Alabama Trucker Magazine, 3rd Quarter 2021

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Ready To Serve Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337. www.alabamatrucking.org or call 334-834-3983 MANAGING EDITOR Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org

ATA’s new Chairman of the Board Will Bruser has his sights set on delivering a big year for Alabama Trucking. Mr. Bruser officially took the reins of ATA in July, but the 41-year-old president of the Birmingham, Ala.-based Truckworx has been an integral part of the Alabama Trucking family for more than a decade.

(Cover photo by Kyle Carpenter)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cindy Segrest PRODUCTION EDITOR Brandie Norcross CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alan Alexander, Mark Colson ADVERTISING Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org 205-999-7487

ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Roadmap For Workforce Development

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The Alabama Trucking Association will soon shift its strategy for nextgen workforce development and recruitment into high gear. Using engaging content delivered through a fast and hyper-targeted advertising campaign, its goals are to promote career pathways into commercial trucking, remove misconceptions about the truck driver and diesel technician positions and support enrollment in training programs throughout the state.

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

43 Seconds To Save Lives

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Philip Lutzenkirchen was an Auburn football hero with a bright future, a loving family, and a host of friends and admirers who loved and respected him for being a great person who would do great things beyond the playing field. But on an early June morning, after a long day and evening of drinking, he and a few friends made a series of bad decisions that led to a deadly auto accident. Now, his father, Mike, through The Lutzie 43 Foundation, is on a mission to end distracted and impaired driving.

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Opening Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Advertising rates are available upon request.

An Affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

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

Opening Remarks

Truckers Remain Calm in the Storm

T Mark Colson President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘The men and women who lead the Alabama Trucking Association do not make excuses, they make a way forward!’

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his year has brought its share of figurative and literal storms impacting our industry.

From the ongoing struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the now prolific delta variant, Hurricane Ida, historic supply chain challenges and parts shortages, and a deep struggle to recruit and retain employees, these times are not for the faint of heart or for those who like to make excuses.

Fortunately, the men and women who lead the Alabama Trucking Association do not make excuses, they make a way forward! Our leaders have responded to each challenge with poise and resiliency.

Led by our ATA Foundation, we are now fully committed and engaged in transforming the future workforce for trucking. We will soon share the details of this critical initiative at the ATA Convention in September, but the most important aspect of this work is that the leaders of our industry are taking ownership of the problem and relentlessly pursuing solutions. No one else, the government or otherwise, is going to solve our workforce problems. It will take time. But failure is not an option.

As the 2022 election season nears, you are going to start seeing more campaign ads. All 140 legislative seats (105 House and 35 Senate) are on the ballot, along with all Constitutional Officers (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, etc.) and two very important Supreme Court seats. Thanks to our members, TRUK PAC will have up to $1 million to invest in the 2022 election cycle to protect and advance our industry. Not everyone likes politics, and that’s okay because your Association is well prepared to be your advocate in the political arena.

On the Federal front, expect the election to replace Sen. Richard Shelby to dominate the political landscape. While ATA does not formally engage in federal elections, many of our members participate due to the impact these positions can have on our industry in Washington D.C. There is also an open congressional seat in North Alabama while incumbents in the other six congressional seats are seeking re-election. Be on the lookout for more political updates and analysis as the election season heats up.

If you do not have relationships with your local and state elected leaders, please make it a priority to establish one. These public officials make decisions that directly impact your business. A visit or call from you will make a major impact on their perspectives about trucking, and we need all elected officials in Alabama to understand the needs and concerns of the trucking industry.

Trucking leaders in Mobile and Baldwin Counties did just that in early September. They convened to talk about a potential storm known as the I-10 Mobile River Bridge. There has been a proposal floated that would impose a “truck-only” toll bridge, but because of the active involvement of trucking leaders contacting elected officials, the rhetoric has shifted away from “truck-only.” Finding a way to pay for a bridge project that costs more than $2 billion is a tough issue for all involved, but if members of our industry are not educated and engaged, we may still see a proposal advance that is not good for trucking.

Two legislative storms remain this year as two special legislative sessions are expected: One to address over-crowded state prisons, and the other on redistricting of all legislative and congressional seats using updated census data. The Legislature has one more regular session which begins in January before heading into campaign season. Anytime the legislature is in session, your Association is on high alert to protect and promote issues important to your business.

From tax and regulatory issues to important lawsuit abuse reform, we must work to keep Alabama a top-ten trucking state.

Later this month, Alabama Trucking will safely gather for its first Convention since 2019.

This event is very important to all of us. We are a family, and this gathering is where information is shared, issues are debated and strong bonds form to move the trucking industry forward.

As we continue to navigate this stormy season, enduring the impact of the pandemic and confronting all the economic challenges, let’s remain steadfast in our commitment to making Alabama Trucking better than ever. Truckers are strong and courageous! We have proven it, and we will keep doing so no matter the storms we confront.

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Photos By Kyle Carpenter

Doing The Right Thing ATA’s new Chairman of the Board Will Bruser is ready to do all he can to deliver a big year for Alabama Trucking.

By Ford Boswell Will Bruser rarely slows down. From the moment his feet hit the floor in the morning to when his head hits the pillow at night, he’s constantly thinking of ways he can help improve Alabama’s trucking industry.

He officially took the reins of the Alabama Trucking Association in July as its new Chairman of the Board, but for more than a decade, the 41-year-old President of the Birmingham, Ala.-based Truckworx has been an integral part of the Alabama Trucking family lending his resources, talent and support to any cause or initiative to benefit trucking. His support of the ATA, its mission, and the industry he’s grown to love, hasn’t been by chance, either. It’s been part of the plan all along — and now, he has big plans for ATA. He lists nextgen workforce development, shoring up ATA’s political action committee coffers for the next election cycle, and improving the industry public image as his main priorities. But he also wants to improve membership relations and bring more members into the fold so that the Association can move forward collectively to achieve its goals. With an engaged and supportive community of truckers behind him, he’s confident ATA can bring about real change and success for trucking.

Background Bruser grew up in Pelham, Ala. His father, Buddy, was a salesman for a crane equipment distributor, and his mother, Carol, was a community leadership developer for Leadership Shelby County and the University of Montevallo.

Never one to shy away from working, Bruser kept busy cutting grass in the neighborhood as a young teen, and in high school, worked at a pet store — a gig, he says, ended abruptly when he was asked to A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

pull a tarantula from its aquarium for a customer to have a better look.

“My manager told me all I had to do was place my arm in the tank, and the spider would slowly crawl up my arm and just sit there,” he recalls. “But the thing jumped on my hand, I spun around and slung the spider on the ground. Needless to say, I am glad that was my last summer job.”

While attending the University of Alabama, where he studied business and mar-

grew antsy and started looking for an outside sales job.

Since his sophomore year at UA, he dated Tracy Mitchell, daughter of former Kenworth of Alabama President and former ATA Board Member Bob Mitchell. One weekend he and Tracy were visiting her family’s home when Bob asked him to step into his home office so the two could talk.

Bob said that he understood that he and Tracy were becoming more serious about

Since taking over as president of Truckworx in 2013, Bruser has revamped the company culture, its mission, and brought in talented people to provide the best level of customer service.

keting, Bruser worked at an area farm doing odd jobs and later performed general equipment maintenance for a local crane company. In his spare time, he also hunted every chance he got with his yellow lab, Murdock.

His first professional job was for Cowin Equipment Co. rental division working the phones, taking customer orders, scheduling equipment deliveries and triaging service calls, but after about six months of sitting at a desk alone in a mobile trailer office, he

their future together, and also knew that he had a job offer with his dad’s crane company, but wanted to ask if he’d consider coming to work for him selling Kenworth trucks.

“At the time, I didn’t know what (Bob) did and had never thought about trucks, much less selling them,” Bruser recalls.

“Bob and I had never really had any deep conversations before that. It was always cordial, but he was always coming and going with his work. To be honest, I re5

member he told me one time what he did for a living, but all I heard was he sold Kenmores, so I just assumed he sold washers and dryers.”

Bruser thought about the offer and even talked it over with his father. They agreed he should take the job, figuring that if it didn’t work out, he could always come work with the crane company.

His first assignment was to be the dedicated Kenworth medium-duty salesman, a line that the dealership had just added to its product line. In his first two years, Bruser sold 56 trucks his first year on the job, and the next year he sold 178. “I was starting to build a base and was feeling more comfortable with how things were going,” he says.

