state director for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration); Pat Patterson and Gene Vonderau (former safety directors for the Association); and insurance reps and fleet safety experts from Great West Casualty. Those folks have made me a better safety professional, and make my job here easier to manage.” Her main focus now is making sure Lawson drivers adhere to all safety requirements and guidelines, and to also make sure they A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

deliver our customer’s goods and supplies to proper specs. With regard to recruitment, finding drivers who can handle the extra attention required to pull food grade tankers can be a challenge, she admits. “I can usually take a driver who has experience pulling a dry box and place him on our reefer fleet almost immediately,” she explains. But the transition to takers is much more involved, not only from a driving aspect, but also in our responsibilities in meeting our customer’s very specific requirements for the various food grade products. There are the obvious learning curves with regard to safely pulling a taker – for instance, the rollover ratio is so much higher for that type of trailer, but for us, there are also the certain needs of our customers, such as specific temperatures for items like vegetable oil.” ATA Director of Safety & Member Services Tim Frazier says that Lawson’s attention to detail is what sets it apart. “For what they haul, and considering their low accident rate and success at our Fleet Safety Awards, I definitely rank them among the safest trucking businesses in the state,” he says. “Debbie does a great job with her safety program, and seems to have full support from the owners and other managers. And that’s a huge part of it. As most of us who have worked in that capacity know, having that support from the top is crucial in this line of work.”

Lawson Vice President Odell Wilhite (left), who oversees dispatch and operations goes over paperwork with Larry Thomas.

Company Background In the mid-1970s, the late Charles Lawson started a small, one-truck operation to haul cattle. In those days, the area was considered the Cattle Capitol of the South. There were several area stockyards, but that all changed by the 1980s, as the beef market crashed. At that time, the company began to diversify to hauling dry-vans and reefers for area meat and bread producers. The company grew steadily through the decade, adding capacity along the way. By the 1990s, the operation had acquired bulk hauling contracts for a food processor’s vegetable oil shipments. As those commitments grew, Lawson expanded with two terminals in Port Barre, La. and Gainsville, Ga. Today the company employs 184 among the three terminals. Sadly, Mr. Lawson succumbed to leukemia in April 2011. His nephew Billy Rotton has worked with the company more than 35 years and now serves as company president. According to him, Mr. Lawson would have been extremely proud of the recent accolades his employees received, especially the driver awards. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Lawson Safety Director Debbie Henderson at her desk. The veteran fleet safety manager oversees 154 drivers.

“Charlie and I both started out driving trucks ourselves,” Rotton says. “We both did it for a long time, so we know what it’s like. As we grew over the years and started hiring drivers and other employees, we were determined to always treat our people like we want to be treated — that’s just how we operated. And I think that’s why we have good drivers stay with us for so long.” According to him, Recordo Jackson and Larry Thomas understand what it takes to be an exceptional employee. “(They are) just professional in everything,” he says. “We have our telephone number on every truck. We get calls all the time about what

our drivers are doing, both good and bad. I get calls from folks all the time complimenting Recordo. In fact, I got one last week from someone in Tuscaloosa who was behind Recordo’s truck and called just to tell us how clean the truck looked and how courteous the driver was.” Rotton adds that he wasn’t surprised that both men did so well at ATA’s Fleet Safety Awards. “They’re both exceptional people,” he says. “Both are family men – their families mean everything to them,” he says. “But they also take great care our customers. They are perfect examples for our other drivers. We’re so proud of them.” 7

All Bets On Trucking State trucking industry gathers at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino for Alabama Trucking Association’s annual meeting and convention. BILOXI, Miss. early 300 trucking executives, industry officials and guests converged here April 25-28 for the Alabama Trucking Association’s 74th Annual Convention and Meeting. With a solid mix of speakers, events and presentations, the 283 attendees were exposed to in-depth discussions of trucking’s future as a major player in the state and nation’s economies, as well as the Association’s role in the state political arena and beyond. Impressively, the event raised a record $160,000, with 148 companies donating cash, and even more sending representatives to the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. According to Convention Chairman Jack Brim of B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc., the event surpassed all expectations. “We are very grateful to the member firms that stepped up to support our meeting,” he said. “Member survey results collected after the event were favorable, and everyone I spoke with about it was pleased. I’m grate-

ful to my Finance Committee; the many sponsors; attendees; and our Chairman Bill Ward for making the event a success.” According to ATA President & CEO Frank Filgo, the only downside was that attendance was still below pre-recession numbers, which saw attendance exceed 350 in 2008. “Considering the current state of the

industry, we’re very pleased with attendance,” he said. “We had a tremendous response to our programs this year. Mark Tillman’s presentation was fascinating and very well received. Likewise, the discussion panel with the Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate Pro Temp Del Marsh was also well attended.” Filgo commended Convention Chairman Brim and committee for their fundraising efforts. That committee was composed of Fenn Church of Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc.; Gary Bond of BancorpSouth Equipment Finance; Leigh Breal, Ward International Trucks, LLC; Mark Coffman, Coffman International, Inc.; Russ Elrod, Arab Cartage & Express Co., Inc.; Scott Fendley, Massey Hauling Co., Inc.; Cheney Haugabook, Turner & Hamrick L.L.C.; Kevin Savoy, Greenbush Logistics, Inc.; David Turner, Four Star Freightliner; Wayne Watkins, Watkins Trucking Co., Inc.; Skip Williams, Houndstooth Transportation; and T. J. Willings, Continued on page 14 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Chairman Bill Ward (left) is recognized by Convention Chairman Jack Brim.

Jack Brim welcomes attendees at the opening dinner.

Golf Tournament Chairman Billy Campbell (center) stands with tournament sponsors Kevin Sherritze (left) of Great West Casualty and Al Cox of Great Dane Trailers.

Nearly 75 golfers participated in the Convention Golf Tournament.

Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (left) and Bill Ward discuss trucking’s impact on state politics.

Dinner on the veranda.

Jack Brim and America’s Road Team member Alphonso Lewis draw names for door prizes. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Bagpipes welcomed guests to Saturday’s Chairman Dinner.

Entertainment during ATA Workers’ Comp hospitality reception. 11

Continued from page 11

Nextran Truck Corp. “Once again, our convention exceeded all expectation for fundraising,” Filgo said. “Our association is certainly not lacking for member firms that will support the industry. We had nearly 150 member firms step up with financial donations – that is outstanding.”

Speakers & Presentations This year Convention organizers worked from nearly a year to assemble a solid slate of events, gatherings, hospitality suites and speakers. Events were all well attended; some of the highlights were: The Convention kicked off with a Welcome Reception featuring live music, food and drinks at a beautiful setting. Several $500 gaming chips were raffled off for attendees. Friday morning’s Business Meeting featured former Air Force One pilot Mark Tillman, who flew President George W. Bush during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Chosen as the nation’s 12th Presidential pilot, Col. Tillman was at the controls of Air Force One and responsible for the President’s safety during some of the most important national events in recent history, including the attacks of September 11, which killed nearly 3,000 in Washington D.C. and New York City and rural Pennsylvania, sending the nation into two wars. Tillman shared his vantage of the event and described his mission that infamous day of keeping the President of the United States safe in the midst of national emergency. Retired from service since 2008, Tillman now directs flight operations for a private business in Arizona. That evening ATA Workers’ Comp staff and Avizent treated attendees with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Saturday morning, the Association and ATA Workers’ Comp both held membership meetings to update members on pressing issues, accomplishments and future concerns. Afterwards Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard and Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh will provide insights and updates from the State House. Following a golf tournament that afternoon, the Association gathered one last time Saturday night to celebrate the leadership of current ATA Chairman of the Board Bill Ward, who has done an outstanding job as Chairman this past year. According to ATA officials, Ward has led by example, donating his time and money to ATA’s many events. He also 14

Golfers prepare for start of the Convention Golf Tournament.

Comedian Jeanne Robertson (left) stands with Chairman Bill Ward and his wife Penny during a dinner in his honor.

