Alabama Trucker Magazine, 1st Quarter 2022 by Alabama Trucking Association

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Real Faces of Alabama Trucking

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

After more than a year of planning, we have finally launched our Real Faces of Alabama Trucking campaign to attract interest in thousands of trucking jobs in Alabama. This photo essay introduces you to the real people in our industry who we’ve chosen to represent the many jobs and career paths that Alabama Trucking offers.

www.alabamatrucking.org or call 334-834-3983 MANAGING EDITOR Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cindy Segrest PRODUCTION EDITOR Brandie Norcross

Ready To Represent Trucking

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Colson, Tim Frazier

American Trucking Associations’ new Chairman Harold Sumerford of J&M Tank Lines is looking forward to a year of trucking activism.

ADVERTISING Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org 205-999-7487

ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Colson

Op-Ed: Training Rule Promotes Safety

VICE PRESIDENT OF SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Tim Frazier DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS Brandie Norcross DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Cindy York MANAGER OF SPECIAL PROJECTS J.J. McGrady SENIOR ADVISOR Ford Boswell ATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Aronhalt, Dennis Bailey, Nic Balanis, Brian Barze, Chris Bisanz, Joe Black, Gary Bond, Lacy Brakefield, Leigh Ward Breal, Greg Brown, Will Bruser, Craig Burgess, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church, J.J. Clemmons, Kimble Coaker, John Collier, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Chris Cooper, Bo Cross, Jerry Davis, Amy DeFee, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Wesley Dunn, Steve Dupuis, Jack Fricks, Beau Holmes, Jim Jenkins, Steve Johnson, Bryan Kilpatrick, Terry Kilpatrick, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Ben Leach, Alphonso Lewis, Andrew Linn, Drew Linn, Hunter Lyons, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Tom McLeod, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Tommy Neely, Butch Owens, David Padgett, Clay Palm, Emmett Philyaw, Kelly Robinson, Kevin Savoy, Bill Scruggs, Ben Smith, Ronnie Stephenson, Steve Stinson, Paul Storey, Harold Sumerford, Jr., Gene Sweeney, Gaines Thomas, Bill Ward, Bo Watkins, Wayne Watkins, Taylor White, Keith Wise, Daniel Wright

ATA safety expert Tim Frazier believes a shortage of commercial truck drivers is only going to keep growing if misinformation about new national training standards discourages qualified prospective drivers away from turning to trucking as a career. Cover photo by Cary Norton

E P A R T M E N T S

Opening Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Advertising rates are available upon request. An Affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

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334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org 1

Opening Remarks

Apprenticeship program raises the bar on safety

I Mark Colson President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘(This) program bridges a critical gap between high school and workforce readiness, creating a rich talent pool for the transportation industry.’

n recent months, we have all experienced the frustration of making a trip to the store for something we want or need and leaving without it. There are many reasons for the current supply chain problems: a recent winter storm stranding hundreds of vehicles on I-95; changing customer behaviors caused by the pandemic; or workforce shortages forcing businesses to leave orders unfulfilled, bare store shelves, or delayed freight. Our industry has always been keenly aware of how one link affects timing and performance across the whole supply chain. For years, a top concern for the industry has been a shortage of qualified commercial drivers – a shortage that has grown from 61,500 pre-pandemic to 80,000, despite substantial pay increases over that same time. When Congress passed its bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill (The American Jobs Plan) last fall, it provided long-term funding for traditional infrastructure and added provisions for next-generation workforce development in the form of apprenticeship programs for new commercial drivers. The Jobs Plan also includes a national pilot that authorizes up to 3,000, 18- to 20-year-old drivers to undergo supervised training in vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies. After which, these young workers would be eligible to operate as their older counterparts with some additional surveillance until they turn 21. Critics of the program say it is not safe, and that bringing in younger drivers isn’t the best way to address workforce supply chain issues. What they don’t say, however, is that 18-year-olds are already driving commercial trucks in America within state borders or intrastate. Currently, in Alabama, and 48 other states and the District of Columbia, 18-to 20-year-olds can earn a CDL and operate large commercial vehicles inside their state’s boundaries – federal law prohibits those under 21 from engaging in interstate commerce. That means, they can transport 80,000 lbs. of farm equipment 356 miles from Mobile to Huntsville but can’t haul that same load 40 miles to Pascagoula, Miss. But it’s not only about where these new drivers can go, it’s also about long-term careers. What the apprenticeship program offers is a path from earning a CDL to experience. It puts an older driver in the passenger seat to give a personalized education. They learn how to use the most progressive safety technology available like active braking collision mitigation, video event capture and speed governors that set the truck at 65 MPH or less. It’s an additional 400 hours of advanced training. Also, only the safest companies and drivers will be allowed to participate in this testing phase as both have to be approved by DOT after submitting their applications. Driving a truck is complex, and everyone should be invested in making sure the people who get behind the wheel are ready for the responsibility. Simply put, these will be some of the most well trained and vetted drivers we have ever put on the road. You’ll see on the following pages of this publication that our Association is committed to building the next generation of industry workers with well-researched and executed marketing campaigns to identify and link potential candidates to thousands of trucking jobs across Alabama, as well as working with the Alabama Community College System to enhance the CDL offerings. At its core, the apprenticeship program bridges a critical gap between high school and workforce readiness creating a rich talent pool for the transportation industry. Trucking is a great career choice to earn a very comfortable living in a field with almost limitless possibility. There is no silver bullet to addressing the trucking’s workforce problems. We need a comprehensive approach. We need entry level drivers to be highly skilled and safety focused, and we must create clear pathways for individuals to enter our industry and get the training they need, especially high school graduates. Fortunately, the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot is a strong start to accomplish these goals. The trucking industry is ready to welcome these new apprentices and is excited to give them a solid foundation for their future professional and personal lives. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

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Sumerford Representing Industry, Digging Into Trucking Issues National ATA’s new chairman is looking forward to a year of trucking activism. 12

By Dan Shell

ising to Chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) is the culmination of a six-year process that includes two-year roles as general, second and first chair. “It’s a commitment and a big honor,” says Harold Sumerford, Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines based in Birmingham.

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Son Also Rises – Harold Sumerford Jr. stands next to a painting of his late father, Harold Sumerford Sr., who owned and operated the company for decades. Both men have served on the boards of National ATA, Georgia Motor Trucking Assn. and National Tank Truck Carriers. “We learned early on to see the value of giving back to an industry that’s been so good to us,” Harold Jr. says.

Though much of the groundwork was laid before his term, the ATA’s success with the challenge to the proposed federal vaccine mandate is an area where he wants ATA to remain very vigilant. He’d also like to contribute to progress working with key parts of the Safe Driving Act, such as the recently announced Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program to develop new, younger drivers and apprenticeship programs to help. Also, he looks to help promote “anything related to safety.”

Commitment

Sumerford stands with recently appointed America’s Road Team Captain, Darrien Henderson, a J&M Driver from Mobile, and Corporate Communications & Image Manager Sabrina Williams.

