Alabama Trucker Magazine, 1st Quarter 2023

www.alabamatrucking.org or call 334-834-3983

MANAGING EDITOR

Ford Boswell ford@tracktmedia.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Cindy Segrest EDITORS

Brandie Norcross, Cindy York

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Cooper, Terry Kilpatrick, Doug Marcello

ADVERTISING

Ford Boswell ford@tracktmedia.com

205-999-7487

ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT & CEO

Mark Colson

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

MEMBER RELATIONS

Susan Seymour

SENIOR ADVISOR

Ford Boswell

ATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steve Aronhalt, Nic Balanis, Brian Barze, Chris Bisanz, Joe Black, Gary Bond, 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, James Eidson, Will Forbes, Jack Fricks, Beau Holmes, 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, Tommy Neely, Butch Owens, David Padgett, Clay Palm, Tres Parker, Emmett Philyaw, Kelly Robinson, Kevin Savoy, Bill Scruggs, Ben Smith, Ronnie Stephenson, Steve Stinson, Paul Storey, Harold Sumerford, Jr., Gene Sweeney, Bill Ward, Bo Watkins, Wayne Watkins, Taylor White, Keith Wise, Daniel Wright

Advertising rates are available upon request.

Real Faces of Alabama Trucking

For over a year now, the Real Faces of Alabama Trucking campaign has showcased the diverse and hardworking individuals who make up the trucking industry in Alabama. Through photos and stories, the campaign highlights the contributions of truck drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and others who keep the economy moving. The campaign also seeks to dispel stereotypes about truckers and demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of those in the industry.

Shoring Up the Foundation

The Alabama Trucking Foundation has successfully promoted highway safety, workforce development, and a positive public image for the trucking industry. With scholarships for diesel technology students, apprenticeship programs for commercial driving and diesel technology, and a marketing campaign promoting trucking careers, the Foundation is creating a bright future for the industry. Read the report by Foundation President Terry Kilpatrick to learn more about the impact of the Alabama Trucking TITANS, a group of industry leaders who are making a financial commitment to the future success of the industry.

Death By a Thousand Cuts

For truckers, rising insurance premiums and increased risk are becoming the norm due to insurance companies paying out small legal settlements one by one. In this informative article, trucking defense attorney Doug Marcello explains how small verdicts and settlements under $1 million are potentially raising insurance premiums for truckers, and how quickly collecting a settlement against a trucker or trucking company has become an industry within itself.

Chris Cooper Chairman of the Board Alabama Trucking Association Boyd Bros. Transportation

The Real Faces of Alabama Trucking

We’re all familiar with that old industry slogan, “If you got it, a truck brought it.” We often see those words on buttons, websites, billboards, stickers, and all sorts of other merch and marketing paraphernalia.

The phrase has an interesting historical context for our industry, too. A slightly different version is often attributed to former Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa, who once told a colleague, “If you got it, a truck driver brought it to you. Don’t ever forget that. That’s the whole secret to what we do.”

Hoffa, a controversial figure to be sure, absolutely nailed it with his succinct assessment of trucking. That “you got it” part covers food, clothing, medicine, building materials, fuel for home and industry, and just about anything else you can think of. And the focus on the “truck driver” as opposed to the “truck” is especially impactful.

The core sentiment about the essentiality of trucking is intentional and direct, and more recently, nothing spotlighted the trucking industry’s role in the economy and its ability to deliver a better quality of life than the Covid-19 pandemic. When the world’s economy shut down, truckers stepped up, and thank goodness the world noticed!

Trucking’s role in the Covid-19 recovery efforts demonstrated our value in keeping our country well-stocked with the essential items we all need to feed and clothe our families. As it’s been said, “Crisis or Christmas, truckers deliver the goods.” The #thankAtrucker hashtag was aptly coined during this time, and we should never let it fade.

And while the tagline “I Love Trucks” remains one of my favorites, I feel like that slogan doesn’t tell the entire story. When I consider the many amazing people who comprise trucking’s talented and diverse workforce, I believe “I Love Truckers” is a much more appropriate mantra for our industry. As much as I love trucks, I love truckers much more.

You see, trucks may be the tools that bring “The Good Stuff,” but it’s the 3.5 million American professional drivers who actually deliver it.

The women and men who work in the trucking industry are the ones who make it special, unique, and essential. Over the years, I have been blessed to know many of these amazing professionals. Pros like Alejandro, who drives from my company. He grew up watching his uncle drive trucks for years. Alejandro says he wanted to drive a truck because he saw it as a way he could help people. “There’s a need for us,” he says.

Continued on page 28

‘Trucks may be the tools that bring “The Good Stuff,” but it’s the 3.5 million American professional drivers who actually deliver it.’

ALABAMA TRUCKING FOUNDATION MAKES STRIDES IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND IMAGE CAMPAIGNING

By Terry Kilpatrick

EDITOR’S NOTE: Now in its fourth year, the Alabama Trucking Association Foundation has successfully promoted highway safety, workforce development, and a positive public image for the trucking industry. The foundation has awarded numerous scholarships to diesel technology students at state community colleges and has implemented a pilot apprenticeship program in partnership with Reid State Technical College to train students for trucking industry jobs in commercial driving and diesel technology.

Additionally, in 2022, the foundation launched a marketing campaign to create a positive image of the trucking workforce and inspire targeted individuals to pursue careers in the industry. With support from its members, including the TITANS who commit to a three-year financial pledge, the foundation aims to transform the future workforce for trucking by establishing the industry as a desired career path and reducing barriers to entry for employers to hire entry-level drivers.

The following report was written by Foundation President Terry Kilpatrick and delivered to the ATA Board of Directors in January.

Since 2018, the Alabama Trucking Foundation has focused on fulfilling its mission by advancing highway safety; investing in workforce development through meaningful research, programs, scholarships and partnerships; and creating and implementing an effective, ongoing image campaign for the trucking industry. It is amazing how the Association’s members have embraced the Foundation and stepped up to build something that improves and strengthens our industry for generations to come.

Our Foundation has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving diesel technology students at state community colleges. We have raised awareness of the outstanding work of our industry’s professional truck drivers throughout the pandemic. We continue to advance the public image of trucking through our Road Team captains who speak to high school students about the essentiality of the trucking industry, the great career opportunities throughout the industry, and how to drive safely around trucks.