This year’s Webb Award winner Buck Moore and his father Buddy Moore, who also won the award in 1992

Driver of the Year Recordo Jackson and ATA’s Tim Frazier

worked to bring the membership together, especially those in the southern part of state where his business Ward International Trucks is based. “His dedication to making the industry better, stronger and safer has served us well, and we are grateful for his efforts,” said Filgo. During the program, the group also recognized this year’s Alabama Truck Driver of the Year Lawson Trucking’s Recordo Jackson, who along with his wife, Beatrice, were on hand the entire weekend. Capping the evening was the presentation of the H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service to Buck Moore of Buddy Moore Trucking in Birmingham (read more about Moore’s Award on page 34). According to ATA Filgo, ATA has had its share of great leaders, but few faced the adversity Moore did while serving as leader of the state’s trucking industry. Filgo points to a rash of accidents in 2005 involving large metal coils were dropped around the Birmingham metro area, injuring one woman and causing millions of dollars in damage to local infrastructure The Association, led by Moore, devised a plan to quell the metal coil securement problem in face of public outcry; threats of increased regulation from law makers and scrutiny from law enforcement. The Webb Award is the Alabama Trucking Association’s highest honor for a member. The award recognizes an individual for his or her commitment to the trucking industry and their community. The previous year’s winner T.J. Willings of Nextran Truck Center presented Moore with the award. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

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Rookie driver wins Alabama TDC AAA Cooper’s Stephen Pressley earns top honor at annual truck driver skills contest. By Ford Boswell

American Trucking Associations and attracts drivers from BESSEMER, Ala. all 50 U.S. states. Classes intephen Pressely, a Birmclude straight truck, twins, 3ingham-based driver for axle van, 4-axle van, 5-axle AAA Cooper Transportavan, sleeper birth, step van, tion, was named Grand flatbed and tanks. Champion at the 2012 AlaAlabama TDC class winbama Truck Driving Champiners will represent the state at onships held here June 1 at this year’s national competithe Bessemer Civic Center. tion set for August 7-11 in The annual event is sponMinneapolis, Minn. The Nasored by the Alabama Trucktional competition is sponGrand Champion Stephen Pressley ing Association’s Safety & sored by the American TruckMaintenance Management ing Associations and classes Council and serves as a state-level qualificaThis year’s event drew nearly 100 drivers tion round for the National Truck Driving from a dozen ATA member firms—up slightChampionships held each August at various ly from last year, according to organizers. locations across the country. Competing in his first Alabama TDC, The national contest is sponsored by the Pressley handily won the Flatbed Class,

schooling the field of nearly 100 competitors for all classes with a combined 356 points—his closest competitor was veteran TDC contestant and Sleeper Berth winner Gary Nuckolls, also of AAA Cooper, who posted a respectable 339 points. Overall, it was a banner day for AAA Cooper drivers, who took top honors in three of the nine classes. The team from Con-Way Freight also had a great showing with three of its drivers taking top spots in their respective class, including 3-axle winner Larry Tucker (337 points); Straight Truck winner Scott Ward (312); and Twins winner Mike Umphrey (277). Other class winners were 4-axle winner Tim Caraway of AAA Cooper (321); 5-axle winner James Headley of Winn Dixie Transportation (335); Tanker winner Mitchell Young of Wal-Mart Transportation A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Thanks to our 2012 Alabama Truck Driving Championships Sponsors MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS Wal-Mart Transportation ATA WCSIF JJ Keller PrePass (ACS) J&M Tank Line GOLD SPONSORS Nextran Truck Center Truckworx Boyd Bros. Transportation FedEx Freight, Inc. Carl Carson Truck Center Finishmaster Bonds Brothers Supply AAA Cooper Transportation

(326); Stepvan winner Gary Ramsey of WalMart Transportation (264)—his second year in a row. Over the last few years, Alabama contestants have done quite well at the national competition starting in 2005 when Darrell Kimbrell, a FedEx Freight driver from Birmingham, earned the title of National Champion in the Twins class. Since then, there have been others class winners, but the state got its first grand champion in 2007 when Alphonso Lewis of YRC (then Roadway) won the national competition. Lewis competed this year and managed to take third in the 5-axle class. Alabama Trucking Association Director of Safety & Member Services Tim Frazier called the event “a tremendous success,” and thanked event sponsors (see list on page 17); the TDC committee (see sidebar); troopers from the state Motor Carrier Safety Unit A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

SILVER SPONSORS Simpson, McMahan, Glick & Burford, PLLC McLeod Software RE Garrison Four Star Freightliner, Inc. Birmingham Frame & Alignment Southern Auto Glass Fleetmetrica BRONZE SPONSORS B&G Supply Co. Rusk Truck Leasing Lee Rodgers Tire

“Safety is Our Driving Concern”

who served as course judges; and the dozens of volunteers who donated either equipment and/or personal time. “With less than 100 drivers competing, we decided to shorten our contest to one day,” Frazier explained. “Everything progressed smoothly, and we are grateful for the support from ATA member firms and their employees.” Scott Ward Frazier added, “This is such an important event for the drivers; they look forward to it all year, and it’s a great treat to watch then do well and receive recognition for their dedication to the industry. As far as our team going to Nationals: I think we have an outstanding group—a mix of veterans and some promising newcomers. We should do well in Minneapolis.” More photos and official scores are available at www.alabamatrucking.org. Mitchell Young

Larry Tucker

Tim Carraway

James Headley

Mike Umphrey

Gary Nuckolls

Gary Ramsey

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Thanks to our 2012 Alabama Truck Driving Championships Committee

Ladies SUV Challenge winner Kim Hopkins with TDC Chariman Butch Hobbs

Chairman—Butch Hobbs, FedEx Freight

Course Marshall—Clarence Bean, Suttles Truck Leasing

Skill Course—Matt Frazier, Montgomery Transport and Dennis Bailey, Wal-Mart

Judges & Officials—Butch Hobbs, FedEx Freight

Purchasing—Carl Carson, Carl Carson Truck Center Written Test—Alan Hicks, BR Williams and Paul Dillard, JP Transportation Safety Consulting Official Scorer—Mark Hughes, McLeod Software Headquarters—Butch Owens, Golden Flake Snack Foods Contestant Coordination—Gary Snellings, Southeastern Freight Lines

Incoming ATA Chairman Jack Brim (left) with Grand Champ Pressley and TDC Chairman Hobbs

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Publicity—Jon Cook, JP Transportation Safety Consulting

Sponsorships—James Ransom, Boyd Bros. Transportation Power Equipment—Gary Snellings, Southeastern Freight Lines and Tom Exum, AAA Cooper Non-Power Procurement—Walter Cornwell, White Oak Transportation PA Announcer—James Ransom, Boyd Bros. Transportation Logistics—Cliff Fiveash – Con-Way Freight Time Keepers—Debbie Henderson, Charles G Lawson and Lonna Hooper, MyWay Transportation Start Line—Tom Exum, AAA Cooper Transportation

Preparing for EPA’s upcoming Tier 4 emission standards Is your fleet ready for EPA’s 2013 emission standards? By Doug Lenz

he clock is ticking for refrigerated truck and trailer fleets operators to consider how Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 Final emission standards — set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013 — will affect their operations and equipment budgets over the next several years. The new EPA standards for non-road engines in the less than 50HP classification, which includes most transport refrigeration unit (TRU) diesel engines for refrigerated straight trucks and refrigerated trailers. The standards also cover diesel engines used in auxiliary power units (APUs) and diesel engine-powered cargo heaters. The new EPA regulations provide a strong incentive for the refrigerated transportation industry to speed the adoption of TRU engine technologies that will lead to better operational, financial and environmental performance over the long term.