For Sumerford, making the commitment to work on behalf of the industry was as natural as growing up. As far back as he can remember, “When I was a kid we’d go to different trucking events,” he says of traveling with his father, Harold Sumerford Sr., who served on the boards of ATA, Georgia Motor Trucking Assn. and National Tank Truck Carriers, and where his father and Harold Jr. also served a term as chairman. “My father worked with all these groups, and we learned early on to see the value of giving back to an industry that’s been so good to us,” Sumerford says. “All my life we’ve been involved.” He says that in addition to providing representation for truckers concerning state and federal issues, safety and many other benefits, associations offer great value by providing opportunities to learn and build relationships with other similar businesses and network with like-minded business owners. The new ATA chairman says that even though he has a full-time job in Birmingham, he’s made plans for this year and looks forward to spending a good bit of time living up to that commitment by representing ATA at various events such as the Kenworth Dealers Meeting in Tucson earlier this year. He’s also represented ATA internationally at events in Europe.

The honor continues Sumerford’s remarkable career spanning six decades since he joined J&M Tank Lines in 1976. During his career he’s helped grow the business to its current configuration that includes 415 tractors and 720 tankers and 11 terminals with more than 550 employees. Sumerford’s ATA chairmanship comes after a full career of involvement with groups as varied as ATA, National Tank Truck Carriers, Georgia Motor Trucking Assn., Alabama Trucking Assn., American Transportation Research Institute and Truckload Carriers Insurance, and he’s worked in a variety of roles with each organization. Sumerford notes that the national ATA is a well-oiled machine (a $40 million+ budget and more than 100 employees) that has an experienced, professional staff and executive leadership team. The asIssues sociation has ongoing programs and government affairs priorities across the nation that require plenty of resources. “It’s not the chairSumerford emphasizes one of the biggest issues for industry is atman’s job to run the association,” Sumerford says. “My job is to tracting young people and talent and especially young drivers. The support the staff and the officers and represent the association.” commercial truck driver shortage, now around 80,000, could double Such a large group also can’t find itself changing directions and priorities with each change in chairmanship, so Sumerford sees the position largely as representing ATA with supporting groups and getting out among the state groups and other members and promoting ATA’s priorities and goals. In a news report following Sumerford being named to the chairmanship last fall, ATA President Chris Spear commented on Sumerford’s outreach, his efforts to understand broader viewpoints and implications before making decisions and his commitment to being “fully engaged with creating a better, amplified narrative for this industry.” Sumerford says he can also provide expertise on the financial side, which is his specialty, and he’s worked on ATA budgets as a vice chairman and with the financial concerns of other trucking associations. But there’s only so much impact one can make in a year. Even so, there are a few things he’d like to “clean up that are already in place and help push to the finish line,” he says. He also communicates with general chairs working their way up the ATA leadership ladder to help identify any issues they see coming up in the Sumerford at his desk at the company headquarters in Birmingham. future. 14

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in less than 10 years, according to ATA estimates if current trends aren’t slowed or reversed. He notes that the tanker segment he operates in has been hit especially hard since drivers need additional training for hazardous materials handling. Sumerford notes the apprenticeship pilot program is an excellent start by allowing 18-20-year-old drivers to cross state lines after extensive training. It also points up the overriding importance of safety. He adds that it looks like the U.S. Dept. of Transportation is stepping up to make the program a reality quickly in response to the dire driver shortage, and he wants to be sure ATA is doing all it can to help fast-track the program’s implementation. He’s also looking forward to seeing more of the federal infrastructure package details and implementation and look for any ways ATA can assist or take advantage of any programs offered there. While the pandemic and demographics in general are driving many of the trends feeding the driver shortage, industry itself is to blame in some ways, Sumerford says. “We have to treat our drivers a lot better as an industry, treat them with respect and listen to them,” he exclaims, adding that a lot is asked of drivers who work many hours a week. “And we have to keep in mind drivers are not machines,” Sumerford says. He adds that in his own company he’s seen that more money isn’t the drivers’ sole motivation, and that quality of life issues are a priority as well as compensation. To attract more females and female drivers, the industry needs to continue to make sure the work environment is safe, and a lot of that means investing in good equipment, he believes. Sumerford adds that the military is a big potential new driver pool, and there are incentives out there to hiring veterans. J&M has also worked to attract more females and younger people into its non-driving workforce as well, he says.

Safety Pays A big part of attracting more drivers is investing in new technology and safety technology, Sumerford believes. “Safety has always been ingrained in the way we do business,” he says. Under Sumerford’s leadership, J&M has been an early and avid adopter of new trucking technology. For example, he says, his fleet was operating with E-log systems in 2009, years before the technology was mandated. Already, the company has been using adaptive cruise control and lane departure monitoring technology for six or seven years, Sumerford says, adding that “We’re always in the process of looking at ‘What’s next?’” One new area is predictive analysis using artificial intelligence technology to monitor and predict driver behavior. The company recently signed a deal with Netradyne to explore new advanced vision technology to boost safety by assessing driver behavior and sending alerts for corrective action when needed. “We can prevent accidents with the technology we have, and our company and the industry need to keep investing in it,” Sumerford says. Safety is a key to several industry issues, including attracting young drivers, reducing regulations and maintaining as low as possible insurance rates, he believes. “In my opinion, we don’t need to fight safety initiatives,” Sumerford says. “Instead, we need to embrace them.” Forty years into his stellar career, Sumerford now represents truckers across the nation. The industry and the employees who support it both on and off the road are lucky to have Harold Sumerford in their corner, building a better industry narrative—and a better industry overall.

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights

New CDL Training Rule Makes Trucking Industry Better and Safer

Tim Frazier Vice President of Safety & Compliance

‘If you already hold a commercial driver’s license, for the most part, you will not be affected by these new training standards.’

emand for commercial truck drivers nationwide has reached a critical point, and it’s only going to keep growing for the foreseeable future. With the current strain on the world’s supply chain, pay and earnings have gone up significantly for truck drivers — a career that was already a well-paying path to the middle class for Americans without a college degree. But misinformation about new national training standards may be keeping qualified prospective drivers away from turning to trucking as a career. It’s so important that the public and members of our trucking community understand the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to the new federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022. These new requirements establish a single, national standard for obtaining a commercial driver’s license. The new requirements were first mandated by Congress back in 2012, and to be clear, this rule has been a long time coming with a diverse group of stakeholders involved in its drafting. So what is changing with these new training requirements? For most current drivers and motor carrier fleets that have a structured training program in place today, the truth is -- not that much. It is important to note that if you already hold a commercial driver’s license, for the most part, you will not be affected by these new training standards. You’re essentially grandfathered in. The revised ELDT regulations only apply to drivers seeking to 1) Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the first time; 2) Upgrade their existing CDL from Class B to Class A; or 3) Obtain a new hazmat, passenger, or school bus endorsement. And despite rumors spreading on social media, the process for obtaining a CDL will not markedly differ from what takes place today. Prospective drivers will still be

required to complete theory instruction and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking their skills test to obtain their CDL. There is also no minimum number of hours as part of this training. The new ELDT simply means everyone will be using the same training curriculum nationwide. And we believe that will vastly improve the consistency of entry-level training. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that 85 percent of entry-level drivers already receive training curricula that meet the ELDT requirements. In Alabama, there are 15 public CDL programs offered through the Alabama Community College System and several private training programs, and most if not all of the programs we are aware of already meet or exceed the new standard. We hosted meetings throughout the state in January in partnership with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to educate stakeholders on these changes, and most of the time was spent clearing up misinformation surrounding the rule. Most training providers won’t have to change their programs to comply with ELDT requirements. There are no required minimum instruction hours for theory training. Training providers must use assessments to determine if trainees are proficient in all units of the theory curriculum. There are also no required minimum instruction hours for behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. Training is complete when the training provider determines that a trainee is proficient in all elements of the BTW curriculum. There are also no new exorbitant costs nor minimum training hours required with the new ELDT. Prospective drivers do not have to go to a truck driver training school and can still receive training from the same places they are offered today. For carriers, this means if you conduct in-house training today, you’ll still be able to do so after the new ELDT rule becomes effective. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS

However, what will change is that training providers will soon have to meet minimum training requirements set forth in 49 CFR §380 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, issued back in 2016, and then register online with FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. These new rules establish consistent and effective training requirements and will help reduce the failure rates for the state driver licensing agencies-administered skills test, thereby helping drivers to obtain CDLs more efficiently and improve the supply chain. Additionally, the Training Provider Registry will make it easier for new drivers to find qualified training providers, increasing the likelihood that a prospective driver signs up for and completes training. How does this help the public? Research from the American Trucking Associations estimates that the U.S. needs about 80,000 additional truckers on the road to meet the economy’s current freight demands. To fill that gap, we must make entry into our field obtainable, affordable, reliable, and most importantly, safe. Our organization is already implementing creative ways to attract a new generation of workers to the industry. We have researched and established target audiences who are most likely to benefit from a career in trucking, and we are rolling out workforce development ad campaigns to attract the next generation of drivers and service technicians – our industry’s greatest workforce needs. Professional drivers deliver more than 86 percent of all goods to Alabama communities. We have more than 112,000 Alabamians working in our industry. We need more individuals to join our ranks to move both the state and national economies. The good news is that the new ELDT rule will not negatively impact the ability for new drivers to enter the industry, despite misinformation you may have read on social media. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

FMCSA issues a pair of final rules affecting trucking The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently published in the Federal Register two final rules that will drastically affect trucking businesses. First, a final rule amending regulations and processes for individuals with a vision impairment to become medically certified to earn a commercial driver’s license. This new “alternative vision standard” will replace the current vision exemption program that is currently in place. American Trucking Associations officials raised concerns with the proposal, including the requirement to add a motor carrier road test as a way of determining if an individual with a vision impairment can safely operate a CMV. FMCSA did respond to many of the industry’s concerns but ultimately decided to move forward with their proposal. With regards to the road test, the Agency responded that “...FMCSA takes an additional step to ensure that, even though medically certified, the individual can operate a CMV safely.” Essentially, FMCSA is saying that this step is above-and-beyond what will be required as part of the medical certification process. This new process will be similar to the process insulin-dependent drivers must go through (i.e., seeing a specialist in addition to a medical examiner). The effective date is March 22, 2022. Meanwhile, concerning the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot program, FMCSA in January published details of its pilot/apprenticeship program which allows 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. While the details have been announced (i.e., program requirements), the program is not yet open for applicants. The notice provides that FMCSA will open the program as soon as their Information Collection Request (ICR) package, which includes the application process for becoming a carrier sponsor for the program, is cleared by the Office of Management and Budget.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s under-21 apprenticeship pilot program mandate. In a Federal Register notice published in February, FMCSA is asking the White House Office of Management and Budget for “emergency approval” of an information collection request (ICR) regarding the program. According to Overdrive, the details of the apprenticeship program in the ICR were outlined in the infrastructure package. It includes one probationary period of at least 120 hours of on-duty time, of which, 80 hours must be driving time in a truck. This probationary period must include training in interstate, city, two-lane- rural, and evening driving; safety awareness; speed and space management; lane control; mirror scanning; right and left turns; and logging and complying with hours of service rules. A second probationary period must include at least 280 hours of on-duty time with at least 160 hours of driving time. This period must include training in backing and maneuvering in close quarters; pre-trip inspections; fueling procedures; weighing loads, weight distribution and sliding tandems; coupling and uncoupling procedures; and trip planning, truck routes, map reading, navigation and permits. After completion of the second probationary period, the apprentice may begin operating CMVs in interstate commerce unaccompanied by an experienced driver. Throughout the program, FMCSA will collect data regarding the ability of technologies or training provided to apprentices as part of the pilot to improve safety; analysis of safety records of participating apprentices as compared to other CMV drivers; the number of drivers that stopped participating in the program before completion; a comparison of safety records of drivers before, during and after each probationary period; and comparison of each participating driver’s average on-duty time, driving time, and time spent away from the home terminal before, during and after each probationary period.

FMCSA seeks to fast-track under-21 apprenticeship pilot program Overdriveonline.com recently reported that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking to take the first step toward the Biden administration’s

Commercial driver drug violations were up 10% last year The second year of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse saw 58,215 drug violations in the system, compared to 52,810 in the Continued on page 22 19

National ATA selects new Road Team, including Alabama driver Darrien Henderson

News program’s first year in effect. The majority of violations stemmed from positive drug tests (49,013 in 2021), while 8,152 violations were drug test refusals. The remaining 1,050 violations reported in 2021 were actual knowledge violations reported by employers. Positive marijuana tests put more drivers in the Clearinghouse than any other substance, FMCSA reported, with 31,085 positive drug tests in 2021 – a 5.3% increase over reported marijuana violations in 2020. Cocaine was the second-highest positive substance among drivers, with 8,765 positive tests – a 10.4% increase over the previous year. Alcohol violations also increased in 2021 over 2020, with 1,422 violations reported to the Clearinghouse, up from 1,122 in 2020. Of the 104,840 drivers who have at least one reported violation in the Clearinghouse since it took effect in January 2020, there are still 81,052 drivers in prohibited status who have not completed their return-toduty process. Of those drivers in prohibited status as of Jan. 1, 2022, only 13,050 have completed the requirements to be eligible for return-to-duty testing.

Wallace State to host virtual event to recruit female diesel technicians Wallace State’s Diesel Technology program is working to attract more women into the program and open doors to a successful career in a field normally associated with men. A grant provided by the National Science Foundation is aiding in those efforts. “Women shouldn’t feel they don’t have a chance in succeeding as a diesel technician,” said Jeremy Smith, head of the WSCC Diesel Technology program. “Slowly but surely, we are seeing more women in the industry, and they are able to do the job just as well as their male counterparts.” On Thursday, March 17, at 5 p.m., the program will offer via Zoom a Women in Diesel Virtual Meet and Greet for anyone interested in learning more about Wallace State’s program. Along with meeting faculty and staff, prospective students will get to meet women who are currently in the program and who are working in the industry to ask any questions they may have. 22

The American Trucking Associations recently announced 22 professional truck drivers who will be 2022-2023 America’s Road Team Captains, including one from Alabama, Darrien Henderson of Mobile who drives for J&M Tank Lines. The drivers will serve as trucking industry ambassadors, traveling the country to spread the message of safe driving, while teaching about the trucking industry and its opportunities. This year’s class includes drivers from 13 companies, 17 states, and drivers with more than 564 years of experience and 45,774,455 miles of accident-free driving. The drivers were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe-driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and trade press. “These Captains have dedicated their lives to spreading the message of safe driving. They are leaders in their communities, role models in their companies, and are dedicated to and passionate about the industry,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA executive vice president of industry affairs. “This new class represents everything we strive to promote about our industry and its professionals, especially as we face a driver shortage and challenges with the supply chain.” After receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers, the Captains will immediately begin their work. To see the full roster of drivers, visit trucking.org.

