17 minute read
Trucking News Roundup
T RUCKING I NDUSTRY ROUNDUP
Adrian Bone joins ATA as communications and marketing fellow
The Alabama Trucking Association is proud to in - troduce Adrian Bone of New Market, Ala. as its new marketing and com - munications fellow for sum mer 2020.
Adrian is a recent grad - uate from Troy University Adrian Bone with a degree in econo - mics where he served on the Sorrell College of Business Advisory Board and was a Senator with the school’s SGA.
Active in his community, he is a regular volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club, coaching football and softball and spear - headed a charity kickball tournament called Kick Out Cancer with all proceeds going to Russell Hill Cancer Foundation. He is an accomplished photographer and operates a photography business in his spare time.
He will assist the ATA staff with various projects mainly supporting the Association’s marketing and communications efforts. We’re honored to have Adrian helping us this sum - mer, and we look forward to using his many talents while we seek ways to help him grow professionally.
Southland Transportation taps Andrew Linn as its new president
Southland Trans porta - tion Group has an nounc ed the promotion of An drew Linn as its new President effective June 1, 2020. Meanwhile, his fa ther and company founder Drew Linn will continue with the organization as CEO. Andrew Linn
“I am excited to announce this promotion,” Drew said in a statement. “Andrew is passionate about this industry, and we will see great things under his leadership. I’ve seen him embrace complex circumstances and turn them into wonderful opportunities. Andrew is well respected within our organization and throughout the industry.”
Andrew, who steps up to his new role from company vice president, will now lead daily operations for the dealership’s five locations across Alabama.
“Our passion here at Southland is pro vid - ing exceptional products and services for our customers,” Andrew said. “Over the last cou - ple of years, we’ve taken meaningful steps that will allow us to continue to serve their needs in so many ways. The energy level here is at an all-time high, and our entire staff is com - mitted and ready to go work for our custo - mers. We’re all very excited about the future.”
A native of Tuscaloosa, Andrew graduated from the University of Alabama in 2007 and later began his career with Navistar Inc., the parent company and manufacturer of Inter - national Trucks and IC Buses. As a vocational sales manager, Andrew specialized in govern - ment and municipal applications in the mid - western U.S., where he excelled and gained experience with the OEM. After put ting in three years with Navistar, he returned to Ala - bama in 2011 to join the family business.
Andrew is a graduate of the American Truck Dealer Academy and a board member of the Alabama Trucking Association. He resides in Home wood with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children.
The Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) announced June 5 that it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.
ATA will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and private sectors to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner for this important initiative, ATA will also actively create local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.
“The trucking industry and the people in it, have an immense opportunity and obliga - tion to positively influence equality and take an actionable stand against social injustice and racism,” said Alabama Trucking Asso - ciation President and CEO Mark Colson. “Taking action comes in many forms: chang - ing practices, making sacrifices, and listening to understand. Hundreds of thousands of Black Americans proudly work in the truck - ing industry and now is the time for action.”
This national initiative will build on the work already undertaken by ATA to fight injustice and abuse exemplified in the part - nership with Truckers Against Trafficking, which has rescued thousands of human traf - fick ing victims and brought justice to their abusers.
“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evi - dence that greater diversity benefits the Ameri can economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with the Alabama Trucking Association on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”
ATA cancels 2020 Convention, announces plans for fall event to celebrate the industry
Alabama Trucking Association officials made it official last month that it would be unable to reschedule its 2020 Annual Con - vention due to the COVID-19 emergency orders from the federal government and the state of Florida, and the ongoing health crisis and its economic and logistical impacts.
ATA officials had held onto hope to resche - dule the event this summer or fall and had even worked out a tentative arrangement with the Hilton Sandestin for dates in July or November.
“However, considering the uncertainty with government emergency orders, health risks, coupled with market uncertainty fol - lowing a lengthy shutdown of the Nation’s economy, we believe it’s best to not reschedule the convention in 2020 and move forward with an alternative celebration of the amazing job the trucking industry has done in keeping our Nation going during these difficult times,” stated ATA Chairman Tom McLeod in a recent email to members.
“We are currently working on a celebration dinner to coincide with the 2020 ATA Golf Classic set for September 22 at the Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill Course in Prattville,” he added. “While we have not finalized de - tails for this, tentatively, the celebration din - ner will be held at the Prattville Marriott on
September 21, the evening before the Golf Classic. I promise you that it will be an out - standing celebration — one that you will not want to miss.”
Meanwhile, McLeod added that amid this crisis, “ATA has championed the industry’s heroic efforts by securing regulatory and legis - lative relief; providing personal protective equipment for trucking employees and drivers; and elevating our industry’s image through targeted media campaigns to remind the public that the industry is still working hard to provide the items we all need to pro - vide and care for our families.”
If you have questions about the 2020 Con - vention and/or the proposed September dinner event, contact Brandie Norcross at 334-834-3983.
