Alabama Trucker, 2nd Quarter 2018

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Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337. www.alabamatrucking.org or call 334-834-3983 PUBLISHER Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org EXECUTIVE EDITOR Frank Filgo ffilgo@alabamatrucking.org CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cindy Segrest csparks67@gmail.com PRODUCTION EDITORS Jane Nixon, Brandie Norcross CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tim Frazier, Dan Shell ADVERTISING Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org

PRESIDENT & CEO Frank Filgo, CAE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & MEMBER SERVICES Tim Frazier, CDS

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ATA’s Driver of the Year Pushing 4 million miles in the cab, Alabama Driver of the Year Moses Thomas of ABC Transportation says he’d like to keep going as long as he can. The 64-year-old, who received the award in late March, is a model driver who exemplifies professionalism in the shop, on the road and working with customers at terminals and delivery sites.

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ATA Gathers for Convention The Alabama Trucking Association held its 80th Annual Convention & Meeting in April, attracting more than 494 attendees and guests representing 149 firms for three days of networking and professional improvement to move the state’s trucking industry forward. Held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla., the event drew its largest attendance on record.

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Showcasing Fleet Safety Alabama’s trucking community honored several individuals and businesses for excellence in fleet safety management at the Alabama Trucking Association’s Annual Fleet Safety Awards held March 26 in Birmingham. ATA’s award winners were gauged on safety performance metrics for the previous calendar year.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Jane Nixon DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Ford Boswell MANAGER OF MEMBER RELATIONS Brandie Norcross ATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Aronhalt, Dennis Bailey, Nick Balanis, Rhonda Bees, Joe Black, Gary Bond, Jack Brim, Greg Brown, Will Bruser, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church, Mark Coffman, Jeff Coleman, John Collier, Rodger Collins, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Gail Cooper, Al Cox, Norman Crow, Jerry Davis, Ranny Davis, Amy DeFee, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Wesley Dunn, Jack Fricks, Kevin Henderson, Beau Holmes, Terry Kilpatrick, Jason King, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Drew Linn, Hunter Lyons, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Bruce MacDonald, Tom McLeod, Rollins Montgomery, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Ross Neely, Jr., Tommy Neely, Butch Owens, Clay Palm, Mike Pursley, Kelly Robinson, Kevin Savoy, Bill Scruggs, Danny Smith, Ronnie Stephenson, Steve Stinson, Paul Storey, Harold Sumerford, Jr., John Summerford, Tim Tucker, Bill Ward, Wayne Watkins, Taylor White, David Wildberger, T.J. Willings, Keith Wise, Pat Wright.

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Knight Finally Wins the Big One Mark Knight a line-haul driver for AAA Cooper Transportation based in Moody, Ala., finally lifted the Alabama Truck Driving Championships’ Grand Champion trophy with a remarkable 387.5 combined score. The event was held June 1 near Birmingham with nearly 100 drivers competing.

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E P A R T M E N T S

President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SMMC Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Trucking News Roundup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Buyers’ Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ATA Events and New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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An Affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

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

From the President

A Salute to Terry Kilpatrick Frank Filgo, CAE President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘As ATA’s top elected official this past year, Terry Kilpatrick of Billy Barnes Enterprises of Monroeville, Ala. made his mark. His leadership will long be remembered as one that grew this Association to serve the industry and the public.’

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ne of the best things about my job is the opportunity to serve as staff executive to the ATA Chairman of the Board. Each year, a new ATA Chairman takes office for a one-year term beginning July 1.

Over the years, I have had the privilege to serve twenty-three ATA Chairmen. Each brought forth new ideas, new initiatives, and accomplishments that left the Association better positioned to represent the state’s trucking industry.

As ATA’s top elected official this past year, Terry Kilpatrick of Billy Barnes Enterprises of Frisco City, Ala. made his mark. His leadership will be remembered as one that grew this Association to serve the industry and the public. What follows are a few of his achievements. l The ATA Foundation was established providing an additional source of tax-free revenue to further expand the efforts of the Association. Though in its infant stages, plans are to promote the Teens and Trucks Program to educate high school students about driving safely around large trucks, and to provide scholarships to young adults pursuing a truck-related vocation. Additional opportunities to improve the image of trucking are being pursued, as well. Potentially, the Foundation could dramatically impact the Association’s ability to promote and protect the trucking industry. l Under his leadership, ATA instituted a revamped, fair and equitable membership dues schedule. For most members, the dues rate is now based on number of trucks as opposed to estimated revenue. The result was a

significant increase in revenue FY2017-18 affording increased member services. l Member participation in ATA’s major events was at an all-time high. For example, attendance at our Annual Convention approached 500 and more than 300 attended the recent Alabama Truck Driving Championships Awards Banquet. Furthermore, event sponsorships at both events were at record highs, showing a growing willingness of members to buy-in to ATA’s mission. l This being an election year, the success of the 2017 Golf Classic was key to our political action efforts to elect pro-truck candidates. That event revenue along with member assessments produced more than $250,000 for the Association’s political action committee, TRUK PAC. This additional income helped elect 85 percent of our endorsed candidates in the recent June 5th primary elections.

As Mr. Kilpatrick’s responsibilities as Chairman expire on June 30, we are fortunate to still have his leadership in place this next year as chairman of two of ATA’s most important committees. These include the Nominating Committee, which will define ATA’s future leadership, and as head of its all-important Policy and Finance Committee.

In closing, on behalf of this Association and Alabama’s trucking industry, thank you Mr. Kilpatrick for your outstanding service and dedication as ATA Chairman of the Board FY2017-18. Because of your guidance and counsel, this Association grew in stature and vision.

It was an honor to work with you.

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Professionalism, Safety Highlight Moses Thomas’ Driving Career Pushing 4 million miles in the cab, ATA’s top driver says he’d like to keep going as long as he can.

By Dan Shell hile his driving career may have been jumpstarted as a prank by a coworker, look who’s laughing now as Moses Thomas of ABC Transportation in Eufaula and the Alabama Trucking Association’s 2018 Driver of the Year recently passed 3.7 million miles driven in an amazing 40plus year career that will soon span its sixth decade, from the 1970s to the 2020s.

Thomas, who received the award in late March, is a model driver who exemplifies

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professionalism in the shop, on the road and working with customers at terminals and delivery sites. He’s also worked behind the scenes with management to develop safety procedures and is quick to help train or assist younger drivers.

A married father of two grown children with multiple grandkids, Thomas is also a deacon at Mt. Olive Church in Glendale, Ala. who has put his driving skills to work delivering food to local shelters.

“Any time someone has been with the same company for 40 years, that’s some-

thing, and to drive three and a half million miles is unreal,” says Derek Thomas, dispatch coordinator at ABC Transportation.

“Moses is a very humble guy. He’d be the last guy to brag on himself. He’s not only a great driver, he’s a good man. I hope he stays with us another million miles.”

To put Thomas’ driving accomplishments in perspective, Aubrey Baugh, ABC Transportation Traffic Manager, says Thomas’ 3.7 million miles behind the wheel is “equal to 150 trips around the world—safely. That’s how far he’s gone for us.”

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On The Farm A native of Eufaula, Thomas grew up on a farm in Barbour County. When he wasn’t at school, most of his spare time was spent working around the farm with his father.

“Did I learn anything about hard work?

Man, that’s an understatement,” Thomas laughs, noting his parents were serious about both school and farming.

While working on the farm, Thomas also showed an early aptitude behind the wheel: He was the classic kid who was always asking to take a turn on the tractor or

drive the truck to town—anything to get behind the wheel. “I was always trying to get on that tractor, and once I was able to, well it was on,” he remembers. “That was a lot more fun than walking, but of course, once I did I had to do all the plowing!”

Once he graduated high school, Thomas decided to join the military to “get a chance to see a little bit of the world, went overseas, really enjoyed the Army.”

In the Army, he was not only able to see some of the world but also received training and experience driving. Assigned to the 43rd Engineering Co., he was a tactical ve-

hicle driver and received tactical military truck training.

In addition to being stationed at Ft. Dix in New Jersey for training and at Ft. Benning near home in Columbus, Ga., Thomas also spent some time in Germany where he served with an outfit that handled supply distribution. The experience served him well, he says.

“The supply outfit was run similar to a commercial company, and it was more like a civilian operation than military, so that was good driving experience for me,” Thomas remembers, adding that they oper-

Moses Thomas raises his Alabama Driver of the Year trophy during ATA’s Fleet Safety Awards Banquet.

Instead, he plans to continue what he’s and places, learning new things and meetated commercial vehicles, not military. “I doing, enjoying his job with blues and ing and talking with different people. got to see almost all of Germany, and really gospel music on the sound system while enjoyed it,” he says. he’s driving, with some zydeco to get on Back home and out of the service in the On The Road down the road. “That zydeco just pumps late 1970s, Thomas couldn’t land a driving me up,” he says with a laugh. job quickly, so he took a job with a plumbing At ABC Transportation, the company He also continues to enjoy driving and supply company in Columbus for a year or operates 25 trucks with 17 drivers. Loads having the same types of experiences he’s so. Then his sister, who was working at Amerare primarily pre-fab steel building materials had since 1978: seeing different cultures ican Building Co. (ABC) in Eufaula, told him and coils, and hauls are mostly in the about a job opening there.