Dramatic reductions For 25HP or greater engines used in reefers, the regulations require reductions of as much as 90 percent in particulate matter (PM) and 30 percent in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, compared to the interim standards that have applied since 2008. Smaller engines used in trucks, APUs and heaters will need to comply with new not-to-exceed (NTE) emission limits at elevations of 5,500 ft. – previous emissions standards were based on sea level testing results. To meet the new standards, TRU engine manufacturers will need to begin using emission control technologies similar to those adopted by tractor-engine manufacturers in recent years. But while tractor-engine standards were implemented in three phases over a sevenyear period, the new standards for TRU engines require the bulk of

the emissions reductions all at once, which creates various challenges for engine manufacturers and fleet operators. New EPA requirements do not affect trucks and trailers currently in service, however other rules such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations require haulers operating in the state to replace or upgrade refrigeration units that are more than seven years old, unless strict electric standby protocols are maintained and documented. Many operators have been able to comply with CARB requirements and avoid replacing their reefers by working with an original equipment manufacturer to update the TRU’s diesel engine or installing a diesel particulate filter, instead of replacing the whole unit.

Impact on demand Implementation of EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards will have several effects on refrigerated fleet operators. Fleet operators need to consider the cost and availability of equipment as they make their buying plans for the 2012 budget year and beyond. The new regulations are one of several factors causing an increased demand for new refrigerated trailers. The Americas Commercial Transportation (ACT) Research group is forecasting a strong upswing in reefer sales, order backlogs and deliveries in 2012 compared to 2010. ACT Research projects that refrigerated trailer sales will exceed 40,000 units in 2012, up about 33 percent from 2010 levels. Operators will also want to work closely with their manufacturing partners to forecast and schedule their new equipment orders over the next several years to ensure they have the equipment they need to achieve their business objectives and meet their customers’ needs. With implementation of Tier 4 Final regulations less than two

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years away, these are busy times for both fleet operators and equipment manufacturers. Manufacturers are working to inform their customers and partners of new developments and help them prepare to meet the new regulations with minimum disruption to their operations.

Impact on reefers Beginning in January 2013, new reefers must be available with Tier 4 Final-compliant TRU engines. Manufacturers are considering innovative engine designs that may incorporate a combination of electronic controls, turbochargers, catalytic converters, exhaust recirculation devices and diesel particulate filters to meet Tier 4 Final standards. As 2013 approaches, manufacturers will have the flexibility to offer both Tier 4 Interim and Tier 4 Final solutions for a limited amount of time, to use existing inventories and phase in the final compliant solution. Careful planning will help operators manage through the budget impact of switching to new-technology engines, which will likely be more expensive to acquire than noncompliant engines. Operators will no doubt recall that acquisition costs of tractor engines increased by between $5,000 and $10,000 in each of the three phases of EPA Tier 4 implementation as engines became more advanced and complex to comply with the more stringent regulations. Manufacturers plan to leverage lessons learned during the implementation of new tractor engine standards to mitigate the effect that new emission technologies may have on TRU engine fuel economy and service intervals. Fleet operators may want to consider signing a long-term service agreement or outsourcing to make their service and maintenance costs more predictable.

A LABAMA T RUCKER â&#x20AC;˘ 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Planning ahead, operators will also need to train drivers and technicians to operate and maintain the new refrigeration equipment, which will include new components, electronics and features not found on current systems. Most manufacturers are preparing to provide operator training for their customers and make maintenance resources available.

Non-diesel solutions Non-diesel technologies are also becoming more available. For example, for truck refrigeration systems, engineers are currently working on advances in refrigeration technology, including electric standby and lithium-ion battery innovations that will enable overthe-road hybrid electric systems. Hybrid electric systems, which provide electric power to the TRU from energy stored from the truck battery system, can reduce refrigeration unit fuel costs by up to 50 percent. Cryogenic-powered refrigeration systems promise the next major technological breakthrough that will deliver a wide range of benefits for haulers, including higher cooling capacity and faster recovery times. Cryogenic systems eliminate the diesel engine completely from the refrigeration system and use recaptured CO2 as the refrigerant. Preparing for the implementation of new EPA off-road emission standards puts yet another challenge on refrigerated fleet operatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; already full plate. Working in partnership with a trusted, experienced equipment manufacturer can make the process of introducing new technologies easier, more efficient and less disruptive. Doug Lentz is Director of Product Management and Marketing for Thermo King Corp.

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights

Staying Proactive with Hiring

s I travel throughout the state for my duties with the Association, a question I hear a lot is, “Where are we going to find drivers and technicians for our company?” According industry research, trucking faces a shortage of approximately 135,000 drivers this year, and skilled technicians have become just as scarce. Even though the nation’s unemployment numbers remain high, trucking operators still struggle to keep trailers filled and have services shops without enough staff.

Tim Frazier, CDS ATA Director of Safety and Member Services

‘Professional drivers and skilled service technicians have become more valuable than ever.’

Finding drivers With the implementation of the new rules issued by the FMCSA this year alone, CSA scores, PSP scores, and an aging driver population, it’s safe to say the driver pool will get even smaller. I sat in a recruiting office recently, and it was apparent the recruiting manager I was visiting had an old school view of hiring and seemed content with his efforts. Yet, he was having difficulty locating and hiring good, experienced drivers. Driver applicants today quite often have less road experience and are more concerned with home time, benefits, and advancement opportunities. It’s common practice today to see driver applications with 8 to 10 previous employers in a short few years. We ask ourselves many times the following, “Why so much turn over? Why did the driver have so many jobs? What are they looking for?” The next time you have the opportunity to sit in your break room or eat lunch at a truck stop I highly recommend that you spend time asking drivers or their view of what want from a job in trucking. I had the opportunity to visit with a driver while he was communicating with his dispatcher via laptop. He was pleased with his equipment, home time, pay, and benefits.

Sitting and waiting was his frustration, and it was due to waiting on something as simple as a load number. This all may seem trivial, but when you realize how much sitting and waiting is costing him, then you better understand the frustration.

Technicians Have you walked through one of the latest, up to date, shop facilities, lately? These days, a really well-maintained and equipped shop is an impressive sight to behold. In May, the Association, through its Wiregrass Chapter of the Safety & Maintenance Management Council, provided scholarships to students at Lurleen B. Wallace Technical College in Opp, Ala. Schools like LBW produce our next generation of technicians needed to maintain these new, complex pieces of equipment. With all the electronic and computer controlled components equipped on trucks and trailers today, the old school, learn-itthe-hard-way method of training up techs is limited in its approach, at best. Hiring managers often call our offices seeking technicians or information regarding training facilities with apprentice programs. Professional drivers and skilled service technicians have become more valuable than ever. Whether your company has a training program in place or utilizes other means to attract new talent, technology will require us to look outside the traditional methods of hiring and keeping good employees. Likewise, review your hiring techniques; you may be surprised at what you find, especially when you talk to your veteran drivers and techs. Also, visit with your dispatch staff and listen to conversations between drivers and dispatchers. Review your dispatch electronic communications for complete and thorough information. Successful trucking businesses are proactive with regard to employee relations.