Business leaders continue the push for coronavirus liability shield
American businesses are working hard to take measures to protect their employees and customers amid the COVID-19 crisis, however, the risk of opportunistic lawsuits poses a significant barrier in their ability to bounce back from the economic crisis. As businesses start to reopen, employers simply want to know that if they take reasonable steps to follow public health guidelines, they will be protected against needless lawsuits.
More than 200 diverse trade associations and other groups have called for Congress to provide temporary and targeted liability relief legislation. There is broad public support as well as strong support across the political spectrum for liability protections, and a consensus is emerging on this issue.
“During times of past crises, Congress has passed liability protections on a bipartisan basis, and must do so again,” said Harold Kim, President, U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. “The U.S. Chamber and the Institute for Legal Reform are leading this coalition to urge lawmakers to protect businesses against the acute economic threat of lawsuits.”
Here in Alabama, the State Legislature was unable to take up a measure to provide protection due to the shortened 2020
Legislative Session, but on May 8th, Gov. Kay Ivey issued an executive order that offers protection for businesses, health care providers, universities, public institutions of higher education, and their employees, officers and agents from unwarranted legal liability stemming from COVID-19.
ATA applauds Gov. Ivey’s executive order to protect businesses from COVID-19 litigation
The Alabama Trucking Association praised Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s May 8th executive order that offers protection for businesses, health care providers, universities, public institutions of higher education, and their employees, officers and agents from unwarranted legal liability stemming from COVID-19.
ATA President and CEO Mark Colson said the measure is needed to protect businesses as state government officials begin to restart the state’s economy.
“Truckers remain on the front lines of the crisis response,” Colson said, “and we will be on the front lines of the economic recovery, as well. But to do so, trucking, as well as all businesses, need protection from frivolous lawsuits. We commend the governor for her courage to take this crucial step to ensure businesses can continue to drive Alabama’s economy without the fear of a frivolous lawsuit.”
However, Colson added, looking long term it is just as essential that the legislature eventually passes civil liability protections for businesses and their employees.
“I look forward to working with the Legislature and other business organizations to achieve that,” he said
Legal experts say the order curtails potential liability of businesses resulting from COVID-19 transmissions as well as from the impacts of a business’s response to the public health emergency. These limitations take the form of certain immunities from liability and place caps on damages.
That means a “business, health care provider or other covered entity shall not be liable for the death or injury to persons or for damage to property in any way arising from any act or omission related to, or in connection with, COVID-19 transmission or a covered COVID-19 response activity unless a claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the alleged death, injury or damage was caused by an entity’s wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct.”
The governor added, however, that her proclamation in no way shields businesses from liability for serious misconduct. “If someone knowingly abuses the public during a time of crisis, they should be held accountable and prosecuted as such,” she said.
Congress expands Paycheck Protection Program
Congress has taken action to remove some of the restrictions surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which make the program more flexible and enhance its appeal to businesses seeking federal loans. In June, the Senate passed the PPP Flexibility Act, and the House passed it by a vote of 417-1. These tallies show the high level of bipartisan support behind improving PPP in both chambers.
A short summary of changes: l The legislation extends the duration of PPP loans to 24 weeks from eight weeks l Extends the deadline to rehire workers to Dec. 31 to qualify for loan forgiveness. However, the forgivable amount must be determined without regard to a reduction in the number of employees if the recipient is (1) unable to rehire former employees and is unable to hire similarly qualified employees, or (2) unable to return to the same level of business activity due to compliance with federal requirements or guidance related to COVID-19. l The bill reduces the level of Paycheck Protection Program funds that must be used for payroll to 60 percent from 75 percent for full loan forgiveness.
Recipients who do not apply for forgive - ness shall have 10 months from the program’s expiration to begin making payments.
The bill also eliminates a provision that makes a paycheck protection loan recipient who has such indebtedness forgiven ineligible to defer payroll tax payments.
The minimum maturity of the payback will now be five years instead of two.
The legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk. If signed into law, the program may see an increased level of applications. As of this week, roughly $510 billion of the $660 billion authorized by Congress has been lent, and nearly 4.5 million loans have been issued.
For more info on PPP, including how to apply, visit www.trucking.org/COVID19/ business-assistance
Trucking groups provide hand sanitizer and PPE to drivers
As professional truck drivers continue serv - ing on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis, the American Trucking Associations has Continued on page 34
ROUNDUP T RUCKING I NDUSTRY
partnered with Protective Insurance Co. to expand the availability and supply of hand sanitizer to truckers along major U.S. freight corridors.
National ATA and ABF Freight have procured more than 500 gallons of hand sanitizer produced by Hotel Tango Distillery in Arlington, Va.
The sanitizer will be distributed in 55- gallon drums to locations in eight states, including Alabama. Truck drivers will be able to refill their personal supplies at no cost.
“Protecting America’s truck drivers and ensuring they can stay safe and healthy while on the road, is paramount,” said National ATA President Chris Spears. “While we con - tinue to work with federal agencies on the strategic distribution of PPE, we’re also taking our own initiative — partnering with in dus - try allies — to build supply networks for drivers to tap into.”