Additionally, we have supported a pilot program in partnership

How you can support the ATA Foundation and the future of Alabama’s vital trucking industry.

1

Make the annual voluntary contribution on your dues statement! 57% of members make this contribution which is 20% of total dues with the max contribution of $800 for the largest dues payers and $100 for the smallest dues payers. An additional $50,000 a year could be invested in the ATA Foundation if the 43% of members not participating elect to make this contribution.

2

Become an ATA Foundation TITAN! In the first year and a half, 42 courageous trucking leaders decided to join this super-supporter group committing to a $5,000 contribution for three years. These leaders are the muscle behind building a strong future for Alabama Trucking. Contact Mark Colson at mcolson@alabamatrucking.org or 334-4510236, if you want to become a TITAN.

A special thanks to the ATA Comp Fund for its strong support of the Foundation. Since the beginning, the Fund has been an ardent supporter. Now through the Alliance Interstate Risk (AIR) which provides workers comp to industry members outside of Alabama, a $500 contribution is made to the Foundation for every new AIR member.

The Foundation’s sole mission is to promote and protect the industry. We will always seek innovative ways to invest in trucking’s future. Anything we do in the name of the Foundation is to make our industry stronger, safer and better. With the full support of the membership, we believe we can bring about real change for trucking in Alabama and beyond.

with Reid State Technical College that utilizes an apprenticeship program to attract and train 18-20-year-old students in the industry and even graduate high school students with a CDL learners’ permit. We have high hopes for this new program and are working to further trucking apprenticeships throughout the state, as well as other high school programs through partnerships with the NextGen Trucking Association and the Alabama Future Farmers of America.

Most excitingly, through our Real Faces of Alabama Trucking workforce campaign developed in partnership with strategic marketing firm Markstein, we are telling the powerful stories of the professionals in our industry with several goals in mind: First, to create a positive image of trucking and the trucking workforce with the added benefit of making it more difficult for some overzealous trial lawyers to villainize our industry.

Next, through marketing the stories of the Real Faces of Alabama Trucking, inspire targeted groups of individuals (personas) with potential interest in professional driver or diesel technician careers and connect them with high-quality training programs.

The development of this campaign was

researched and designed in 2021, and a pilot campaign was launched in the spring of 2022 to test the marketing concepts. That pilot was so successful that it earned the prestigious Mike Russell Public Image Award at the American Trucking Associations’ 2022 Management Conference and Exhibition.

Moving ahead, we are enhancing the campaign platforms (including a more comprehensive website) in preparation for an expansive rollout this year, hopefully, to reach statewide.

All this work is made possible by our members’ support, especially from the support of the Alabama Trucking TITANS, who are the driving force behind our relentless commitment to improving the public image of trucking with the purpose of transforming our future workforce.

Launched in 2021, these 42 leaders within the trucking industry have made a long-term financial commitment to the future success of our industry by making a $5,000 annual donation for three years to the Alabama Trucking Foundation. This crucial funding is making a difference.

TITANS are specially recognized at all Association events, and new TITANS are inducted each year at the Alabama Trucking Convention. Read below for a full list of

TITANS and how to join this cause.

We are now seated at all the right tables, and new opportunities are opening each day. Candidly, our biggest challenge is staying focused to move the needle and not get spread too thin with all the different aspects of workforce development.

Long term, our vision includes four aggressive goals for transforming the future workforce for trucking are to 1.) Establish trucking as a desired career path for students and job-seeking adults; 2.) Communicate effectively to all stakeholders about the job opportunities available in the trucking industry which includes career mapping which will demystify the pathways to enter the industry; 3.) Establish the Alabama Trucking Foundation as a comprehensive resource for potential trainees and employers and connect them to all needed information; and 4.) Reduce barriers to entry for employers to hire entry-level drivers and partner with organizations that do hire entry-level drivers.

We are ready to tell the world that Alabama Trucking is moving Alabama’s economy in ways we have never imagined. We’re proud of where the Foundation started, and where it is today. and where it’s heading.

Let’s get to work building the trucking industry that Alabama deserves.

DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS

trickle of lawsuits stemming from minor or questionable incidents. And insurance companies aren’t necessarily invested in proactively fighting to stem the tide.

There are some levers that you can work to control that could help limit the payouts in the short term with an eye toward limiting costs in the long run.

By Doug Marcello

In today’s world of increased insurance deductibles and captives, trucking companies are reporting they are dying a “death by a thousand cuts” as their insurance companies pay out one relatively small legal settlement at a time.

According to a 2021 American Transportation Research Institute study, small verdicts and settlements – those under $1 million – are potentially raising insurance premiums for truckers, along with other factors. Quickly collecting a settlement against a trucker or trucking company has become an industry within itself, according to the study, with attorneys basing their business on collecting these small settlements and verdicts.

A separate ATRI 2022 study found that a considerable percentage of increases were unrelated to crash history. Instead, it’s litigation costs and economic conditions within the insurance industry driving premiums higher, according to the report. The result, according to ATRI, is that trucking companies are taking on more of the risk with increased deductibles and retentions.

While nuclear verdicts get the press (and rightfully so, as they can devastate a company in an instant), every business faces the endless

Control: While it’s often the insurance company’s decision as to whether the “no injuries at the accident scene” claims get paid, this is essentially your money being paid to settle a lawsuit from a crash and you should have some control over how your money is being spent.

For the most part, you don’t have that control. But, if possible, at the time of purchasing the policy or at renewal, try to negotiate control over how your money is dispensed in a crash settlement. Or at the very least, negotiate for control of a veto of these payments.

Realistically, this is a long shot. But if you can be sure of this in negotiations, remember, it’s your Money.

Counsel: If can’t control payments, can you at least select counsel? You should be seeking out an attorney who will take the fight to them. Any attorney who – within the permissible bounds – is aggressive and creative.

Claims: You have an advantage that opposing attorneys won’t – immediacy. You know about the accident before any of them. If you don’t act immediately and continue to press your advantage, you will have squandered your greatest advantage.

To capitalize on that advantage, immediately assess the accident. If it’s your fault, resolve it ASAP. Get their car fixed. Your lack of immediacy often leads them to an attorney.

You also cannot afford to ignore claims or not pay them the requisite attention. Your claims people can’t just file the letters of representation and hunker down for a

demand or a suit. You need to respond and carry the fight to them.

