HOW TRACY RUSHING OF RE GARRISON TRUCKING TURNED AN ENTRY-LEVEL TRUCKING JOB INTO A TRAILBLAZING CAREER. CREATING PATHWAYS TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRUCKING PROFESSIONALS.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Shaping Trucking’s Future Workforce
The Alabama Trucking Foundation’s new My Trucking Future campaign aims to attract top talent to high-demand trucking careers by simplifying training pathways, dispelling industry misconceptions, and showcasing lucrative opportunities in driving and diesel technician roles.
A Future Transformed
Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison Trucking, turned an entry-level trucking job into a trailblazing career, earning the 2024 Women in Trucking Influential Woman Award. Her journey, shaped by hard work, faith, and mentorship, highlights her dedication to advancing opportunities for women in the trucking industry.
Heartburn By The Numbers
ATRI’s 2024 Top Industry Issues Report illuminates the critical challenges facing the trucking industry. Among them are economic pressures, escalating insurance costs, a persistent shortage of truck parking, and the growing impact of lawsuit abuse. For truckers in Alabama, priorities include addressing nuclear verdicts, cutting costs, enhancing driver retention, and resolving the ongoing parking crisis.
DEPARTMENTS
4
10
12
OPENING REMARKS
Driving Alabama’s Future: Why The ATA Foundation Needs You Now More
Than Ever
Alabama’s trucking industry is at a crossroads. As the backbone of our state’s economy and a critical piece of our nation’s infrastructure, trucking keeps our communities connected and goods moving. But we face a significant challenge: attracting and preparing the next generation of drivers, diesel technicians, and industry leaders to ensure a thriving future.
As you’ll read in the ensuing pages, the recently launched My Trucking Future (MTF) initiative is more than a rebrand of the Foundation’s earlier workforce development efforts. It represents a bold, strategic push to promote the incredible opportunities available in trucking while tackling the barriers that keep too many Alabamians from exploring these careers. MTF aims to connect job seekers with high-demand positions, from the open road as drivers to technical roles as diesel technicians. This initiative is not just about filling jobs — it’s about reshaping perceptions and creating a workforce prepared for tomorrow.
ATA President Mark Colson puts it best: “This program is the crucial next step to connect job seekers to high-demand trucking jobs while showcasing the safety, professionalism, and opportunities that define our community.”
Trucking has been a reliable source of stable, well-paying careers for decades. Yet, challenges remain. An aging work-
force, barriers to entry for younger workers, the underrepresentation of women, and the lifestyle demands of the job are just a few hurdles we must overcome. In addition to the impacts of lawsuit abuse, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the increasing demand for transportation services, it’s clear that we need transformative solutions now.
MTF builds on the success of our prior campaigns by leveraging new branding, storytelling, and partnerships to enhance workforce development. Through our members’ support and the work of our Alabama Road Team, the Foundation has already strengthened ties with Alabama’s educational system, particularly the state’s community colleges. These partnerships are crucial for training and recruiting future trucking professionals, providing clear pathways into the industry, and ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet evolving demands.
But we can’t stop there. Our industry’s challenges require not just good ideas but robust action — and that action requires resources. That’s where you come in.
In 2018, ATA Chairman Terry Kilpatrick envisioned a Foundation to transform the trucking industry by improving its public image, safety training, and workforce development. Since then, it has driven positive change through community outreach, scholarships, and safe driving advocacy. Recently, part-
nerships with stakeholders helped create a research-based recruitment program and sustainable fundraising model.
I am grateful to the exceptional leaders who steer our foundation with vision and dedication. Our Foundation Vice President, Daniel Wright, Treasurer, Kevin Savoy, and Secretary, Mark Colson, along with our Board Members at Large — Terry Kilpatrick, Susan Kirkpatrick, Andrew Linn, Jerry Kocan, and Todd Hager — play a pivotal role in advancing our mission.
I commend the Alabama Trucking TITANS, whose support has driven our mission forward. Together, we’ve made remarkable progress. If you’re reading this, you’re already a part of Alabama’s trucking community. You understand the stakes. Now is the time to invest in the future of your industry by supporting the ATA Foundation and its groundbreaking initiatives like MTF. Becoming a TITAN isn’t just about writing a check — it’s about standing together to ensure our industry thrives. Your support can make all the difference. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.alabamatrucking. org/becomeatitan.
Chris Cooper President Alabama Trucking Association Foundation
FUTURE Shaping Trucking’s
Workforce
ATA’s new My Trucking Future initiative represents the crucial next steps to demystify training and certification pathways for the next generation of trucking professionals.
By Ford Boswell
“Find your purpose, discover your potential, and be part of something bigger than yourself as a commercial driver or diesel technician in Alabama. Drive your future forward! Find it in trucking!”
That’s the new elevator pitch from the Alabama Trucking Foundation’s revamped industry workforce development campaign, My Trucking Future (MTF), now accessible at www.mytruckingfuture.com. The initiative launched earlier this fall to promote industry jobs and clarify and cultivate career pathways for the next generation of trucking professionals.
According to ATA leaders, MTF refocuses the Foundation’s mission to strengthen and enhance partnerships to create more direct inroads and connections for job seekers to the state’s education system, particularly with the state community college system. Building on previous workforce development campaigns, MTF renews and sharpens the message with new branding and storytelling created by the ATA team, under the direction of Director of Advocacy & Marketing Josh Vaughn, who redesigned and rebranded the new resources. This effort has integrated valuable assets with the strong partnerships established with the community college system — a relationship that has thrived throughout this process.
ATA President & CEO Mark Colson says that with the introduction of My Trucking Future, state trucking leaders are taking steps to ensure that the industry is attracting the best people while providing excellent career training and opportunities.
“By expanding our reach and influence, providing a comprehensive resource for aspiring diesel technicians, professional drivers, and industry advocates, this platform will not only highlight the opportunities within our industry but also reinforce the safety and professionalism that define our community,” he says. “This program is the crucial next step to demystify vocational training and certification pathways to connect job seekers to high-demand trucking jobs.”