ABF Freight’s Ronald Hicks (left) of Birmingham delivers a supply of sanitizer to the Alabama Dept. of Transportation's I-20 Scale House in Heflin, Ala. ALDOT's Steve Clay accepts the delivery on behalf of the state.
Sanitizer is available at Alabama State Scale House on I-20 near Heflin, Ala. Tuckers will also have access to refills at the following additional locations:
Colorado—Travel Centers of America, 5101 Quebec St., Commerce City, Colo.
Indiana—Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer, 1851 West, Thompson Rd., In dian - apolis, Ind.
Iowa—Iowa 80 Truckstop Fuel Center, 390 W Iowa 80 Rd., Walcott, Iowa
Ohio—Jet Express, 4518 Webster St., Dayton, Ohio
Pennsylvania—Sideling Hill Rest Stop, Pa. Turnpike Milepost 172.4 East & West Bound, Waterfall, Penn.
New Jersey—Molly Pitcher Rest Area, Exit 8A NJ Turnpike
Texas—Loves Travel Center #719, 1610 Cotton Gin Rd., Troy, Tex.; Flying J #726, I20, Exit 472, 7425 Bonnie View Rd., Dallas, Tex.
The American Trucking Associations re - leased the latest version of the association’s Driver Compensation Study, which showed average driver pay, including bonuses, rose nearly $6,000 in 2019 since the last study in 2017.
“These results show that fleets did exactly what we would expect them to in the face of a tightening market for drivers—they raised pay and increased benefits in order to attract talent,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.
According to the survey, which was based on data from 2019, the average pay for truck - load national, irregular route solo van drivers was roughly $58,000, up $6,000 from 2017.
“We saw large carriers hire more entry-level drivers in 2019, including drivers directly from driver training school, which lowered the average pay for these carriers, but they did not reduce pay rates. It was just a different driver experience pool,” Costello said.
Fleets responding to the survey also report - ed offering significant benefit packages in order to attract drivers including paid leave, insurance, meals and other incidentals and retirement plans. For example, more than 90 percent of truckload carriers, less-than-truck - load carriers and private fleets surveyed offer - ed drivers paid leave and health insurance.
“What these figures show is that being a truck driver can be a path to a middle-class lifestyle for millions of Americans,” Costello said. “With the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent eco - nomic crisis not yet fully clear, we can say that a career in trucking could be a wellpay ing solution for some of the millions of Amer i cans who have lost their jobs so far this year.”
Trucking leaders ask Congress to suspend federal excise tax on equipment
Dozens of business organizations and policy makers sent a joint letter to Congress in April asking for a suspension of the 12 per cent federal excise tax (FET) on the purchase of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers until the end of 2021.
The letter argues the suspension of the FET would spur sales of newer cleaner trucks, which would retain jobs in the trucking sector and help rebuild our economy.
The letter cited dire predictions of truck and equipment sales declines in 2020 by 50 percent due to the pandemic. In March, alone, Class 8 truck orders dropped by 52 percent compared to last year. Additionally, as a result of government-ordered closures, truck manufacturing plants and truck dealers have either suspended or scaled back operations.
“To jumpstart the economy after the pandemic, a suspension of the burdensome FET, which increases the cost of new heavyduty trucks and trailers by $22,000 on aver - age, would immediately spark the purchase of heavy-duty trucks and trailers,” the letter states. “In turn, this would help save or bring back the livelihoods of the 7.8 million Ameri cans employed in jobs related to trucking.”
The letter also stated that in addition to saving jobs, a suspension of the FET would spur sales of today’s cleaner and safer heavyduty trucks and trailers by making them more affordable during this difficult economic time.
“Over the past two decades, the trucking industry has made strong environmental gains, and today’s heavy-duty trucks are cleaner than ever before,” it states. “Cleaner fuel and engines utilizing advanced tech - nologies have combined to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 97 percent and particulate matter emissions by 98 percent. Since 2010, more fuel-efficient diesel trucks have saved 101 million barrels of crude oil and reduced CO2 emissions by 43 million tons.”
The American Trucking Associations is a member of the coalition that issued the letter, and its President Chris Spear told Transport Topics back in April that trucking businesses have been greatly affected by the economic shutdown.
“Truckers aren’t looking for a bailout as they keep America moving during these challenging times and prepare for our even - tual recovery,” he said, “but a tax holiday on the antiquated federal excise tax would be good medicine to help with liquidity and to stimulate the purchase of newer, safer trucks and trailers.”
The coalition’s letter offered that another benefit of the suspension of the tax would also encourage the sale of newer trucks, which have the latest safety technologies that help reduce roadway crashes and related injuries and fatalities. During this crisis, the nation has been more dependent than ever on trucks for the delivery of goods and critical medical supplies, yet the average age of a truck on the road today is almost 10 years old.
“We believe the suspension of the FET can help both in keeping the nation well supplied and in rebuilding America’s vital trucking in dustry and related employment,” the letter states.
PO Box 242337 • Montgomery, AL 36124 • Phone: (334) 834-3983 • Fax: (334) 262-6504
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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.