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MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS Fleets seek tougher trailer aerodynamic devices Fleet Owner magazine reports that as fleets large and small race to improve the fuel efficiency of their trailers and make them regulatory compliant by using fairings, side skirts, and other aerodynamic systems, worry is steadily rising over the durability and potential repair costs posed by such devices. Chuck Cole, manager of technical sales and product training for Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co., told Fleet Owner that the still-unknown long-term costs associated with annual maintenance for trailer aerodynamic devices is a growing concern within the trucking community. “Side skirts are located ‘in harm’s way’ and are subject to impact damage and will have some maintenance cost which is still not 100 percent known. Indeed, at present, there are some 42 different side skirt models listed on the [Environmental Protection Agency] SmartWay-verified web page alone,” he explained. “Some of these are probably more durable than others, with some ‘torture-tested’ tested to withstand severe impacts. With others, who knows? That’s why the buyer needs to know he has a reputable manufacturer and that the device has been structurally tested to insure safe operation,” Cole said. “Trailers operate in an abusive environment, and trailer aerodynamic device makers need to take that into consideration,” added Jamie Scarcelli, Vice President & General Manager at Wabash Composites, a division of Wabash National Corp. “We have had a lot of new companies jump into this space without fully understanding that key requirement.” That’s why Marty Fletcher, executive director of customer service and product development for trailer aerodynamic device maker Aerofficient, believes the “evolution” of such products will focus more intensely on durability and maintenance factors in the near-term. “When systems were first being deployed, initial price was the most important factor,” he told Fleet Owner. “But now, the evolution is moving to total cost of ownership, which is reliant upon durability and reliability.” In Fletcher’s eyes, an inexpensive trailer aero system becomes very expensive when it must be repaired or replaced repeatedly, as there is no reimbursement for down time or labor incurred. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Feds to scale back tanker definition According to Land Line magazine, until the FMCSA issues a new rule to scale back its definition of “tank vehicle” that has been on the books for the past year, truckers hauling commonplace loads in fluid bins remain exposed to potential out-of-service orders and serious violations at roadside. The good news is the FMCSA has taken the first steps to re-examine the issue. Prior to a May 2011 final rule on CDL testing and learner’s permit standards, the definition of tank vehicle did not apply to commonplace fluid bins that many truckers haul without needing a tank endorsement on their licenses. That particular rule changed the definition, designating a vehicle as a tanker if it hauls any containers of liquid or gas with a rated capacity of 119 gallons or more as part of an aggregate of 1,000 gallons that aren’t permanently attached to the vehicle. OOIDA took exception, saying the definition became too broad and would affect nearly all truckers hauling otherwise routine loads – full or empty. On March 30, the FMCSA granted a petition by the American Trucking Associations for the agency to open a new rulemaking to re-examine the definition. He added that his decades-long truckload operation experience with U.S. Xpress Enterprises testing trailer aerodynamic products demonstrated that, so far, they are challenged by the extreme work environments in which such equipment must perform. “Temperature extremes are causing warping and eventual cracking or de-lamination,” he explained. “Ground contact – most commonly in drop-down docks – is causing breakage while support struts are failing due to fatigue. Thus the design evolution must be to strengthen [trailer] fairings.” That’s a viewed shared by Mitch Greenberg, president of trailer aero device maker SmartTruck. “The design evolution should take us to more integrated designs where concepts are better incorporated into the initial design of the trailer,” he told Fleet Owner. “Keeping components inside the footprint of the trailer will grow more important, so the sys-

tems are not subject to damage, as well as minimizing installation times.” —Sean Kilcarr

Researchers identify large truck rollover locations The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released findings from the first phase of a three-part research effort aimed at mitigating costly large truck rollovers. This first phase produced a database of locations with the highest frequency of large truck rollovers using over 50,000 crash records from a nine-year period. The database, which covers 31 states, provides valuable insight into the location of high frequency rollover locations to both public transportation officials and the trucking industry. Subsequent phases of ATRI’s research will focus on rollover mitigation strategies, such as a real-time in-cab notification system and outreach to public sector officials who have the ability to address potential problems related to roadway design and signage. The full report, state-specific summary reports and an online interactive map are available on the ATRI website at www.atri-online.org. Contact Rebecca Brewster at rbrewster@trucking.org. DOT publishes registry of medical examiners rule The U.S. Department of Transportation has published its final rule to establish a national registry of certified medical examiners. The new rule requires doctors and other medical professionals who perform DOT-required medical exams to be trained, tested and certified to look for specific physical qualifications that interstate commercial truck and bus drivers must meet, the article states. The rule would take effect in May 2014. “Safety is our top priority and requires cooperation from everyone involved, including our medical examiners,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a press release. “This new rule will ensure that health care professionals conducting exams keep in mind all of the demands required to operate large trucks and passenger buses safely.” Under the rule, applicants who wish to be certified as a medical examiner must register through the National Registry website. More SMMC news on page 26 23

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News They’ll then train to pass a certification test required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Medical certificates issued before May 21, 2014, are valid until the expiration date. The rule also requires medical examiners to electronically transmit the name of the driver being examined to FMCSA. Medical examiners that don’t meet or maintain the rule’s minimum standards would be removed from the National Registry.

National ATA wants study used to develop CSA scoring system released The American Trucking Associations recently asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to release a study of the links between violations and crash risk used to develop its methodology for assigning carriers’ scores in its monitoring and

measurement system: Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA). “As a regulated industry, trucking has a right and a need to know how the system we operate under was crafted,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “FMCSA has an obligation to release this study so that the industry, and other stakeholders, may evaluate CSA and offer substantive proposals to improve it.” FMCSA cited the study, titled “2007 Violation Severity Assessment Study Final Report,” as a component in the development of the severity weights in CSA, which are assigned to all violations on a scale of 1-10 based on their relationship to crash occurrence and consequences. ATA has requested the study in writing three times since May 2010. The agency has refused not only these requests, but a request from its own Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee, a group of stakeholders appointed by FMCSA’s administrator to advise the agency on regulatory and program matters, for the document. The MCSAC ultimately concluded there is a “…continuing need for further data collection to accurately establish crash causation relationships to justify ultimate weighting scores.” Because the group was not provided with such data, its recommen-

dations with respect to appropriate violation severity weights largely reflected “guesswork” on the relationship between particular violations and crashes, according to the MCSAC’s final report. An evaluation of CSA conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, released by FMCSA in 2011, described the assignment of severity weights as “arbitrary” and went on to point out that “Whether the weights used in the calculation of the BASICs scores are appropriate is not known….” “FMCSA’s reluctance to release this document, as well as other important CSA-related documents, sends the wrong message,” said Graves, referring to ATA’s recent request for the agency to release its study of crash accountability. “This pattern of failing to disclose critical background information, despite numerous requests, contradicts the agency’s claims of openness and transparency.”

DOT releases ‘Blueprint’ to curb distracted driving U.S. Department of Transportation has released a “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving” that offers a comprehensive strategy to address the growing and dangerous Continued on page 28

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News practice of using handheld cell phones behind the wheel. The plan outlines concrete steps stakeholders around the country – from lawmakers and safety organizations to families and younger drivers – can take to reduce the risk posed by distracted driving. While unveiling the plan, Secretary LaHood also announced $2.4 million in federal support for California and Delaware that will expand the Department’s “Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other” pilot enforcement campaign to reduce distracted driving. “Distracted driving is an epidemic. While we’ve made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured – and we can put an end to it,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Personal responsibility for putting

down that cell phone is a good first step – but we need everyone to do their part, whether it’s helping pass strong laws, educating our youngest and most vulnerable drivers, or starting their own campaign to end distracted driving.” The “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving” outlines a plan that builds on the national momentum that Secretary LaHood and USDOT have spearheaded for the last three years. Recognizing the extent and complexity of the problem, the plan seeks to encourage the remaining 11 states without distracted driving laws to enact and enforce this critical legislation; challenges the auto industry to adopt new and future guidelines for technology to reduce the potential for distraction on devices built or brought into vehicles; and partners with driver education professionals to incorporate new curriculum materials to educate novice drivers of driver distraction and its consequences, among other tasks and methods. In 2010, at least 3,092 people were killed in distraction-affected crashes – accounting for approximately one in every ten fatalities on the nation’s roadways. Meanwhile, among the findings from NHTSA’s first nationally-representative telephone survey on

driver distraction released earlier this year, more than three-quarters of drivers reported that they are willing to answer calls on all, most, or some trips. Survey respondents acknowledged few driving situations when they would not use the phone or text, and yet reported feeling unsafe when riding in vehicles in which the driver is texting and supported bans on texting and cell phone use. Almost all respondents (about 90% overall) reported that they considered a driver who was sending or reading text messages or emails as very unsafe. Last spring Alabama Governor Robert Bentley Alabama’s Gov. Robert Bentley signed a bill that will ban texting while driving in Alabama, the 38th state to do so. The law was modeled after an Executive Order by President Obama in 2009 that prohibited employees from texting while driving government-issued vehicles. Alabama’s law goes into effect Aug. 1. Nationwide, 39 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Guam ban texting behind the wheel. Ten states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Gu am prohibit all hand-held cell phone use while driving.