Delaying the inevitable in a claim costs money. If you delay, medical expenses grow unchecked and unchallenged, building up damages that will be leveraged into an excess settlement, or at least a rationale for some money in a case with no value. Change the delay period to an aggressive response by your claims period or counsel.

Safety: The best legal defense for an accident is not having an accident. And the price of your insurance premium is no longer the sole metric for your exposure to risk.

The American Transportation Research Institute found the “total cost of risk” is the sum of your premium, your deductible payments and your investment in safety. Not just a financial investment in safety, but a cultural development. Safety is an investment, not an expense.

To add to the culture of safety, training, and technology are vital to reducing the claims and the payments from those claims. Add to that the exoneration power of in-cab videos in today’s YouTube society and investigating technology and safety with one-time costs could mitigate hefty longterm expenses. You must act to reduce your risks and respond aggressively to claims. You literally can’t afford to do otherwise.

Doug Marcello is a trucking defense attorney who actually maintains a current CDL. With 35+ years of trial experience, he represents trucking companies throughout the country. He is specially admitted pro hac vice in more than 35 states for cases. He’s a member of TIDA, TLA, CTLA, ATA (Safety), TCA, PM. He will discuss legal reform at the 2023 Alabama Trucking Convention in April. His presentation will provide further insights and strategies for trucking companies to limit payouts and control costs, including negotiating control over how settlement money is dispensed, selecting aggressive counsel, responding promptly to claims, and investing in safety culture and technology. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in trucking law!

As insurance companies pay out small legal settlements one by one, trucking companies are facing rising insurance premiums and taking on more risk.

Marcello

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

Alabama’s Road Team promotes highway safety and encourages young people to pursue trucking careers

The Alabama Trucking Association’s number one mission is highway safety among all drivers, and that’s why for more than 20 years, we have assembled a team of the best commercial drivers from our member fleets to visit schools to teach safe driving techniques around commercial vehicles and also to empower students about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.

The Alabama Trucking Road Team is a free service to the public available upon request to any group needing a speaker to inform or entertain. Its focus is good driving habits and industry promotion for jobs, economic impact, and positive public perception.

Our team includes veteran commercial truck drivers who have logged millions of safe miles in successful careers in trucking. They’re also dads and/or community leaders who understand what’s at stake at each presentation they make.

This week, veteran commercial truck driver for FedEx Freight, Dan Thompson stopped by Spanish Fort High School’s Driver’s Education program to deliver Share The Road, a program developed by the American Trucking Associations that teaches tactics and best practices about driving near large trucks.

Thompson is a decorated trucker. He was the Alabama Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year in 2019. He has won the Alabama Truck Driving Championships twice and competed several times at the National Truck Driving Championships. But for him, his work with young drivers in his area is the most important thing he can do for himself and others.

He says his goal is to reach as many people as possible and change driving behavior so that he can save lives. During his nearly a decade on our Road Team, he’s reached thousands of kids at high schools

and middle schools across Alabama’s Gulf Coast Region.

Through the continued hard work of Dan and the rest of our Road Team and other members of the Alabama Trucking Association, we are proud to continue our mission of promoting safe driving on our highways and roads, while also encouraging young people to pursue a career in trucking.

For more information on the Alabama Road Team, contact Tim Frazier at 334834-3983 or tfrazier@alabamatrucking.org.

FMCSA proposes improvements to SMS to prevent crashes

FMCSA has announced proposed changes to SMS to reduce and prevent crashes. A new website, the CSA Prioritization Preview, which is now live, is the first phase of planned updates to the methods used in the Agency’s SMS. During this phase, motor carriers can visit the website, log in, and preview how their own data would appear under the new proposal. Companies are encouraged to preview their prioritization results and submit their feedback on these proposed changes to FMCSA on the Federal Register website. Other users will be able to review sample pages.

FMCSA strongly encourages stakeholders to participate in the preview and submit their comments to the public docket during the 90-day comment period. You can also register to attend a public Q&A webinar. Learn more at https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ prioritizationpreview.

CVSA International Roadcheck is set for May 16-18

This year’s CVSA International Roadcheck, a high-visibility, high-volume 72hour inspection, and enforcement event will be May 16-18, 2023. On these dates CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico, and the United States will conduct inspections of CMVs and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways. This year’s examinations will focus on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement to highlight their importance in vehicle safety. During this time, inspectors will conduct usual roadside safety inspections of CMVs and drivers, and data

will be gathered, and shared, as a snapshot of the state of CMV and driver safety. You can learn more about CVSA’s International Roadcheck at www.cvsa.org.

New rulemaking on side underride guards on trailers and semi trailers

On January 27 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) received a rulemaking from NHTSA relating to side underride guards on trailers and semitrailers. This will result in NHTSA publishing an ANPRM in response to a 2013 petition for side underride guards, as well as responding to research requirements mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA). ATA supported the research requirements and will continue to remain engaged in this process. Recently, American Trucking Associations staff met with OMB to reiterate that any discussion of mandating side, or front, underride guards should only take place after the proper research has been conducted, including addressing operational concerns raised in previous studies.

Adams sworn in as FMCSA Deputy Administrator

Last fall, Robin Hutcheson was officially confirmed as the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and as a result, Earl Adams, Jr. has been tapped as the Deputy Administrator of the agency.

Adams had previously served as FMCSA’s Chief Counsel since July 2021. He is now tasked with working alongside Administrator Hutcheson to lead the Agency and oversee a portfolio of initiatives across the Agency’s various program offices that supports FMCSA’s mission – to prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson spoke highly of Adams, saying, “Earl is a mission-driven leader and thinker who embodies the values of our agency and the entire Department of Transportation.” Hutcheson also noted Adams’s extensive legal and executive experience across several modes, including surface transportation, rail, and aviation. As Chief Counsel, Adams was responsible for legal policy on all aspects of Agency programs and activities,

Thompson

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS

including the development, issuance, interpretation, enforcement, and defense of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations before state and federal courts.

Adams has an impressive legal background, having worked in the private sector with several law firms, including a national law firm, where he also served as the managing partner of the firm’s Washington, DC office. His legal practice has always focused on providing clients with regulatory and compliance counsel across several sectors, including transportation, renewable energy, and procurement.