“I soon realized I had made a great decision to come to work here. Since then, I’ve never wanted to do anything else.”

In 2005, he and Tracy married, purchased their first home, and were ready to settle down in Birmingham and start a family when opportunity knocked again.

“This time, Bob asked me to take the lead on rebuilding our market share in Mobile, which at the time had slipped to about 2 percent,” he says. “Kenworth corporate’s market share at the time was about 12 percent, so we were badly underperforming. Also, the building we had at the time was outdated and small. The entire Mobile operation needed to be evaluated, and we needed to decide on whether or not it even made sense to stay in that market.”

Within two years, he and the team he assembled significantly increased the Mobile branch’s market. They also built a new 50,000 sq. ft. building, invested in shop equipment, and brought in more service technicians to improve and upgrade services to customers.

By the end of 2006, fueled by a booming housing market and an industry-wide rush to buy new trucks before significant engine emissions standards were to take effect the following model year, the Mobile branch had its best year ever.

Bruser was also transitioning from sales to becoming more of a manager for the dealership’s entire operations. “I started getting more involved with overall business operations and poring over financials,” he says.

With the Mobile dealership on solid footing, Bruser and his family moved back to Birmingham in 2009, where he took on the new role of Corporate Truck Sales Manager and shortly after was tapped company vice president.

Under his watch, overall annual sales doubled and have stayed high, and as a 6

Truckworx has been a supporting partner of area trade schools and community colleges, especially diesel technician training programs.

result, he has earned National Sales Manager of the Year consecutively in 2011 and 2012 from Kenworth Truck Co. and was named the OEM’s National Dealer Council Chairman in 2017.

Well-Laid Plans During the next few years, Bob began handing over more responsibility to Bruser, and the two began working on a succession plan. Part of the plan was a total rebrand from Kenworth of Alabama to Truckworx Kenworth in 2013, which better represented the company’s mission and also brought the dealership’s extensive network under one umbrella.

He also focused on revamping company culture, its mission, and bringing in talented people to provide the best level of customer service. These changes set the stage for future growth. Around this time, he brought in

Mike Levering, a former OEM rep, to be Vice President of Operations. “Mike came with extensive operations and leadership qualities,” Bruser says. “His background was from a more corporate structure which helped us create a more seamless operation top to bottom. He has been instrumental in shaping our company culture to become an operation that provides customers with quality sales and services.”

Bruser also redefined the company’s mission statement to something he believes is pivotal to the company’s success: “Do what is right for the right reasons, all day every day.”

He emphasizes this mission throughout the company constantly and challenges his team to focus on living this way for themselves, their customers, their vendors, and the company itself.

Bruser says the goal is to continuously find new ways to serve customers better.

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And for nearly a decade since he took over, Truckworx has continued to expand its number of locations as well as the products and services it offers. The company now operates 16 locations, including eight fullservice dealerships, most recently adding a location in Tuscaloosa, Ala. to support that community’s growing customer base, and added a TRP parts store in Opelika, Ala. Facilities have also been built in Montgomery, Ala. and Jackson, Miss., and a new corporate office was added last year in Homewood. The company also added a commercial truck rental and full-service lease division through PacLease in 2019 and is Alabama’s exclusive Blue Bird bus dealer.

Truckworx also has one of the state’s largest commercial body shop operations and will soon expand and upgrade it with a new facility in Graysville, Ala., and has three TRP Parts locations and four Truckworx Fleet Solutions locations within the company’s existing footprint. Intending to serve customers better, Truckworx also offers other product lines that align with the company’s current customer base such as YETI products, Tom Beckbe apparel and luggage, MB Ranch King deer blinds and feeders, and Pitmaker grills and smokers.

Right For Trucking Since joining ATA, Bruser has been an energizing presence serving or leading various Association committees and initiatives, as well as donating time and resources for the improvement of Alabama’s trucking community.

Truckworx supports outreach programs to bring new talent to the industry, particularly diesel technicians. Bruser and his Truckworx team have been instrumental in developing many young service techs through partnership programs with area technical schools and community colleges.

“Will is an outstanding business leader who has deep love and appreciation for the trucking industry,” said ATA President and CEO Mark Colson. “He follows a long line of chairmen who have built the Alabama Trucking Association into a strong and effective organization. Will is prepared to step in and continue that great legacy. We have no shortage of major issues in trucking, and his energy and talents are the right combinations to move us forward.”

Bruser said his involvement with ATA has been a “game-changer” for his career, and he pledges to work hard to promote trucking’s interests across the state.

“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Alabama Trucking Association,” he says.

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Bruser is ready to deliver a productive year for Alabama Trucking.

“I want to thank the ATA Board for the opportunity to serve. It is my privilege to work with each of them, and the ATA staff, to develop and implement programs and initiatives that will improve our industry and grow our membership. There is so much wisdom and experience among our board, and I will call on many of them for counsel and support to make our Association better, safer and stronger.”

Looking ahead, Bruser says he will continue to keep pushing himself, his team at Truckworx, and this association to do what’s right for trucking.

“I am geared to be all-in or all-out, and

the only time I am all-out is when I lay down at night to go to bed,” he says. “I have never been afraid to try things, and I work hard to figure things out no matter how long it takes me. I want to do all I can for our industry. God and my family are always first in my heart, but I also feel a great sense of commitment to the trucking industry. Truckers work so hard to move this country every day, and I want to make sure that when they call or text me or my team — at any time, day or night — we do everything we can to make sure they have what they need when they need it.”

And that’s doing the right thing.

The Bruser Family, from left, Hayden (13), Will, Mitchell (11), Tracy, and Will (13)

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Ramping Up for the Long Haul: Workforce Execution Roadmap ATA prepares to shift its strategy for nextgen workforce development and recruitment into high gear.

By Alan Alexander s a dedicated partner of the Alabama Trucking Association, Markstein is incredibly excited to share an update about the strategic plan to recruit the next generation of commercial trucking professionals in Alabama.

We have been hard at work the past few months developing the Association’s workforce initiative strategy, which is informed by a Diagnostic Analysis Report that was created and delivered earlier in the year.

Using engaging content delivered through a fast and hyper-targeted advertising campaign, our goals are to promote career pathways into commercial trucking, remove misconceptions about the truck driver and diesel technician positions and support enrollment in training programs throughout the state.

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Step 1: Messaging & Creative The most important step in the development process of a successful advertising campaign involves laying a strong foundation to guide future outreach.

This begins with campaign messaging. In collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, Markstein developed key messages to precisely communicate the Association’s commitment to workforce development and the industry-wide focus to address the worker shortage. These key messages (see pg. 11) guide all communication about the commercial trucking industry’s efforts to develop the workforce.

Another component of the messaging centers on targeted personas, specifically identifying what motivates them to pursue careers as commercial drivers or diesel technicians, what key message influences them to act, and what action we want them to take.

For example, a consistent concept that Markstein discovered 10

through the reporting process was the idea surrounding a sense of purpose that comes with the job of a commercial driver or diesel technician. In this case, the motivator assigned for this theme is to “find a career I’m passionate about” with a supporting message of “Commercial drivers are on the front lines and support our country during critical times of need. When the world shuts down, drivers and diesel technicians step up.” Using a tailored motivator in collaboration with the supporting message, we create a call to action, such as “Be someone your community depends on by working in the commercial trucking industry.”

Now that messaging is finalized, we have a strong foundation to build creative communication concepts designed to engage each target persona. These concepts serve as our advertising engine and will be unveiled during the Association’s annual Convention in September.

Step 2: Strategic Assets Once creative concepts are completed, Markstein will shift into the strategic development phase of this project. Our high-level plan involves creating a new page on the Association website, which will A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

serve as the digital anchor of the initiative and include engaging content that promotes careers as a commercial driver and diesel technician and information on training resources throughout the state.

Markstein will also develop printed collateral in the form of an educator toolkit, which will equip teachers and career counselors in county and city school systems with information about careers in Alabama’s commercial trucking industry.

To amplify awareness of the initiative and to drive online traffic to the Association’s career-focused webpage, we are developing a targeted media plan and advertising assets that are optimized to leverage creative content and encourage our audience to learn more about beginning a career in the commercial trucking industry.

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Step 3: Pilot Launch This strategic campaign is set to launch in November 2021.

Given the Association’s strong ties to the high-profile training programs at Bishop State Community College and Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, our communications will begin in the Mobile and the Huntsville-Cullman markets.