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SMMC chapter awards scholarships to diesel tech students Two Lurleen B.Wallace Community College students in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program were recently presented scholarships for $1,000 each from the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA). Scholarship winners Paul Swappenhiser of Carlisle, Penn. and Seth Sladky of Kinston, Ala. were selected by school officials based on their academic attributes and financial need. ATA’s diesel technician scholarships are awarded annually by the Wiregrass Chapter of the ATH’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council. Funding comes from chapter events such as its annual golf tournament held each May.

Above, from left, are Paul Swappenhiser of Carlisle, Penn., and Seth Sladky of Kinston, Ala.; Tim Frazier, ATA Director of Safety and Member Services; LBWCC’s Eddie Spann, program instructor.

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Lawson Trucking’s Recordo Jackson is ATA’s Driver of the Year Fleet Manager of the Year Scottie Phillips

Maintenance Professional of the Year Carlton Musgrove

Safety Professional of the Year Candy Kervin

Safety Professional of the Year 1st Runner Up Debbie Henderson

ecordo Jackson of Charles G. Lawson Trucking in Montgomery was tapped the Alabama Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year at last month’s ATA’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council’s Fleet Safety Awards. According to his supervisor, Lawson Trucking fleet safety director Debbie Henderson (also this year’s First Runner Up for Safety Director of the Year), Jackson has worked in trucking for more than 35 years — 23 of those with Lawson. “He has one of the most intense jobs today as a professional driver pulling a food grade, non-baffled tanker,” Henderson wrote in her nomination letter for Jackson. “Not only is the equipment a task, but he is responsible for the food product safety also. He has received numerous awards over the years, and Driver of the Year Recordo Jackson recently received a 23-year safe driving and loss prevention award from Great West Casualty Co.” Jackson has participated in ATA’s annual Truck Driving Championships several times, placeing 5th in 2007, 4th in 2008, and 3rd in 2010 in the tanker division (He placed 5th in for Driver of the Year in 2009). He has been married to Beatrice for 20 years and has three children. He is a member of Beulah Primitive Baptist Church, serving as trustee, usher, and sings in the male choir. “He is and has always been loyal and takes special care of our customers,” Henderson adds. “He is an exceptional driver and deserves to be recognized for his years of dedication to the trucking industry.” First Runner Up was Jeffrey Wilson of Osborn Transportation, Inc. in Gadsden; and Second Runner Up was Larry Thomas, also of Charles G. Lawson Trucking.

ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION SAFETY CONTEST General Commodities Linehaul Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place: Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place: J & D Burgess, Inc. 3rd Place: JCrawley Transport, LLC

General Commodities Local Over 5 Million Miles 1st Place: Shoreline Transportation of Alabama, LLC 2nd Place: Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc.

General Commodities Linehaul 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place: Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place: Williams Trucking, LLC 3rd Place: Storey Trucking Co., Inc.

General Commodities Combined 0 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place: Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place: JCrawley Transport, LLC 3rd Place: Watkins Trucking Co., Inc.

General Commodities Linehaul 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: MSJ Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place: ABF Freight System, Inc. 3rd Place: White Oak Transportation, Inc.

General Commodities Combined 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: Wilson Trucking Corporation 2nd Place: Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc.

General Commodities Linehaul 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place: B & G Supply Co., Inc. 2nd Place: P & S Transportation, Inc. 3rd Place: WTI Transport, Inc. General Commodities Linehaul over 10 Million Miles 1st Place: Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC 2nd Place: Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 3rd Place: FedEx Freight, Inc.

Driver of the Year 1st Runner Up Jeffery Wilson

General Commodities Local under 1 Million Miles 1st Place: B & G Supply Co., Inc. 2nd Place: Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. 3rd Place: BR Williams Trucking, Inc. General Commodities Local 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place: ABF Freight System, Inc. General Commodities Local 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: Con-Way Freight 2nd Place: AAA Cooper Transportation 3rd Place: Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc.

Driver of the Year 2nd Runner Up Larry Thomas

General Commodities Combined 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place: B&G Supply Company, Inc. 2nd Place: ABF Freight Systems, Inc. 3rd Place: P&S Transportation, Inc.

Household Goods 1st Place: Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. 2nd Place: Reliable Moving Company, Inc. Private Carrier 0 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: Golden Flake Snack Foods, Inc. 2nd Place: Scott Bridge Company, Inc. 3rd Place: RM Logistics, LLC Private Carrier Over 5 Million Miles 1st Place: American Proteins, Inc. President’s Award B & G Supply Co., Inc. Driver of the Year Recordo Jackson, Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. Driver of the Year 1st Runner Up Jeffery Wilson, Osborn Transportation, Inc.

General Commodities Combined over 10 Million Miles 1st Place: Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place: Con-Way Freight 3rd Place: AAA Cooper Transportation Tank Truck 1st Place: Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place: Action Resources, Inc. 3rd Place: J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Hazardous Materials 1st Place: Georgia Tank Lines, LLC 2nd Place: Barnett Transportation, Inc.

Driver of the Year 2nd Runner Up Larry Thomas, Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. Safety Professional of the Year Candy Kervin, Eagle Motor Freight, Inc. Safety Professional of the Year 1st Runner Up Debbie Henderson, Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. Maintenance Professional of the Year Carlton Musgrove, RE Garrison Trucking, Inc.

Fleet Manager of the Year Miscellaneous Category Scottie Phillips, Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. 1st Place: White Oak Transportation-Grain, LLC Gavel Plaques 2nd Place: Massey Hauling Company, Inc. Johnathan Marshall, P&S Transportation, 3rd Place: Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. Inc. Debbie Henderson, Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. Randy Watson, Evergreen Transport, LLC

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Economist: Driver turnover rises slightly

This year, the awards program drew more than 600 participants from across the country.

After a one quarter reprieve, the annualized turnover rate for large truckload fleets rose slightly in the first quarter of 2012 while small truckload fleets saw a tremendous surge in turnover, according to American Trucking Associations’ Chief Economist Bob Costello. According to Costello’s monthly Trucking Activity Report, the turnover rate for large truckload fleets rose two percentage points to 90 percent – its highest point since the first quarter of 2008. However, at truckload fleets with less than $30 million in revenue turnover shot up 16 percentage points to 71 percent in the first quarter – its highest level since the second quarter of 2008. “We were surprised that the turnover rate dipped in the fourth quarter,” Costello said. “This report of a slight rise at large fleets and a significant increase at smaller fleets matches up with what we hear regarding the health of the industry, the tightening of the labor market for drivers and demand for good, quality, experienced drivers.” Turnover at less-than-truckload fleets remained remarkably low – at just 8 percent – but was up one percentage point from the previous quarter.

Governor signs ATA’s AntiIndemnification Bill into law

Swing Transport recognized for safety Alabama Trucking Association member firm, Swing Transport, Inc. recently won a Platinum award from Great West Casualty Co. as part of its 2011 National Safety Awards Program -- this marks the fifth consecutive year Swing has earned the honor. Swing Transport , a dry good carrier based in Salisbury, NC, has terminals here in Alabama with others in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. According to Great West officials, the management team at Swing is constantly striving for safety improvement. Great West’s National Safety Awards program recognizes carriers in similar operations (truckload and less than truckload) with awards based on year-end preventable accident results. Carriers are eligible to receive a Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Participatory award. 34

In May, Gov. Robert Bentley signed the Alabama Trucking Association’s anti-indemnification bill into law, making it illegal for shippers to add certain indemnity clauses in their contracts with truckers that can release them from liability for their own negligence or criminal activity.