The 2022-2023 America’s Road Team

Along with its traditional on-campus classes, the Diesel Technology program offers a Diesel by Distance option for students who need a more flexible schedule. It allows students to learn skills remotely using virtual reality before coming to campus to demonstrate what they’ve learned during skills checkoffs. A demonstration of the virtual reality simulations will be provided during the session. Information will also be provided about scholarships, on-the-job training and more. No diesel experience is required to enroll in the program or attend the session. “Diesel Technology graduates are critical to the future of our economy and national supply chains,” said Wes Rakestraw, WSCC Dean of Applied Technologies. “If you want a good paying career with strong job security, Diesel Technology is a wonderful option.”

Most graduates from the Diesel Technology program go on to find work with a starting pay of $16 to $24 per hour, with opportunities for advancement as more certifications are earned. The program can also be useful to current entry- or lower-level diesel technicians who wish to earn credentials they can use to advance in pay and position within their current company or as they seek new employment. While the meet and greet event is geared toward women, men seeking information about the program are welcome to attend. The National Science Foundation last year awarded the college a three-year, $279,336 grant aimed at increasing women and adult learners in diesel technology training. Continued on page 24 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

News Wallace State’s project, titled “Developing and Implementing Hybrid Instruction to Increase the Access of Women and Adult Learners to Diesel Technology Training,” will include a partnership with the National Institute of Women in Trades, Technology, and Sciences to increase the diversity of students entering the Diesel Technology program, ultimately providing more opportunities and jobs for women and other adult learner populations underrepresented in the diesel technology field. To register, visit https://womenindiesel. eventbrite.com or contact Anna Beard at 256-352-8356 or anna.parrish@ wallacestate.edu.

New ATRI research results evaluates strategies for alleviating rising insurance costs The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released a new

report analyzing trucking industry impacts from the rising costs of insurance. This analysis, a top priority of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee, utilized detailed financial and insurance data from dozens of motor carriers and commercial insurers. The report assesses immediate and longerterm impacts that rising insurance costs have on carrier financial conditions, safety technology investments and crash outcomes as well as strategies used by carriers to manage escalating insurance costs. The study found that carrier strategies included decreasing insurance coverage levels, raising deductibles and/or SelfInsurance Retention (SIR) levels, and decreasing investments in other cost centers. In spite of this increased liability exposure, out-of-pocket incident costs and carrier crash involvement remained stable or decreased among a majority of respondents. Despite reductions in insurance coverage, rising deductibles and improved safety, almost all motor carriers experienced substantial increases in insurance costs from 2018 to 2020. Premiums increased across all fleet sizes and sectors, with small fleets paying more than three times as much as very large fleets on a per-mile basis. Onethird of respondents reported cutting wages or bonuses due to rising insurance costs,

and 22 percent cut investments in equipment and technology – potentially creating future safety and driver shortage concerns. However, in the short-term, crash data confirms that carriers that raised deductibles or reduced insurance coverage were generally incentivized to reduce crashes in the subsequent year. Finally, the research describes a process for calculating the “Total Cost of Risk” in order to evaluate the full scale and impact of rising insurance costs on a carrier’s longterm safety and financial viability, including safety investments in drivers, programs and technologies. “ATRI’s study corroborates the Triple-I’s research on rising insurance costs and social inflation – that increased litigation and other factors dramatically raise insurers’ claim payouts,” noted Dale Porfilio, Chief Insurance Officer of the Insurance Information Institute. “External factors that go well beyond carrier safety force commercial trucking insurance costs to increase, which then requires carriers to redesign their business strategies. The higher premiums ultimately tend to be passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services.” A copy of the full report is available at truckingresearch.org.

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ROUNDUP T RU C K I N G I N D U S T RY

State driver’s license system to shut down April 18-26 for upgrades

Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced plans to shut down Alabama’s decades-old driver’s license system and will close all Driver License offices statewide from April 18 through April 26 to install a new system. According to the governor’s office, the new system will be called the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License System (LEADS) and will yield significant improvements to citizen experience, including more streamlined processes to update addresses, pay and reinstate licenses, upload medical cards, view TSA Hazmat background checks, among other conveniences. Driver license offices statewide will close Monday, April 18, with plans to reopen by Tuesday, April 26. During this time office and online services will not be available to the public. “This new system will consolidate multiple legacy systems into one integrated, modern system to further protect our citizens’ data and enhance customer service,” said Governor Ivey. “I am proud of ALEA’s dedication to complete this crucial and extensive task to positively impact all citizens.” For further information on LEADS and project updates, visit LEADS | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (alea.gov).

Tanker Truck group pledges $50k to help fight Rhode Island tolls The National Tank Truck Carriers has contributed $50,000 to the trucking industry’s ongoing challenge to Rhode Island’s extortionary truck-only tolls scheme. “Winning this suit is critical for trucking,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, “If this exorbitant, predatory tolling

BR Williams’ matriarch saved the family business and placed it on a path for growth and success. EDITOR’S NOTE: March is Women’s History Month. To celebrate, we offer this short piece spotlighting a true Alabama trucking hero: Ruth Williams, a wife, mother and former school teacher who steadied the ship of her family’s trucking business after the tragic death of her husband and company founder B.R. “Bill” Williams. Women like Mrs. Williams have impacted the trucking and logistics industry for years, and in Ruth Willams in the 1990s. recent times have gained more extensive representation in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Modern transportation and logistics have been around since the late 19th century but only gained steam with women towards the end of World War I. Back then, only about 20 percent of women worked outside the home, and only 5 percent of those were married. Typical thinking was trucking was just not a job most women sought. In fact, at the time, much of where and when women worked, in general, was regulated. As the war continued, women began to shift into non-traditional careers out of necessity and the urgent need to fill vacancies left by men off to fight the war overseas. Women increasingly took on industrial jobs, including warehouse work and trucking. World War I gave many women an opportunity to prove their capabilities in roles they were previously considered unsuitable. Today, advancements of women in the trucking and transportation industry are more apparent but still not equal – especially in leadership roles. Here in Alabama, during the 1960s, however, a woman named Ruth Williams took over her family’s trucking business because she had Ruth & Bill Williams to and worked for many years building it to become one of the state’s most respected operations. In July of 1958, Bill Williams established his trucking operation known today as BR Williams. He experienced all the issues and growing pains of owning a new business, but after only five years of operation, a shop fire took his life. His widow, Ruth, then an elementary school teacher, was advised to walk away from the business because of all the damage that the fire caused. However, she knew that the people who worked for the company relied on their jobs, and she desperately wanted to stay in business for them and to honor the work of her late husband. Despite the many obstacles she knew she’d face as a female operating a trucking business, she retired from teaching and became the owner and president of BR Williams. For years, she managed the operation, made wise business decisions, and hired the right people to take the company to the next level. After years of challenges associated with raising her daughters as a single mother and running the business on her own, Ruth began to see the fruits of her labor. The company grew by leaps and bounds. In 1992, the time came for Ruth to pass the baton to the individuals who had the wisdom and bravery to carry on the legacy begun so many years ago. She looked no further than her son in law, Greg Brown, and daughters Dee Brown and Kaye Perry who had grown up in the business. This decision would take the company to heights Bill never could have imagined. Last July, BR Williams celebrated its 63rd year of business, and the company forever respects the strength of Ruth Williams and the sacrifices she made to continue her husband’s business. We will never know just how hard the days were for Ruth as a female trucking owner in the 60s, 70s and 80s. For sure, she didn’t take the easy road – she made her own. Her legacy is a worthy reminder of the strength, determination and talent of women truckers everywhere.