And it’s gaining attention. Lindsey Trent, Co-founder and President of the Next Generation in Trucking Association praises the ATA Foundation’s efforts, “The Alabama Trucking Association through its ATA Foundation is leading the way in workforce development among state trucking associations,” she says. “Under Mark Colson and his team of visionary leaders, the Foundation has made incredible strides in connecting the next generation to career pathways in trucking through initiatives like MyTruckingFuture.com. Their additional work with the FFA Foundation, along with a commitment to career technical education, is driving significant investments in schools and teachers that teach CDL and diesel tech training. The ATA Foundation’s work is a testament to its dedication to fostering a sustainable future for the trucking industry and empowering individuals to build rewarding careers.”
Gary Weaver, the Regional Director of Workforce and Economic Development for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), says when he first met with ATA leaders in 2022 to discuss
Lindsey Trent, Next Generation in Trucking Assoc.
Gary Weaver, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
Catherine Clements of the the Real Faces of Alabama Trucking campaign.
BUILDING A FOUNDATION
In 2018, the Alabama Trucking Association, led by then Chairman of the Board and CEO of Billy Barnes Enterprises, Terry Kilpatrick, established the Alabama Trucking Association Foundation to strengthen and foster the trucking industry’s public image, increase safety training and improve workforce development efforts.
The Foundation’s core mission is to support and advance the trucking in-
ATA leaders embarked on forging partnerships with business leaders and the community college network within the state, aiming to collaborate with educational institutions that offer training for truck drivers and diesel technicians.
While ATA’s workforce efforts have evolved, the essence of creating a straightforward path for individuals interested in pursuing careers as large commercial vehicle drivers or diesel
ATA Titan, Susan Kirkpatrick speaks at a professional development seminar
dustry through education, safety initiatives, and community outreach. The programs it supports promote a better understanding of the trucking industry’s contributions to the state’s economy and enhance the industry’s image. This includes providing scholarships, advocating for safe driving practices, and fostering a positive relationship between the trucking industry and the public.
In order to fund these aggressive foundation goals, a group of high-level donors called the Alabama Trucking TITANS was established.
“As the driving force behind our efforts, the steadfast support of our TITANS has been instrumental in shaping the future of Alabama’s trucking industry in many ways,” says Colson. “Their commitment to excellence and passion for workforce development has allowed us to elevate our previous effort to new heights with My Trucking Future.”
Having set the groundwork and established a sustainable funding source,
technicians has remained the goal of a prolonged effort. This initiative is designed to cultivate a future pipeline of exceptional candidates for trucking companies throughout Alabama.
“When I first started working in this industry, I asked any truck driver I met, ‘How did you get into trucking?’” Colson says. “What I discovered is that although there are numerous entry points into the industry, there lacks a definitive path from training to employment. The leading goal of our Association and the companies we represent has been to partner with the community college system to show job seekers the gateways to training and education needed for high-paying trucking careers.”
ATA is now concentrating on creating a robust coalition of educational and business partners. This marks the beginning of a new phase aimed at cultivating a sustainable and highly skilled workforce to meet the evolving needs of the trucking sector.
the industry’s workforce development needs, he recognized the importance of the mission.
“I could tell right away that Mark and Terry have huge hearts for the people of the trucking industry, and they offered to assist us by utilizing their networks to help our programs,” Weaver says. “And one of the (tactics) they had in mind was a meeting to bring everyone together to enhance the communication channels between instructors and leaders in the trucking industry to improve and increase training programs.”
He said ATA leaders wanted to bring together diesel tech and CDL instructors for professional development and networking with the industry. ACCS officials agreed, and they got to work building an agenda and making plans for a gathering that would bring in instructors from its community colleges across the state to network with the state’s trucking sector and regulatory agencies. The gathering could strengthen bonds and open more channels of communication, which could lead to innovation and growth.
“We wanted the instructors to understand that the entire trucking community supports their work and to also give them an opportunity to hear directly from businesses about the demand for skilled workers as in how and what they are trained,” says Weaver. “Mark and (ATA’s Senior Advisor for Safety and Compliance) Tim Frazier pledged to bring in business owners and regulatory officials to the meeting to serve as presenters and potential partners in the growth and development of our programs.”
The Summit would also pro-
vide networking opportunities between educators, trucking leaders, regulatory officials, and actual business leaders to discover ways the groups could be mutually beneficial to each other.
The result was ACCS’s first CDL & Diesel Dynamics Summit in 2023 in Prattville, Ala. with the help of Alabama Trucking, ALEA, FMCSA, and
as log books and the changing entry-level driver training requirements. We wanted to make sure that they got full exposure to the people (and organizations) they work with on a day-to-day basis.”
Industry stakeholders and community colleges collaborated to align workforce preparation with industry needs. Weaver emphasized
“This program is the crucial next step to demystify vocational training and certification pathways to connect job seekers to high-demand trucking jobs.”
Southland Transportation Group, which hosted dozens of CDL and diesel tech instructors, putting them in direct contact with the organizations that will benefit from their programs. Another event took place this past summer, once again with the support of ATA leaders.
“That initial (event) was extremely successful in showing our instructors that their concerns were being heard,” Weaver says. “For some, it was probably the first time in their careers that they felt that way. They had the opportunity to ask questions about technical items such
thanking industry partners for their support while learning what skills employers seek in graduates. The goal is to ensure students are fully qualified and ready to meet workforce demands.
MEETING THE DEMAND
With trucking’s critical role in the national economic and service infrastructure, reliable and futurefocused men and women are in high demand among many industryrelated career fields. Professional drivers and diesel technicians con-
THE NEXT PHASE
MyTruckingFuture.com is now live, complemented by targeted digital advertising, and serves as a vital resource for those exploring a career in the trucking industry. Whether you’re interested in becoming a professional truck driver or pursuing a role as a skilled service technician, the platform provides helpful information, guidance, and tools to get you started on the right path. It’s designed to simplify your journey into these rewarding careers by offering insights into training, job opportunities, and industry requirements.