In addition to his legal background, Adams has held several leadership positions in impactful organizations. He served as the former Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, former Vice Chairman of the Bowie State University Board of Visitors, and former board member of the Economic Club of Washington. Furthermore, Adams served with distinction as Chief of Staff to Maryland’s former Lt. Governor.

Adams is a highly-educated individual,

having earned his Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School, a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morehouse College.

As Deputy Administrator, Adams will work with Administrator Hutcheson to continue developing policies, initiatives, and data-based strategies to prevent crashes, improve safety outcomes on our roadways, and ultimately achieve the FMCSA’s goal of zero fatalities. Adams will also provide executive oversight for FMCSA’s technology and innovation portfolio, including rulemaking on autonomous vehicles.

DOT announces National Roadway Safety Strategy to reduce fatalities

The Dept. of Transportation (DOT) has committed to a comprehensive, long-term goal of reaching zero roadway fatalities to address roadway safety through the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS). The initiative intends to build and rein-

force layers of protection, to prevent crashes from happening in the first place, and minimize the harm caused to those involved when crashes occur, specifically through safer vehicles, speeds, people, roads, and post-crash care. Through the Share the Road program, Law Enforcement Advisory Board, and ongoing work zone safety awareness campaign, the trucking industry is committing to educating the public about the importance of safely sharing the road with large trucks, practicing safety in construction zones, and enhancing the partnership between the trucking industry and law enforcement to address highway safety issues.

Alabama CDL holders face downgraded licenses due to noncompliance with drug & alcohol requirements

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Driver’s License Agency (SDLA) has announced that they have begun the process of reviewing current

CDL holders in Alabama and downgrading licenses, not in compliance with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) requirements per a requirement from the FMCSA.

State officials estimate that approximately 1400 to 2000 CDL holders in Alabama will be impacted by this procedure, and about 140 licenses have been downgraded already.

If you employ CDL drivers, please pay attention to the following information.

On October 7, 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a final rule establishing requirements for State Driver’s License Agencies’ (SDLAs) access to and use of driver-specific drug and alcohol program violation information contained in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (86 FR 55718).

The final rule requires that: 1.) SDLAs must not issue, renew, upgrade, or transfer a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or

commercial learner’s permit (CLP), as applicable, for any individual prohibited under FMCSA’s regulations from performing safety-sensitive functions, including driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), due to one or more drug alcohol program violations.

2.) SDLAs must, upon receipt of notification that a driver is prohibited from operating a CMV due to a drug and alcohol program violation, initiate the downgrade process to remove the CLP or CDL privilege from the driver’s license within 60 days.

3.) Drivers completing the return-to-duty process before the downgrade process is completed would no longer be prohibited from operating a CMV and thus would no longer be subject to a downgrade.

SDLAs have until November 18, 2024 (compliance date) to comply with these requirements. In addition, FMCSA extends the compliance date for the requirement that SDLAs query the Clearinghouse prior to issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a CDL from January 6, 2023, to November 18, 2024. SDLAs currently have the option to voluntarily query the Clearinghouse and may do so up until the compliance date.

Knowing that there will be a rush at the

deadline in 2024 and as a proactive measure, the ALEA CDL office has begun this process of reviewing current CDL holders in Alabama and downgrading licenses, not in compliance with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) requirements.

According to the Alabama CDL office, there are approximately 1400 to 2000 CDL holders in Alabama that this procedure will impact and approximately 140 licenses have been downgraded thus far. Once the downgrade has been applied, the driver must complete the DCAH process as required to have his/her license re-activated to full CDL privileges. Once the privileges have been updated, the reinstatement process with the State CDL office may be completed (see attached letter).

Action recommended: Though the FMCSRs require only an annual query to review a driver’s clearinghouse status, however, we have for several months now encouraged companies to conduct the review at least every 6 months and preferably every quarter. We believe this will assist in keeping drivers on the road and prevent them from being prohibited from performing their duties due to a downgraded license.

A letter will be sent to any driver facing a downgrade possibility with instructions to

correct the infraction and have full CDL privileges reinstated. Feel free to contact ATA Vice President of Safety & Compliance Tim Frazier at tfrazier@alabama trucking.org should you have questions or need assistance.

FMCSA seeks to close a loophole in Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is closing a loophole in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The move will make it impossible for drivers to have a drug or alcohol violation reported by another employer after a preemployment query but before the next annual one. FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson announced the change at the Truckload Carriers Association’s Truckload 2023 meeting in Orlando recently.

The Clearinghouse will notify employers if there is a change to a driver’s clearinghouse record for up to 12 months following the query. The change will take effect later this spring, and employers will be notified via email when a driver with a query has new information on his or her record.

Hutcheson also said that the FMCSA hears calls for hair follicle testing and the

agency is being as proactive as possible.

Colson to serve on ATRI Research Advisory Committee

The American Transportation Research Institute has selected Alabama Trucking Association President & CEO Mark Colson to serve on its 2023-2024 Research Advisory Committee (RAC).

Among other activities, ATRI’s RAC is responsible for annually identifying the top research priorities for the trucking industry. RAC members represent a diverse crosssection of trucking industry stakeholders including motor carriers, industry suppliers, commercial drivers, shippers, law enforcement, academia and government.

Ben Banks, Vice President of Operations for TCW, Inc. was appointed to serve as RAC Chairman.

“ATRI’s RAC members are critical in identifying and prioritizing the trucking industry’s top research needs. We congratulate all those appointed by the ATRI Board to serve in this important role and look

forward to working with them,” said ATRI President Rebecca Brewster.

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501c3 not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research on freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

Join SMMC now for safer and better operations!

As a fleet owner or manager, expand your trucking knowledge with the Alabama Trucking Association's SMMC. Get networking, resources, and advocacy to promote safety and maintenance practices in commercial vehicle operations. Join SMMC for valuable benefits like networking opportunities, access to resources, educational opportunities, advocacy, and recognition. Invest in your fleet's safety and maintenance commitment by visiting AlabamaTrucking.org or calling Brandie Norcross at 334-834-3983 for more information.

Jack Fricks honored by Albertville Chamber

Longtime Alabama Trucking Association board member Jack Fricks was recently recognized by his hometown of Albertville, Ala. for his outstanding leadership and important contributions to the community.