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plan is allowed to stand, it will be replicated across the country. This is an all-hands-ondeck situation, so we are grateful for NTTC’s support in this crucial fight.” National ATA’s Litigation Center, and a number of carriers based in New England, sued Rhode Island over its RhodeWorks tolling program that specifically targets the trucking industry. The industry’s challenge is currently being weighed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. “We appreciate NTTC stepping up to help in this effort. Their support is critical to our success in this suit,” said ATA Chairman Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines. “And as an NTTC member and a past chairman, I want to thank them personally for their leadership in making this a priority for their members and our industry.” “Hearing what the consequences of losing this suit would be for our industry, deciding to help was a no-brainer,” said NTTC President and CEO Ryan Streblow. “We are proud to stand with ATA on behalf of our industry to stop Rhode Island, or any state, from targeting trucking with these kinds of predatory schemes.” NTTC leadership made its $50,000 commitment to the Rhode Island litigation effort at the association’s annual board meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Southland Transportation Group earns national recognition Southland Transportation Group has received the International Truck Presidential Award, which honors the top eight percent of International Truck dealerships that achieve the highest level of performance in terms of operating and financial standards, market representation, and most importantly, customer satisfaction. “This award is the highest honor an International dealer principal can achieve from the company,” said Mark Belisle, group vice president of Dealer Sales and Operations at Navistar. “Southland Transportation Group is one of only 14 International dealerships in the 28

ATRI releases Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks report The American Transportation Research Institute has released its annual list highlighting the most congested bottlenecks for trucks in America. The 2022 Top Truck Bottleneck List measures the level of truck-involved congestion at over 300 locations on the national highway system. The analysis, based on truck GPS data from over 1 million freight trucks uses several customized software applications and analysis methods, along with terabytes of data from trucking operations to produce a congestion impact ranking for each location. ATRI’s truck GPS data is also used to support the U.S. DOT’s Freight Mobility Initiative. The bottleneck locations detailed in this latest ATRI list represent the top 100 congested locations, although ATRI continuously monitors more than 300 freight-critical locations. For the fourth year in a row, the intersection of I-95 and SR 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey is once again the Number One freight bottleneck in the country. The rest of the Top 10 includes: 2. Cincinnati: I-71 at I-75 3. Houston: I-45 at I-69/US 59 4. Atlanta: I-285 at I-85 (North) 5. Atlanta: I-20 at I-285 (West) 6. Chicago: I-290 at I-90/I-94 7. Los Angeles: SR 60 at SR 57 8. Dallas: I-45 at I-30 9. San Bernardino, California: I-10 at I-15 10. Chattanooga, Tennessee: I-75 at I-24 ATRI’s analysis, which utilized data from 2021, found traffic levels rebounded across the country as more Americans returned to work and consumer demand for goods and services continued to grow. Consequently, supply chain bottlenecks occurred throughout the country. Average rush hour truck speeds were 38.6 MPH, down more than 11 percent from the previous year. “ATRI’s bottleneck list is a roadmap for federal and state administrators responsible for prioritizing infrastructure investments throughout the country. Every year, ATRI’s list highlights the dire needs for modernizing and improving our roads and bridges,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. “We have seen, most recently in Pittsburgh, that the cost of doing nothing could also cost lives. It’s time to fund these projects and get our supply chains moving again.” For access to the full report, including detailed information on each of the 100 top congested locations, please visit truckingresearch.org. ATRI is also providing animations created with truck GPS data for select bottleneck locations, all available on the website. United States and Canada who earned this prestigious recognition in 2021.” Belisle continued, “The Presidential Award also recognizes the effort and dedication of all the dealership’s employees. A highly skilled, professional staff is a critical success factor for any commercial truck dealership. Drew Linn, CEO of Southland, is clearly committed to growing his business and being recognized by customers as the dealership of choice in their market. I congratulate everyone at Southland Transportation Group for their commitment to outstanding customer service, operational ex-

cellence and representation of the International Truck brand.” “This award is a great honor for everyone at Southland because it recognizes all of the expertise and professionalism we bring to customers in our market,” said Southland CEO Drew Linn. “We are dedicated to providing an outstanding customer experience. They rely on us to keep their businesses moving and growing. For more than 46 years, our customers have been returning to do business with us because they know we deliver quality products and services that help drive profits to their bottom line.” Southland Transportation Group is a full-service International Truck dealership supporting customers in cities throughout Alabama. For more information visit southlandtransportationgroup.com. Continued on page 30 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

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Bill would create seasonal workers exemption for unemployment benefits Alabama Daily News reports that a bill pending in the Alabama Senate would let businesses designate jobs as seasonal, exempting them from the state’s unemployment benefits. Senate Bill 100 states seasonal jobs are those that last six months or less. It is one of several bills deemed priority legislation by the Alabama Small Business Commission. The bill requires the Alabama Dept. of Labor to come up with a seasonal employee designation for employers and allow them not to pay the state’s unemployment tax on those jobs. That tax revenue goes into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which people draw from when they lose their jobs. Currently, people can file unemployment claims if they’ve worked in two of the last four quarters of the year. Companies’ experience ratings can increase, causing them to pay a higher unemployment tax rate if more

former employees file unemployment claims. The Alabama branch of the National Federation of Independent Businesses strongly supports this bill, with 82 percent of members voting yes during their yearly ballot of priorities. “This is not only beneficial to the business owners, but to the employees,” said Rosemary Elebash, state director of the NFIB. “This bill would allow high schoolers to get that first seasonal job to gain experience or allow a business owner to preview an employee’s work and then offer them a full-time position down the road,”. The bill doesn’t require any employers to label any jobs as seasonal and it wouldn’t impact year-round employees.