ATA officials said that while the original bill introduced by Rep. Ron Johnson (HB339) sought stricter language to prohibit such unfair agreements, the bill, as amended, is a significant improvement over the current situation, which allows unlimited indemnity requirements. The new law now prohibits provisions that require the motor carrier to indemnify against the shipper’s criminal acts, intentional wrongful acts, wanton conduct, and sole negligence. Continued on page 36

Former ATA chairman Buck Moore wins Webb Award The Alabama Trucking Association tapped Birmingham trucking executive Buck Moore of Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. for the group’s top individual award, the H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service. The Webb Award recognizes state trucking professionals for outstanding service and leadership to their community and industry. ATA officials gave Moore his award at the group’s 74th Annual Convention and Meeting held recently in Biloxi, Miss. According to ATA president and CEO Frank Filgo, ATA has had its share of great leaders, but few faced the adversity Moore did Buck Moore while serving as leader of the state’s trucking industry. Filgo points to Moore’s term as Chairman in 2005, during which a rash of accidents involving large metal coils were dropped around the Birmingham metro area, injuring one woman and causing millions of dollars in damage to local infrastructure. “Our industry had to take a long look at itself and react swiftly to a dangerous, growing situation,” Filgo said. “Only a few days into Buck’s term as Chairman, he called for a meeting with state and federal regulatory officials; media; industry experts; and state and local politicians to find a solution. The group met at his place of business in Birmingham, and together, they fashioned a 10-point plan to address the problem. That eventually led to legislation requiring load securement training for drivers who haul metal coils and stiffer penalties for those who fail to follow federal guidelines for load securement.” Since the Alabama’ Metal Coil Law was signed by Gov. Bob Riley in 2009, more than 50,000 drivers have been trained or retrained in coil securement; and, most importantly, there has not been a single metal coil spill due to improper securement in Alabama since passage of the bill. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in business administration focusing on operations management, Moore worked for several large trucking companies with operations based in Birmingham, including the former Deaton, Inc. and Boyd Bros. Transportation. In 2000, Moore, with his father, Buddy, and sister, Susan Kirkpatrick, started Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc., a flatbed carrier serving the area’s steel manufacturers. Today the company employs 220 and offers 160 trucks and 220 trailers. Buddy, also former ATA Chairman, received a Webb Award in 1992. The H. Chester Webb Award was in established 1958 to recognize individuals in the state’s trucking industry for service and contributions to the industry and encourage public service by all members of the highway transportation industry. Winners of the Webb Award are those who have given their talents, leadership and dedication to the Alabama trucking industry, the state trucking association, and the communities where they reside.

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In addition, it prohibits provisions requiring indemnity when a shipper loads and seals the trailer without inspection by the carrier and when the load has a latent defect that the motor carrier is not able to discover that is the proximate cause of injury or damage. The original bill passed the House by a 70-12 vote, but ran into opposition in the Senate and warranted compromise. “Despite that, we are satisfied with the bill signed by the governor,” said ATA President & CEO Frank Filgo. “The new law achieves several of our principal objectives, and it also establishes a basis for further re-

strictions on future indemnities.” Filgo praised state lawmakers for recognizing the difficult position truckers were finding themselves in when going into contract negotiations with shippers. Alabama is the thirty-third state to pass such legislation.

FMCSA reappoints industry members to UCR Board By letters dated June 5, 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has reappointed the current five industry representatives on the Board of Directors of the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement to additional three-year terms that commenced June 1.

Storm damaged Carrier Transicold South branch reopens After its Birmingham branch was demolished by a deadly tornado last year, truck and trailer refrigeration equipment dealer Carrier Transicold South recently hosted an Open House and barbecue to celebrate the reopening of the newly remodeled facility. The event drew more than 100 customers, industry officials, friends and family to tour the office building, with its adjacent 5-bay service center and two acres of trailer parking. The dealerships entire offering of products were also on display. According to company officials, the new structure offers more modernization and storage than the original building, which was leveled during a massive tornado that raced across West Alabama April 27, 2011, killing hundreds and destroying homes and businesses for miles. That tornado was part of a massive storm system that ravaged the Southeast for two days – among the deadliest and costliest storm system on record. Death toll was 324 across six states – 238 in Alabama, alone. According to Branch Manager Billy Campbell, his building was one of several in his immediate area that was completely leveled by the storm. “Our office building was blown away; it was down to the slab, and the service area was completely crushed,” he said. “There were other businesses in the area destroyed; most have rebuilt and resumed operations, but there are a few that have yet to rebuild. We feel very proud to be back and serving our customers without a drop in service.” Construction was actually completed earlier this year and full operations resumed on site in February, but the team elected to hold the Open House during warmer weather. For nine months, the business operated from two mobile home trailers set up in the parking lot. “We did everything we could to avoid letting customers down during the long rebuilding process,” Campbell explained. “Our service work is done mostly in the field from a service truck, so we were able to handle most calls without too much of a disruption – and that’s a testament to the great group of folks we have here.” During the event company President Bruce MacDonald thanked customers for their loyalty and support during a trying time, and praised branch employees for their hard work and dedication to ensuring top customer service. With eight locations in four Southeastern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Louisiana, Carrier Transicold South offers a complete line of refrigeration products and services.

They are: Woody Chambers, representing the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association; Jay Gingrich of CHI Overhead Doors, representing private carriers; Rick Schweitzer, an attorney representing the American Bus Association; Bob Voltmann of the Transportation Intermediaries Association; and Bob Pitcher of ATA, who has served as vice chairman of the Board since it was established in 2006.

ATA Calls for EOBRs in Highway Bill American Trucking Associations urged members of the upcoming House-Senate highway-bill conference to include a mandate for electronic onboard recorders, in order to help drivers and carriers meet federal hoursof-service mandates. “We urge conferees in both bodies to adopt the Senate’s requirement for carriers to use electronic logging devices to monitor drivers’ [HOS] compliance,” ATA President Bill Graves said. “These devices lead to greater compliance with maximum driving limits — which is very good for the trucking industry as a whole and highway safety,” he said in a statement. The House and Senate are currently seeking to mesh their differing versions of a federal transportation reauthorization bill. Both bodies this week named conferees, with 43 in the House and 14 in the Senate. Graves said ATA supports an EOBR mandate based on feedback from its member carriers who find the technology improves compliance, safety and operating efficiency. Meanwhile, driver advocacy groups, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said it opposes a mandate for EOBRs, saying they were too expensive for the trucking industry and that they hinder small business. —Transport Topics

Motor Carriers asked to weigh in on CSA The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today launched its second annual motor carrier survey to identify CSA impacts on trucking operations, as well as carrier perceptions and attitudes toward FMCSA’s maturing regulatory program. This survey, which specifically seeks trucking company input, will be compared and contrasted with last year’s CSA research – where ATRI received responses from a representative sample of approximately 700 fleets (report available online at www.atri-online.org). Continued on page 38

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

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

The brief online survey asks carriers for information on how their perceptions of CSA have changed or been affected as CSA continues its second full year of measuring motor carrier and commercial driver safety performance. The survey also seeks to capture attitudes toward the program and general understanding of its key components.

State adopts consolidated filing program By legislation signed into law by Governor Bentley last month and effective with tax returns filed for October 2013, Alabama will make it possible for those who owe state or local sales, use, lease, or rental taxes – including those applying to motor vehicles – to file for all such obligations through a single electronic system. Hundreds of Alabama cities, counties, and special districts, as well as the state, levy these taxes, and taxpayers have until now had to file with each unit of government separately. Under the new system, all local governments must make One Spot, as the program is called, available, and filings with that system

will be in a uniform format, regardless of the government to which a payment is owed. Unfortunately, taxpayers may still be audited by any of the localities to which they have sales tax obligations. Motor carriers are encouraged to provide confidential input on CSA through ATRI’s survey, available online at www.atrionline.org. The aggregated and anonym zed results of the survey will be available later this year, accompanied by findings from ATRI’s surveys of other stakeholder groups impacted by CSA, including thousands of commercial drivers, shippers and the enforcement community.