The initial advertising campaign will run as a pilot program. This campaign will run for three months, and Markstein will be tracking progress continually, discovering insights that will inform strategic pivots and optimizations as we prepare to ramp up and expand to other key geographies in the state.

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights

Be aggressive with your accident defense

‘A major failing in trucking defense is that it is seen as synonymous with defensive.’

even one that appears to be in a stronger position.

Too often, trucking companies and their insurers only defend the last 24 ft. of a 94 ft. long contest. They concede the early going, even the middle going, and hunker down for a final skirmish. You need to take the fight to them. Particularly after the letter of rep. More to come on that.

So what can you do? Hope the plaintiff ’s attorney won’t sue? Avoid antagonizing them and maybe they’ll be kind and gentle?

How’s that been working for you? Sounds ridiculous, but it is too often the strategy of most. If you can call sitting by passively and waiting for the attack a strategy.

Be Prepared

By Douglas Marcello

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oo often trucking companies and their insurers hunker down after an accident, waiting for a billboard attorney to make their move. Worse yet, even after receiving the letter of representation, they sit by idly waiting for the plaintiff to dictate the time and place of the action.

Because too many see “defense” as meaning “defensive”. This is a terrible legal strategy.

I’ve written and spoken a lot about preaccident preparation but here are a few highlights to consider: l Have an accident response plan in place now; l Train your drivers; l Thoughtfully select and train whoever is going to talk about the accident; l Preselect experts and ensure their 24/7 availability; l Know what you need to do to preserve data-ECM, telematics, video, etc.; l Review your safety plan, manual, training and prepare as if you will have to defend it at trial; l Identify who is going to be the “face of the company” in a suit and prepare them; l If you were on the witness stand, what evidence would you want to present?

Develop it now. After the accident, it’s just back-fill.

Aggressive Defense A major failing in trucking defense is that it is seen as synonymous with defensive. Passive, reactive, “defensive defense” rarely if ever works. Aggressive, proactive “defenses” often do. And they do so by flipping the script on an opponent, 14

Accidents Happen, Be Ready When an accident happens, act immediately. Investigate. Document. Get statements from witnesses. Do something!

We have an advantage that none of those

daytime TV attorneys have — and that’s immediacy. We know about the accident before any of them. If we are not ready to act immediately, we will have squandered our greatest of assets — time and preparation.

Don’t rely on your insurer. If they act immediately, great. If not, protect yourself. In a world of high insurance rates and significant risk retention levels, it’s your money. You can’t afford to sit by idly if your insurer delays in assigning an adjuster or opening a claim.

One of my grandmother’s favorite sayings was, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” Taking matters into your own hands quickly can make all the difference in the world. Do whatever you can to help yourself. Take the slack out of the postaccident chain.

Post Accident This is the phase where the “hunker down” and “defensive defense” is tragically the norm. “What can we do except wait until they sue?” The answer is, “a lot.”

Sue them first. If you have an argument as to liability, and you’ve suffered damages (PD, cargo, downtime), sue them first. This gives you a jump on the other side by being able to subpoena records and propound discovery against the claimant who, at this point, is represented by the auto insurance company attorney.

More importantly, you have the potential to anchor jurisdiction in the location of the accident rather than allowing the plaintiff to drag you into a “hell hole” on the theory that you are a trucking company and can be sued anywhere. This can save you millions and the industry as a whole hundreds of millions of dollars.

Someone recently told me that they use subrogation in all their cases, and they often get their money without having to sue.

They’re missing the point. You might not want to get your money right away. OtherA LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS wise, you could lose being in a conservative jurisdiction. Sue them. Maximize your suit per discovery and jurisdiction.

Another tactic is to push back against the Letter of Representation. Shortly after the accident, you will get the standard letter of representation from the other side’s attorney.

Too often this is sent to the insurer after which it is filed away and waiting for the inevitable. And all that time the claimant is running up medical bills from a doctor to which they are frequently referred by their attorney.

Again, do something and push back.

Have your attorney send a letter and say all communications are to be sent to them.

Include medical and employment record releases in that letter for the claimant to sign and return. Request a list of medical providers and employers. State your need for these records to promptly investigate the claim and potential prejudice if not provided.

Also, request that their client submit to an immediate medical examination. Again, make clear the prejudice that you will suffer if they do not agree to do so.

What responses do I get from the plaintiff attorneys when I do this?

Sometimes I get, “I’ve never had this before.” Or, more often, “What right do you have to request an exam before suit?”

My answer? “None. But I’ve documented my request. If this goes forward, you and your client will have to explain why, if you were really injured, you would not let our doctor examine them.”

Quite frankly, I don’t care if they agree to it or not. If we get the exam, great. if not, we have documented the record as to our request. Documentation to challenge that ongoing treatment and medical expenses run-up before they file suit.

In summary, we cannot concede an inch.

We cannot make it easy for those who want to eat your lunch. That is exactly what “defensive defense” does. Spend time preparing for the inevitable, have a plan, train your team, and learn the lesson-full court press in defense of your company.

Douglas Marcello is an Attorney with Marcello & Kivisto, LLC in Carlisle, Pa. This article appears courtesy of the American Trucking Associations and has been edited for space and style considerations.

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Feds update processes for registering for the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has posted updated materials to help commercial drivers and their employers register for and get started using the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Why should employers register?

Register for the Clearinghouse. queries on all potential new hires, and at least annually on all current employees who perform safety-sensitive functions, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle. l Report driver violations (positive alcohol tests, test refusals not reported by a medical review officer [MRO], and actual knowledge of violations). l

l Conduct

Why should drivers register?

Drivers must be registered in the Clearinghouse with a verified CDL number to respond to employer consent requests. They can view their own Clearinghouse record at any time.

How should self-employed CDL drivers and Owner-Operators register?

CDL drivers who operate under their own authority (often called “owner-operators,” typically a single-driver operation) must register as an employer and designate a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) in the Clearinghouse. Owner-operators can also add their CDL information to add a driver role, which allows them to respond to query consent requests from their C/TPA. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to register and more, visit the Clearinghouse Learning Center at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Learn

Trucking industry praises the introduction of the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act The American Trucking Associations is praising the introduction of the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2021 by Senators Todd Young (R-Indiana) and Ben Cardin (D-Maryland). The bipartisan legislation would repeal the 12 percent federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks, which currently adds approximately $22,000 to the cost of a new tractor-trailer.

“The federal excise tax on heavy trucks is a relic from the First World War that’s now serving to keep cleaner, safer trucks off of our nation’s roads today,” said Chris Spear, President and CEO of American Trucking Associations. “By repealing this antiquated tax, Congress can deliver a win for the environment, highway safety, manufacturing jobs and supply-chain efficiency. We thank Senators Young and

Cardin for their bipartisan leadership in advancing a common-sense solution to the benefit of American truckers and the motoring public.”

Although technological advances have made the latest tractor-trailers cleaner and safer than ever before, the FET creates a disincentive for motor carriers to modernize their fleets by placing a punitive surcharge on investments in new equipment. As a result, the average age of a truck on the road today is nearly ten years old.

Over the past two decades, cleaner fuel and engines used in new trucks 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. Life-saving, driver-assist safety technologies that weren’t Continued on page 16 15

Associations found 60 percent of fleets would be either somewhat likely or very likely to buy additional trucks and trailers beyond currently scheduled purchases if the FET were repealed.

News widely available or effective a decade ago, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision mitigation and electronic stability technology, are now offered in new models.

The FET was enacted by Congress in 1917 at three percent to raise revenue for World War 1. Today it stands at 12 percent – making it the highest excise tax the federal government levies on any goods across the entire economy. The bill calls on Congress to find more reliable and consistent revenue streams to sustain the Highway Trust Fund.

“Funding our national infrastructure need not come at the expense of highway safety or environmental health. Our industry will continue to advocate for equitable and sustainable user fees that align the goals of safer roads, cleaner air and a growing economy,” said Spear.

A 2020 survey by American Trucking

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Alabama Driver David Schoonover places 4th at National TDC, LB3’s Heflin wins state

Nathan Heflin of LB3 Trucking took the top spot at the state competition, which was co-presented by UPS Freight and the ATA Comp Fund.

Other top finishers for the ATA’s state competition in order were Schoonover; David Deason, FedEx Freight; Scott Croisant, Greenbush Logistics; Daniel Thompson, FedEx Freight; Ross Garner, FedEx Freight; Robert Foshee, Action Resources; Jason Webber, LB3 LLC; Stacy Langford, LB3 LC; and Timothy Wooten, XPO Logistics.