State Community College System and ATA unveil jobs training center The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, a $10 million investment aimed at rapidly training workers for the state’s highest-demand industries, recently launched its first of several industry-designed programs to help students find immediate employment. ACCS leaders, Alabama Trucking Association and other industry partners and

students kicked off the Innovation Center’s opening and demonstrated some of the training at an event on February 14 at Barber Motorsports Park and Museum in Leeds, Ala. The training includes short-term classes that students can start from anywhere in the state and finish with an in-person lab in a regional ACCS location. Once students complete the training, they are job-ready and are awarded a credential and an opportunity to earn more certifications at their local community college. “Every Alabamian deserves an opportunity to succeed in the state’s economy. It’s not always that someone needs two years at the community college to make them have the skills viable for the labor market, so we have found a way to expedite the training so we can move people more rapidly into the market,” said Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. “The Innovation Center is where we house people to devote to the process of developing curriculum for training, no matter what it may be, so that residents can take those credentials and either get to work or get promoted with the right skills for their job.” Business leaders say rapid training is key Continued on page 32

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as Alabama faces supply chain issues and the nation’s 11th largest worker shortage, according to a study. “America’s commercial trucking industry is facing a critical shortage of about 80,000 professional drivers,” said Mark Colson, president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association. “Here in Alabama, trucking already provides 112,000-plus jobs – about 1 out of 15 in the state. These are high-quality jobs offering great pay and endless career path opportunities. We are proud to partner with the Alabama Community College System to ramp up efforts to attract and connect job-seekers with the training they need to enter the trucking industry. The ACCS Innovation Center is the right program to supercharge the availability of CDL offerings in our state and enhance the existing programs that are already preparing our future workforce.” The Innovation Center has already successfully collaborated with the Alabama Tourism Department to help workers train for and find jobs in the state’s $16 billion hospitality industry, thanks to a $1 million

Workforce Coalition: From left, Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics; Dr. Cynthia Anthony, President of Lawson State Community College; Mara Harrison Interim Executive Director, ACCS Innovation Center; Jimmy Baker ACCS Chancellor; Mark Colson, President & CEO Alabama Trucking Association; and Rosemary Elebash National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director

grant from Gov. Kay Ivey. All graduates of this pilot training project hosted by Coastal Community College were matched with jobs and 100 percent of students were hired upon completion of the training. The ACCS also received funding from the Legislature to develop the Innovation Center and expand skills training and career technical programs that lead to nationally recognized short-term certi-

fications in high-demand industries. In addition to hospitality, the first indemand industries targeted for Innovation Center rapid training include butchery, commercial drivers license (CDL), recreation, heavy equipment, plumbing and facilities maintenance. For more information on upcoming training, or for answers to frequently asked questions, visit innovation.accs.edu.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

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

Application For Membership Motor Carrier: ___

Private: ___

Household Goods: ___

Allied Industry: ___

Your Dues Amount: $ __________________ (please fill in by using dues chart) Firm Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (Box)________________________________(Street) ____________________________________________ City, State & Zip: ________________________________________________________________________________ DOT Number: ______________________________________ Number of Trucks: __________________ __________ Telephone: (______) ____________________ Fax (______) ____________________ 800/ ______________________ Website Address:

________________________________________________________________________________

Type of Business: ________________________________________________________________________________ Official Representative : ________________________________Title: ______________________________________ Email address:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Alternate Representative: ________________________________Title: ______________________________________ Email address:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ________________________________Date: ________Referred by: ________________________________ CONTRIBUTIONS OR GIFTS TO THE ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, INC., ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. HOWEVER, A PORTION OF YOUR DUES ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ORDINARY AND NECESSARY BUSINESS EXPENSES.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY CODE # _________________ Date _________________________

Mbr Type ____________________

Nxt Bill Date __________________

Check # ______________________

Dues Cat _____________________

AL Sen ______________________

Dues Amt ____________________

Freq _________________________

AL Hse ______________________

Mbr Class ____________________

Exp Date _____________________

CG Dist ______________________

MAG ______ MC ______ GC ______ YR ______ LTR/PLQ ______ RSL ______ BC ______

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

Schedule of Membership Dues (Effective July 1, 2017)

A. For-Hire Motor Carriers (Membership dues are based on truck count; maximum of $4,000) $500 plus $20 per truck

B. Private Carriers (Schedule based on miles traveled in Alabama) $300 ..............................for up to 1 million miles $600 ..............................for 1,000,000 up to 4 million miles $900 ..............................for 4,000,001 up to 7 million miles $1,200 ...........................for 7,000,001 up to 10 million miles $1,500 ...........................for 10,000,001 up to 13 million miles $1,800 ...........................for 13,000,001 miles up to 16 million miles $2,100 ...........................for 16,000,001 up to 19 million miles $2,400 ...........................for 19,000,000 up to 21 million miles $2,800 ...........................for 21,000,000 up to 24 million miles $3,100 ...........................for over 24 million miles

C. Household Goods Carriers (Schedule based on intrastate revenue only) $420 ..............................for under $100,000 $480 ..............................for $100,001 up to $150,000 $540 ..............................for $150,000 up to $200,000 $660 ..............................for $201,001 up to $250,000 $780 ..............................for $250,001 up to $300,000 $900 ..............................for $300,001 up to $400,000 $1,200 ...........................for $400,001 and over

D. Allied Industry (Those who service and equip the trucking industry) $600 annually

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.

2022 ATA Buyer’s Guide

We make every effort to ensure this list is correct. For changes or corrections to your company’s listing, contact

Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have taken 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 Pitts Media (205) 792-1280 www.pittsmedia.com AUTO DEALER (SERVICE OR REPAIR) Faucett Motors of Boaz, Inc. (256) 593-7162

KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC (205) 515-1478 www.equipmentsolution.com Metro Trailer Rental (205) 985-8701 www.metrotrailer.com

Reliable Trailer Sales, Inc. DBA Storage Trailers of Alabama (205) 808-0042 BUS SALES & SERVICE www.storagetrailersal.com Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com REPOWR (205) 908-0540 www.repowrtransport.com Transportation South, Inc. (205) 663-2287 Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. www.thebuscenter.com (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 Southland Transportation Group www.wardintltrucks.com (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. Star Leasing Co. (334) 693-3318 (205) 763-1280 www.rushingenterprises.com www.starleasing.com COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS Trailer Sales of Tennessee J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. A Fleet Equipment Co. (920) 722-2848 (615) 259-3301 www.jjkellerservices.com www.trailersalesoftennessee.com Omnitracs, LLC Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC (615) 594-7565 (423) 214-4027 www.omnitracs.com www.teleasing.com Orbcomm, Inc. Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC (201) 510-0424 (205) 277-6190 www.orbcomm.com www.vactruckrental.com PrePass Safety Alliance EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING (602) 601-4779 Allison Transmission, Inc. www.prepass.com (678) 367-7011 Trimble Transportation Daehan Solution Alabama, LLC (407) 347-5121 (334) 301-3498 www.mobility.trimble.com

DRIVER STAFFING Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com EDUCATION/ TRAINING/ CONSULTING Central Alabama Community College (256) 215-4301 www.cacc.edu J. Guthrie Consultants L.L.C. (205) 544-9124 J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 945-8550 www.jptsc.com Roadmaster Driver School (800) 831-1300 www.roadmaster.com Transportation Compliance Services, USA (877) 268-7347 www.dottrucksafety.com TRW Solutions, LLC (251) 362-2275 Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (205) 585-3895 www.infinitiworkforce.com

ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Sales & Service (901) 490-5232 EQUIPMENT LEASING CB Equipment, Inc. (205) 338-0943

FINANCIAL SERVICES Alabama Farm Credit (256) 737-7128 www.alabamafarmcredit.com Arvest Equipment Finance (866) 745-1487 www.arvest.com Bank of America Merrill Lynch (205) 298-7467 www.fa.ml.com/RPM BMO Transportation Finance (770) 960-6307 www.BMOTF.com Comdata (615) 376-6917 www.comdata.com Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (704) 731-0031 www.commercialcreditgroup.com CorpFinancial, LLC (334) 215-4499 www.cfs401k.com Crestmark Bank 615-620-3509 www.crestmark.com Electronic Funds Source, LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com Fifth Third Bank (770) 510-8123 www.53.com FirstBank (256) 970-1618 www.firstbankonline.com First Horizon Bank (615) 734-6046 www.firsthorizon.com

Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing Hancock Whitney Bank (334) 398-1410 (251) 665-1667 www.roadranger.com www.hancockwhitney.com

EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 www.dothantarp.com Imperial Supplies LLC (920) 490-6707 www.imperialsupplies.com Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems 334/798-0080 www.arvinmeritor.com Paccar Parts/Kenworth (206) 898-5541 www.paccarparts.com www.trpparts.com Rockland Flooring (865) 982-8377 www.rocklandflooring.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Star Truck Parts (205) 324-4681 Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-MobileMontgomery-Chattanooga (334) 263-5782 www.midstatetk.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 www.wwwilliams.com Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc. (205) 238-9277 www.wertswelding.com

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (314) 374-2165 www.wellsfargo.com

Carlisle Medical, Inc. (251) 344-7988 www.carlislemedical.com

INSURANCE Aronov Insurance, Inc. (334) 277-1000 www.aronovinsurance.com

ErgoScience, Inc. (205) 879-6447 www.ergoscience.com

BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc. (334) 386-3317 www.bxsi.com

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

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

Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5433 www.safetyfirstdrugtesting.com

Boozer & Associates (205) 223-3108 (800) 325-4368

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511 www.davisonoil.com

Byars|Wright Insurance (205) 221-3621 www.byarswright.com

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

Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com

Myers Oil Company, Inc. (954) 938-7211

Cottingham and Butler (563) 587-5521 www.cottinghambutler.com DMC Insurance, Inc. (317) 436-4909 www.dmcinsurance.com Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. (901) 274-5424 www.farrisevans.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 392-3752 www.gwccnet.com Key Benefit Administrators (317) 284-7753 www.keybenefit.com Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance (251) 473-4600 www.lyonfrycaden.com McGriff Insurance Services (334) 674-9810 www.mcgriffinsurance.com (205) 583-9641 www.mcgriff.com

RelaDyne (205) 384-3422 www.reladyne.com W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Warren Averett (256) 739-0312 www.warrenaverett.com

Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (251) 650-0861 www.adamsandreese.com Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. 334-387-7680 www.ball-ball.com

IBERIABANK (251) 345-9676 www.IBERIABANK.com

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

Bradley Arant (205) 521-8837 www.bradley.com

People’s Capital & Leasing Corp. (205) 856-9354 www.peoples.com

Palomar Insurance Corp. (334) 270-0105 www.palomarins.com

Carr, Allison, P.C. (251) 626-9340 www.carrallison.com

People’s United Equip. Finance Corp. (205) 664-9374 www.puefc.com

PR Companies (334) 836-1377 www.partnerwiththeexperts.com

PNC Bank N.A. (205) 421-2764 www.pnc.com

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophette, LLP (205) 252-9321 www.constangy.com

Reliance Group, LLC (205) 504-4841 www.reliancegroupins.com

ProBilling and Funding Service (256) 736-4349 www.probfs.com

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

Progress Bank (205) 527-5692 www.myprogressbank.com

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

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

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

ServisFirst Bank (205) 949-3433 www.servisfirstbank.com

TrueNorth Companies (616) 690-5856 www.truenorthcompanies.com

Signature Financial (615) 982-4375 www.signatureny.com

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

South State Bank (205) 422-7111

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

Trustmark Bank (205) 995-4615 www.trustmark.com

DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com Drivers Legal Plan (405) 948-6576 www.driverslegalplan.com Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedman-lawyers.com Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (251) 432-5511 www.handarendall.com Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, P.C. (334) 834-7600 www.hillhillcarter.com MGM (601) 255-0262 www.mgmlaw.com Moore, Young, Foster & Hazelton, LLP (205) 879-8722 www.mydefense.com

(Current as of 2-10-2022)

Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org. Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow, Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com Speegle, Hoffman, Holman & Holifield, LLC (251) 694-1700 www.speeglehoffman.com Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000 www.starneslaw.com

Other Services: Alignment Simple Solutions, LLC (205) 475-2419 www.alignmentsimplesolutions.com Allstate Beverage (251) 476-9600 Ext. 1231 AMG Driver Recruitment (205) 325-2446 www.amgdriverrecruitment.com AngelTrax (334) 692-4600 www.angeltrax.com

PrePass Safety Alliance (602) 601-4779 www.prepass.com

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

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

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

QuikQ LLC (678) 591-4675 www.quikq.com

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

MAC LTT (330) 474-3795 www.macltt.com

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

Randall-Reilly (205) 349-2990 www.randallreilly.com

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

Manac Trailers, Inc. (404) 775-2619 www.manac.com

Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.com

Rand McNally (877) 446-4863 www.randmcnally.com

Thompson Tractor Company (205) 244-7812 www.thompsontractor.com

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

Ryder Vehicle Sales LLC (205) 492-2428 www.usedtrucks.ryder.com

REPOWR (205) 908-0540 www.repowrtransport.com

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

Reliable Trailer Sales, Inc. DBA Storage Trailers of Alabama (205) 808-0042 www.storagetrailersal.com

SelecTrucks of Alabama (205) 322-6695 www.selectrucksofalabama.com

SET Logistics, Inc. (205) 849-6309 www.setlogistics.net Soar Payments LLC (888) 225-9405 https://www.soarpay.com/movingcompany-merchant-account/

C Cross Logistics, LLC (205) 759-1818

Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 664-2000 www.specenviro.com

Charity Steel (205) 668-2200

Swift Supply, Inc. (251) 929-9399 www.swiftsupply.com

Corporate Billing, LLC (256) 584-3600 www.corpbill.com Davis Direct, Inc. (334) 277-0878 www.davisdirect.com DriverReach, LLC (317) 610-0080 www.driverreach.com Drivewyze (780) 461-3355 www.drivewyze.com Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (205) 823-4599 www.enterpriseholdings.com EXT-Logistics (256) 468-8749 J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

Talent Recruiting Partners, LLC (205) 500-0562 www.talentrp.com Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com TeamOne Logistics (770) 232-9902 www.teamonelogistics.com The National Transportation Institute (612) 263-9983 www.driverwages.com TMW Systems, Inc. (440) 721-2260 www.tmwsystems.com Transportation and Logistical Serv., Inc (205) 226-5500 www.tlsincorp.com Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

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

Transportation Compliance Services, USA (877) 268-7347 www.dottrucksafety.com

M & N Transport, Inc. (256) 657-5161

Vomela Specialty Company (205) 310-2151 www.Vomela.com

Max Coating, Inc. (205) 849-2737 www.maxcoating.com MCG Workforce (251) 652-5244 www.mcgworkforce.com McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com

Whiting Systems (205) 239-8014 www.whitingsystems.com

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

TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS Southeast Trailer Mart, Inc. Best One Tire & Service (404) 361-6411 (615) 244-9611 www.stmtrailers.com www.bestonetire.com Southland Transportation Group Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (205) 942-6226 (205) 514-8341 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com www.commercial.bridgestone.com Star Leasing Co. Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. (205) 763-1280 (334) 376-0178 www.starleasing.com Columbus Tire Company dba Complete Tire and Service (706) 321-8133 www.ctstires.com Continental Tire North America (662) 549-7570 www.continental-truck.com Love’s Truck Tire Care and Speedco (800) OK-LOVES www.loves.com McGriff Tire Co. (256) 739-0710 www.mcgrifftire.com McGriff Treading Co., Inc. (256) 734-4298 www.mcgriffindustries.com Michelin North America (859) 661-0855 www.michelintruck.com Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (256) 878-0211 www.wilkstire.com