Mr. Fricks, a lifelong resident and business owner in Albertville, and the city showed its appreciation in March by naming him Citizen of the Year. The founder and owner of B&G Supply Co., Mr. Fricks received the honor during the 68th Annual Albertville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Banquet held at the Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater on March 2.

“This is quite an honor and a surprise,” Fricks told the Sand Mountain Reporter. “This community and my business have been my life. When you surround yourself with good people, you can’t help but succeed.”

Mr. Fricks’s first trucking job was driving for a local businessman, John Livingston, who eventually became his mentor. Livingston recognized Mr. Fricks’ potential and encouraged him to obtain his own truck. Within two years, Mr. Fricks, his late wife Bonnie, and a partner Jack Mitchell incorporated B&G Supply Co. – today one of the Southeast’s most recognized foodrelated haulers. He obtained the sole interest in the business in the mid-1970s and has since grown the company to include more than 65 trucks and a mix of nearly 120 trailers and vans.

Current ATA Chairman of

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In 2006, Mr. Fricks was awarded the H. Chester Webb Award for his many years of distinguished service to Alabama’s Trucking Industry. The Webb Award was established in 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.

Mr. Fricks never shied from hard work and learned early in his career that the best way to succeed in business is to find something that works and stick to it – and for more than 50 years, that’s exactly what Mr. Fricks has done.

“Not only has Jack made a life in Albertville,” said Quinton Williams. “More than that, he’s made a difference. He’s invested his time and resources in making our city a better place. He was continuously involved with his business, his church and the city. He can still be found in his office at B&G every day. His life has been such a success.”

ATA Chairman Chris Cooper welcomes State Legislators back to Montgomery

nearly every segment of Alabama’s growing economy, delivering more than 86% of all goods to every community in the state.

However, the industry faces significant challenges that threaten its ability to operate effectively. These challenges include a shortage of commercial drivers and diesel technicians, record-high insurance rates, a complex regulatory environment, and a public image that is under attack by distorted advertisements from some personal injury attorneys.

Despite these challenges, the Alabama Trucking Association remains committed to continuously improving public safety, building a future workforce, celebrating the heroic work of the professionals in the industry, curbing lawsuit abuse, and advocating for a fair and efficient legal and regulatory environment.

To achieve these goals, Cooper emphasizes the importance of collaboration with state leaders and policymakers. He encourages them to consider the trucking industry as a trusted resource and to connect with the Alabama Trucking Association on social media channels to stay informed about important industry information.

Cooper concludes his statement by expressing the industry’s appreciation for the commitment to public service demonstrated by Alabama’s leadership. As essential contributors to the state’s economy and quality of life, Alabama’s trucking industry leaders are committed to working with policymakers to ensure that their industry remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.

the

Board Chris Cooper of Boyd Bros. Transportation says, “Jack is a community leader, serving as a deacon at his church and as Chairman of its board of trustees. He maintains a close relationship with his local chamber of commerce and has served as chair of the Marshall County Personnel Board. He exhibits all the qualities you would expect from a business and community leader.”

The trucking industry plays a critical role in the economy of Alabama and the United States as a whole. Alabama Trucking Association Chairman Chris Cooper recognizes this in his recent statement, expressing gratitude to the state’s leadership and highlighting the essential nature of the trucking industry and its professionals in supporting the quality of life for all Alabamians.

According to Cooper, the trucking industry employs more than 125,000 professionals in Alabama, accounting for one in every 13 jobs in the state. These professionals are responsible for connecting

In summary, Cooper’s statement highlights the critical role of the trucking industry in Alabama and the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and state policymakers. By working together, they can overcome the challenges facing the industry and ensure that it continues to support the economy and quality of life for all Alabamians.

ATRI seeks motor carrier participation for valuable research on operational costs

The annual Operational Costs of Trucking report from the American Transportation Research Institute is one the most

Fricks

Cooper

The Alabama Trucking Association Board of Directors met in Montgomery on Tuesday, Jan. 31st, to handle the regular business of the Association, plan for upcoming events and initiatives, and discuss strategies, tactics, and solutions for issues that will affect our ability to serve the state’s and nation’s economy.

Among the featured guests was the Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives The Honorable Nathaniel Ledbetter and Business Council of Alabama President & CEO Helena Duncan, who recently took over as head of BCA with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, primarily at the executive management level.

Markstien’s Chris Hoke and Cassie McCay gave an update on our ongoing Real Faces of Alabama Trucking workforce marketing campaign, which moves to a

widely used and comprehensive benchmarking tools available to the industry today. ATRI confidentially collects cost and ops data directly from trucking fleets and owneroperators, and its analysis reveals key trends for fleets of all sizes, sectors, and regions.

All confidential information is protected, and it is published only in anonymized, aggregate form. Participating carriers receive a customized report comparing their fleet’s costs and operations to peer carriers.

To participate, visit https://trucking research.org/2023/03/01/ops-costs-datacollection-2023

ATA Comp Fund/AIRS promotes longtime staffers

ATA Comp Fund and Alliance Interstate Risk Service recently announced the promotions of Suzy Baker to Director of Claims and Victor Whatley to Regional Risk Manager.

Baker, who has been with the ATA

more statewide scope soon.

Due to ongoing construction at the ATA headquarters, the meeting was held at the Alabama Realtors building near the State Capitol building. Realtors’ CEO Jeremy Walker stopped in to welcome the groups and provided a summary of the current political climate and how it relates to legal reform. ATA CEO Mark Colson followed up with a summary of what’s to come from ATA with regard to training and services for lawsuit abuse and how it affects trucking operations.

Special thanks to the entire team at Realtors for hosting the event.

Comp Fund/AIR team since 2019 as a claim manager, has more than 15 years of workers’ compensation claims experience, while Whatley has two decades of insurance and risk management experience. Todd Hager, COO of ATA Comp Fund/AIRS, congratulated both Baker and Whatley on their well-deserved promotions, emphasizing their integral role in the company’s success and future.

ATA Comp Fund/AIRS COO Todd Hager says Suzy is a leader, a vital part of the company, and a key piece of the fund’s success and future. She has overseen the combining of third-party administrators, launched a telemedicine program, overhauled the existing light duty program, implemented a prescription drug testing program, and organized the opening of a Birmingham office.

Baker has more than 15 years of workers’ compensation claims experience with Vulcan Materials and HealthSouth prior to joining the ATA Comp Fund/ AIRS. She can be reached at 334-425-

4218 or by email at sbaker@atacomp fund.org.