Final standings from Nationals are avail able at https://events.atabusiness solutions.com/ntdc/.

David Schoonover, a driver for ATA member Air Products, finished 4th overall during the American Trucking Associations’ National Battle of the States Virtual Truck Driving Championships last month. Shoonover was among the Top 10 finishers of Alabama Trucking’s TDC state qualifier held online on July 31.

“We’re proud of each of these men for their incredible trucking knowledge, skill and professionalism,” said ATA Vice President of Safety and Compliance Tim Frazier. “Thank you for every mile you run and every delivery you make. You all are heroes.”

ATRI issues call for driver input on job motivations and satisfaction The American Transportation Research Institute has launched a new data collection initiative to better understand the motivating factors for being an owner-operator, independent contractor, or company driver. This research was identified by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee as a top research priority in 2020.

Drivers are asked to provide input through an online data collection form that will Continued on page 20

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

News measure what job-related factors contributed to becoming an owner-operator, independent contractor, or company driver and whether those expectations have been met. This timely research will provide valuable insight

into understanding how drivers could be impacted by legislative and regulatory actions that may impact the way in which drivers are classified.

“This ATRI data collection initiative will be critical to understanding why drivers

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choose the type of employment they do. The motivations behind these choices and their level of satisfaction are important for understanding what types of employment opportunities drivers are looking for and why,” said Tom Weakley, OOIDA Foundation Director of Operations and a member of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee.

The data collection form is available online at https://truckingresearch.org/ and drivers are asked to complete the survey by Friday, September 17, 2021. All submitted data will be kept strictly confidential and participants will receive an advance copy of the full report at https://www. research.net/r/ATRI-OO-ICSurvey

Wright Transportation honors 1-million safe drivers with new trucks Wright Transportation, Inc. recently added 23 new blue trucks to their fleet to recognize excellence in safety among their drivers.

The new blue T680 Kenworth Next Generation trucks will stand out from the fleet of white trucks and will be given to drivers who have logged a million safe miles or more. In order to be a Million Mile Driver, a driver must be committed to safety on the road and be accident-free for all million miles.

These new trucks were certified with the EPA SmartWay designation which is only provided to those trucks with the most aerodynamic features to reduce carbon emissions.

Along with greater safety features, these trucks have superior technology and features than standard over-the-road trucks.

Wright Transportation President Daniel Wright says, “When blue trucks show up at the terminal or customers, we want everyone to know that these drivers have gone the extra mile and are driving some of the safest and cleanest trucks on the road.

There is a lot of hard work that goes into becoming a Million Mile Driver and these drivers need to be recognized with one of the nicest trucks on the road.”

The new fleet of trucks represents a $3,500,000 investment in clean and safe equipment, bringing the total number of Wright trucks to 205.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

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

South Carolina officials advise trucks to use additional caution on I-85 construction zones

South Carolina highway and trucking officials say truck-involved fatalities in construction zones along Interstate 85 within Cherokee and Spartanburg counties warrant special attention. According to state highway officials, this stretch has a high commercial vehicle count, is right-of-waychallenged, and is hilly and winding.

As SCDOT widens this section, “chutes” are being used. For trucks, these zone management methods are particularly challenging. When an accident occurs within a chute, they leave nowhere to bail out, and everything stops. Distracted drivers pose the greatest risk, and SCDOT wants to reduce and then eliminate the chutes wherever possible.

In the meantime, to lessen the chance of accidents, SCDOT has reduced the speeds to 35 MPH at some points. And they are expediting work from mile markers 81 to 98 in phases of five-mile segments. (Concreting lanes require the use of chutes.

Asphalt is being reconsidered in order to minimize chuting).

SCDOT Secretary Christy Hall and Deputy Secretary for Engineering Leland Colvin took South Carolina Trucking Association officials on a tour of the zone, seeking input and feedback from the industry. Belue Trucking’s Casey O’Dell and Cardinal Transport’s Mark Randolph weighed in on various recommendations such as rarely, often and consistent signage.

Signs need to be posted conspicuously well before the chutes are deployed. As CMVs begin to enter the construction zone, signage needs to be seen multiple times by drivers so they can expect, prepare for, and pick the proper lane. All trucks should move to and keep right in the chutes.

Infrastructure legislation includes trucking provisions After months of negotiation, the U.S. Senate last month passed a bipartisan, $1 trillion infrastructure bill called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

According to published reports, the legislation contains several measures related 22

to trucking but also leaves out things that were previously thought to be included.

Overall, industry experts are pleased with the results.

The legislation reauthorizes spending on existing federal public-works programs and provides $550 billion in new spending. Of those new funds, $110 billion would go toward roads and bridges, $66 billion to rail and nearly $40 billion to transit. Some $65 billion is designated for improving the electrical grid and energy production, and nearly $50 billion for making infrastructure more resilient to cyberattacks and natural disasters. Approximately $7.5 billion is dedicated to building charging stations for electric vehicles.

Instead of raising the fuel tax or imposing new types of user fees, or Biden’s plan to raise corporate taxes to cover the cost, the money will come from repurposing Covid-19 funds, delaying a Trump-era rule on Medicare rebates, and auction sales of wireless-spectrum space.

The Congressional Budget Office, however, said it won’t be enough, and that the package would add $256 billion to the federal deficit in the next 10 years.

The legislation would “establish a program to test the feasibility of a road usage fee and other user-based alternative revenue mechanisms” — in other words, a vehiclemiles-traveled pilot program — “to help maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.”

Getting a final bill to President Biden’s desk isn’t a sure shot, however. In the House, the fate of the bill is tied to a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package that includes many of the progressive priorities that didn’t make it into the Senate bill, such as climate change and housing.

Politico.com notes that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she won’t bring the infrastructure bill to a floor vote until the Senate also passes the reconciliation bill.

The current transportation programs expire in September. It’s quite possible lawmakers will have to pass another shortterm extension.

Trucking provisions in the infrastructure legislation include efforts to lure more women in the trucking workforce, who currently make up about 47 percent of the workforce in the U.S. Also provisions are

included to set an apprenticeship pilot program for commercial driver’s license holders under the age of 21 to operate in interstate commerce with limitations for speed limiters and training.

The legislation also calls for the DOT and the Labor Department to set up a Truck Leasing Task Force to take a close look at truck leasing arrangements between motor carriers and owner-operators, including lease-purchase agreements, and how those affect things such as vehicle maintenance, emissions from drayage vehicles at ports, driver compensation, etc.

Other items include automatic emergency braking; underride protection; driver compensations; crash causation; and electric vehicles.

Industry reaction was mixed. News of a deal got a thumbs up from the American Trucking Associations, but a more cautious reaction from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, whose CEO Todd Spencer, expressed frustration with lawmakers who treat truckers as an afterthought, especially with regard to safety and driver concerns. OOIDA leaders did express satisfaction that the legislation did not include previously discussed measures to increase minimum insurance levels.

Supply chain pressures prompt Midwest states to relax regs for fuel haulers Supply chain challenges have prompted multiple states in the Midwest to extend regulatory relief to truckers who haul fuel.

The governors of Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska each have issued executive orders offering hours-of-service flexibility for truck drivers transporting fuel.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proclamation pertains to crews and drivers hauling diesel, gasoline, ethanol and biodiesel. Experts there point to several terminals closed down for maintenance, which challenged transportation patterns for haulers. When a terminal that a driver usually visits closes, that person has to reroute to a different terminal, leading to longer lines and added congestion.

Likewise, Iowa Motor Truck Association President Brenda Neville told Transport Topics she has heard reports that conA LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

venience stores have not been able to accommodate all of their customers on certain days because they run out of gas and haven’t been able to get fuel deliveries. Also noted is the fact that the U.S. economy is picking up steam and ramping up demand for fuel.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order easing certain HOS regulations for motor carriers providing direct assistance by transporting fuels also cites increased travel and economic activity as reasons behind gasoline demand.

Walz’s executive order states that fuel terminals across his state have experienced shortages or outages of fuel products which are affecting several areas where farming and industry are most affected during their busiest time of the year.

“This step will help ensure Minnesotans get the fuel they need at a busy time this summer,” Walz said in a release. “Whether you’re making plans for harvest in the middle of a drought or running a gas station that’s depended on by motorists heading ‘Up North’ and locals alike, we need to make sure Minnesotans have the fuel necessary to get where they’re going and keep our local economies running.”