Transtex (877) 332-3519 www.transtex-llc.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Dothan (334) 712-4900 www.TRUCKWORX.com

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

Truckworx Kenworth – Montgomery (334) 263-3101 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Wabash National Corp. (270) 206-1877 www.wabashnational.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Mobile (251) 957-4000 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc. (205) 238-9277 www.wertswelding.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville (256) 308-0162 www.TRUCKWORX.com

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

Truckworx Kenworth – Thomasville (334) 636-4380 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Southern Tire Mart (251) 457-9915 www.stmtires.com

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

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

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

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

Daimler Trucks NA LLC (803) 554-4831 www.freightliner.com

Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 www.birminghamframe@gmail.com

Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 933-5190 www.empiretruck.com

Pitts Media (205) 792-1280 www.pittsmedia.com

Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 www.childersburg-truck.com

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

Porter Billing Services LLC (205) 397-4079 www.porterbillingservices.com

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

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

Power South Energy Cooperative (334) 427-3207 www.powersouth.com

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

Great Dane (205) 324-3491 www.greatdane.com

PR Companies (334) 836-1377 www.partnerwiththeexperts.com

Mann Automotive Diesel, Inc. (334) 792-0456 www.mannautomotivediesel.com

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

Trojan Industries, Inc. dba Lyncoach Truck Bodies (334) 566-4330 www.lyncoach.com Truckworx Kenworth - Birmingham (205) 326-6170 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Snider Fleet Solutions (336) 691-5499 www.sniderfleet.com

Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455

Taylor & Martin, Inc. (402) 721-4500 www.taylorandmartin.com

Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573 www.transportttailercenter.com

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

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

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com

Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com Fitzgerald Peterbilt (205) 379-8300 www.fitzgeraldpeterbilt.com

Volvo Trucks North America (336) 508-4950 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. (904) 738-4019 www.loves.com Pilot Flying J Centers (865) 207-3874 www.pilotflyingj.com TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (678) 591-4675 www.Ta-Petro.com

Four Star Freightliner (Dothan) (334) 793-4455 www.fourstarfreightliner.com

VEHICLE LEASING Penske Truck Leasing (757) 603-2853 www.gopenske.com

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

Penske Truck Leasing – Birmingham, AL (205) 942-6985 www.penske.com

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

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com

Navistar (813) 382-3113 www.internationaldelivers.com

Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

ATA

NEW MEMBERS & EVENTS

New Members 21-21-21 through 2-16-22 Alabama Catfish, LLC Betsy Arrington Uniontown, Ala. 334-628-3474 Bama Transport, LLC Mark Jones Enterprise, Ala. 334-308-0075 Birmingham Hide & Tallow Co., Inc. Micah Salsman Birmingham, Ala. 205-251-5132

Ben's Truck & Trailer Service Nathan Frazier Birmingham, Ala. 205-635-9286

Hunter Trees, LLC Phillip Hunter Harpersville, Ala. (205) 296-6401

J. Guthrie Consultants LLC Jason Gutherie Foley, Ala. 205-544-9124

Roadmaster Driver School Brad Ball Bessemer, Ala. 800-831-1300

Drivers Legal Plan Brad Klepper Oklahoma City, Okla. 800-417-3552

Intercontinental Packaging, Inc. Greg Justice’ Opelika, Ala. 334-749-6168

Kay Simmons Inc. DBA Kays Trucking Kay Simmons Leeds, Ala. 205-365-5268

Scott R. Enterprises, LLC DBA College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Ricky Scott Columbus, Ga. 706-329-6622

EXT-Logistics Linwood Curry Huntsville, Ala. 256-468-8749

ISAAC Instruments LLC Martha Lopez Cleveland, Ohio 888-658-7520

MGM Adam Hays Harriesburg, Miss. 601-255-0262

The McPherson Companies Clint Carpenter Trussville, Ala. 205-661-4484

Events Please contact Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org or visit www.alabamatrucking.org for updates and changes. SMMC Fleet Safety Awards Banquet March 21, 2022 Pelham, Ala. SMMC Spring Roadside Inspection April 14, 2022 Tuscaloosa, Ala.

ATA Annual Convention April 28 - May 1, 2022 Point Clear, Ala. *Alabama Truck Driving Championships May 27, 2022 Pelham Civic Center SMMC Regional Meeting Wiregrass June 9, 2022 Montgomery, Ala.

SMMC Regional Meeting Birmingham June 13, 2022 Pelham, Ala.

Contact Ford Boswell at fboswell@alabamatrucking.org or 877-277-TRUK (8785) For More Information

ATA Golf Classic September 20, 2022 Prattville, Ala.

ATA Board of Director’s Meeting & Officer Installation June 14, 2022 Montgomery, Ala.

SMMC Combined Seminar (All Chapters) September 22, 2022 Montgomery, Ala.

SMMC Regional Meeting Gulf Coast June 16, 2022 Mobile, Ala.

Alabama Trucker (AT), the official publication of the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA), is an award-winning trade publication highlighting the Association's activities while documenting the business environment of the day. AT is published quarterly and distributed to more than 2,500 trucking executives, regulatory officials, and political figures. Want to reach decision makers at more than 1,500 Alabama-based trucking firms? Consider this: Advertising in AT reaches the most concentrated readership of trucking professionals in the state. Our rates are affordable, but on top of that, you’re helping ATA send positive messages about one of the state's largest employers.

SMMC Mock Trial August 25, 2022 Montgomery, Ala.

ADVERTISER Alabama Dept. of Agriculture Assured Partners ATA Comp Fund The Baxter Agency Birmingham Freightliner Corp Financial Cummins Inc. International Trucks McGriff Insurance McGriff Tire Nextran Truck Center Palomar Insurance R.E. Garrison Southern Tire Mart Truckworx Kenworth Wallace State WH Thomas Oil Co.

D V E R T I S I N G

PG. NO. 17 16 BC 30 IBC 27 25 IFC 32 31 15 29 24 23 3 37 20-21

*Date subject to change

N D E X

PH. NO. (334) 240-7225 (888) 385-0186 (334) 834-7911 (800) 873-8494 (205) 322-6695 (334) 215-4499

WEB ADDRESS www.alcogongrass.com www.turnerhamrick.com www.atacompfund.org www.baxteragency.com www.birminghamfreightliner.com www.corpfinancial.com www.cummins.com (800) 844-4102 www.navistar.com (334) 674-9803 www.McGriffInsurance.com (334) 674-9803 www.McGriffInsurance.com (800) 292-8685 www.nextrancorp.com (800) 489-0105 www.palomarins.com (800) 643-3472 www.regarrison.com (877) STM-TIRE STMTires.com (800) 444-6170 www.truckworx.com (256) 352-8063 wallacestate.edu (205) 755-2610 www.thomasoil.com A LABAMA T RUCKER • 1 ST Q UARTER 2022

Alabama Trucker Magazine, 1st Quarter 2022

Articles inside

SMMC Update

Opening Remarks

Buyers’ Guide

Trucking News Roundup