Southeast. “It’s a lot like a famThomas had worked at ABC ily,” says Avery Baine, safety almost two years when he coordinator for ABC Translooked up one day and was portation. surprised to see his name on a “He’s respected by all the jobs bid board for a driving team here, whether its the position. Thomas had mendrivers his age or the younger tioned his military driving exdrivers just coming into the inperience to several coworkers dustry,” Baine says. “He’s alwho didn’t believe him, and ways willing to help them and one guy had put Thomas’ teach them some of the ropes name on the board as a joke. because it’s a unique and difHowever, the joke was on ferent lifestyle than just an avthe coworker who didn’t know erage job.” he was dealing with a tactical Thomas says he still rememdriving veteran and surely had bers and appreciates the older no idea he was jumpstarting an drivers who helped train him impressive 40-plus year driving when he started back in 1978 career. That was 1978—and the as he learned about tie-downs, start of Thomas’ stellar driving log books, road conditions, resume that spans five decades terminals and more. Ever Moses’s wife Christella Thomas (right) and Deb Frazier flash proud smiles during his speech at the ATA Convention last April. with no plan to slow down. since, he’s made it a point to 6

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help younger drivers—or any driver—on the yard with paperwork or anything else they may need.

“I remember an older driver who really helped me with my log books when I was starting out,” Thomas says, “and I’ve always tried to do the same.”

Thomas has also given something back outside the company in an effort to help improve the trucking industry. Through his involvement with the Wiregrass Works program in southeast Alabama, a non-profit workforce development group, he works with other professionals from a variety of industries to show junior high students in nine counties the kinds of jobs available in the industry.

Thomas standing outside his home June 11 near Birmingham, Ala. Thomas has spoken to more all sorts of electronic gadgets and folks than 4,000 students about his experiences going down the road looking at laptops,” as a driver, and what he did to become one.

Thomas says, adding that the phones are “I’d really like to see more being done to inthe worst: “You try to stay in your lane, and troduce driving in the schools, because here they are drifting into your lane while there are a lot of talented kids out there they’re texting.” who are interested,” he says. “They’re enerAnd of course if there’s an incident the getic and want to travel, and I think with trucker will get the blame: “They’ll claim training, a lot of them would make excelyou ran over them while they were texting,” lent drivers.” he says with amazement, noting the conOne of the biggest changes he’s seen on stant trial lawyer TV ads telling people how the road in 40 years is the disconcerting “scary” and terrible big rigs are. prevalence of distracted drivers due to the Like most every other long-haul trucker use of cell phones and other personal deout there, Thomas also has an opinion on vices. the new electronic data-logging systems. He “You see people on their cell phones and

Want to see more of what drives Moses Thomas to greatness?

Check out a video about his passion for truck driving at our Vimeo page.

Just type in the following url into your browser, https://vimeo.com/265406529.

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says he’s now decided the systems are blessings in disguise: “When we first got them, I didn’t particularly like them, but now that we’ve learned more about them and become more comfortable with the technology you don’t have to be in as big of a hurry or rush,” Thomas says. “When you’re out of your time, just lay down and get your rest. With the electronic systems, that’s easier to do.”

On the road, Thomas is a stickler for safety. He’s passionate about keeping tabs on his tie-downs and making sure straps and chains remain tight. “I always stop the first 50 miles or so to see if everything is tight, then stop again in another 100 miles or so to make sure they’re secure.”

Safety is constantly on Thomas’ mind, for the reasons mentioned previously and also for all the families involved, truckers and sedan drivers alike. “They have families, I have a family, and we truckers don’t want to hurt anybody,” he says. “I can’t imagine having something like that on my conscience.”

On The Award Thomas, who had finished as a runnerup to the ATA Driver of the Year award several years ago, says he was “overjoyed” when he learned he was the winner for 2018. “It means a lot to me, because I’ve been out here on the road for 40 years, and I was surprised a little bit, but mostly I was just overjoyed,” he says, adding that at ATA award events in Pelham and Destin, Fla., “I was treated like royalty, and that really meant a lot to me.”

Back at ABC Transportation, Baine says, “Moses is the epitome of the American trucker to me. He’s a humble person, appreciative, and a hard worker who never turns down a challenge. He’s always up to do his job the best he can every time.”

At age 64, Thomas plans to stay behind the wheel as long as he’s able. He knows he’ll still enjoy it so he’d like to last as long as possible.

“My heart says to go maybe two more years, but my mind is saying I want to go further—as long as my health holds up and I’m able,” Thomas says. Asked about whether he has a mileage number in mind to try to hit—that four millionth mile will be here soon—before he turns off the ignition one last time, Thomas says he just likes driving. “There’s no real goal except to go as long as I can.”

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ATA’s Big Show Alabama’s trucking leaders gather on the Gulf Coast to celebrate one of the state’s most vibrant industries.

By Ford Boswell • Photos by Paul Beezley DESTIN, Fla. — The Alabama Trucking Association held its 80th Annual Convention & Meeting here in April, attracting more than 494 attendees and guests representing 149 firms for three days of networking and professional improvement to move the state’s trucking industry forward.

Held April 26-28 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, the event drew its largest attendance on record. According to Convention Chairman Fenn Church, President of Church Transportation & Logistics, Birmingham Ala., this year’s meeting also grew in terms of participation and sponsorships. But the big surprise was the $275,250

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in sponsorship money raised, Church noted.

Spurred by a generous $15,000 donation from McLeod Software, this year’s sponsorship total was the most ever collected for ATA’s annual meeting (See a full spread of sponsors on pages 12-13). “The key to the success of each Convention is linked to its sponsorships and registration fees,” Church stated in his convention report to the ATA Board of Directors. “Tom McLeod has been very supportive of our Association through the years. Additionally there were dozens of other major sponsors. This Association is very blessed with the support of its members for marquee events. Our totals this year were nearly $280,000 – that’s just incredible support. Our members fully support this event,

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and the reviews of the programs, presenters, and overall meeting experience were very positive. I am grateful for the support of our many sponsors, my convention committee, the ATA staff, and everyone who attended.

An event of this magnitude is certainly a group effort.”

Church said he is especially indebted to his Convention Finance Committee, which was chaired by Mark Coffman of Coffman International. The committee also includes Steve Aronhalt of AAA Cooper Transportation; Joe Black, McGriff Tire Co.; Gary Bond, National Bank of Commerce; Jack Brim, B.R. Williams Trucking; Will Bruser, Truckworx; Amy DeFee, Benny Whitehead, Inc.; Terry Kilpatrick, Billy Barnes Enterprises; Hunter

Manning A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Lyons, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; Tommy Neely, Ross Neely Systems, Inc.; Steve Stinson, Thermo King; David Turner, Four Star Freightliner; and Bill Waechter, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works.

“These business leaders are very dedicated to ATA’s mission,” Church said. “Not only did they solicit the membership to help finance the Convention, but their own firms also wrote checks in support of the event — each was crucial for our success.”

Highlights ATA’s biggest weekend of the year was packed with informative meetings, exciting events, and several entertainment offerings, allowing attendees to network with the best business leaders the industry has to offer. The agenda focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for trucking as it addresses issues such as meeting growing demand and recruiting more talented and safe truck drivers to the industry. On a more local level, ATA officials showcased its mission and accomplishments from the previous year and outlined a plan for the upcoming midterm

Church

Annette McLeod

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elections that will undoubtably affect how Association leaders will address future regulatory and political issues.

Opening the meeting, comedian and businessman Steve Gilliland shared lessons he has learned in nearly 30 years of building a multimillion-dollar company from the ground up.

His message was simple: If you continually learn more about your company, your industry, your customer and yourself, you will always be a leader. You will be purpose-driven rather than process-driven, and you will make a difference. Following him was actor, author, and former United States Navy SEALs Commander Rorke Denver, best known for his role as Lieutenant Rorke in the 2012 film Act of Valor and appearances as team leader in the Fox Television series, American Grit.

During an outstanding military career, Denver ran every phase of training for the U.S. Navy SEALs and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and many other international hot spots.

American Trucking Association’s current Chairman Dave Manning of the Nashvillebased TCW delivered the keynote address during Saturday morning’s business session.

Thomas

His presentation discussed National ATA’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to improve trucking’s image and standing in Washington D.C. He assured attendees that his organization’s talks with the current administration will push to improve the nation’s ageing highway system. He also noted that National ATA is working hard on many fronts to attract more qualified people to the industry.

Manning’s discussion displayed a deep understanding of trucking’s hardships and evergrowing requirements to help it better support the nation’s economy. His leadership style blends a real-world approach with fresh ideas that will bring lasting results. After joining TCW in 1985, he was instrumental in growing the company from a single terminal to a diversified transportation enterprise with 600 employees and more than $80 million in revenue. Meanwhile, he’s served many roles for the Tennessee Trucking Association, the American Trucking Associations, and the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), serving on that group’s committee that administers the Uniform Intermodal Interchange Agreement, the standard interchange agreement for the intermodal indus-

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try. He also serves as chairman and president of the newly formed North American Chassis Pool Cooperative.