According to reports, Walz’s executive order pertains specifically to the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations that have to do with the overall limitation on work time (60 hours in seven days, for example) and restarting the seven- or eightday total work time clock.

In Nebraska, Gov. Pete Ricketts issued an executive order temporarily waiving HOS requirements for truckers hauling gasoline and gasoline blends. Besides refineries shutting down for maintenance, Ricketts’ order mentions issues with the transition from winter gasoline to summer gasoline.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, summer gasoline has lower volatility than winter gasoline to limit evaporation-related emissions that normally increase with warm weather.

The executive orders are scheduled to expire on various dates. Iowa’s order will expire Aug. 28, while Nebraska’s will remain in effect until Aug. 31 and Minnesota’s until Sept. 4.

to offer its program on a nationwide basis.

The Alliance Interstate Risk program is fully insured and coverage is provided by Safety First Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Safety National, an A++ (Superior) AM Best-rated Company.

What does this mean for agency partners and members? According to Fund officials, nothing will change regarding current, inforce policies, only the company from which you will receive correspondence and commissions. Alliance Interstate Risk Service was formed in conjunction with Alliance Interstate Risk and will be the servicing company for this nationwide program.

There are several added benefits with this expansion: 1) The Alliance Interstate Risk program is now available in 46 non-monopolistic states without an Alabama nexus requirement; 2) All policies written through Alliance Interstate Risk will be eligible to participate in the dividend program and the same loss-sensitive deductible options are available; 3) As an added benefit to Alabama Trucking, for every Alliance Interstate Risk policy, a donation will be made to the Alabama Trucking Association Foundation to help promote the trucking industry throughout Alabama: 4) Alliance Interstate Risk Service will strive to partner with other state trucking associations to assist with their mission, encourage safety initiatives and expand support for our industry.

The fund encourages you to reach out to its team if you have any questions. You can contact its business development and underwriting teams at 334-834-7911.

ATRI-developed assessment tool shows promise for identifying safe, younger drivers

ATA Comp Fund establishes nationwide coverage program The ATA Comp Fund recently announced the formation of Alliance Interstate Risk, which will now encompass all policies written for exposures outside the state of Alabama. This will allow the Fund A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

ATRI recently released results of the Phase 1 Beta Test of its Younger Driver Assessment Tool. This is the second in a series of technical memoranda from ATRI

exploring the potential for an assessment tool to identify the safest drivers among 18-20-year-olds, a critical component of expanding interstate CDL eligibility to younger drivers.

The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides for a threeyear, national pilot program based on the DRIVE-Safe Act, designed to provide a pathway for 18-20-year-old drivers to undergo advanced safety training in order to participate in interstate commerce.

Results from ATRI’s beta test show promise for the statistically validated assessment to differentiate safer drivers from less safe drivers. ATRI’s beta test administered a comprehensive assessment battery to current commercial truck drivers. Truck drivers who participated in the assessment represented a broad range of ages (20-60 years old), driving experience and safety performance. Among the measures tested in the assessment were personality traits, reasoning, impulsivity, sensation-seeking, sleep quality, and cognitive control. Participating drivers’ safety performance was evaluated using motor vehicle records and pre-employment screening program data on safety violations and crash involvement.

Nebraska Trucking Association focuses on teens for trucking careers Nebraska Trucking Association in partnership with the University of NebraskaOmaha and American Transportation Research Institute conducted a trucking career focus group earlier this year aimed at learning what messages are most effective for next-generation recruitment and ultimately helping to ease the driver shortage for Nebraska carriers.

The NTA Virtual Focus Group brought together a group of Nebraska high school students to weigh in on messages aimed at careers in trucking. Some NTA members created advertisements geared toward boosting the reputation of trucking as a career.

Those ads were presented to the focus group of students who discussed their thoughts about the ads and their reactions were documented. NTA plans to use the information gathered to polish the messaging and promote trucking as a career possibility to future generations.

Driver shortage remains a top concern in the trucking industry and has ranked at the top of ATRI’s Top Industry Issues survey for the past four years.

Continued on page 24 23

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

Luke Skipper joins Palomar Insurance Palomar Insurance is pleased to announce the addition of Luke Skipper to their expanding sales team as an Account Executive, specializing in commercial insurance.

His in-depth knowledge of the food distribution Skipper industry and personalized service will help our clients understand their company’s risks and help shape our insurance products to meet their needs.

Before joining Palomar, Skipper worked for Amwins, a leading specialty insurance distributor. He also has over ten years of experience in food & beverage distribution. “We’re pleased to welcome Luke to the team in our Kennesaw office,” said Lane Milam, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Palomar. “Luke adds tremendous value to our company and clients in the food industry.”

A graduate of the University of South Ala-

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bama, he lives in Woodstock, Ga. with his wife Haley and their two children. In his spare time, he enjoys Braves baseball, as well as playing and officiating hockey.

Founded in 1954, Palomar Insurance is among the largest and one of the oldest independent agencies in the Southeast. Headquartered in Montgomery with offices in Georgia and Tennessee, Palomar Insurance delivers tailored insurance programs to U.S. and international companies.

Telecom Transport Services expands warehouse and logistics division ATA member firm Telecom Transport Services recently doubled the size of its Birmingham, Ala. storage facility to 19,000 sq. ft.

The full-service trucking company has expanded its secure commercial storage division that serves telecommunications, construction, utilities, manufacturing and retail businesses.

“With construction on the rebound, we’re seeing growing demand for warehouse storage and staging services,” said company owner and president Sue Watkins. “Builders are storing high-value materials in secure facilities rather than on-site, and we can store and organize materials for quick and easy distribution.”

Watkins

Telecom Transport Services is fully certified to transport and store hazardous materials including lithium-ion batteries and serves as a staging facility for battery recycling and disposal. The company provides customers with inventory and logistics management, offering the advantages of a large-scale distribution center.

“Our warehouse expansion is a response to the Birmingham area’s growing demand for ‘last mile’ execution, heavy hauling, crane hoisting and hazmat materials management, and we are thrilled to be part of the region’s growth,” said Watkins.

Telecom Transport Services is a fullservice ground carrier specializing in hauling and hoisting of power, hydraulic, telecommunications and electronic equipment, hazardous materials and other high-value cargo. The company provides secure commercial storage facilities with turnkey

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logistics and inventory management and serves some of the most prominent companies in the telecommunications industry.

Telecom Transport Services provides comprehensive last-mile services and has earned numerous awards including the Ryder Integrated Logistics & Alcatel-Lucent Hauling and Hoisting Contractor of the Year Silver. Founded in 1988, Telecom Transport Services is nationally recognized as a Women’s Business Enterprise.

Massachusetts rolling stock tax issue.

In a recent letter to members of the trucking industry, the Trucking Association of Massachusetts has developed a comprehensive legislative strategy to remove the sales and use tax on rolling stock (“rolling stock tax”) currently levied on all interstate trucking in Massachusetts. For those who might be new to the issue, the rolling stock (i.e. trucks, tractors, and trailers that transport goods in interstate commerce) tax is a “sales and use” fee that most other states do not charge. If your company has a nexus (e.g. domiciled vehicles, terminals, regularly serviced customers) in Massachusetts, this tax will be levied on any new rolling stock purchased or used in the Commonwealth – even if the vehicle was purchased in a state with a rolling stock exemption in place.

TAM’s effort to enact legislation that would repeal the statute during the 2019-20 legislation nearly came to fruition before it was ultimately derailed by the COVID pandemic. Despite this setback, TAM’s efforts have continued behind the scenes.

“As a result, we have continued to grow our support while maintaining the base that helped us gain the Governor’s support and pass the House of Representatives last session,” the letter states. “Our legislative initiative continues to be the only legitimate avenue there is towards eliminating this onerous tax on our industry. Note, the constitutionality of this was previously litigated to the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts and has been upheld accordingly.”

The rolling stock tax has already impacted companies of all sizes from all sectors of the industry and will continue to do so until it is eliminated via legislation. Moreover, this is not just a Massachusetts issue; this is an industry issue that has no guarantee of just remaining in Massachusetts. With legislation to remove the rolling stock tax now before the Massachusetts legislature, now is the time to contribute.

In the meantime, all trucking companies A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

ATA TRUK PAC endorses Greg Cook for state Supreme Court

From left, Andrew Linn, Rick Halbrooks, Fenn Church, Ronnie Stephenson, Greg Brown, Greg Cook, Tom McLeod, Buck Moore, Mark Colson and J.J. McGrady.