ATA Board Member Mark Knotts honored Regions Financial Corp. recently tapped Mark Knotts, a senior vice president based in Troy, Ala., with its Better Life Award, an honor bestowed upon associates for outstandMark Knotts ing dedication and job performance, as well as exemplary involvement and commitment to the community. Knotts has developed a specialty in trans-

portation insurance and has become one of the leading insurance experts in that field. “You can look at Mark and the impact he’s made in a variety of areas, from maintaining strong relationships with his clients, to taking an active role in serving in the community. He is most deserving of this prestigious award,” said Charles Porter, CEO, Regions Insurance of Mississippi. While Knotts has distinguished himself through exceptional service to clients and providing advice and guidance to those on his team, he has also consistently brought his dedication and passion for making a difference to help in the community, serving as an officer of the Pike Liberal Arts School and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Trucking Association. Knotts is also active in his church and as a youth sports coach. Regions associates are nominated by their managers and peers for the award. Regions President and Chief Executive Officer Grayson Hall honors recipients at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, Ala., at a meeting broadcast live to offices and branches in the 16 states Regions serves. In addition to the recognition, associates earning the Better Life Award will receive an additional week of vacation and a crystal award. Continued on page 40

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

New labor law rules in effect A federal judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia recently cleared the way for the National Labor Relations Board’s expedited-election rule. The rule went to effect in late last in May. According to attorneys with Fisher & Phillips, a law firm specializing in labor laws, the judge’s order is not a substantive ruling on the new regulations, which remain the subject of litigation. Rather, the order comes as a ruling on the request of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to temporarily enjoin the new rules until after a final ruling. The judge denied that request, refused to issue a temporary injunction, and the rules now go into effect. Fisher & Phillips attorneys encourage employers to take advantage of this rapidly closing window of opportunity by moving forward with plans to: 1) Reevaluate your current employee relations programs; 2) identify, confirm and properly train all frontline supervisors; and 3) implement other proactive steps designed to help make unions unnecessary.

Significant Provisions Although the new rule is purportedly designed to “reduce unnecessary litigation,” its primary objective is to substantially reduce the period of time between the filing of a representation petition and a union election. Until now, these petitions would trigger a hearing designed to resolve any voting eligibility issues long before the ballots were cast. Even in the absence of such a hearing, the parties could rest assured that no election would be scheduled until the passage of six or more weeks, during which time employers were free to

properly train their supervisors and educate employees. But effective April 30th that process will be substantially streamlined by deferring most eligibility determinations until after the votes had already been cast by those employees whom the union seeks to represent. The rule makes clear that the NLRB will confine hearings to a relatively small number of proceedings in which the disputed employee classifications comprise more than 10% of the petitioned-for bargaining unit. These circumstances will be rare, and the status of a small number of supervisors alone will typically be insufficient.

Effect on the timing of elections NLRB Regional Directors will have the discretion to schedule hearings within seven days of the petition. Even if such hearings are granted, the new rule confers new-found discretion upon the assigned Hearing Officers to cut them short, reject evidence, and to issue rulings from the bench without the benefit of briefs, conceivably resulting in a decision that same day. At that point, the NLRB would be free to schedule an election within two weeks or less. Under those circumstances, the election would end up taking place within three weeks of the petition date, representing a 50 percent reduction in the overall employee education period.

How does this affect your workplace? A 50 percent reduction in lead time between petition and election means that all things being equal, employees will be casting ballots that much closer to the confusion and negative emotion that presumably fueled the union card-signing activity to begin with. Consequently, all employers will have to be far more proac-

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

tive in advance of any representation petition, and more nimble, efficient and direct with any communications issued thereafter. The streamlined procedures also mean that managers and employees alike will go into the election without any certainty over the ultimate scope of the voting unit. This is particularly troubling with regard to supervisory status. The absence of a formal determination on this issue could compel employers to make assumptions on a critical issue with major ramifications if they “guess wrong.” Consequently, it will be more important than ever to identify any “close calls,” and to consider strategies to ensure against any subsequent misclassification by the NLRB. Lastly, it is fair to assume that labor unions will attempt to exploit the inherent advantages associated with these changes by stepping up the extent of their organizing activity. When combined with other troubling decisions allowing unions to carve out sympathetic “micro-units” of smaller employee groupings, these new rules will likely result in a proliferation of representation petitions, and impose new challenges on multiple fronts.

How to prepare The new rule is already in effect, which means that the window of opportunity to get in front of these changes is rapidly closing. Our advice is to take immediate steps to fine-tune your employee relations programs so as to make third-party representation unnecessary. Some employers will take that a step further by looking for opportunities to engage their workforce on the issue of third-party representation long before any petition is filed, by crafting a lawful message that is tailored to the unique aspects of their corporate culture, and then evaluating the most effective vehicles for delivering that message.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

More than ever, you should work toward minimizing the impact of the expedited timetables by “standing on go” with a proactive program that can be implemented long before the first petition is filed, and tailored to ensure effective communication should that happen. Keep in mind that unions had already been enjoying 70 percent win rates under the old rules. Under the new rules, employees will typically be casting their ballots much closer in time to the negative emotion that generated the initial organizing activity. Consequently, less response time between petition and elections will likely favor unions and put increased pressure on employers. The new rules will also leave less time for employers to properly identify, confirm and train their supervisors post-petition, which means that much of this will need to happen ahead of time. In the meantime, these changes are likely to fuel increased organizing activity as unions scramble to exploit these advantages Given the limited availability of pre-election determinations on supervisory status, act now to identify and confirm the status of any “close calls,” and to properly train all your statutory supervisors on how best to lawfully and effectively communicate with employees. Begin to take advantage of the closing window of opportunity to improve employee relations programs while preserving the integrity of your company’s “brand,” by effectively communicating, resolving employee issues, reducing perceptions of unfairness, and managing in a way that shows you care. Finally, act now to develop a strategic contingency plan for any petitions that are filed, so as to maximize prospects for lawfully and effectively educating employees under drastically reduced timetables. This article appears courtesy of Fisher & Phillips LLP. Visit them at www.laborlawyers.com.

“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 • 2 ND 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. 44

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

2012 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.

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. 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 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 Transportation Safety Services (251) 661-9700 transportationsafetyservices.com Trucking Partners, LLC (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com USA Driver-s, Inc. (205) 661-0712 www.usadrivers.com Wise Consulting, LLC (256) 709-0768 ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Mid-South, LLC (901) 488-8033 www.cummins.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com Westport HD div. of Westport Innovations, Inc. (251) 635-7143 www.westport.com

EQUIPMENT LEASING Eagle Equipment Leasing LLC (205) 999-5410

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

H.E.C. Leasing, LLC (615) 324-3538 www.hecleasing.com

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

National Semi-Trailer Corp. (205) 520-0050 www.nationalsemi.com

Thermo King of B’ham-Thermo King of Montgomery-Thermo King of Dothan (205) 591-2424 www.midstatetk.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 Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 www.dothantarp.com Fleet Air Technologies, Inc. (256) 754-0034 www.fleetairtech.com FleetPride, Inc. (205) 322-5621 www.fleetpride.com

Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 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

INSURANCE Aon Risk Solutions (501) 374-9300 www.aon.com

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

Aronov Insurance, Inc. (205) 907-9622 www.aronovinsurance.com Avizent (205) 581-9283 www.avizentrisk.com

Bradley Screening, LLC (334) 272-3539 www.bradleyscreening

The Baxter Agency (334) 678-6800 www.baxteragency.com BB & T Insurance Services (912) 201-4706 Benton & Parker Insurance Services (770) 536-8340 www.bentonandparker.com Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com Cottingham and Butler (407) 850-0894 www.cottinghambutler.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 670-6573 www.gwccnet.com Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695 Johnson-Locklin & Associates (205) 980-8008 www.johnson-locklin.com Liberty Mutual Group (804) 380-5169 www.libertymutual,com