Meanwhile, on the heels of its recent rebranding, the ATA Comp Fund made its presence known throughout the weekend hosting various events and activities for its customers. It also held an open hospitality suite for all attendees with an impressive offering of heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bars and live entertainment. During a morning business session, the Fund also showcased its financials for the previous year and detailed its plans for future Bill Ward, left, presents Greg Brown with the 2018 Webb Award. growth and member benefits. cessful political initiatives during recent state Recognition + Awards primaries; and a legislative session where Association lobbying officials scored wins for Capping the meeting was a Saturday truck platooning. These efforts gained influevening dinner and reception honoring curence with legislators to ensure that trucking’s rent Chairman of the Board Terry Kilpatrick mission is well represented in Montgomery. of Billy Barnes Enterprises in Frisco City, But perhaps his most lasting contribution Ala. His term ends June 30. Chairman Kilwas the creation of the ATA Foundation, a patrick has been an engaged active leader new non-profit entity that’s sole mission is to who has brought fresh ideas to improve create funding for industry promotion, educaATA’s standing as the preeminent voice of tion and advancement. The new Foundation trucking in Alabama. His term saw increased is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization foundparticipation and support from ATA memed to “operate exclusively for charitable, scienbers for important events and projects; suctific, literary or educational projects,” which

Sponsor Recognition Presidential Sponsor – McLeod Software Major Event Partner – ATA Comp Fund

ACT I (Speakers-Steve Gilliland / Rorke Denver / Entertainment-Chevy 6) AAA Cooper Transportation B. R. Williams Trucking, Inc. Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. Birmingham Freightliner LLC Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. Cummins Sales and Service DANA INC. Fitzgerald Peterbilt

Fontaine Trailer Co. Greenbush Logistics, Inc. Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc. J & M Tank Lines McGriff Tire Co. Southland International Trucks & Trailers Truckworx Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Inc. York Risk Services Group

Platinum Door Prizes (Thursday Evening)

WTI Transport

Golfers Lunch (Saturday Afternoon) Wright Transportation Breakfast (Friday Morning) Action Truck Center Bank of America Merrill Lynch Benny Whitehead, Inc. Eaton Four Star Freightliner Door Prizes (Friday Morning) Golf Prizes (Saturday Evening)

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Navistar – International Truck Nextran Truck Centers Progress Bank Storey Trucking Co., Inc. UPS National Bank of Commerce BBVA Compass

could include seminars, conferences, lectures, classes and other forums to inform and educate the public regarding the transportation industry in Alabama, and beyond.

“Terry has been exactly the leader we needed at this juncture,” said ATA president Frank Filgo. “We are so grateful for his dedication to this Association.”

Meanwhile, Alabama Driver of the Year Moses Thomas of ABC Transportation was honored. Thomas was recently selected by the ATA Safety and Maintenance Management Council for his commitment to industry safety and professionalism in a career that has spanned nearly five decades (Read more about Thomas on page 4).

And the highlight of the evening was the announcement of B.R. Williams Trucking President Greg Brown as this year’s H. Chester Webb Award recipient, which is the Association’s highest honor for a member.

Last year’s winner Bill Ward of Ward International Trucks made the announcement (Read more on Brown’s award on page 30).

Next year’s convention returns to the Hilton Sandestin, April 25-27, 2019. For more information visit www.alabamatrucking.org.

Poolside Hospitality (Friday Afternoon) EFS – a WEX Co. Great West Casualty Co. Equipment Solutions KLLM-FFE Transport Enterprise Leasing LLC Evergreen Transport LLC Volvo Trucks North America LLC Chairman’s Reception (Saturday Evening) Boyd Bros. Transportation RangeWay Carriers LLC Davison Fuels & Oil Southeast Logistics, Inc. Evergreen Forest Products, Inc. Vertical Alliance Group Love’s Travel Stop’s, Inc. Ward International Trucks LLC Breakfast (Saturday Morning) B & G Supply Co., Inc. Carrier Transicold South Coffman International, Inc. Coleman Worldwide Moving Great Dane

Mid State Thermo King, Inc. People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.

ServisFirst Bank Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama, LLC Watkins Trucking Co., Inc.

Dinner Wine (Saturday Evening)

Absolute Data

Door Prizes (Saturday Morning)

Industrial Warehouse Services

Ladies Spas BXS Insurance, Inc. Century Dedicated Deep South Freight Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co., Inc. Mack Trucks, Inc.

P&S Transportation Thompson Carriers, Inc. TMW Systems, Inc. Warren Averett Companies LLC Wiregrass Construction Co.

Ladies Door Prizes (Saturday Morning) R. E. Garrison Trucking, Inc. Poolside Hospitality (Saturday Afternoon) Kenworth Truck Co. Pilot Flying J Montgomery Transport LLC Robbie D. Wood, Inc. Palomar Insurance TnT Hauling A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Alabama Motor Express Aon Transportation and Logistics Practice Assured Partners Austill Lewis Pipkin & Maddox, PC Baggett Transportation Baldwin Transfer Co., Inc.

Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak BMO Transportation Finance Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Capital Volvo Truck and Trailer Carlisle Medical Columbus Tire Co., Inc. Comdata

Continental Tire the Americas Dunn Building Company, LLC Empire Truck Sales, LLC Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. Heritage Freight Warehouse & Logistics LLC Highland Technical Services, Inc.

Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, PC Hornady Transportation LLC IBERIABANK J. J. Keller & Associates Long-Lewis Truck & Tractor Meritor, Inc.

Michelin North America Omnitracs, LLC Ox Bodies, Inc. PACCAR Parts PeopleNet Perdido Trucking Service, LLC Pitts Media

Premium 2000+ Warranties Quantum Logistics, LLC Regions Insurance Renasant Bank Richway Transportation Serv Ross Neely Systems, Inc. Rushing Enterprises, Inc.

Service One Transport Shoreline Transportation of AL, LLC Summerford Truck Line, Inc. Thompson/Caterpillar vices, Inc. Transport Trailer Center Transportation & Logistical Services Travel Centers of America

Turner & Hamrick W. H. Thomas Oil Co. Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC Wells Fargo Equipment Finance Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. Yokohama Tire Corp.

Avondale Trucking ErgoScience, Inc. Fuller Wraehouse & Gin, Inc.

Godwin Material J P Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC Orbcomm

PR Companies Willis Insurance

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS

Safety Insights

Teens & Trucks: Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and head in the game.

O Tim Frazier Director of Safety & Member Services

‘The program’s message has three main themes in terms of how to approach driver safety. These include the driver’s hands, eyes, and head.’

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ver the last few months I’ve been reviewing and studying the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) new training program, Teens & Trucks. Its focus is to alert young drivers to the dangers of distracted driving and to also introduce them to the challenges and dangers of driving too closely near large trucks.

The program’s message has three main themes in terms of how to approach driver safety. These include the driver’s hands, eyes, and head. Stated another way, the message is “keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your head in the game.” And as simple as that sounds to more seasoned, experienced drivers, it really is good advice for us all to review from time to time. So, I thought this article would be a good time for each of us to do a little check-up on our own driving habits. Maybe I can even inspire you to reevaluate your own habits and practices the next time you get behind the wheel of car or truck.

Hands on the Wheel From starting your vehicle to the end of your trip, how many times are your hands not in total control of your vehicle due to being preoccupied by some other task? Whether it’s tuning the radio, adjusting the air conditioning, handing something over the seat to a child, fixing your hair (no problem for me), eating, drinking coffee, and the list goes on, your hands are not in control of the wheel.

How many times have you had both hands busy and held the wheel steady with you knee? I know some of you are thinking, he must have watched me drive! With all that stated, why is it so important to have both

hands in control of a vehicle? Well, consider these possibilities: Have you ever blown a steer tire or has someone pulled in front of you? Maybe an animal darted out in front of your vehicle or you ran upon an object in the road. And God forbid that a cellphone or some other device distracts you. The point is, when both hands are not on the steering wheel, you’re not in total control of your vehicle. And if you are preoccupied with other things going on in the car, guess what…

BANG! That’s when a crash is most likely to happen.

Eyes on the Road No doubt if your hands are occupied with tasks other than driving, you can bet they will take your eyes off the road, too. Statistics tell us that when traveling 55 MPH, our vehicle will travel about the length of a football field from end zone to end zone (about 360 ft.) in a about five seconds. Considering the volume of traffic, everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. Think about this: When was the last time you could safely take your eyes off the road for five seconds? On the roads I travel every day, 70-85 MPH is more likely the average speed. With increased speeds, the time it takes us to travel that 100-yard distance is decreased even more so. If my hands are busy with things other than driving, my eyes are not on the road, and I am certainly a danger to myself and those around me.

Head in the Game Have you ever had a coach or parent tell you, “Get your head in the game!” Why in Safety Insights Continued on page 26 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

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And that’s good for your bottom line

ATA Showcases Members’ ATA’s annual award ceremony honors individuals and businesses for excellence in fleet safety management for the preceding year.

By Ford Boswell BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama’s trucking community honored several individuals and businesses for excellence in fleet safety management at the Alabama Trucking Association’s Annual Fleet Safety Awards held here March 26.

ATA’s award winners are gauged on safety performance metrics for the previous calendar year. Applicants submit reports and nomination letters to an independent panel of judges composed of troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency which determines winners independently. Nominee identities are kept secret from the panel. According to ATA officials, the presence of an independent panel is what makes these awards so important.

“Having officials from ALEA’s truck safety unit makes these awards so much more impactful,” says ATA Director of Safety and Member Services Tim Frazier. “These troopers are out in the field working with and inspecting these operations and their drivers and vehicles daily.

They know a good operation from a bad one and understand what it takes to maintain a clean safety record. The winners of these recognitions truly are the safest and best operations in Alabama. We’re extremely proud to honor their efforts.”

Driver of the Year ABC Transportation veteran truck driver Moses Thomas of Birmingham, Ala. was tapped the Alabama Truck Driver of the Year sponsored by Nextran Trucks Centers.

In a career span- From left, Tim Tucker of Nextran, Driver of the Year Moses Thomas, Bruce Graham of Nextran and ATA Chairman Terry ning five decades, Kilpatrick he’s logged an impressive 3.7 million miles. During that time, he’s only had one nonpreventable accident more than 30 years ago. Since then, ABC officials say Thomas has been a model driver and employee, exemplifying the core values of a true professional, not only in safe miles logged, but also in character (Read more about him starting on page 4) According to his supervisor Avery Baine, Thomas is highly respected by his peers, customers and company managers, and is always willing to help others whether it’s serving as a driver mentor to younger drivers or working with management to find safer ways for drivers to do their job.

Outside of work, Thomas is dedicated and committed to serving his family and community, striving to pass on his family values and sense of civic pride — something he learned while serving in the Army dur22

ing the mid-1970s. A great example of that commitment is his work with his children and grandchildren buying and delivering food to local shelters. He is also dedicated to his church and serves as a deacon at Mt. Olive Church in Glendale, Ala. He also works with the Wiregrass Works program speaking to approximately 4,500 eighth graders throughout nine counties sharing the duties and possibilities of a professional driver.