Heading into 2025, more marketing campaigns will launch on various digital platforms and publications, reaching audiences through targeted promotions, social media promotions, and engaging content designed to maximize visibility and impact. The program can be scalable depending on timing and specific needs, too. Over
the next few months, ATA leaders plan to thoroughly investigate and analyze the impact of this strategic shift on the overall efforts.
In the meantime, ATA’s marketing team is already recruiting dynamic young industry professionals who are making waves in their field. These young
Real Face of Alabama Trucking continues to grow.
Andrew Gaddis is a diesel technition for BRW.
professionals will share their inspiring success stories, highlight their achievements, and motivate others with their journey to success.
ATA Foundation President Chris Cooper explains that My Trucking Future builds on the success of previous campaigns by introducing fresh branding, compelling storytelling, and strategic partnerships to strengthen workforce development efforts.
“Thanks to the groundwork laid, support from our members, and the work of our Alabama Road Team, the Foundation has already strengthened its ties with Alabama’s educational system, particularly the state’s community colleges,” he says. “These partnerships are crucial for training and recruiting fu-
MyTruckingFuture.com ads are already being placed in strategic locations with more to follow.
ture trucking professionals, providing clear pathways into the industry, and ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet evolving demands. But we can’t stop there. Our industry’s challenges require not just good ideas but robust action — and that action requires resources.”
sistently rank among the industry’s most sought-after and highly paid positions.
However, the trucking industry has faced significant growth challenges due to a high demand for workers, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. A shortage of qualified personnel to occupy crucial roles, ranging from truck cabs to maintenance shops and office positions, has limited capacity and constrained expansion and profitability.
Some estimates have placed the need for commercial drivers, particularly into the tens of thousands even with recent cooling freight markets.
Although the recent slowdown in freight markets has eased the urgency of securing qualified drivers, trucking executives still ranked driver shortages as the third most critical issue in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2024 Top Issues Survey. To combat that, business owners emphasize effectively conveying that the trucking industry is actively recruiting is the best way forward and clarifying the process of becoming a truck driver or service technician will help attract new talent.
When it comes to answering why it’s difficult to attract new workers, demographics tell the story best. Trucking’s hiring issues stem from a complex mix of factors, experts say.
These include 1) An aging workforce, with the average age of new drivers around 39 years old; 2) Barriers that deter younger individuals from entering the field, such as age restrictions for commercial motor vehicle operation and limitations on interstate travel; 3) A significant underrepresentation of women, fueled by stereotypes, safety concerns, and other barriers; and 4) Lifestyle challenges associated with the job, including extended time away from family, stringent regulations, the adoption of new technologies, and suboptimal working conditions.
These issues also create perceptions and biases toward the industry that prevent it from showcasing its many positive attributes.
According to ATA leaders, part of My Trucking Future’s embedded messaging seeks to dispel misconceptions and tell the industry story in compelling, real-world ways that strengthen the industry’s image and its growth potential for a long, lucrative career.
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FEATURE ARTICL E A FUTURE TRANSFORMED
BY FORD BOSWELL
Tracy Rushing wasn’t looking for a career when at 19 years old she started working at a scale house for a local trucking company. Back then, she just needed a regular paycheck that paid the bills. Over time, what she found, however, were ample opportunities to learn and grow in an industry often overlooked by many young people, especially women.
Working in a male-dominated industry wasn’t easy, she admits, and after many years of working hard, believing in herself, and staying strong in her faith – and some thoughtful mentoring from a few other strong women she met along the way –she’s now among the most respected leaders in the business, as evidenced by her recently being tapped for the Women in Trucking Association’s 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking Award presented by Daimler Truck North America at the group’s annual Accelerate! Conference and Expo held on November 10-13 in Dallas.
Ms. Rushing is the Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison Trucking in Vinemont, Ala., where she works alongside her team to support their fleet of over 850 drivers.
As part of the WIT ceremony, Ms. Rushing participated in a panel discussion with her fellow nominees entitled “Becoming an Influential Woman in Trucking,” which concluded with the announcement of her winning the award. The award recognizes the achievements of female role models and trailblazers in the trucking industry.
During her acceptance speech, Ms. Rushing encouraged the audience to find their “why” in the industry but added that
How an entry-level job gave a promising young woman, opportunities, skills and a pathway to a long, successful career.
the award wasn’t just hers alone. “This is an honor for all women in trucking who paved the way for a stronger, more diverse industry,” she told the group, “It belongs to all the women who have paved the way and continue to push our industry forward. I’m just proud to be a part of this community of strong, dedicated women who work tirelessly to keep America moving. We’re all in this together, and I’m thankful every day that I get to be a trucker.”
Each year, Women In Trucking names a leader in the industry who demonstrates remarkable grit, talent, and passion to advance opportunities for women in trucking.
Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO said in a release, “We’re thrilled to give this honor to Tracy. (Her) commitment to this profession and desire to mentor future leaders is an example for all of us.”
Earlier this year, Ms. Rushing was also named the Safety Professional of the Year Runner-Up at the ATA Safety & Maintenance Management Council’s Fleet Safety Awards.
She is also an active member and leader of several industry organizations, including the Society of Human Resources Management, the Truckload Carriers Association, and Alabama Trucking’s SMMC. She serves on the Risk Management Advisory Committee of the ATA Comp Fund,
and the Women In Trucking Membership Committee and is the chair of TCA’s Safety, Recruiting and Retention Committee.
Finding Her Path
Ms. Rushing says that having finished her junior high and high school education as a full-time boarding student at French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered boarding school in Mississippi that caters to at-risk junior high and high school kids, is one of the reasons she is uniquely qualified for a career in trucking. She flourished there, graduated, and later enrolled at Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss, and her years of living as a boarding student developed her to acclimate to new people and challenges quickly.