The Alabama Trucking Association’s political action committee has endorsed Birmingham attorney Greg Cook for Place 1 on the Alabama Supreme Court. Recently, a contingent of ATA leaders from the Birmingham area met with Mr. Cook at the McLeod Software headquarters in Birmingham to discuss his vision for the state’s top court and other key issues affecting state business owners.

“Alabama’s trucking community has a rich history of supporting judicial candidates who are fair and follow the rule of law,” said TRUK PAC Chairman Greg Brown. “Greg Cook has proven over his distinguished legal career that he respects the rule of law, and Alabama truckers are proud to support his candidacy for the State Supreme Court.”

Mr. Cook has been an attorney for more than 30 years and is currently the lead counsel for the Alabama Republican Party. Originally from Florence, he attended Duke University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship and then served in the Air Force, reaching the rank of captain.

He later attended Harvard Law School where he worked on the Federalist Society’s Journal of Law and Public Policy alongside future Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

“I am very proud to be supported by the Alabama Trucking Association,” said Cook. “Your members are heroes. One thing we learned from the pandemic is how important trucking is to Alabama and our nation. Trucking represents tens of thousands of jobs in Alabama and literally drives our economy. Every life in Alabama is touched by the trucking industry, and I am excited to have your support.”

Cook added that he believes in the rule of law and, if elected, he looks forward to serving all of the citizens of Alabama with honor and integrity.

He has been married to his wife Kimberly for 33 years. They live in Birmingham and have three children. The family attends Dawson Baptist Church where Cook is a Deacon and served as a volunteer student minister for more than 20 years. who do business in Massachusetts should consider the following: l After a period of relative silence, the Massachusetts Dept. of Revenue has significantly stepped up the number of audits they are conducting on trucking companies. l Audits from the Massachusetts Dept. of Revenue determine whether the rolling stock tax has been paid correctly. If the agency reviews your company, it can seek back taxes (and penalties on unpaid tax) on any rolling stock you’ve purchased for the past three years. l The Dept. of Revenue essentially determines what constitutes a “substantial” nexus to the Commonwealth. Trucking companies that thought they were safe from this tax because their headquarters were elsewhere have still been required to pay the tax. l Even if you paid the rolling stock tax in one of the few states that do not exempt

rolling stock from taxation, you may owe Massachusetts additional tax. Massachusetts law gives you credit for rolling stock tax already paid, but unless it is equal to the Massachusetts rate, you will have to pay the difference.

TAM officials say the group continues to make tremendous progress in raising the industry’s profile before the public and with lawmakers.

“For the future of trucking in Massachusetts, we need to continue this important work and eliminate this burdensome tax on our industry,” the letter states.

TAM is asking stakeholders for financial support. Interested parties can donate to this initiative at https://masstrucking .org/donate.

If you have any questions, please contact TAM Executive Director Kevin Weeks at kweeks@masstrucking.org or call 781-3076679.

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43 Ke

ey Seconds to Save Lives The cautionary tale of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Foundation created in his honor, and its powerful message to end impaired and distracted driving.

By Ford Boswell

I

t wasn’t supposed to end this way. Sadly, it did, and it could have been avoided.

Philip Lutzenkirchen was an Auburn University football hero with a bright future, a loving family, and a host of friends and admirers who loved and respected him for being a great person who would do great things beyond the playing field. But on an early June morning, after a long day and evening of drinking, he and a few friends made a series of bad decisions that led to a deadly auto accident.

Almost a decade later, his father, Mike, through the Lutzie 43 Foundation, a nonprofit organization he created in Philip’s honor, is on a mission to educate drivers of all ages about the consequences of distracted and impaired driving, and now travels the nation visiting schools, companies and organizations to spread a sobering message about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, as well as the importance of seat belt use.

Hero Struck Down Most college football fans in Alabama remember Philip Lutzenkirchen for the touchdown catch he made during the 2010 Iron Bowl, a play that has become one of the most memorable in Auburn football lore.

It was an Auburn third and four at the Alabama seven-yard line. Lutzenkirchen lined up on the left. Quarterback Cam Newton took the snap, scrambled left, and under pressure, floated a pass to Lutzenkirchen who grabbed it for the eventual game-winning score and move on to the SEC Championship Game.

To celebrate his TD, Philip performed a A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

hilarious shuffle step dance that went semiviral as “The Lutzie”, and made him an instant fan favorite of that 2010 National Championship team.

Lutzenkirchen finished his career at Auburn as its all-time touchdown reception leader as a tight end with 14 TD catches. He later signed with the St. Louis Rams to achieve his goal of becoming an NFL football player, but nagging injuries he sustained in college ended his NFL career right before the 2013 season.

After football, he settled in Montgomery, Ala., found a good job and was doing well, but he yearned to give back to his community through coaching. He had some prospects for accomplishing that goal and was excited to start this new chapter of his life.

Early on the morning of June 29, 2014, Philip was at a farm near LaGrange, Ga. with friends hanging out and drinking. As the day drifted into the night and eventually early morning, a friend wanted to make a run to a nearby gas station for a can of chewing tobacco. The driver, Philip, and two other friends loaded into the SUV. Around 3 a.m., the four friends left the gas station and headed down a two-lane highway nearing a T-intersection.

Though the posted speed limit was 55 MPH, the vehicle charged through the intersection with the driver failing to see the posted stop sign at 77 MPH. It flew off the road and into a ditch, most likely causing Philip to smash his head into the roof.

Philip and the other rear passenger were thrown from the vehicle as it continued to travel into the air and off its wheels. Philip landed 15 ft. from the car’s final stopping position. He and the driver, Joseph Ian David, 22, were killed instantly.

The other two occupants survived. One was the front passenger who wisely used her

seatbelt, and another woman sitting in the back was also ejected and badly injured.

Both the driver and Philip were later determined to have been legally drunk at the time of the accident.

Legacy to Inspire Hours later in Marietta, Ga., Mike Lutzenkirchen and his family returned home from church to find a yellow Post-It note stuck to his front door with instructions to call a 706 area code number.

The voice on the other line introduced himself as the coroner of Troup County Georgia. He confirmed whom he was speaking to and said, “Mr. Lutzenkirchen, there has been an accident, and your son, Philip, is dead.”

Mike says the rest of the conversation included details of the accident that were hard for him and his family to understand. “I asked myself, ‘How could someone so bright make so many careless decisions that ultimately lead to Philip’s death?’”

The next morning, after a sleepless night, Mike went for a run to clear his mind. He took his time and ignored calls and texts from concerned family and friends checking on him. He stopped for coffee at a local shop where he spontaneously began writing words on a napkin that described Philip’s qualities and attributes as a son, a brother, a teammate, a coworker, and a leader.

“I didn’t realize it then, but those words were the beginnings of something important,” he says. “I set the list aside and forgot about it. Then about a week later one of my daughters found the napkin and asked, ‘So, dad, what are you going to do with this?’”

He wasn’t sure, and he prayed that an answer would reveal itself.

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Philip Lutzenkirchen finished his college football career as Auburn’s all-time touchdown reception leader as a tight end with 14 TD catches. He later signed with the St. Louis Rams to achieve his goal of becoming an NFL football player.

Mike started asking family and friends to add their own words to the list. From there, the 43 Lessons to Legacy curriculum was built.

“Each one of these words on our list was authored by someone who knew Philip, including former coaches, friends, and a few celebrities,” Mike says. “These are people who knew Philip’s spirit on and off the football field.”

As word spread about his new initiative, invitations to speak to schools, churches, civic organizations and college and high school football teams came in, and the Lutzie 43 Foundation was born with the motto to “Live Like Lutz, Love Like Lutz, Learn From Lutz.”

43 Key Seconds According to Mike, the Lutzie 43 Foundation now exists solely to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents and the number of deaths caused by unsafe driving.

The mission is to encourage and empower folks to be positive ambassadors for safe driving, carried out through the 43 Key Seconds initiative.

The curriculum teaches drivers young and old to learn from the circumstances that lead to Philip’s death and the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. His message seeks to lead them to become better drivers and develop the positive 28

character aspects that Philip embodied.

And as a physical reminder, the Foundation produces 43 Key Seconds Key lanyards that can be branded with a company’s logo or message.

“The key reminds a driver to take 43 seconds to ensure that they have a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes, and to fasten their seat belt before turning the key to begin their trip,” Mike explains.

people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018 were not in vehicles they were walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle.

Teens are much more likely to drive while distracted either by talking or texting.