Meanwhile, Victor Whatley has been promoted to Regional Risk Manager, responsible for ongoing risk management within his assigned territory and for supervision of Region 1 effective February 1, 2023. Region 1 will encompass the western panhandle of Florida, beginning at Tallahassee, and the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Whatley has been with the ATA Comp Fund/AIR team since 2015 as a risk manager, providing safety and loss control expertise to members throughout South Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.

Hager says, “Victor has been an integral part of our success and growth. His vision and ideas for risk management, our behavior-based loss control, and work on our safety video productions for member videos and our Safety Blitz have been remarkable and effective.”

Victor has two decades of insurance and risk management experience working with the ATA Comp Fund/AIRS and with his prior employers. Whatley can be contacted at (251) 622-1898 or by email at vwhatley @atacompfund.org or vwhatley@alliance interstaterisk.org.

For 30 years the ATA Comp Fund has been providing stable, low-cost workers’ compensation coverage to the transportation industries. Now, through Alliance Interstate Risk, our programs are available nationwide. For more information, visit ATACompFund.org and AllianceInterstate Risk.org.

FHWA releases memo to guide infrastructure law implementation

Last week, in anticipation of the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Federal Highway Administration released a revised memo to guide agency staff that should reduce confusion connected to a December 2021 memo that industry stakeholders opposed for its excessive restrictions on new construction projects. The new memo is likely to help speed up significant investments in the enhancement of the nation’s highway freight capacity.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2022 concluded that the December 2021 guidance constituted a rule, and thus was potentially subject to repeal under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The guidance, which outlined a set of priorities

Baker Whatley

Alabama Trucking Board meets to plan the upcoming year

R ROUNDUP OUNDUP

for how states should allocate IIJA funds, contradicted the congressional intent by encouraging states to focus on highway maintenance and non-highway projects rather than expanding existing highway capacity. Republican leaders on important committees of both the House and Senate have voiced their objection to these policies and their intention to nullify the memo using a CRA resolution. The new guidelines, however, should make such a vote unnecessary, which is good news for senators seeking to avoid a politically difficult vote.

The new memo aligns the agency guidance with the language of IIJA and makes it clear that states can invest in essential freight capacity expansion projects.

Former ATA Chairman Jerry Davis dies at 87

The Alabama Trucking Association’s Board of Directors is saddened to pass along the news of the passing of Mr. Jerry

Davis, who died Friday, December 30, 2022. He was 87.

Mr. Davis was an executive for Birmingham Freightliner and a longtime supporter of Alabama Trucking, serving as its Chairman of the Board in the 1990s. For more than three decades, he was a faithful servant to our group and a trusted ambassador for the state’s trucking industry for many years, donating time, talent, and resources to our efforts to foster and improve the state’s trucking industry.

We are grateful to have known him and express our condolences to the Davis family and the Birmingham Freightliner organization. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Congressional leaders urged to repeal tax on heavy-duty commercial vehicles

Transportation groups and other stakeholders are calling on Congress to repeal the Federal Excise Tax (FET) on heavy-duty commercial vehicles. This century-old tax is impeding the deployment of cleaner, more environmentally friendly trucks on our nation’s roads, according to a letter from the

American Trucking Associations, American Truck Dealers, and Zero Emission Transportation Association sent to Congressional leadership.

The heavy-duty excise tax was established in 1917 to defray the costs of World War I and today adds 12% to the cost of a new truck, creating a major disincentive for trucking fleets small and large to modernize their equipment and replace older tractors with new, low-emission power units. The FET can add more than $50,000 to the price of the latest low- or zero-emission vehicle, making these investments costprohibitive for smaller fleets. Over 90% of U.S. motor carriers operate six or fewer trucks.

“If Congress is serious about safety, the environment, and jobs, then repealing the FET should be front-burner,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “It’s time to shelve this World War I era tax and start putting the best equipment on our roads.”

“The federal government wants heavyduty trucks to be cleaner or emission-free but slaps a 12 percent tax on the newest, greenest trucks. If the goal is to reduce emissions, repealing the counterproductive FET is a good place to start,” said Scott McCandless, ATD Chairman and President of McCandless Truck Center LLC of Aurora, Colo.

“The federal excise tax harms American truckers and fleet operators by inflating the cost of heavy-duty trucks and limiting access to the many economic and public health benefits that come with transportation electrification,” said Albert Gore, executive director at ZETA. “Medium and heavy-duty trucks account for 24% of all transportation carbon emissions in the United States but represent only 4% of vehicles on the road. It is time to accelerate our movement towards modernized transportation fleets, and we must enable our nation’s fleet operators and truckers to join in this effort.”

In the 117th Congress, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ben Cardin (DMd.), and Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) and Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act (H.R. 8116/S. 2435), bipartisan and bicameral legislation to repeal the tax.

Alabama Trucking’s Mark Colson addresses trucking’s role in fighting human trafficking

In his recent oped, Enlightenment Leads to Action in Fight to End Human Trafficking,” Mark Colson, the President and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, highlights the role of the trucking industry in combating human trafficking. He states that millions of people worldwide, including in the US and Alabama, are victims of human trafficking, and the trucking industry has been actively involved in training its drivers to identify and report suspicious activities related to human trafficking.

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) was formed in 2009 to train trucking companies across the US to watch for and report suspicious activities to law enforcement. TAT has trained over 1.5 million professional truck drivers, including 31,687 in Alabama. These drivers have become frontline defenders in the fight against human trafficking, and TAT’s training has become part of the Commercial Driver’s License curriculum for all new Alabama CDL holders.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) has reported that calls from truck drivers rose significantly once Truck-

ers Against Trafficking began. Over the last five years, 41 percent of the cases that have been reported by truck drivers have involved victims who are minors. In Alabama alone, 679 human trafficking cases and 1,571 victims were identified through the NHTH since 2007.

Colson mentions a recent case where a professional truck driver reported suspicious activity at a rest stop that resulted in the recovery of seven minors. Additionally, 31 offenders were arrested, and a 13-state child sex trafficking ring was broken. He encourages every citizen to take the training and learn how to identify the signs of human trafficking and report anything that doesn’t look right.