During her sophomore year at Belhaven, she reconnected with her schoolgirl crush, Tim Rushing, an industrial electrician in the poultry industry, and whose family was involved in trucking. Growing up she never considered trucking or its contributions to her life. After meeting Tim, she realized just how deeply it touches everything in our daily lives and also many individuals who have built long, successful careers in the industry.
Soon after their first date, she decided to take a break from her college studies,
move home, and find a job. In the next several years she and Tim married and had their son, Tate. As she puts it, “We were young and dumb and had to learn to lean on our trucking family.” What she discovered, however, was a realm of opportunities she had never imagined professionally and personally.
She started her career at the scale house at a trucking operation in her hometown of Forest, Miss., and worked her way to leading safety efforts for one of the region’s top carriers.
“(Trucking) has always afforded me the opportunity and a fair wage and early in my career that was what attracted me to it,” she says. “When I started my career, I was the only woman working in the truck yard for the company. I had to learn a lot on the job, and it was hard for me at times, but I have worked in the industry ever since. It’s been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
She admits she struggled at times, but those struggles were born from her own insecurities. Fortunately, there were a few special people to push her, some even became life-long mentors who helped her overcome self-doubt.
“The most special to me was (the late) Ms. Marti Wall who I worked with very early on,” she explains. “I remember she told me that she would always put me in a position to grow but would never do the work for me. She trusted me and only offered advice when I asked. She taught me not to get outworked or out-toughed and to believe in myself. I always appreciated that.
“There were others later on who gave me opportunities to grow professionally, such as my current leader at RE Garrison, Steve Hewitt, who has been so supportive, as have the owners, Wyles Griffith and Donovon Lovell, and the rest of my team. Also, my work with Tim Frazier and the ATA community has been important to my development. I owe all these great folks a huge debt of gratitude.”
She adds that the weeks leading up to the award ceremony were gratifying because she was asked to give a presentation on her career, or as the WIT folks called it, “sharing HERstory.”
“It allowed me to pause and reflect on all I have accomplished, how I got here, and how I can give back to other young women,” she says. “But this award has also shown me what working in this industry is really about, creating opportunities for our drivers to return as good or better than they left. One of the things we say at RE Garrison is, ‘In trucking, there are really only two jobs: You’re driving the truck or supporting the person that drives the truck.’ It’s really that simple. My entire career has been about providing my drivers with the resources they need to do their jobs efficiently and safely. My passion has always been about supporting (them). It’s what keeps me going.”
Tracy Rushing is the Women in Trucking Association’s 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking Award recipient.
Ms. Rushing received the Influential Woman in Trucking Award at the WIT’s Accelerate! Conference and Expo.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Rushing inspired the audience to discover their personal “why” within the industry.
INDUSTRY ISSSUES
HEARTBURN BY THE NUMBERS
In October, the American Transportation Research Institute, the trucking industry’s not-for-profit research organization, released its 2024 Top Industry Issues Report, identifying the leading industry concerns.
More than 3,700 trucking industry stakeholders participated in this year’s survey, including motor carriers, truck drivers, industry suppliers, driver trainers, and law enforcement among other groups.
In a challenging economic and political climate, the trucking industry faces a myriad of challenges, and the survey’s results shed light on the most pressing issues affecting local truckers and outline actionable strategies for improvement. Issues and strategies are listed in order as ranked by respondents to the survey, with
results being released last October at the American Trucking Associations’s MC&E in Nashville, Tenn.
For the second year in a row, the state of the nation’s economy was the top-ranked industry issue with respondents stating they are worried over rising operational costs with the lingering freight recession and declining freight rates. ATRI’s annual Operational Costs of Trucking report found that industry costs have jumped by over 22% in the past two years — the biggest increase in the report’s 16-year history.
A lack of available truck parking retained the No. 2 ranking, and the proliferation of nuclear verdicts rose to No. 3. Insurance cost and availability, gained eight spots to No. 4, and driver compensation rounded out the top five.
The continued focus on transitioning the nation’s truck fleet to battery-electric — and the aggressive timelines and high cost for doing so — drove batteryelectric vehicles into the No. 6 spot, up four from last year’s survey.
Meanwhile, the final three spots included the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance Safety Accountability safety measurement program, detention/delay at customer facilities, the driver shortage and driver distraction, respectively.
“Without question, this has been another tough year for the trucking industry,” said Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking President and a member of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee. “Our costs continued to climb while freight demand
Trucking’s non-profit research group recently dropped its annual Top Concerns survey with a few surprises and a slew of the same concerns. Alabama truckers were salty over cost-related issues such as lawsuit abuse reform, economic regulation, insurance, and driver retention.
ALABAMA’S TOP INDUSTRY CONCERNS WITH SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
1. Lawsuit Abuse Reform
Promote state-level reform to cap damages paid to plaintiffs in truck-involved crashes.
Advocate for elimination of “phantom” medical damages.
Quantify the impact of third-party litigation funding on trial outcomes.
2. Economy
Identify and promote reforming/repealing ineffective and burdensome regulations that increase industry costs without providing benefits.
Push for renewing the 2017 Federal income and corporate tax cuts set to expire in 2025.
3. Insurance Cost / Availability
Educate the public on the role of lawsuit abuse in increasing consumer prices and insurance costs.
Develop a framework for potential upfront insurance premium reductions when drivers and carriers adopt proven safety technologies.
4. Truck Parking
Encourage local and regional governments to reduce the regulatory burdens limiting the construction and expansion of truck parking facilities.
Support state DOT applications for U.S. DOT grants to expand truck parking.
Advocate for a dedicated federal funding program to increase truck parking capacity at freight-critical locations.
5. Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
struggled. But each year we can count on ATRI’s analysis to not only quantify the issues, but more importantly, what we can collectively do as an industry to address each.”