According to a recent study by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, those who use cell phones while driving are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as speeding and running red lights. Vehicle crashes are the top cause of preventable death and injury for teens, who are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than adults.

Parents, teachers, coaches and school faculty play crucial roles in preventing distracted and impaired driving by promoting safe driving among teens. Research suggests that showing young people the effects of distracted and impaired driving and educating them on how to avoid it works better to motivate behavioral changes than simply telling them to put away their phones or don’t drink and drive.

Sobering Statistics

Get Involved

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018, more than 2,800 people were killed and an estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver, and about 1 in 5 of the

Mike Lutzenkirchen’s mission to end distracted and impaired driving extends far beyond teen drivers. Every driver, whether they commute to and from work or earn a living as a commercial driver, can benefit A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

from the lessons of when someone chooses to Philip Lutzenkirchen’s drive distracted or imtragic story. paired in a way that truly To spread the word resonates with audiences. with your employees and In this presentation, your community, partner Mike leaves teens with with the 43 Key Seconds the knowledge, resources safe driving initiatives to and tools to motivate educate your staff, drivers them to change their and their families with driving behavior. potentially lifesaving Another way to information. Your leaderpromote safer driving ship can create lasting techniques is to provide and impactful employees, students and partnerships with local other community schools and businesses stakeholders co-branded that will lead to fewer 43 Key Seconds keys accidents and fatalities lanyards. due to teen distracted The 43 Key Seconds and impaired driving, keys can be designed Mike Lutzenkirchen travels the country on behalf and thus, safer roadways. of the Lutzie Foundation to warn others of the with your business logo There are several ways dangers of distracted and impaired driving. or a local school mascot you can connect. First, and the 43 Key Seconds book Mike Lutzenkirchen to deliver his 43 initiative. The idea of these key lanyards is Key Seconds presentation to your group. His to encourage student drivers to place the presentation honestly and courageously key on their keychain or keep it within shares Philip’s life and the fatal car accident sight in their car. The keys serve as a that ended it. constant, physical reminder to drive safely His speech provides helpful tools to preby prompting them to take 43 seconds to vent distracted and impaired driving and the ensure they have a clear head, clear hands, tragic consequences of what can happen clear eyes, and click their seatbelt before

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

operating or riding in a vehicle.

There are already several ATA members actively engaged with the Foundation, including Great Southern Wood Preserving and its transportation wing Greenbush Logistics which has provided co-branded key units to local high schools and has also supported the Foundation’s annual golf tournament; Church Transportation, which invested in co-branded 43 Key units for its drivers; and Boyd Bros. Transportation, which has supported the foundation’s annual golf tournament.

According to Mike, his foundation is working hard to build public awareness, educating and impacting the employees, driving age family members and communities intersecting with Alabama trucking companies.

“I’d love to connect with Alabama’s trucking industry to improve highway safety and save lives,” he said. “Professional truckers are the backbone of our nation. Their expertise on the road and the leadership they display in their communities would be strong allies for Lutzie 43 Foundation’s mission.”

For more information on the Lutzie 43 Foundation, or if you’re interested in partnering your business, please call Mike Lutzenkirchen at 770-565-6494 or visit https://lutzie43.org/become-a-partner/.

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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:

__________________________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________________

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

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY CODE # _________________ Date _________________________

Mbr Type ____________________

Nxt Bill Date __________________

Check # ______________________

Dues Cat _____________________

AL Sen ______________________

Dues Amt ____________________

Freq _________________________

AL Hse ______________________

Mbr Class ____________________

Exp Date _____________________

CG Dist ______________________

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

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021

31

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.

2021 ATA Buyer’s Guide

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

Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have taken an active role in supporting Alabama’s trucking industry by becoming members of the Association. We ask that each time you plan a purchase that you consult this guide and give ATA members the opportunity to gain your business. These companies proudly support your association and deserve your support, as well.

ADVERTISING/PUBLISHING Pitts Media (205) 792-1280 www.pittsmedia.com AUTO DEALER (SERVICE OR REPAIR) Faucett Motors of Boaz, Inc. (256) 593-7162

Premier Trailer Leasing (205) 680-3184 www.premiertrailerleasing.com

BMO Transportation Finance (770) 960-6307 www.BMOTF.com

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

CenterState Bank (205) 422-7111

REPOWR (205) 908-0540 BUS SALES & SERVICE www.repowrtransport.com Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Transportation South, Inc. (205) 663-2287 Southland Transportation Group www.thebuscenter.com (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 Star Leasing Co. www.wardintltrucks.com (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. Trailer Sales of Tennessee A Fleet (334) 693-3318 Equipment Co. www.rushingenterprises.com (615) 259-3301 www.trailersalesoftennessee.com COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC (920) 722-2848 (423) 214-4027 www.jjkellerservices.com www.teleasing.com Netradyne (833) 476-9663 www.netradyne.com

Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC (205) 277-6190 www.vactruckrental.com

Omnitracs, LLC (615) 594-7565 www.omnitracs.com

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING Allison Transmission, Inc. (678) 367-7011

Orbcomm, Inc. (201) 510-0423 www.orbcomm.com

Daehan Solution Alabama, LLC (334) 301-3498

Trimble Transportation (407) 347-5121 www.mobility.trimble.com

DRIVER STAFFING Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com EDUCATION & TRAINING Central Alabama Community College (256) 215-4301 www.cacc.edu 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 TRW Solutions, LLC (251) 362-2275 Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (205) 585-3895 www.infinitiworkforce.com

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

Comdata (615) 376-6917 www.comdata.com Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (704) 731-0031 www.commercialcreditgroup.com Corcentric (856) 406-3745 www.corcentric.com CorpFinancial, LLC (334) 215-4499 www.cfs401k.com Crestmark Bank 615-620-3509 www.crestmark.com Electronic Funds Source, LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com FirstBank (256) 970-1618 www.firstbankonline.com First Horizon Bank (615) 734-6046 www.firsthorizon.com Hancock Whitney Bank (251) 665-1667 www.hancockwhitney.com

IBERIABANK (251) 345-9676 Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing www.IBERIABANK.com (334) 398-1410 People’s Capital & Leasing Corp. www.roadranger.com (205) 856-9354 EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES www.peoples.com Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. People’s United Equipment (800) 844-8277 Finance Corp. www.dothantarp.com (205) 664-9374 www.puefc.com Imperial Supplies LLC (920) 490-6707 PNC Bank N.A. www.imperialsupplies.com (205) 421-2764 www.pnc.com Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems 334/798-0080 ProBilling and Funding Service www.arvinmeritor.com (256) 736-4349 www.probfs.com Paccar Parts/Kenworth (206) 898-5541 Progress Bank www.paccarparts.com (205) 527-5692 www.trpparts.com www.myprogressbank.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. Renasant Bank (251) 653-4716 (334) 301-5955 www.southerntruck.net www.renasantbank.com Star Truck Parts ServisFirst Bank (205) 324-4681 (205) 949-3433 Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-Mobile- www.servisfirstbank.com Montgomery-Chattanooga Trustmark Bank (334) 263-5782 (205) 995-4615 www.midstatetk.com www.trustmark.com W.W. Williams Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (205) 252-9025 (314) 374-2165 (334) 279-6083 www.wellsfargo.com www.wwwilliams.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Byars|Wright Insurance (205) 221-3621 www.byarswright.com Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com Cottingham and Butler (563) 587-5521 www.cottinghambutler.com DMC Insurance, Inc. (317) 436-4909 www.dmcinsurance.com Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. (901) 274-5424 www.farrisevans.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 392-3752 www.gwccnet.com Key Benefit Administrators (317) 284-7753 www.keybenefit.com Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance (251) 473-4600 www.lyonfrycaden.com McGriff Insurance Services (334) 674-9810 www.mcgriffinsurance.com (205) 583-9641 www.mcgriff.com Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 392-3844 www.joemorten.com Palomar Insurance Corp.