BBVA Compass (205) 297-3349 www.bbvacompass.com

Liberty Truck Insurance (205) 322-6695

Comdata (615) 370-7778

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

McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc. (205) 252-9871 www.mcgriff.com Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 670-6544 www.joemorten.com S. S. Nesbitt (205) 262-2620 www.ssnesbitt.com Palomar Insurance Corp. (334) 270-0105 www.palomarinsurance.com

People’s United Equipment Finance Corp. (205) 664-9374 www.financialfederal.com

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

GFA, Alabama (205) 277-2157 www.gfany.net

Power Funding (256) 606-1546 www.powerfundingltd.com

Regions Insurance/Barksdale Bonding (334) 808-9441 www.barksdalebonding.com

Imperial Supplies LLC (920) 494-7474 www.imperialsupplies.com

Renasant Bank (334) 223-1445 www.renasant.com

Kinedyne Corp. (334) 365-2919 www.kinedyne.com

Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino, LLC (256) 739-0312 www.wakm.com

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

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. (615) 587-9032 www.wellsfargo.com

Brookwood Medical Center (205) 807-4977 www.bwmc.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 J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5450 www.bhs-inc.com PETROLEUM PRODUCTS BP Castrol Lubricants (205) 266-4863 www.castrol.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

FQS Bear Equipment (803) 957-4946 www.fqs-inc.com

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems (334) 798-0080 www.arvinmeritor.com

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

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC (334) 271-6678 www.cricpa.com Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Attorneys: Albrittons, Clifton & Moody P.C. (334) 222-3177 www.albrittons.com

Sentry Insurance (800) 610-4888 www.sentry.com Trans Con Assurance, LTD (205) 978-7070

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

Turner & Hamrick L.L.C. (334) 566-7665 www.turnerhamrick.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

(as of June 14, 2012) 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 Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson (800) 582-3793 www.carrallison.com Christian & Small, LLP (205) 795-6588 www.csattorneys.com DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com Ferguson, Frost & Dodson, LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffdlaw.com 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

Jeffers Trucking, Inc. (205) 808-1112 JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.com McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com Mobile Asphalt Co., LLC (251) 408-0770 www.mobileasphalt.com Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455 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 Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 664-2000 www.specenviro.com Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com Teletrac, Inc. (714) 897-0877 www.teletrac.net TMW Systems, Inc. (216) 831-6606 www.tmwsystems.com Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

Carl Carson Truck Center, Inc. (205) 592-9966 www.carlcarson.com

Yokohama Tire Corp. (317) 385-2611 www.yokohamatire.com

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

Carrier Transicold South (404) 968-3130 www.ctsouth.com

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

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

Carroll Truck Repair, Inc. (205) 983-3375 Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 www.childersburg-truck.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 www.wwwilliams.com

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

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

TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS Best-One Tire & Service (615) 785-2834 www.bestonetire.com Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (770) 317-5777 www.trucktires.com

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

Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com

GCR Tire Centers (205) 914-6818

Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer (334) 262-8856 www.capitalvolvo.com

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

Ahern & Associates LTD (602) 242-1030 www.ahern-LTD.com

Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com

Integrated Waste Services, LLC (205) 620-5812

Best Drivers (205) 916-0259 www.bestdrivers.com

Trucking Partners, LLC (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com

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

Direct Chassislink (704) 571-2155 www.chassislink.com

Welborn & Associates, Inc. (423) 822-1608 www.transportcap.com

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

The Earl Dove Co., LLC (334) 793-7117

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

Michelin North America, Inc. (864) 201-6177 www.michelintruck.com Snider Tire, Inc. (404) 361-0130 www.snidertire.com

Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (256) 878-0211 Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC www.wilkstire.com (205) 322-4844 birminghamframeandalignment.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012

Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC (334) 794-7345 www.utilityalabama.com

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

ACS State and Local Solutions, Inc. (931) 520-7170 www.prepass.com

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

Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573

TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS Action Truck Center (334) 794-8505 www.actiontruckcenter.com

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

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

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

Equipment Logistics, Inc. (256) 739-9280

Other Services: ACS Expedited Solutions (801) 349-2433 www.acsexpeditedsolutions.com

George L. Edwards & Assoc. (334) 745-5166 FleetMatics USA, LLC (847) 378-4380 www.fleetmatics.com

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

Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com Eagle Equipment Leasing LLC (205) 999-5410 Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com Four Star Freightliner (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) www.alabamafreightliner.com Freightliner Trucks/Daimler Trucks North America (404) 368-6860 www.freightlinertrucks.com International Truck & Engine Corp./Navistar (813) 382-3113 www.internationaldelivers.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 (205) 326-6170 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 (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 (as of 6-15-12)

National Truck Driver Championships August 7-11, 2012 (Minneapolis, Minn.)

ASAP Moving &Delivery Dustin McKnight 206 N Lena St Dothan, AL 36301 334-793-6683

Green Leaf Bulk Carriers, Inc. Dale Rivers 2962 W. Main St Mobile, AL 36612 251-457-2526

PMD Transport LLC Matt Dickman P. O. Box 1311 Bay Minette, AL 36507 251-213-1873

Brookwood Medical Center Kim Starling 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 205-807-4977

Oakley Forest Products, Inc DeWayne Oakley 4210 Chisholm Road Florence, AL 35630 256-766-5488

James H. Suttles P. O. Box 357 Demopolis, AL 36732 334-217-0833

Safety & Human Resources National Conference & Expo September 11-13, 2012 (Kansas City, Mo.) National Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 16-22, 2012 ATA Golf Classic October 2, 2012 Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill Course (Prattville, Ala.) American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition October 7-10, 2012 (Las Vegas, Nev.) SMMC Christmas Celebration December 10, 2012 (Pelham, Ala.)

For Advertising Info Call Ford Boswell 334-834-3983 48

Weston Transportation, Inc. Mr. Richard Hollar 1149 CR 373 Billingsley, AL 36006 205-755-9896

PCA Ala. Acquisition Corp. Mr. Jack McGinnis P. O. Box 231 Madison, AL 35758 256-772-9696

Dinos, LLC Roger Richards P.O. Box 68 Crossville, AL 35962 256-706-0403

Pell City Logistics, Inc. Gary Birchfield P. O. Box 1204 Pell City, AL 35125 205-338-6201

FQS-Bear Equipment Ed Wiseman P. O. Box 84039 Lexington, SC 29073 205-937-5075

D V E R T I S I N G

ADVERTISER ACS ATA WCSIF The Baxter Agency Carrier Transicold South Great Dane Great West Casualty Co. HEC Leasing, LLC International Trucks JP Transportation Safety Consulting J.J. Keller Johnson Locklin Nextran Truck Center PrePass Palomar Insurance Regions Insurance Remax/Mary Lou’s Team Rick Riley Thompson Cat Turner & Hamrick WH Thomas Oil Co. UPS Volvo Trucks W.W. Williams

N D E X

PG. NO.

PH. NO.

(877) 245-4166

BC 27 33 IBC 39 19 IFC 29 37 38 3 8 41 28 40 26 9 18 24 45 31 35

(334) 834-7911 (800) 873-8494 (205) 328-7278 (800) 383-0094 (800) 228-8053 (615) 471-9300 (800) 844-4102 (205) 329-8183 (888) 473-4638 ext. 7892 (251) 947-3015 (800) 292-8685 (800) 773-7277 (800) 489-0105 (800) 807-1412 (800) 306-0010 (256) 872-6620 (205) 849-4288 (888) 385-0186 (205) 755-2610 (800) 325-7000 (336) 393-2000 (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.johnson-locklin.com www.nextrancorp.com www.prepass.com www.palomarins.com www.regionsinsurance.com www.dieselti.com www.thompsontractor.com www.turnerhamrick.com www.thomasoil.com www.ups.com www.volvotrucks.us.com www.wwwilliams.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2012