State Numbers
ATRI’s Alabama report identified ten critical areas of concern, based on Alabama-based respondents to the national survey. Alabama’s top concerns focus on several key issues, including the survey’s top issue result: reforming lawsuit abuse to protect trucking businesses. Following that, respondents want an emphasis on eliminating ineffective economic regu-
Advocate for FMCSA to speed up the DataQ process by improving internal processes for reviewing Request for Data Reviews (RDRs).
Work with FMCSA to update its carrier prioritization methodology, improve accuracy, continuously review and evaluate crash preventability factors, and enhance transparency in CSA.
Encourage FMCSA to review and address enforcement disparities / geographic variations in enforcement between states and local jurisdictions that impact CSA scores, which may unfairly penalize carriers based solely on where they operate.
6. Driver Retention
Quantify and promote the retention strategies of carriers that continuously experience low driver turnover. Evaluate the impact of truck driver benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits, on driver retention.
Research the primary factors behind drivers leaving trucking careers.
7. Driver Shortage
Advocate for expanding interstate CDL eligibility to 18-20-year-old drivers.
Support an industry-funded outreach program to improve the trucking industry’s image.
Examine potential new pathways into truck driving careers for under-represented populations including military veterans, inner-city youth, young adults aging out of foster care, and formerly incarcerated individuals, among others.
8. Fuel Prices
Advocate for federal policies and actions that help stabilize the supply of fuel and minimize price increases. Research potential factors that may be affecting fuel availability and pricing volatility. • Quantify the impact of alternative and renewable fuel sources on motor carrier operational costs.
Advocate for a new funding program to focus federal resources on truck bottlenecks along major freight corridors.
Develop national guidance for a potential mileage-based user fee system to ensure that collection costs are minimized, policies are consistent between states, and rates do not discriminate against trucking operations.
10. Detention / Delay at Customer Facilities
Advocate for guaranteed detention pay after a truck driver is detained for one hour or more at customer facilities.
Educate customers on providing safe, onsite truck parking when drivers are detained for two hours.
lations and addressing rising insurance costs through public education. Additionally, local governments are encouraged to facilitate truck parking construction, while strategies to improve driver retention and attract new talent are highlighted. ATRI officials urge stakeholders to advocate for federal policies to stabilize fuel prices and secure funding for transportation infrastructure, alongside pushing for guaranteed detention pay to enhance driver satisfaction.
ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501c3 not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.
TRUCKING INDUSTRY
ROUNDUP
Alabama trucking companies honored for Texas wildfire relief efforts
In October, the American trucking industry gathered in Nashville for the American Trucking Associations’ annual Management Conference & Exposition (MC&E), one of the highlights for the Alabama Trucking family was recognizing three Alabama carriers as Transport Topics’s “Trucking Frontline Heroes.”
According to media reports, the tally for lost cattle was $27 million, along with $26 million worth of damage to grazing areas that could no longer be used to feed the surviving livestock. The lives of those cattle, and some horses, rested in the ability to get hay to the affected area.
Responding to a call from Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Alabama Trucking Association CEO Mark
Colson reached out to his members seeking help to deliver massive loads of local hay donated by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association to Texas cattle farmers.
“Our team reached out to our members for help, and within hours, representatives from several Alabama companies, including DMT Trucking, PS Logistics and Boyd Bros. Transportation, stepped up to assist. In no time, they turned what seemed impossible into a reality,” Colson recalled. “In my time working in this industry, I have learned truckers have huge hearts. I always like to say that through crisis or Christmas, truckers always deliver for America. They certainly did in this case, and these trucking companies, along with Commissioner Pate and the Alabama Cattlemen, are the true heroes of this story for their quick action and service.”
Over several weeks, the three Alabama trucking companies coordinated and
transported 27 shipments of hay — totaling hundreds of round bales — directly to the Texas Panhandle. Per the Alabama Dept. of Agriculture & Industries, it was enough to feed about 5,400 head of cattle.
“I grew up on a farm, and my dad was a cattle farmer and peanut farmer. Because I grew up this way, I have a deep understanding and empathy for our farmers and farming community and how critical this is to the lifeblood of our country,” said Chris Cooper, CEO of Boyd Cos., the parent company of Boyd Bros. Transportation Inc. “Truckers and farmers are the backbone of this country,” Cooper said. “I was happy to volunteer our resources to help those in need. This made 100% sense to me.”
“Several of our team either grew up on farms or are part-time farmers themselves, so they felt an immediate calling to jump in and help,” said Harold Smith, group president of DMT Trucking, SEL Transportation and Shelton Trucking. “Some of our drivers and contractors, along with several of our office staff, have family members who own farms. We view farmers as a huge part of the backbone of our country.”
He added, “Even though we were assisting another state, it felt like a problem that was very close to home.” DMT operates 375 tractors and 500 open-deck 53-foot trailers across the lower 48 states. It employs 370 drivers.
“PS Logistics has several terminals in Texas, and one of those locations was close to the impacted wildfire area in Texas,” he noted. “We are always willing to lend a hand for those in need. We have a bond with the farmers and ranchers in these small communities.”
Harold Smith noted the operation had unique challenges, including getting the hay to some small, rural farms across Alabama and Texas. “This was far different from the massive steel and building material locations we are used to loading,” he said. “It required considerable communication from our office staff, the driver, the Alabama committee for agriculture’s team, the shipping farmer and the receiving farmer. It all went smoothly, but it required more coordination than most flatbed orders.”
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An unidentified truck driver from DMT Trucking in Birmingham preparing a load of emergency hay headed to Texas.
ATA leaders make a ‘Call on Washington’
With the election concluded and significant changes expected in the nation’s political landscape, ATA leaders journeyed to Washington D.C. in November to engage with state congressional members and advocate for the trucking industry’s agenda for the upcoming year.