(334) 270-0105 www.palomarinsurance.com PR Companies (334) 836-1377 www.partnerwiththeexperts.com Reliance Group, LLC (205) 504-4841 www.reliancegroupins.com Reliance Partners, LLC (877) 668-1704 www.reliancepartners.com Sedgwick (800) 277-7500 www.sedgwick.com Steinhilber & Strawbridge (334) 401-0218 www.sandsinsurance.com TransRisk, LLC (334) 403-4114 www.transriskllc.com TrueNorth Companies (616) 690-5856 www.truenorthcompanies.com

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

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

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of America Merrill Lynch (205) 298-7467 www.fa.ml.com/RPM

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

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

NON-PETROLEUM FUEL PRODUCTS Pivotal LNG (404) 783-3550 www.pivotallng.com PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511 www.davisonoil.com Jack Green Oil Co., Inc. (256) 831-1038 Major Oil Company, Inc. (334) 263-9070 www.unitedfoodandfuel.com Myers Oil Company, Inc. (954) 938-7211 RelaDyne (205) 384-3422 www.reladyne.com Shell Oil Products US (601) 529-7244 www.shell.com W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com

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

Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (251) 650-0861 www.adamsandreese.com Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. 334-387-7680 www.ball-ball.com Bradley Arant (205) 521-8837 www.bradley.com Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson, P.C. (251) 626-9340 www.carrallison.com Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophette, LLP (205) 252-9321 www.constangy.com DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com Ferguson, Frost, Moore & Young LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffmylaw.com Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedman-lawyers.com

(Current as of 8-11-21)

Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org.

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (251) 432-5511 www.handarendall.com

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

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

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

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

Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, P.C. (334) 834-7600 www.hillhillcarter.com

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

Rowe Management Corp.

(205) 486-9235 www.rowemachinery.com

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

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

PrePass (931) 520-7170 www.prepass.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SET Logistics, Inc. (205) 849-6309 www.setlogistics.net

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

Southeast Trailer Mart, Inc. (404) 361-6411 www.stmtrailers.com

Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow, Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com Speegle, Hoffman, Holman & Holifield, LLC (251) 694-1700 www.speeglehoffman.com Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000 www.starneslaw.com Other Services: Allstate Beverage (251) 476-9600 Ext. 1231 AMG Driver Recruitment (256) 683-4499 www.amgdriverrecruitment.com AngelTrax (334) 692-4600 www.angeltrax.com C Cross Logistics, LLC (205) 759-1818 Charity Steel (205) 668-2200 Corporate Billing, LLC (256) 584-3600 www.corpbill.com Davis Direct, Inc. (334) 277-0878 www.davisdirect.com Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (205) 823-4599 www.enterpriseholdings.com Drivewyze (780) 461-3355 www.drivewyze.com J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

Soar Payments LLC (888) 225-9405 https://www.soarpay.com/movingcompany-merchant-account/ Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 664-2000 www.specenviro.com Stamps Transport, LLC (205) 233-5326 www.stampstransport.com Swift Supply, Inc. (251) 929-9399 www.swiftsupply.com Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com TeamOne Logistics (770) 232-9902 www.teamonelogistics.com TMW Systems, Inc. (440) 721-2260 www.tmwsystems.com Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc (205) 226-5500 www.tlsincorp.com Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

Southland Transportation Group TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS (205) 942-6226 Best One Tire & Service www.southlandtransportationgroup.com (615) 244-9611 www.bestonetire.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 Bridgestone Commercial Solutions www.starleasing.com (205) 514-8341 www.commercial.bridgestone.com Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573 Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. www.transportttailercenter.com (334) 376-0178 Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC Columbus Tire Company (334) 794-7345 dba Complete Tire and Service www.utilityalabama.com (706) 321-8133 www.ctstires.com Wabash National Corp.

(270) 206-1877 Continental Tire North America www.wabashnational.com (662) 549-7570 Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc. www.continental-truck.com (205) 238-9277 www.wertswelding.com Love’s Truck Tire Care and Speedco (800) OK-LOVES www.loves.com TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS McGriff Tire Co. Action Truck Center (256) 739-0710 (334) 794-8505 www.mcgrifftire.com www.actiontruckcenter.com McGriff Treading Co., Inc. (256) 734-4298 www.mcgriffindustries.com Michelin North America (859) 661-0855 www.michelintruck.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 www.birminghamframe@gmail.com Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 www.childersburg-truck.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 Dorsey Trailer, LLC (334) 897-2525 www.dorseytrailer.net

Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM Environmental, Inc. (205) 986-0270 www.pmenv.com Porter Billing Services LLC (205) 397-4079 www.porterbillingservices.com

Alabama Freightliner (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer (334) 262-8856 www.capitalvolvo.com Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com Daimler Trucks NA LLC (803) 554-4831 www.freightliner.com Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com Fitzgerald Peterbilt (205) 379-8300 www.fitzgeraldpeterbilt.com Four Star Freightliner (Dothan) (334) 793-4455 www.fourstarfreightliner.com Four Star Freightliner (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) www.fourstarfreightliner.com Long Lewis Western Star (205) 428-0161 www.longlewistrucks.com Mack Trucks, Inc. (678) 201-4770 www.macktrucks.com Navistar (813) 382-3113 www.internationaldelivers.com

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com Trojan Industries, Inc. dba Lyncoach Truck Bodies (334) 566-4330 www.lyncoach.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) 508-4950 www.volvotrucks.volvo.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERS Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com TRUCKSTOPS Love’s Travel Stops, Inc. (904) 738-4019 www.loves.com Pilot Flying J Centers (865) 207-3874 www.pilotflyingj.com TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (678) 591-4675 www.Ta-Petro.com

VEHICLE LEASING Penske Truck Leasing (757) 603-2853 www.gopenske.com Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtransportationgroup.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

ATA

NEW MEMBERS & EVENTS

New Members 6-1-21 through 8-26-21 Alignment Simple Solutions Pelham, Ala. A. Tess Winningham

Georgia Freightmaster, Inc. Houston, Miss.

Jack Pumphrey

Arvest Equipment Finance Ft. Smith, Ark. Eric Johnston

Locomation Pittsburgh, Pa. Finch Fulton

Bradley Arant Birmingham, Ala. Dave Stewart Fifth Third Bank Atlanta, Ga. Darnell Jennings

Pyles Transport, Inc. Nashville, Tenn.

Terry Chaffin

The National Transportation Institute Mankato, Minn.

Leah Shaver

REPOWR Birmingham, Ala. Patrick Visintainer

Tingley Trucking, LLC Brookwood, Ala. Zachary Dunn

Rickie Lawade Trucking, LLC Phenix City, Ala. Ashley Snead

MAC LTT Kent, Ohio Kevin Akins Mid Star Express, Inc. Toxey, Ala. Lyle Broughton

Talent Recruiting Partners, LLC Birmingham, Ala. Emily Anastasia

Waymo Mountain View, Calif.

Aidan Ali-Sullivan Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc. Birmingham, Ala. Travis Cross

Tyler Logistics, LLC Tyler, Ala. John Skelton Wabash National Corp.

Lafayette, Ind. Al Cox

Events Please note: Due to restrictions on large gatherings caused by the coronavirus pandemic, event locations and dates are subject to change. Please contact Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabama trucking.org or visit www.alabamatrucking.org for updates and changes.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 12-18, 2021 Nationwide

82nd ATA Annual Convention September 23-26, 2021 Destin, Fla.

American Trucking Associations MC&E October 23-27, 2021 Nashville, Tenn.

SMMC Combined Chapters Meeting September 15, 2021 Montgomery, Ala.

SMMC South District Roadside Inspection October 14, 2021 Location TBA

ATA SMMC Holiday Celebration December 13, 2021 Pelham, Ala.

A

D V E R T I S I N G

ADVERTISER 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.

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

36

I

N D E X

PG. NO.

PH. NO.

Assured Partners

20

(888) 385-0186

www.turnerhamrick.com

ATA Comp Fund

BC

(334) 834-7911

www.atacompfund.org

The Baxter Agency

16

(800) 873-8494

www.baxteragency.com

Birmingham Freightliner

WEB ADDRESS

IBC

(205) 322-6695

www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Corp Financial

30

(334) 215-4499

www.corpfinancial.com

Great West Casualty

7

(800) 228-8053

www.gwccnet.com

International Trucks

IFC

(800) 844-4102

www.navistar.com

McGriff Insurance

29

(334) 674-9803

www.McGriffInsurance.com

McGriff Tire

12

(334) 674-9803

www.McGriffInsurance.com

Nextran Truck Center

9

(800) 292-8685

www.nextrancorp.com

Palomar Insurance

13

(800) 489-0105

www.palomarins.com

R.E. Garrison

11

(800) 643-3472

www.regarrison.com

Southern Tire Mart

17

(877) STM-TIRE

Southland Transportation Group

24

(205) 254-1821 southlandtransportationgroup.com

Truckworx Kenworth

21

(800) 444-6170

www.truckworx.com

WH Thomas Oil Co.

18-19

(205) 755-2610

www.thomasoil.com

STMTires.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021