Colson acknowledges the efforts of law enforcement professionals, victims’ advocates, and stakeholders in combating human trafficking. He urges everyone to support these front liners and take action against this terrible crime. Alabama is holding the Alabama Human Trafficking Summit on January 26-27, where stakeholders will convene to discuss the fight against human trafficking.

In conclusion, Colson emphasizes that once people become aware of the human trafficking crisis, ignorance is no longer an option. Everyone must take action or inaction, and he is grateful that truckers are people of action. The Alabama Trucking Association is proud to partner with TAT and other organizations in the fight to end human trafficking.

Alabama Trucking family mourns the loss of Pam Kilpatrick

The Alabama Trucking family is mourning the loss of Pam Kilpatrick, the wife of Alabama Trucking Foundation President and former Alabama Trucking Association Board Chairman Terry Kilpatrick, and the longtime owner of Billy Barnes Enterprises in Frisco City, Alabama.

Pam was a devoted wife, loving mother of five children, and beloved grandmother of ten grandchildren. Her home was a place of warmth and connection, and her gentle spirit radiated love and kindness to all those who crossed her path.

“Ms. Pam was simply an angel, and anyone who ever met her knew she walked the walk with her faith,” said Chris Cooper,

Chairman of the Alabama Trucking Association. “Our hearts are with Terry and the entire family as they grieve the loss of a special woman who impacted the lives of so many.”

According to those who knew her best, Pam’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she dedicated herself to serving Him and His people with a humble heart. She was a true servant leader who never sought recognition for her work but gave all the glory to her Savior. Her unwavering faith, joy, and laughter were contagious, and her peace embraced all who knew her.

To her husband, Pam was his honeybunch and his Jewel for 47 years. To her children, she was a loving mother who instilled in them the importance of knowing Jesus Christ. And to her grandchildren, she became like one of them, joining them in their world with every ounce of her childlike spirit.

“Terry always described Ms. Pam as a ‘Prayer Warrior,’ and everyone knows how important she was to her community, her church, and her family,” said Mark Colson, president, and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association. “She was a strong, brave, and kind woman, and now we become the prayer warriors for the Kilpatrick family, to lift them up and pray God’s powerful mercy and grace over them as they mourn her loss and celebrate her life and legacy.”

Pam’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace in the glorious presence of her beloved Jesus.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Terry, daughter Taryn Kilpatrick, sons Bryan Kilpatrick (Morgan), Joshua Kilpatrick (Jessie), Todd Kilpatrick (Mandy), and daughter Natasha Kilpatrick, 10 grandchildren (Clair, Marshall, Dan, Emma, Caroline, Ezra, Mackenzie, Camille, Allie, and JR), brother Dan E. Pridgen Jr., and godchild Alina Weatherford (Ryan), along with a host of extended family and friends who adored her.

Colson

Terry and Pam Kilpatrick

Opening Remarks

Continued from page 2

Then, there’s Felicia, another professional driver for our company, who is in her mid-20s, owns her own truck and is providing for her family by doing something she loves — something that matters, and something that serves her community.

She and Alejandro are the real faces of Alabama Trucking, and my goal as the leader of the state’s trucking association is to ensure that everyone can picture a dedicated professional like Alejandro and Felicia when they think of trucking.

Economically, Alabama’s trucking industry is the key connector for the major industries in the state such as manufacturing, forestry, agriculture, and construction. As those industries grow, the professionals in trucking rise to meet the demand, keep the supply chain moving and transport these goods safely and efficiently.

Yet, with all these positive impacts, there are still forces that seek to objectify the trucking industry, create fear, and overshadow the courageous work of the 110,000 trucking professionals in Alabama who keep every community and every business in the state supplied.

Trucking has become the target of some, not all, plaintiff’s trial lawyers that view the industry as a cash cow and whose nearly $2 billion per year in advertising seek to objectify the trucking industry as bad and paint all “trucks” in a negative light.

The justice system exists to provide justice for injured parties. Lawsuits are a reality and many times necessary to compensate injured parties or adjudicate disputes between two parties. However, it does not exist as a means for exploitation and profiteering.

And whether you realize it or not, everyone feels the impact of these attacks. Because transportation is essential for almost every business sector, every consumer experiences the cost increases caused by an overly litigious environment, the threat of nuclear verdicts, and never-ending frivolous lawsuits which have driven up insurance costs for trucking companies to crisis levels.

It has had a profound impact on small companies and owner-operators. Equally as detrimental, the negative advertising and frivolous lawsuits overshadow the powerful work of the 3.5 million professionals who are serving their country by moving more than 80% of all goods which benefits all people in our country.

What if even a portion of that $2 billion in negative advertising was devoted to telling these true stories of the individuals that we all depend on every day to live our lives?

Professional drivers and the other professionals in our industry are good people. In addition to doing their jobs, they go above and beyond to do things like a lookout for individuals caught in the cycle of human trafficking and delivering relief goods to any natural disaster that occurs.

Simply put, they are heroes in the truest sense.

Chris Cooper is Chairman of the Alabama Trucking Association Board of Directors and is CEO of Boyd Brothers Transportation.

Application For Membership

Motor Carrier: ___ Private: ___ Household Goods: ___ Allied Industry: ___

Your Dues Amount: $ __________________ (please fill in by using dues chart)

Firm Name:

(Box)

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.

CODE # _________________

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Schedule of Membership Dues

(Effective July 1, 2017)

$500 plus $20 per truck

$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

$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

$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.

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

B. Private Carriers (Schedule based on miles traveled in Alabama)

C. Household Goods Carriers (Schedule based on intrastate revenue only)

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

Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000

www.starneslaw.com

Other Services: Allstate Beverage (251) 476-9600 Ext. 1231

American Energy Optimizer (205) 222-8874

www.chemsonic.com

AMG Driver Recruitment (205) 325-2446

www.amgdriverrecruitment.com

C Cross Logistics, LLC (205) 759-1818

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

HHO Carbon Clean Systems –outh Alabama (251) 376-1170

www.hhocarboncleansystems.com

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

www.jjkellerservices.com

JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 945-8550

www.jptsc.com

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

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

Pitts Media

(205) 792-1280

www.pittsmedia.com

Porter Billing Services LLC

(205) 397-4079

www.porterbillingservices.com

Power South Energy Cooperative

(334) 427-3207

www.powersouth.com

PR Companies

(334) 836-1377

www.partnerwiththeexperts.com

PrePass Safety Alliance

(602) 601-4779

www.prepass.com

QuikQ LLC

(678) 591-4675

www.quikq.com

Randall-Reilly

(205) 349-2990

www.randallreilly.com

Rand McNally (877) 446-4863

www.randmcnally.com

RapidScale

(251) 533-2009

www.rapidscale.net

REPOWR

(205) 908-0540

www.repowrtransport.com

Rimkus (850) 475-1378

www.rimkus.com

Safety Plus (251) 661-7650

www.safetyplusinc.net

SET Logistics, Inc.