Shannon Rowe of Blair Logistics was the Driver of the Year First Runner Up and has a driving career record that spans more than 22 years. He has been with his current employer for 10 years and has logged more than 2.5 million safe miles.

Safety Professional Jeff Loggins, a safety professional for Blair Logistics, LLC was tapped ATA’s Safety Professional of the Year, sponsored

by Southland Interna- From left, Ronnie Stephenson of Southland International, Safety Profestional Trucks sional of the Year Jeff Loggins and ATA Chairman Terry Kilpatrick & Trailers.

Currently, Loggins oversees safety operations for a fleet of 578 drivers of mostly owner-operators. His career in trucking began in 1984 with an entry level dock job, working his way through various positions as dock foreman, dispatcher, director of operations, and now director of safety. His supervisors say his extensive background provides a deep knowledge of the transportation industry – one that he shares freely with coworkers.

During his time with Blair Logistics, he has implemented various successful programs to increase morale and efficiency, fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. Some of his initiatives include a monthly newsletter, weekly safety call, driver safety council, and million-mile recognitions. These programs along with many other contributions have allowed his company to grow at a rapid pace without compromising safety. Meanwhile, Loggins was instrumental with his firm’s recent string of successful mergers and acquisitions. Company leadership has full confidence that when new drivers come on board they have been fully qualified as professional drivers.

According to his supervisors, the respect he shows for drivers, along with a personal desire for them to be successful as independent contractors, “allows him the opportunity to effectively speak with each driver about the importance of safety and achieve an intended result.”

Outside of work, Loggins has served as a Royal Ambassadors director for youth leadership for more than 20 years and is a member of Glenwood Baptist Church in Morris, Ala. He also serves on the Glenwood Volunteer fire department Board of Directors and previously directed the Alabama Tourette’s Syndrome Support group. He’s married to his wife Susie of 32 years, and they have 3 children, Trent, Jesilyn and Mason.

Runner up for Safety Professional of the Year was Avery Baine of A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Safety Efforts ABC Transportation in Eufaula, Ala. He’s been with ABC for more than two decades, starting as a driver apprentice while obtaining his CDL. As a standout driver, he successfully logged more than 900,000 safe miles and served as a driver trainer for several years before shifting to operations and safety management in 2006. With a continued passion for the drivers and success of his company, Baine revamped the hiring process and moved the entire safety department to an electronic system.

He is also a dedicated member of ATA’s safety council and has served in various officer positions, currently as the Wiregrass Chairman and on that group’s Truck Driving Championships committee. He also received his NATMI CDS distinction in 2012. He is married to Mindy and their children are Ricky, Yhonna and Sierra.

Maintenance Professional Maintenance Professional of the Year E.J. Waters of Evergreen Forest Products is likely one of the most technically trained maintenance directors in the country. In fact, From left, Billy Campbell of Transicold Carrier South, E.J. Waters, Maintenance Professional of the Year and ATA Chairman Terry this is his secKilpatrick ond state Maintenance Professional of the Year award from ATA in five years (His first was in 2013). The award is sponsored by Carrier Transicold South.

Over the years, he has received various certifications, including brake inspection and rebuild, transmission and driveline, hazard communication, injury prevention, and forklift operation, to name a few. He’s also a three-time champion at the Freightliner National Skills Competition in North Carolina.

While his career initially began as a driver, he has spent 40 years as a maintenance director. According to Evergreen officials, Waters approaches all tasks “as if the future of the operation depends on the successful completion of each task, no matter how daunting it may be. His eye for safety comes from years of dedicated caring for drivers and the motoring public.”

Waters is married to Mary and they have 4 children, Lynn, Ronald, Jay and Ashley. The Waters have 7 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Fleet Manager Metals USA Fleet Safety Analyst Rebecca Pitts is responsible for the wellbeing and workflow of more than 70 drivers throughout a 10-state network. For her dedication to excellence, safety record and for her innovative management style she is the Alabama Trucking Association’s Fleet Manager of the Year, sponsored by Vertical Alliance Group.

During her tenure with Metals USA, she has developed standard operating procedures for each of the company’s 14 locations and maintains a monthly training program for drivers at each location. She also A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

publishes the company’s safety newsletter and maintains an extensive incentive program based on safety performance while striving for violationfree roadside inspections. Her department maintains all company informaFrom left, Todd Hicks of Vertical Alliance, Fleet Manager of tion, such as DQ the Year Rebeccca Pitts and ATA Chairman Terry files, drug and alcoKilpatrick hol testing, training documents and maintenance files.

More recently, her successful implementation of ELDs in six months before the compliance date in 2017 allowed her to be named among Metals USA’s Top 50 Safety Influencers out of 14,000 employees. According to company officials, her extensive training background, which includes a Class A CDL and a MBA is a large part of her success.

Meanwhile, she’s also in the process of completing a NATMI CDS distinction. She is married to Jacob, and they have one son, Emory, 13, and live in Mobile, Ala.

Alabama’s Safest Fleets Hazardous Materials Georgia Tank Lines

Tank Truck J & M Tank Lines

Miscellaneous Category 1 to 3 Million Miles Massey Hauling Co. Household Goods Changing Spaces Moving Heavy Haulers Category Scott Bridge Co.

Private Carrier Under 1 Million Miles Scott Bridge Co. Private Carrier Over 5 Million Miles American Proteins

General Commodities Local under 1 Million Miles Buddy Moore Trucking General Commodities Local 1 to 3 Million Miles Greenbush Logistics

General Commodities Local 3 to 5 Million Miles FedEx Freight General Commodities Local 5-10 Million Miles Billy Barnes Enterprises

General Commodities Linehaul Under 100,000 Miles National Strategic Transport

General Commodities Linehaul Under 1 Million Miles ABC Transportation General Commodities Linehaul 1 to 3 Million Miles Watkins Trucking Co.

General Commodities Linehaul 3 to 5 Million Miles Hornady Transportation

General Commodities Linehaul 5 to 10 Million Miles Boyd Bros. Transportation General Commodities Linehaul over 10 Million Miles Wal-Mart Transportation General Commodities Combined Under 1 Million Miles Church Transportation & Logistics

General Commodities Combined 1 to 3 Million Miles Watkins Trucking Co. General Commodities Combined 3 to 5 Million Miles ABF Freight System General Commodities Combined 5 to 10 Million Miles P&S Transportation

General Commodities Combined over 10 Million Miles FedEx Freight

President’s Award – Sponsor, - McGriff Tire Co. ABC Transportation

ATA Comp Fund Member Awards Small Fleet Centennial Southern Express Medium Fleet Robbie D. Wood Large Fleet Dolphin Line

Allied Mike’s Truck & Trailer Service Safety Excellence Award Perdido Trucking Service

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AAA’s Knight finally takes the After more than a decade of coming close, AAA Cooper’s Mark Knight finally lifts the Grand Champion Trophy.

M

ark Knight a line-haul driver for AAA Cooper Transportation based in Moody, Ala., finally lifted the Alabama Truck Driving Championships’ Grand Champion trophy with a remarkable 387.5 combined score. The event was held June 1 near Birmingham with nearly 90 drivers competing. The Grand Champion’s Trophy is sponsored by Southland International Truck & Trailers/Idealease.

Knight and the other Alabama-based truck drivers from more than a dozen trucking firms, competed at the annual event, produced by the Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council (SMMC), a subgroup of the Association composed of fleet safety managers and fleet vehicle maintenance supervisors.

ATA’s competition tests skill, safety and expertise, serving as a qualifier for the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck & Step Van Competition held later this summer in Columbus, Ohio. All drivers in the competition were selected by their individual fleet managers, either through company competitions or merit-based selection and they must be accident free for the previous year.

Competitors are subjected to a written 24

Mark Knight, AAA Cooper (5-axle)

exam covering driver safety and industry best practices; a pre-trip vehicle defect inspection; and a vehicle obstacle course, where contestants navigate a truck and trailer through a series of six obstacles. At the end of the competition, contestants’ cumulative scores are ranked, and winners from nine categories are announced at an awards dinner that evening.

The three highest scorers from each class receive trophies and prizes, and special awards also given for the event’s top rookie and highest score for the pre-trip (or vehicle defects) inspection.

Long Time Coming

Knight, a 27-year veteran driver, with more than a decade’s worth of appearances at state and national competitions, handily won the 5-axle Class and edged out 4-axle Class winner and defending Grand Champ Charlie Salter by nearly 20 points to take the grand prize.

For more than a decade, Knight has dominated the Alabama TDC, winning every category at least once, but the Grand Champion title eluded him. On this day, he wouldn’t be denied, scoring nearly perfect on the skills

Charlie Salter, FedEx Freight (4-axle)

Robert Moore, FedEx Freight (Step Van)

course. Tim Frazier, ATA Director of Safety and head organizer of the event, says he has at least one or two competitors a year call to ask which class Knight is entering so they can choose another. “His dominance is pretty well known around here,” he jokes. “Actually, there are 2-3 other regular competitors who have similar reputations. We always take a strong team to nationals.”

All Eyes on Nationals

Other drivers joining Knight and Salter on the team heading to Columbus are Step Van Class winner Robert Moore of FedEx Freight; Tank Truck Class winner Kenneth Lockhart of FedEx Freight; Sleeper Berth Class winner Russell Cottingham of FedEx Freight; Twin Trailer Class winner Dan Thompson of FedEx Freight; Flatbed Class winner Thomas “Ross” Garner of FedEx Freight; Three Axle Class winner Alphonso Lewis of YRC Freight; and Straight Truck Class winner David Hawk of FedEx Freight (Hawk also scored the highest on the pre-trip contest).