Their itinerary included a tour of the Senate and House Galleries, followed by a working lunch and listening session with staffers from several U.S. House representatives, including Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Dale Strong, Rep. Mike D. Rogers, Rep. Jerry Carl, and Rep. Terri Sewell, along with insights from the American Trucking Associations’ lobbying team. Additionally, they conducted one-on-one meetings with Sen. Katie Britt and had dinner with Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
The 48-hour whirlwind trip concluded with industry policy updates and discussions led by Chris Spear and his team at the National ATA headquarters, alongside political commentary and evaluation from Rob Engstrom, President of the American Free Enterprise Chamber.
ATA leaders making the trip were Joe Black, Chairman, Alabama Trucking, McGriff Tire Co.; Greg Brown, PAC Chairman, Alabama Trucking TRUK PAC, BRW; Mark Colson, Alabama Trucking; Steve Johnson, Action Resources; Susan Kirkpatrick, Buddy Moore Trucking; Ben Leach, Pinnacle Financial; Barry McGriff, McGriff Tire Co.; Tommy Neely, Ross Neely Systems; Harold Sumerford, J&M Tank Lines; José Samperio, Cummins Inc.; Krista Toenjes, Cummins; Josh Vaughn, Alabama Trucking; and Daniel Wright, Wright Transportation.
That included coordinating with two state agriculture departments, staging trucks to retrieve the hay and determining transport regulations to the disaster area. There also was a learning curve for dealing with the bales, Cooper noted, as a single hay bale measures 5 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
“The size of the hay bales and weight of the loads were our biggest challenges,” he said. “Trying to understand how many bales we could haul and the appropriate way to secure the loads were some of the early challenges. After a few loads were done, we streamlined the process.”
Despite the challenges, Cooper says the Alabama trucking community rallied around the effort. “The level of dedication, empathy and willingness to help from our trucking community was overwhelming,” he said. “This warmed my heart and renewed my faith in humanity — for people to help those who are truly struggling,” he said. “To me, doing the right thing for the right reason is a way of life, and a code we all should live by. But how it has been received has been uplifting.”
He encouraged the rest of the industry to similarly respond when calls for help arise during crises.
“It’s always worth helping others in need for a worthy cause,” Cooper said. “Sometimes, in the world that we live in, the right thing is hard to delineate. But I would challenge every trucker out there to really do a deep soul search. If they think it’s the right thing to do or if it’s helping someone in need, then it certainly has value,” he said. “I hope and pray that everyone knows that trucking and farming are the backbone of this country. Trucking makes this country and moves this country forward.”
“The truckloads of hay from Alabama were indicative of how so many answered the call for help,” said Texas Farm Bureau communications director Gary Joiner, who helped coordinate the effort. “Donations at the supply points were critical in the days and weeks following the fire as survival transitioned into recovery. The generosity of Alabama truckers was greatly appreciated.”
“Truckers keep America moving to supply our needs, but the timeliness of delivery doesn’t usually mean life and death,” Harold Smith noted. “In this instance, it was truly a life-and-death situation for the cattle in Texas.”
Election results bring promising news for the trucking industry
As the dust settles, a more thoughtful analysis of last month’s Election Day results and their implications for the trucking industry is emerging.
While pundits spent the days before the election handwringing over polling errors, demographic trends, and voter sentiment, the American Trucking Associations assessed what the new political landscape could mean for trucking and acted
From left to right, Mark Colson, Krista Toenjes, Barry McGriff, Susan Kirkpatrick, Harold Sumerford, Joe Black, Daniel Wright, Tommy Neely, Steve Johnson, Ben Leach, Greg Brown, José Samperio, and Josh Vaughn.
quickly. In a webinar hosted days after the election, ATA Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer Ed Gilroy, Senior VP of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom, and Senior VP of Regulatory & Safety Policy Dan Horvath broke down the results and what they’re anticipating in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Here’s what they think will happen:
President Trump is returning to the White House following a convincing victory. He won nearly all battleground states and increased support amongst key demographics compared to his 2020 performance. In contrast, Vice President Harris struggled to match the levels of support President Biden achieved four years ago.
The Senate has flipped to Republican control. GOP candidates rode Trump’s coattails in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, making it easier for the President-elect to advance his nominees. Over in the House, the GOP maintained its slim majority. Unified control of Congress will make it easier to pass the President’s agenda through a budgetary process known as reconciliation.
Laying the groundwork, National ATA leaders spent months preparing for the latest election, considering various scenarios and their implications for its advocacy agenda. As a result, ATA is ready to navigate the post-election landscape, the new Administration, and the 119th Congress. With tight margins and ideological divisions within and between parties, bipartisan cooperation will be crucial to secure a voting majority. Trucking leaders are committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle to achieve our goals.
Last June, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear and several ATA-member company leaders met with President Trump and his team in Miami to discuss key issues in trucking. They provided President Trump with a detailed document outlining our policy priorities and a “Top 10” list of immediate actions he can take to support our industry after his inauguration on January 20th.
ATA leaders say they will remain engaged with his team and communicate our priorities as he begins staffing his new
cabinet and administration in the weeks and months ahead. Sure to top the agenda in 2025 will be tax reform as well as surface transportation reauthorization. ATA will make FET repeal a centerpiece of these debates. ATA is also gearing up to shape a host of rulemakings, such as working with the new administration to replace EPA’s electric-truck rule with national emission standards that are technologically achievable and account for the operational realities of our essential industry.
Alabama trucking leaders, shippers, and port officials meet in Mobile for ‘Makers & Movers’
Leaders from South Alabama’s manufacturing and transportation sectors gathered in October in Mobile for the Makers & Movers Summit at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza. This event, co-hosted by Alabama Trucking, Manufacture Alabama, and the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, featured a panel discussion led by Jo Bonner, President of the University of South Alabama.
The panel included industry experts such as Daniel Wright, an ATA board member from Wright Transportation, Inc.; Cai Unger from steel manufacturer AM/ NS - Calvert; and Rick Clark, President of the Alabama Port Authority.