(205) 849-6309

www.setlogistics.net

Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc.

(205) 664-2000

www.specenviro.com

Swift Supply, Inc.

(251) 929-9399

www.swiftsupply.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

ThreatAdvice (205) 705-2716

www.threatadvice.com

Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc

(205) 226-5500

www.tlsincorp.com

Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

Transportation Compliance Services, USA (877) 268-7347

www.dottrucksafety.com

Whiting Systems (205) 239-8014

www.whitingsystems.com

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

www.bigmoespring.com

Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844

www.birminghamframe@gmail.com

BTTS (Ben’s Truck & Trailer Service) (205) 635-9286

Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101

www.childersburg-truck.com

Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111

www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com

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

www.lazzaritruckrepair.com

Mann Automotive Diesel, Inc.

(334) 792-0456

www.mannautomotivediesel.com

MHC Carrier Transicold

(404) 968-3130

www.ctsouth.com

Rowe Management Corp. (205) 486-9235

www.rowemachinery.com

Star Leasing Co.

(205) 763-1280

www.starleasing.com

Thompson Tractor Company (205) 244-7812

www.thompsontractor.com

W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025

(334) 279-6083

www.wwwilliams.com

TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS

Best One Tire & Service (615) 244-9611

www.bestonetire.com

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (205) 514-8341

www.commercial.bridgestone.com

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

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

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (770) 557-4320 www.goodyeartrucktires.com

Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (256) 878-0211 www.wilkstire.com

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

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

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

TRAILER DEALERS/ MANUFACTURERS

C & C Trailers, Inc. (334) 897-2202

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

Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-5000 www.empiretruck.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reliable Trailer Sales, Inc.

DBA Storage Trailers of Alabama (205) 808-0042 www.storagetrailersal.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alabama Freightliner (205) 322-6695

www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695

www.birminghamfreightliner.com

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

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

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

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

Fleet Trailer & Equipment, LLC (205) 852-1180

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trojan Industries, Inc. dba Lyncoach Truck Bodies (334) 566-4330 www.lyncoach.com

Truckworx - Birmingham (205) 326-6170 www.TRUCKWORX.com

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

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

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

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

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

Velocity Truck Centers (256) 350-1630

www.velocitytruckcenters.com

Volvo Trucks North America (336) 508-4950 www.volvotrucks.volvo.com

Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616

www.wardintltrucks.com

Western Star of Dothan (334) 793-1619

www.westernstarofdothan.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

RaceTrac Petroleum, Inc. (615) 727-3737

www.racetrac.com

TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (678) 591-4675

www.Ta-Petro.com

VEHICLE LEASING Interstate Nationalease (334) 270-8387

www.inlleasing.com

Penske Truck Leasing (757) 603-2853

www.gopenske.com

Penske Truck Leasing – Birmingham, AL (205) 942-6985

www.penske.com

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226

www.southlandtransportationgroup.com

Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616

www.wardintltrucks.com

ATA ATA & & EVENTS EVENTS

New Members 12-8-22 through 3-8-23

7FLEET Diesel Network

Irving, TX

Jonathon DeVet

336-408-1899

Adams Beverages, LLC

Dothan, Ala.

Wendy Smith 334-983-5161

Blue Line Truck Dispatching LLC

Anniston, Ala.

Michael Webb

256-452-4404

Cahaba Freight Inc.

Daphne, Ala.

Josh Adams 251-517-5540

Culpepper Enterprises LLC

dba Pink Zebra Moving of Auburn, AL

Auburn, Ala.

William Culpepper 334-833-1338

Events

NEW NEW MEMBERS MEMBERS

Daimler Truck Financial Services USA LLC

Canton, GA

Sade Lowry 770-417-6957

Fleet Trailer & Equipment, LLC

Birmingham, Ala.

Pres Overby 205-852-1180

Gulf Coast Containers, LLC

Mobile, Ala.

Trevor Boehm 251-443-7997

HS Express, LLC Ensley, Ala.

Brian Barze 205-788-4000

Independent Waste LLC

Birmingham, Ala.

Jack Louis 205-974-1000

SMMC Fleet Safety Awards Banquet

March 31, 2023

Pelham, Ala.

ATA Annual Convention

April 13-16, 2023

Destin, Fla.

SMMC Spring Roadside Inspection

(Northern District)

April 20, 2023

TBD

SMMC Regional Meeting – Birmingham

May 8, 2023

TBD

SMMC Regional Meeting – Wiregrass

May 11, 2023

Montgomery, Ala.

NATMI CDS Certification Course

May 15-19, 2023

Montgomery, Ala.

Keep It In The Family Trucking LLC

Montgomery, Ala.

Leslie Ingram 254-338-1269

Legacy Logistics LLC

Calera, Ala.

Jason Chestnut 205-807-1512

Logan Corporation

Huntington, WV

Kyle Cox 304-759-4800

Motive

San Francisco, CA

Lindsay Overall 855-434-3564

Peco Foods, Inc.

Gordo, Ala.

Kenny Junkin 205-242-9970

SMMC Regional Meeting – Gulf Coast

May 18, 2023

TBD

Alabama Truck Driving Championships

June 9, 2023

Pelham, Ala.

RaceTrac Petroleum, Inc.

Atlanta, GA

Amanda James 615-727-3737

Rimkus

Pensacola, FL James Desmond 850-475-1378

Sexton Farms

Camilla, GA

Brett Phillips 229-336-8368

Talladega Transportation, LLC

Talladega, Ala.

Abram Wills 256-589-0336

Video Industrial Services

Birmingham, Ala.

Angie Masters 205-798-0300

Western Star of Dothan

Dothan, Ala.

Matt Chapman 334-793-1619

ATA event locations, dates and times are subject to change. Please contact Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org or visit alabamatrucking.org for the latest updates and changes.