Other individual honors were given to Rookie of the Year David Deason of FedEx Freight and Ladies SUV Challenge ChamA LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

big prize at Alabama TDC

Kenneth Lockhart, FedEx Freight (Tanker)

Russell Cottingham, FedEx Freight (Sleeper)

Dan Thompson, FedEx Freight (Twins)

pion Angela Gardner of TCW (The SUV Challenge is open to wives and/or significant others of TDC contestants.

SUVs run the same course as the truck competition).

ATA’s Frazier says the event keeps getting bigger and better through the support of sponsors and SMMC members. “Our safety council and the TDC committee do an outstanding job executing this event. As usual we had incredible sponsorship support this year. And I think the quality of our event is a result of that support. I’m not sure I can fully express how grateful we are for all the volunteers and sponsors. Without them, we couldn’t pull off an event of this magnitude — and I can tell you the drivers really appreciate the effort.”

Winners now prepare to take their skills to the next level.

ATA’s teams have had success before, but it’s not easy to win at Nationals. According to Frazier, it’s a much bigger stage, with more competitors (usually 50 drivers per class), more distractions, and a lot more on the line.

“We’ve had a few class winners through the years, and even one Grand Champion in Alphonso Lewis of YRC, who is making a return trip this year. With a veteran team going to nationals this time around, I have confidence our guys will do very well.”

The 2018 ATA National Truck Driving Championships & National Step Van Driving Championships are set for August 15-18, 2018 at the Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio. More than 430 of the best-of-the-best professional drivers will compete. For more information, visit www.trucking.org.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Ross Garner, FedEx Freight (Flatbed)

Alphonso Lewis, YRC Freight (3-axle)

David Hawk, FedEx Freight (Straight)

2018 Alabama TDC Sponsors Contestant Shirt + Cap Sponsor ($2,400) Birmingham Freightliner Grand Champion Trophy ($1,500) Southland International Trucks & Trailers/Idealease Banquet Dinner ($1,000) AAA Cooper Transportation Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. Dolphin Line, Inc. JJ Keller & Associates J&M Tank Lines Obstacle Course Sponsors ($500) BR Williams Trucking Church Transportation & Logistics Dolphin Line, Inc. Publix Super Markets RangeWay Carriers, LLC Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC Drivers’ Breakfast ATA Comp Fund

Gold Sponsors ($400) AAA Cooper Transportation Billy Barnes Enterprises Burr & Forman Dolphin Line, Inc. Great Dane Trailers Greenbush Logistics Metals USA Nextran Truck Center P&S Transportation Truckworx Wright Transportation Silver Sponsors ($300) Explore Information Services – Supervision Lytx Simpson’s Collision Repair Star Truck Parts Thermo King Ward International Trucks Bronze Sponsors ($200) JP Transportation Safety Consulting ErgoScience

Judges’ Lunch Sponsor ($500) Shoreline Transportation 25

FMCSA issues regulatory guidance on personal conveyance Last year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed revisions to the regulatory guidance concerning driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal use while off-duty, referred to as “personal conveyance.” FMCSA issues the following final guidance and it is effective immediately. It applies to any driver authorized to operate a commercial vehicle for personal, or non-business reasons.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require drivers to document their Hours of Service (HOS) on records of duty status (RODS), identifying one of four duty status options: 1) on-duty not driving, 2) driving, 3) sleeper berth, and 4) off-duty.

The use of personal conveyance is a method used to account for the movement of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while the driver is off-duty. Motor carriers, at their discretion, may authorize their drivers to use a CMV while off-duty for personal conveyance. When this occurs, drivers are required to document such use as off-duty on their RODS, regardless of the method used to record the driver’s HOS (e.g., paper logs, automatic on-board recording device, electronic logging devices (ELDs), etc.).

This revised guidance focuses on the reason the driver is operating a CMV while off-duty to determine if the movement is considered personal conveyance, regardless Safety Insights Continued from page 18 the world would anyone tell another person to get their head in the game? How many times while traveling our highways have we mentally been somewhere other than driving. No matter if it’s a teen or a more experienced driver, we all have times when we’re not focused on the task at hand. Whether it’s school, friends, illness, bills to pay, and so on, these issues can cause us to not be attentive to the risks while driving. People today walk into parking meters or into pot holes while texting or talking on their phones. It seems that the cellphone is probably one of the most dangerous items found in a post-crash investigation. I assure you we are not covering 360 ft. in five seconds while walking, so what could be just ahead

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

of whether the CMV is laden.

This final notice provides a variety of scenarios in the guidance as to when the use of personal conveyance is allowable, and, includes passenger carrier specific scenarios.

Specifically, the guidance clarifies issues such as: when using personal conveyance to leave a shipper or receiver and travel to a safe location for rest is allowed; when commuting to and from work can be considered personal conveyance; and the use of personal conveyance does not impact on-duty time.

The ELD rule required manufacturers to include a special driving category for “authorized personal use” which includes personal conveyance. Drivers authorized to use personal conveyance may use this feature or remain in off-duty status. In either case, the electronic record should be annotated to explain the circumstances.

Swing Transport recognized for safety program Swing Transport, Inc. was presented a Gold Award by Great West Casualty Company and Joe Morten & Son for the 2017 National Safety Awards Program. Additionally, they received another Platinum Award for the Workplace Safety Program for 2017. This marks the 16th consecutive year that Swing has earned an honor from Great West. These awards recognize motor carriers who have achieved minimal yearwhile driving and performing these same tasks at 55-80 MPH. In the coming year, as our Alabama Road Team captains and I travel the state to share the thoughts and crucial highway message of the Teens and Trucks program, I hope we make it crystal clear to everyone that no matter the experience of a driver operating a vehicle, whether it’s a compact car or tractor-trailer, you must have your “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and head in the game.” We want everyone on the road in complete control of their vehicle, their eyes focused and their mind on getting home safely each time they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. We plan to share this message with as many students as we can over the next year, and if we just save one life, it will be a success.

From left, Swift’s Donnie Wilson and Tomme Gamewell

end crash results and have demonstrated a commitment to promoting safe driving practices and workplace safety within their company.

Swing Transport is a dry goods carrier who began operations in 1975. With corporate headquarters located in Salisbury, NC and terminals located in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, the management team at Swing is constantly striving for safety improvement. Great West Casualty congratulates their efforts for making the roads safer for the motoring public.

“Without companies like Swing Transport and others in the trucking industry, our country would come to a virtual standstill,” said Randall Oligmueller, President of Joe Morten & Son, Inc. “More than 32 million trucks are traveling down the road daily. With this award, Swing Transport sets the standard for other trucking companies to follow.”

Four Star Freightliner celebrates diesel tech graduates Two trainees are now officially Four Star Freightliner diesel technicians after graduating from the company’s newly organized apprentice program.

The trainees, Timothy Bibb and Nicholas Smith, spent three months in intensive training that included classwork and supervised, hands-on work in the shop. While working in the shop, the pair received guidance from experienced senior technicians as they applied their recently taught skills.

With the technology that comes with a modern truck, it is almost impossible to walk into a shop and perform any kind of repair without having additional training.

The owner of Four Star Freightliner, Jerry A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS Kocan, started the apprentice program so that someone with little to no experience can still have an opportunity to become a technician. Kocan’s answer to the problem was to start the Four Star apprenticeship program.

After successfully completing the program, trainees are offered a job at a Four Star dealership. Bibb and Smith now work at the Montgomery, Ala. dealership. David Carroll, Four Star Freightliner’s Training Manager, worked closely with both men during the program and taught them different skills at our Dothan, Ala. dealership.

“Both came ready to learn,” said Carroll.

“They like what they do, have a good work ethic and are hard workers. I see great potential in both of them. They’re going to be great technicians.”

The apprentice program can run between 3-6 months. Four Star will provide starter tools and after a certain period of employment the tools become the property of the technician. For those interested in joining the apprentice program, please contact Scott Dixon, Four Star Freightliner Operations.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

From left, Tony Snead, Montgomery Service Manager, David Carroll, Training Manager, Timothy Bibb, Jerry Kocan, Dealer Principal, Nick Smith, Scott Dixon, Operations Manager

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News

SMMC holds Spring Roadside Inspections ATA safety council members partnered with state troopers and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration agents last April inspecting dozens of commercial vehicles and drivers during a four-hour live roadside inspection near Tuscaloosa, Ala. Safety council members worked beside state and federal agents conducting Level 1, 2, and 3 vehicle inspections that impacted carriers CSA scores. —Photoes by Ford Boswell

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Greg Brown wins ATA’s outstanding member award

Hornady Transportation celebrates 90 years of business

The Alabama Trucking Association has tapped Oxford, Ala. trucking executive Greg Brown of B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. for its 2018 H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service, an honor that recognizes Greg Brown state trucking professionals for outstanding service and leadership to their communities and the industry.

ATA officials gave Mr. Brown the award at its 80th Annual Convention and Meeting held in April at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. According to ATA President and CEO Frank Filgo, the Association has had its share of great leaders, but few personify the ideals and characteristics of this award more closely than Mr. Brown. “He is the perfect ATA member,” said Filgo. “He consistently gives of himself and his resources for the betterment of our organization. I can honestly think of no one more deserving than Greg. Without leaders like him, we would be unable to do the important work our members expect of us. This Association is forever grateful for his service and sacrifice for the advancement and improvement of Alabama’s vast trucking industry.”

B.R. Williams is a legacy ATA member with more than 54 years of close affiliation to the Association. In fact, three B.R. Williams executives have served as ATA Chairman, and the company’s support of the Association is among the strongest there is. Mr. Brown joined its executive board in 2010 and immediately volunteered to represent ATA as its State Vice President to the American Trucking Associations in Washington D.C., a position he still maintains.