The discussion centered on the synergy between manufacturing and transportation, exploring how these sectors complement and enhance one another regarding safety, operations, and potential collaboration to strengthen the state’s supply chain.
“(Panelists) talked about some of the challenges of their respective industries, but also about some of the real opportunities that not only benefit those of us who live in Mobile and along the Gulf Coast but also all 67 Alabama counties,” said Bonner.
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said his city’s economic momentum is led by its recent Port growth and improvement. He noted that there’s no better group to build and spread the word of that success than truckers, manufacturers and the Chamber.
Mr. Wright said the experience was a significant advance in developing dialogue networks to enhance services and processes for businesses servicing the port and man-
ufacturers along the Gulf Coast. He highlighted the critical role the Port of Alabama plays in the region’s economic success.
“What’s great about an event like this is that it allows trucking companies, manufacturers, and Port officials to connect names with faces and understand the challenges and the pain points each industry faces so we can come together and move forward,” he said. “By understanding our position within the supply chain and drawing insights from other industries, trucking companies can enhance efficiency and cultivate partnerships that promote growth and innovation.”
The Port of Mobile is Alabama’s only deep-water port and one of the largest in the U.S. It generates one in seven jobs in Alabama and contributes about $98.3 billion annually to the state’s economy (according to 2022 numbers).
Event organizers plan to hold similar meetings in other areas of the state.
Alabama Trucking joins coalition to streamline federal security clearances for supply chain workers
The Alabama Trucking Association, working closely with the American Trucking Associations and other stakeholder organizations, is asking lawmakers to advance the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act (H.R. 5840, S. 3959) and to include an amendment that will simplify and streamline the security requirements and background checks for supply chain workers.
“Enacting this measure would provide a direct benefit to companies by streamlining the security credentialing process,” stated ATA President & CEO Mark Colson in an email to lawmakers. “(This) legislation directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to harmonize and streamline security threat assessment programs that require the same background check, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME).”
Truck drivers need TWICs to access secure areas like ports and military installations, and HMEs to access dangerous goods like fuel, fertilizer, arms, and ammu-
nition—and many truck drivers (and other supply chain workers) need both credentials to operate in the secure supply chain.
Colson added, “The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is supported by stakeholders representing every facet of the supply chain—including trucking, rail, energy, agriculture, maritime, warehousing, and third-party logistics, among others—because we all play a role in the secure supply chain and share the common burden of redundant background checks.”
The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee unanimously by voice vote. SASC Ranking Member Wicker and HASC Ranking Member Smith are both original sponsors of the legislation, which hopefully helps the industry’s case for NDAA consideration.
“We view this as a unique opportunity to get a big win for supply chain partners,” Colson stated. Read more at www. alabamatrucking.org
Senate approves TSA Clearance Bill for truckers
The U.S. Senate has approved legislation aimed at simplifying the application process for security credentials required by commercial drivers.
Known as the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, this bipartisan bill was introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and seeks to streamline access to multiple credentials for freight workers. According to Transport Topics reporter Eugene Murlero, the bill, which passed on Nov. 21, is designed to save time and money for truck drivers, ultimately supporting supply chains and boosting the workforce.
“This bill is a step toward powering American commerce,” said Wicker, who also serves as the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. The legislation includes provisions to uphold high-security standards, with a requirement for the TSA to provide Congress with a progress update six months after enactment. Sponsors of the bill include
Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
While the Senate has moved the legislation forward, the House has yet to schedule a vote on the measure. The bill has received endorsements from key industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations.
National ATA President Chris Spear praised the Senate’s passage of the bill, noting that it addresses inefficiencies in credentialing systems, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and costs for transportation workers.
“After years of paying the price for an inefficient credentialing system, relief is finally within sight for truck drivers and other essential transportation workers who keep our supply chain running,” said ATA President Chris Spear.
“The Senate’s passage of the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is a victory for common sense and puts us on the verge of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the federal government that waste time and money,” he added. “By streamlining the administration of these important programs, this bipartisan legislation will make it easier and less costly for hardworking
Americans to obtain the credentials they need to do their jobs.
“We commend the members of Congress who authored this bipartisan bill to support truckers, and we look forward to working with them to ensure this bill becomes law by the end of this year.”
Watkins family celebrates 80 years of business
This year, Birmingham-based Watkins Trucking Co., Inc. proudly celebrates its 80th year in the transportation industry, marking a significant milestone that few trucking companies have achieved.
This family-owned business has weathered decades of industry changes and challenges, standing strong when many smaller, family-run operations either close their doors or are forced to merge with larger companies. Watkins Trucking’s dedication to reliability, customer service, and innovation has been a key factor in its longevity, making it a cornerstone of the Birmingham business community.
Founded by Irvin “Pop” Watkins near Moulton, Ala. in 1944, the company quickly grew and moved to Birmingham, Ala.
Watkins proudly led by example,
Three Brothers, One Mission: Wayne, Randy, and David Watkins
working hard every day as a driver, mechanic, and business owner. Being a strong family man, he enjoyed bringing his three young grandsons, Randy, David, and Wayne Watkins with him to work, showing them how to work on trucks in the alley behind their home in the Norwood neighborhood of Birmingham.
In the early 1960s, the development of America’s interstate system brought significant changes to the transportation industry. As a result, Irvin and his wife Lillie relocated their business to its current site on Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. Over the years, the operation expanded steadily, and profits flourished.
After Irvin retired, his son Hoyt, who had returned from serving in World War II joined the family business. Over time, Hoyt took the reins and became the head of the company. However, leadership soon transitioned to the third generation — Irvin’s three grandsons, Randy, David and Wayne. The brothers dedicated themselves to learning every aspect of the business, mastering it from the ground up. Their hard work and vision ultimately transformed the company, shaping it into the success story it is today.