In 2016, National ATA honored Greg with the Rocque Dameo Award for his longtime leadership and service to that organization.

Likewise, he’s a relentless and engaged community advocate, supporting several area charitable groups in his hometown of Anniston, including serving as a trustee for his alma mater, Jacksonville State University.

From humble beginnings hauling crops and cattle to market in rural Alabama, Hornady Transportation LLC – a Daseke company — has grown to be a powerhouse flatbed hauler with 270 trucks, 400 trailers and 325 drivers and staff employees operating 22 million miles a year east of the Rockies.

Now the company is celebrating its 90th birthday and its third generation of family management. It aspires to even more success while maintaining the team atmosphere, a focus on people and a nimble operating strategy that saw it through good times and turbulent years in its history.

Don Daseke, founder, chairman and chief executive of Daseke Inc., a family of flatbed haulers Hornady joined in 2015, said the Hornadys should be proud of the name on the truck and the company and

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the legacy behind it. “There are very few companies in trucking or in U.S. business generally, which achieve that milestone,” said Daseke. “To have one family at the helm for 90 years is also very impressive. It’s quite an achievement.”

Chris Hornady, chief executive and grandson of the company’s founder, said the road has been bumpy at times. “It’s a very tough, challenging, ever-changing business,” he said. “To keep up with all the challenges, and to take advantage of all the opportunities, requires a lot of hard work.

Just as being safe on the road requires our drivers to pay constant attention to other traffic and weather, being successful in trucking requires staying on top of what’s going on.”

But the company survived the Great Depression and other economic downturns, the war years of rationing and dramatic restructuring of the industry through hard work and a family approach to the business. “The

Ross Neely’s still at it 60 years later When Ross Neely secured his first truck in 1958 and started making a daily trek from Birmingham to Gadsden, he never imagined that 60 years later, the company bearing his name would still be logging miles on Southeastern roadways.

Beyond affording Neely a cab’s-eye view of the trucking industry for more than half a century, it’s earned him a spot among the oldest active owners of a trucking business in Alabama – and possibly beyond. Neely will be the first to admit that he’s ninety years old, but the last to say he’s quitting any time soon. “I can’t retire now,” he says. “I don’t play golf.”

Growth came quickly and steadily for Ross Neely. Just two months after that first truck, Neely hired his first employee and within a few years, the company expanded throughout Alabama and then on to the Southeast. By the 1970s, the operation had grown to include 26 terminals in Alabama and in Beaumont, Tex. and Atlanta, Ga. At that time, the company employed more than 700 people, operRoss Neely ating over 1200 pieces of equipment.

In the early 1980s, Ross Neely began reducing the size of the company to meet changing market conditions and focus more on truckload shipping.

“Somewhere between deregulation and wanting to spend more time with family, we really changed the structure of the company quite a bit,” he recalls. “It took 5-6 years to downsize to fit our new business model and maintain profitability without having to lay off a bunch of people. It was important to help everyone maintain employment.”

After countless market and regulatory changes over the years, Ross Neely is committed to retaining its family-owned business vibe, with family values driving much of the business model. Ross’s son, Tommy Neely, III spent 35 years at the company before his passing in 2004. His daughter and son-in-law also had long careers at the company and all played an integral part in the growth and success of the business. “I couldn’t have done it without family,” Neely says. “And I still couldn’t.”

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Former ATA Chairman James Suttles dies at 74 Former ATA Chairman of the Board and founder of Suttles Tank Leasing James Suttles died Sunday, May 27, 2018 at his home in Huntsville, Ala. He was 74.

Suttles was born in Townville, SC to Horace and Pauline Suttles. He was the founder and former president of Suttles Truck Leasing and Southern Tank Leasing with headquarters in Demopolis. In 1999, the Alabama Trucking Association gave Suttles the H. Chester Webb James Suttles Award for outstanding service to the trucking industry. He was also the former president of the Alabama Trucking Association, American Tank Truck Carriers, American Historical Truck Society, and Kiwanis Club-Demopolis Chapter as well as a member of the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Transportation Board, Black Warrior Boy Scout Council, and Black Belt Development Authority. Mr. Suttles retired from Suttles/Dana Transportation in 2005. He moved to Huntsville following a 2016 stroke to live near his son, Tim. His hobbies included snowmobiling and antique trucks.

Suttles is survived by his two sons, James R. “JR” Suttles and Timothy M. Suttles of Huntsville; brother, John C. Suttles; sister, Ruby Ann Thomas; ex-wives, Mary Moore and Maria Suttles; and stepchildren, Ben Wood, Lillian Prince, and Natasha Horner; and nine grandchildren.

Hornady family includes our drivers and employees and our customers, all of whom make our success possible,” Hornady said.

“We do take great pride in having our name on the company and what that represents, but we also know we couldn’t do this without a lot of great people working with us.”

G.E. Hornady founded his namesake company in 1928. After his death in 1950, three Hornady brothers (G.A. Hornady,

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Cecil M. Hornady and B.C. Hornady) continued to operate the family business. In 1977, B.C. Hornady purchased the interest of Cecil Hornady and became the sole owner and president of Hornady Truck Line Inc. Chris Hornady is B.C.’s son.

With the advent of trucking route and rate deregulation in the early 1980s, Hornady filed applications to increase its scope of operations, only to run into opposition

from regulators and competitors. Ultimately, Hornady prevailed in its efforts.

In August 2015, Hornady merged with the Daseke organization, which is one of the largest owners of flatbed, open-deck and specialty trucking capacity in North America, serving the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Hornady also operates the Hornady Heroes program to help military veterans transition to new careers in trucking. The company’s emphasis on safe operation is exemplified in its six consecutive silver awards for safety performance from Great West Casualty.

“The foundation is so solid, and the company has the vision to push forward,” Daseke said. “I see great things ahead.”

Peloton to launch platooning by end of 2018 Peloton is in negotiations with a good percentage of the top 25 fleets on the Transport Topics list of the 100 largest for-hire carriers in North America and has signed a number of fleets, Rod McLane, vice president of marketing, told TT during the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo held here April 30-May 4.

Now, it is in the late stages of fine-tuning Continued on page 32

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its software integration on customers’ trucks, he said.

“For this to be successful in a commercial environment, we have to work with truck makers and Tier One suppliers that are putting the components in the truck. We work on a daily basis with Bendix, with Cummins, or with Volvo, et cetera, et cetera. Our software has to integrate with the latest version of their software,” he said.

For example, Paccar recently changed its controller area network bus that allows components to message each other. So Peloton had to adjust its software accordingly, he said.

“It needs to be a tight integration.”

“We also have gone through many, many iterations of the human-machine interface,” McLane said. “Where are the buttons? What do they look like? What kind of information is being conveyed on the screen? Where is it positioned? This technology needs to work for the drivers.”

He added: “We have reached a point where we are very comfortable, and the drivers we have shown this to are very comfortable.”

Meanwhile, having all this operational in-

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formation in the cloud means the linkage among platooning software and, for instance, various telematics programs managing scheduling is much easier than when everything was a bespoke system and you had to build in that integration, McLane said.

“All those integrations are going to be very critical as this technology starts to get adopted more and we start to see more and more systems want to link back-office system to our technology,” he said. “OK. Let’s build a connector so you are able to take data out of our cloud and into your cloud, or vice versa.

Trucks are giant data collectors.”

Peloton already has seen from fleets, truck makers and component manufacturers that they are keenly interested in the data, even anonymous data.

“It’s a synergy between the Internet of Things and connectivity,” he said. “People do see a lot of value in just anonymous data — trucks in general running between point A and B encounter these variables or exhibit these characteristics.”

Peloton mounts multiple antennas in the rearview mirrors of the trucks, to enhance data and video sharing, according to the Mountain View, Calif.-based company.

“Everybody involved on the Peloton side understands the importance of data privacy — not to pull a Cambridge Analytics [which

deceptively gathered Facebook user information for political purposes],” McLane said.

Here in Alabama, lawmakers recently passed legislation that now allow trucks using platooning technology to follow each other closely together. State law limited following distances for large trucks at a minimum of 300 feet. According to ATA officials, the rule change is intended to provide research for truck platooning technology. SB125 authorized platooning vehicles to follow at distances “that are closer than would be reasonable and prudent without the electronic coordination.”

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the measure into law at a ceremony at the State Capitol building in Montgomery last April.

ATA president Frank Filgo says platooning saves fuel and improves logistics for fleets, especially larger ones. He adds it also offers driver safety benefits by reducing driver fatigue and stress. Sen. Tom Whatley, RAuburn, sponsored the bill.

TRUK PAC candidates win majority of recent primary races Candidates endorsed by the Alabama Trucking Association’s political action committee TRUK PAC won 85 percent of those contested in the June 5th primary elections, according to Association officials.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

Senate candidates include: Randy Price (SD13), John Knight (SD26) and Chris Elliot (SD32).

Among the candidates endorsed for the State House of Representatives, all prevailed but 5. TRUK PAC endorsed candidates forced to a runoff include: Craig Lipscomb (HD30), Debbie Wood (HD38), Pebblin Warren (HD82), Governor signs ATA’s Platooning Bill: From left Danny Smith of Rhett Marques (HD91), and Willie UPS, Laura Cross, guest of Sen. Whatley, Sen. Tom Whatley, GoverGray (HD102). nor Kay Ivey, Rep. Donnie Chesteen, and Frank Filgo of ATA. “TRUK PAC’s support of its selectTRUK PAC, the lone political action comed primary candidates totaled $387,500,” mittee of ATA, had endorsed 55 contested said ATA President Frank Filgo. Eighty-one primary candidates, winning 46 and losing 9. cents out-of-every PAC dollar spent went to That’s according to unofficial election results. prevailing candidates.”

In statewide races, Gov. Kay Ivey won the Palomar Insurance announces Republican nomination outright against four recent hires challengers. Losers were incumbents Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Lyn Stuart and Associate Justice Terri Moore on the Court of Palmar Insurance reCivil Appeals. Several still faced runoffs as of cently announced the adpress time. dition of two professionRegarding the State Senate races, TRUK als to its team. Wesley PAC endorsed candidates lost only 2 races, Johnson has joined the those being Mary Scott Hunter (SD7) and company as a production Ronda Walker (SD25), both running for assistant specializing in open seats. Of the remaining TRUK PAC enthe trucking, transporta- Wesley Johnson dorsed State Senate candidates, seven won tion and construction intheir party nomination while three others face dustries where he provides professional asrun-off opposition. Endorsed runoff State sistance to producers and brokers. An avid

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

outdoorsman, Johnson is a member of the Alabama High School Rodeo Association, Professional Cowboys Association and Alabama Cattleman’s Association. He will be actively involved in the Alabama Trucking Association and Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association on behalf of Palomar.

Meanwhile, Evan Strother has joined to Palomar’s sales team as an account executive.

Strother brings extensive experience to the company, working as an underEvan Strother writer for Auto-Owners insurance prior to joining Palomar. He is licensed in property and casualty insurance in Alabama and specializes in the transportation, agriculture and construction industries. Originally from Troy, AL, he is a graduate of Auburn University.

Since 1954, Palomar has delivered effective, tailored insurance programs to U.S. and international companies, small and large.

Palomar's relationships, resources and expertise work to protect company and individual assets through commercial and personal insurance from the nation’s best carriers. For more information, visit www.palomarins.com.

Continued on page 34

33

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

Setting the Record Straight: ATA’s Position on Hours of Service

By Chris Spear

There’s a growing chorus to address federal hours of service rules, and ATA is actively shaping the debate. One wouldn’t know it when reading Landline’s latest hit-piece, which chose to editorialize my comments made at a legal seminar last week and attack me personally. Had Landline actually attended they’d know I spoke plainly about the need for reforming hours of service rules. I also cited why extreme positions are unrealistic, such as an OOIDA-backed Senate bill that would allow livestock haulers to run more than 24 hours without any breaks or restrictions. Such proposals cross the line on safety, putting the motoring public at risk.

Our members and the trucking industry depend on ATA getting things done, and we are. That’s our mandate, and when the forces of our industry work together we do amazing things. Five years ago, ATA led a 135-member coalition that included OOIDA, carriers and shippers- united in opposition to two newly-

34

minted hours of service requirements, namely the 1–5 AM and 168-hour rules. Our efforts resulted in a permanent legislative fix in 2016, forcing President Obama to repeal his own Administration’s rules.

ATA continues to call out the need for flexibility in the federal hours-of-services rules.

Right now, we are actively pursuing additional legislative and regulatory changes to these rules, including narrow, safe and reasonable changes that harmonize short haul exemption rules to 14 hours from 12, and a 150-air mile exemption from 100-mile radius. We believe drivers and carriers hauling certain agricultural loads need special accommodations, and we support national harmonization of harvest season designation and narrow exemptions for livestock and insect haulers around the definition of “source” of commodities.

More broadly, ATA has long supported a data-driven adjustment to split sleeper berth.

We believe these changes are both reasonable and possible, even in DC’s toxic environment.

More importantly, they could happen more quickly if our industry were to build on the 2016 win.

That’s why I traveled to Missouri my fourth week on the job. I wanted to meet with the late Jim Johnston and the OOIDA leadership team and discuss how we could work together. The discussion was nothing

shy of productive and had it not been, I’m sure Jim and team would said so two years ago. The fact is, the vast majority of issues we discussed, from infrastructure to so-called driverless trucks, were aligned. But in recent months, OOIDA has chosen to oppose ATA on nearly every issue it supports, and that’s a shame. These issues even include the elimination of California’s duplicative meal–and-rest breaks and allowing trained 18 to 21 yearolds to drive across state lines. OOIDA even signed a letter alongside anti-truck “safety” groups CRASH and PATT stating its full opposition. Apparently, it’s snowing in hell.

ATA’s focus is on winning issues, including changes to federal hours-of-service rules. Our agenda isn’t about me, my staff or even certain members of Congress, but what’s good for our members and the industry. My mother taught me that what you think, say and do all have to be the same. Good advice growing up in a small farm town in Nebraska. Farmers and truckers are among my closest friends, and I listen to them every day. I don’t hear one of them asking for legislation that values cattle more than human life. And as my best farming friend loves to say, “I learned long ago not to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”

Chris Spear is President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

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.

CODE # _________________

Date_________________________

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Mbr Type ____________________

Nxt Bill Date__________________

Check #______________________

Dues Cat _____________________

AL Sen______________________

Mbr Class____________________

Exp Date_____________________

CG Dist______________________

Dues Amt ____________________

Freq_________________________

AL Hse______________________

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

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018

35

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.

2018 ATA Buyer’s Guide

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

Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have 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 Randall-Reilly (205) 349-2990 www.randallreilly.com BUS SALES & SERVICE Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Transportation South, Inc. (205) 663-2287 www.thebuscenter.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. (334) 693-3318 www.rushingenterprises.com

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

EQUIPMENT LEASING CB Repair & Trailer Maintenance, Inc. (205) 338-0943 KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC (205) 515-1478 www.equipmentsolution.com Metro Trailer Rental (205) 985-8701 www.metrotrailer.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com

COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS Star Leasing Co. Blackberry Radar (205) 763-1280 (678) 429-3900 www.starleasing.com www.blackberry.com/radar J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Omnitracs, LLC (615) 594-7565 www.omnitracs.com Orbcomm, Inc. (703) 433-7763 www.orbcomm.com Peloton Technology (650) 395-7356 www.peloton-tech.com PeopleNet (888) 346-3486 www.peoplenetonline.com Rand McNally (865) 856-0584 www.randmcnally.com SmartDrive Systems (858) 225-5551 www.smartdrive.net

DRIVER STAFFING TransForce, Inc. (205) 916-0259 www.transforce.com Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com

EDUCATION & TRAINING 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 Transportation Safety Services (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com USA Driver-s, Inc. (205) 661-0712 www.usadrivers.com Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (903) 792-3866 www.lmstrucking.com

ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Sales & Service (901) 488-8033 www.salesandservice.cummins.com

Trailer Sales of Tennessee A Fleet Equipment Co. (615) 259-3301 www.trailersalesoftennessee.com

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES BB & T Commercial Banking (205) 445-2464 www.bbt.com BMO Transportation Finance (770) 960-6307 www.BMOTF.com Comdata, Inc. 615-376-6917 www.comdata.com Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (704) 731-0031 www.commercialcreditgroup.com Crestmark Bank 615-620-3509 www.crestmark.com Electronic Funds Source, LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com First Tennessee Bank (615) 734-6046

Trico Trailer Leasing & Sales (205) 759-2484 www.trico.com

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

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING Daehan Solution Alabama, LLC (334) 301-3498

National Bank of Commerce (205) 422-7111

People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.

Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing (205) 856-9354 (334) 398-1410 www.peoples.com www.roadranger.com People’s United Equipment Finance EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Corp.

Allison Transmission, Inc. (205) 664-9374 (678) 367-7011 www.puefc.com www.allisontransmission.com Renasant Bank Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (334) 301-5955 (800) 844-8277 www.renasantbank.com www.dothantarp.com Santander Bank. N.A. Hwaseung Automotive America (205) 414-7554 Holdings, Inc. www.santanderbank.com (334) 348-7516 ServisFirst Bank Imperial Supplies LLC (205) 949-3433 (920) 496-4334 www.servisfirstbank.com www.imperialsupplies.com Signature Financial, LLC Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems (423) 290-9986 334/798-0080 Trucking Partners, LLC www.arvinmeritor.com Sales Agency & Factoring (256) 737-8788 Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. www.truckingpartners.com (205) 323-2877 www.metrotrailer.net Trustmark National Bank (205) 995-4604 Paccar Parts/Kenworth www.trustmark.com (206) 898-5541 www.kenworth.com Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (314) 374-2165 Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. www.wellsfargo.com (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net INSURANCE Aon Risk Solutions Star Truck Parts (501) 374-9300 (205) 324-4681 www.aon.com/transportation Thermo King of B’ham-DothanAronov Insurance, Inc. Mobile-Montgomery-Chattanooga (205) 414-9575 (205) 591-2424 www.aronovinsurance.com www.midstatetk.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com

Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. (205) 414-2655 www.ajg.com

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

Transure Services, Inc. (336) 584-9494 www.transure.com

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

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

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

York Risk Services Group (205) 581-9488 www.yorkrsg.com

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

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

Cottingham and Butler (563) 587-5521 www.cottinghambutler.com Custard Insurance Adjusters (404) 702-0851 www.custard.com Dozier Insurance Agency LLC (334) 420-3798 www.doziertruckinsurance.com Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. (901) 274-5424 www.farrisevans.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 392-3752 www.gwccnet.com Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695 www.hudgensinsurance.com Hudson Insurance Company (317) 810-2038 www.hudsoninsgroup.com JH Berry Risk Services, LLC (205) 208-1238 www.jhbrisk.com Johnson-Locklin & Associates (205) 980-8008 www.johnson-locklin.com

Carlisle Medical, Inc. (251) 344-7988 www.carlislemedical.com ErgoScience, Inc. (205) 879-6447 www.ergoscience.com J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5450 www.bhs-inc.com Workforce QA dba EDPM (205) 326-3100 www.edpm.com

NON-PETROLEUM FUEL PRODUCTS GAIN Clean Fuel – Div. of US Oil (804) 291-7892 www.gainfuel.com Pivotal LNG (404) 783-3550 www.pivotallng.com

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511

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

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

Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance (251) 473-4600 www.lyonfrycaden.com

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

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

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

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

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

S. S. Nesbitt (205) 262-2620 www.ssnesbitt.com One Beacon (609) 613-0010 www.onebeacontransportation.com Palomar Insurance Corp.

(334) 270-0105 www.palomarinsurance.com Regions Insurance, Inc. (501) 661-4880 www.regions.com Regions Insurance (334) 674-9810 www.regionsinsurance.com Reliance Partners, LLC (877) 668-1704 www.reliancepartners.com Trans Con Assurance, LTD (205) 978-7070 www.transconassurance.com TransRisk, LLC (334) 403-4114 www.transriskllc.com

RelaDyne (205) 384-3422 www.reladyne.com The McPherson Companies (205) 661-4400 www.mcphersonoil.com W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com Waring Oil Company (251) 433-8000 www.waringoil.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Parker, Gill, Eisen & Stevenson, P.C. (334) 387-9813 www.pgescpa.com Warren Averett (256) 739-0312 www.warrenaverett.com

(Current as of 6/12/2018) Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (205) 250-5091 www.adamsandreese.com Austill, Lewis & Pipkin, P.C. (205) 870-3767 www.maplaw.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equipment Logistics, Inc. (256) 739-9280

Performance Peterbilt of West Florida (850) 352-9901 www.performancepeterbilt.com

Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. (205) 328-0480 www.bakerdonelson.com

Lytx DriveCam, Inc. (858) 430-4000 www.lytx.com

Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. 334-387-7680 www.ball-ball.com

Max Coating, Inc. (205) 849-2737 www.maxcoating.com

Burr-Forman LLP (205) 458-5393 www.burr.com

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

Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson, P.C. (251) 626-9340 www.carrallison.com

Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455

DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com Dodson Gregory, LLP (205) 834-9170 www.dodsongregory.com Ferguson, Frost, Moore & Young LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffmylaw.com Fisher & Phillips, LLP (404) 231-1400 www.laborlawyers.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 James M. Sizemore, Jr. (334) 215-9330 Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow, Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com Speegle, Hoffman, Holman & Holifield, LLC (251) 694-1700 www.speeglehoffman.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swift Supply, Inc. (251) 929-9399 www.swiftsupply.com Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com Team One Logistics (770) 232-9902 www.teamonelogistics.com TMW Systems, Inc. (440) 721-2260 www.tmwsystems.com Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc (205) 226-5500 www.tlsincorp.com

Other Services: Alliance Secondary (205) 821-5478 www.alliancesecondary.com

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

HELP, Inc. Provider of PrePass (931) 520-7170 www.prepass.com

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Truck Center, Inc. (205) 226-0880 www.southerntruckcenter.com

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

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

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

Porter Billing Services LLC (205) 322-5442 www.porterbillingservices.com

Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

Corporate Billing, LLC (256) 584-3600 www.corpbill.com

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

Rowe Management Corp.

(205) 486-9235 www.rowemachinery.com

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

Trico Trailer Leasing (205) 242-6908 Trucking Partners, LLC Sales Agency & Factoring (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com

Repairs: Big Moe Spring & Alignment of B’ham, Inc. (205) 780-0290 www.bigmoespring.com Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 birminghamframeandalignment.com

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

Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc. (334) 689-8586

North American Commercial Vehicle Show (416) 459-2365 www.nacvshow.com

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

Allstate Beverage (251) 476-9600 Ext. 1231

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

TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS Best One Tire & Service (615) 244-9611 www.bestonetire.com Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (205) 514-8341 www.trucktires.com Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. (334) 376-0178 Columbus Tire Co., Inc. (706) 321-8133 www.columbustireco.com Continental Tire North America (662) 549-7570 www.continental-truck.com GCR Tire Centers (407) 466-5907 www.gcrtires.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (708) 557-3406 www.goodyeartrucktires.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 Yokohama Tire Corp.

(317) 385-2611 www.yokohamatire.com

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

Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. (251) 476-2744 www.gulfcoasttruck.com R C Trailer Sales & Service Co., Inc. (205) 680-0924 www.rctrailersales.net Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573 www.transporttc.com Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC (334) 794-7345 www.utilityalabama.com Vanguard National Trailer Corp.

(219) 253-2000 www.vanguardtrailer.com

TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS Action Truck Center (334) 794-8505 www.actiontruckcenter.com Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer (334) 262-8856 www.capitalvolvo.com Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com Daimler Trucks NA LLC (803) 554-4831 www.freightlinertrucks.com Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com Fitzgerald Peterbilt (205) 379-8300 www.fitzgeraldpeterbilt.com Four Star Freightliner (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) www.fourstarfreightliner.com Long Lewis Western Star (205) 428-0161 www.longlewistrucks.com

Peterbilt Motors Company (770) 330-7014 www.peterbilt.com Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.com Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com Truckworx Kenworth - Birmingham (205) 326-6170 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Dothan (334) 712-4900 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Montgomery (334) 263-3101 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Mobile (251) 957-4000 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville (256) 308-0162 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Thomasville (334) 636-4380 www.TRUCKWORX.com Volvo Trucks North America (336) 210-3075 www.volvotrucks.volvo.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERS Insurance Auto Auction, Inc. (478) 319-8574 www.iaai.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com

TRUCKSTOPS Love’s Travel Stops, Inc. (405) 202-4451 www.loves.com Oasis Travel Center, LLC (251) 960-1122 Pilot Flying J Centers (865) 207-3874 www.pilotflyingj.com TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (678) 591-4675 www.Ta-Petro.com

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

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

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

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

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

ATA

NEW MEMBERS & EVENTS

New Members (as of 5-15-2018) Blackberry Radar 3810 Williams Point Drive Cumming, GA 30028 (678) 429-3900 John Kerlin Bolt Movers 4030 Balmoral Dr. SW Ste B Huntsville, AL 35801 (334) 521-2092 James Bolton Chris Pate dba Top Dog Trucking 76 Pate Lane Camden, AL 36726 (334) 682-5838 Chris Pate Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. 4600 East Lake Blvd Birmingham, AL 35217 (205) 849-4798 (205) 808-7111 Brad Smith

Dynetics P.O. Box 5500 Huntsville, AL 35814 (256) 964-4788 (256) 705-2321 Renea England

Forward Air Solutions 1550 Jackson Ferry Road Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 230-9669 (334) 230-9699 Q. Battle Grammer Industries 6320 E. State Street Columbus, IN 47203 (812) 579-5655 John Whittington J & J Massey Corporation 120 Marilyn Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 752-9200 (251) 928-0806 Johnnie Massey

KSM Transportation, Inc. 535 Shady Point Alexander City, AL 35010 (205) 910-2769 Keith Mattox Mayo Fertilizer, Inc. P.O. Box 357 Mayo, FL 32066 (286) 294-2024 (386) 294-3390 Brian Leathers

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

40

Strickland Paper Company, Inc. 481 Republic Circle Birmingham, AL 35214 205-798-3000 Zachary Thornton Suit, LLC P.O. Box 8289 Gadsden, AL 35902 (256) 305-5421 Andy Key

Prime Serve, Inc. dba Robinson’s Moving Service P.O. Box 905 Orange Beach, AL 36561 (251) 943-3264 Dennis Robinson

MOAB Incorporated 127 Covenant Drive Kinsey, AL 36303 (931) 980-3364 William Allen

Wilson Lumber Company, Inc. 4818 Meridian Street Huntsville, AL 35811 (256) 852-7411 (256) 851-9904 Michele White

RELADYNE 1002 Old Birmingham Hwy Jasper, AL 35501 (205) 384-3422 (205) 221-9435 James Eidson

Oxford Lumber Company, Inc. P.O. Box 7158 Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-0540 (256) 831-3124 Charles Newman

A

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, your helping ATA send positive messages about one of the state's largest employers.

Parker, Gill, Eisen & Stevenson, P.C. 4228 Lomac Street Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 387-9813 (334) 270-8118 David Norris

D V E R T I S I N G

I

N D E X

ADVERTISER

PG. NO.

PH. NO.

ATA WCSIF

BC

(334) 834-7911

www.atacompfund.org

The Baxter Agency

27

(800) 873-8494

www.baxteragency.com

Carrier Transicold South

13

(205) 328-7278

www.ctsouth.com

Counteract Balancing

16

(800) 572-8952

www.counteractbalancing.com

R.E. Garrison

32

(800) 643-3472

www.regarrison.com

Great West Casualty

17

(800) 228-8053

www.gwccnet.com

Infinit-i

29

(866) 427-8219 www.VAGBootCamp.com/Training

International Trucks

IFC

(800) 844-4102

J.J. Keller

9

(888) 473-4638 ext. 7892

Johnson Locklin

33

(251) 947-3015

www.johnson-locklin.com

Nextran Truck Center

7

(800) 292-8685

www.nextrancorp.com

Palomar Insurance

31

(800) 489-0105

www.palomarins.com

Pivotal LNG

19

(713) 300-5116

www.pivotallng.com

Regions Insurance

28

(800) 807-1412

www.regionsinsurance.com

Southland Trailer Div.

19

(888) 844-1821

www.southlandtrucks.com

IBC

(205) 322-6695

www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Truckworx Kenworth

3

(800) 444-6170

www.truckworx.com

Turner & Hamrick

34

(888) 385-0186

www.turnerhamrick.com

20-21

(205) 755-2610

www.thomasoil.com

16

(800) 476-6841

www.wardintltrucks.com

Birmingham Freightliner

WH Thomas Oil Co. Ward International Trucks

WEB ADDRESS

www.navistar.com www.jjkellermobile.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2018