Watkins Trucking was founded on the principles of honesty, hard work, respect for its drivers, and a commitment to providing excellent service to its customers. Over the years, these core values have remained at the heart of the operation, guiding the company’s growth and reputation as a trusted name in the trucking industry. With a focus on building strong relationships and delivering reliable transportation solutions, Watkins Trucking continues to prioritize both its team and its clients.
Reflecting on the company’s rich, storied history in Birmingham’s competitive flatbed market, President Wayne Watkins –a former Alabama Trucking Association Chairman – says, “Pops taught us the meaning of hard work and the importance of being men of our word. He made sure that we were taking care of the people who made this company successful. Our company has been through many ups and downs and changes in the industry over the past 80 years and one thing that has always
been consistent is that we are committed to being a reliable service provider.
“Randy, David, and I are grateful for the leadership of our father and grandfather in guiding us to be leaders of the company. We’ve also been able to pass many of the lessons we have learned on to the next generation.”
Commercial Carrier Journal’s Jason Cannon reports that PS Logistics has acquired 45-truck and 150-trailer Hammond, Louisiana-based flatbed operation and heavy-hauler Fluker Transportation. Fluker, PS Logistics’ fourth acquisition this year, will operate under the name of Blair Logistics, a subsidiary of PS Logistics.
Fluker Transportation was founded in 2011 and primarily hauls steel, construction equipment, and military defense-related freight across the southeastern U.S. Scott Smith, CEO and co-founder of PS Logistics, said Fluker’s freight mix and geographic coverage complement Blair’s and are expected to provide immediate opportunities to realize operational synergies.
“We are excited to welcome Fluker’s flatbed and heavy-haul drivers and employees to the PS Logistics family,” he said. “Fluker has continued to grow in a broadly challenged freight market, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to its drivers and service to its customers. Fluker aligns nicely with our desire to partner with founder- or family-owned trucking companies that put their drivers first, and PS Logistics is looking forward to the growth opportunities that will result from this acquisition.”
Founder and co-owner of Fluker Transportation James Watson called Blair and PS Logistics “great partners for this business,” adding, “I’m excited that Fluker will now be a part of a larger organization that will provide greater freight choices to our drivers and more capacity to our customers, and bring operational expertise to the business.”
“This collaboration will fuel significant growth and enhance our drivers’ experience, positioning the business for long-term success,” he said.
Since 2016, PS Logistics has success-
fully acquired 27 trucking operations and five non-asset logistics operations across the United States. This year, PS has acquired Alabama-based Buddy Moore Trucking, the flatbed division of ELS, and Illinois flatbedder Yordy Transport.
Alabama Trucking Foundation gives hope with $5K donation to fight kidney disease
Alabama Trucking Foundation has donated $5,000 to the Alabama Kidney Foundation as part of its annual Christmas season charitable giving campaign.
ATA leaders chose AKF after learning that one of its board members and owner of Four Star Freightliner Jerry Kocan is a regular supporter and earlier this year gave a one-time donation of $25,000 and pledged an additional $1,000 for every touchdown that Montgomery, Ala. native and current Ohio State University football running back Quinshon Judkins scored this season As of press time, that number stood at nine TDs, with the Buckeyes making the college football’s inaugural 12-team playoffs.
ATA’s donation, along with many other donations, helped AKF smash fundraising goals this year. According to AKF officials, the goal this year was $185,000, and the foundation has already raised more than $200,000.
The mission of the Alabama Kidney Foundation is to serve the kidney patients of Alabama through financial assistance, education and support services. The Foundation also provides statewide education to promote organ donation awareness and prevention of kidney disease.
This is great news for Alabama, which ranks nationally among the highest per capita for kidney failure, says Alabama Kidney Foundation Regional Director Shannon Morrell.
“We have a big need in our area, our local River Region area,” she says. “When they lose their jobs, they have to continue dialysis. We just go in and help them financially when they need it the most.”
The Alabama Kidney Foundation collects donations year-round. To donate, visit https://alkidney.org.
Boyd Bros. driver Earl Williams reaches 4 million safe miles
Congratulations to Earl Williams, a dedicated professional driver with Boyd Bros. Transportation, who recently achieved an incredible 4 million safe miles! This remarkable accomplishment not only underscores his commitment to safety but also reflects his passion for his work and the customers he serves.
According to Boyd officials, Mr. Williams, 53, is only the second person in the company’s history to achieve this extraordinary feat. The milestone represents not just impressive numbers, but countless hours of hard work, determination, and a genuine love for his profession.
In November, the company celebrated with a barbecue and ceremony attended by industry leaders and state transportation officials who came to honor Mr. Williams. ATA senior advisor for safety Tim Frazier presented him with a commendation from Governor Kay Ivey proclaiming November 8, 2024, as Earl Williams Day.
Mr. Williams began his career with Boyd in 1995 and has been a valued member of the team ever since. For 22 years, he worked as an over-the-road driver, covering countless miles and gaining extensive experience. Eventually, he transitioned to a dedicated run, specializing in hauling lumber to the Northeast. His commitment, expertise, and years of hard work have made him an integral part of the Boyd family. He says each time he turns another million miles is a high point in his career.
“I turn a million miles about every 7 years,” he says. “Each
time I think about what my job means to me, my family, and everyone around me. Trucking is hard work. And I am proud I have been able to do it for as long as I have. I have to be focused and ready every day so I can make my deliveries safely. I just want to stay consistent and be on time for my customers.”
Mr. Williams credits much of his success to the team’s dedicated support at Boyd. However, he emphasizes that the true foundation of it all lies in the trust, love, and encouragement of his wife, Barbara.
“She has always been my biggest fan and supporter,” he says. “She is a great woman. I couldn’t do this work without her. It’s the little things like preparing my meals for the week and having all my supplies ready to go. She always picks up the phone when I need to talk to someone while I’m on the road.
For new drivers, Mr. Williams offers the following advice: “Watch and Listen,” he says. “You have to stay true to the game. Do what your supervisor tells you to do because they have been where you are before, and they are not going to steer you wrong. You can make a great career driving a truck. You’ll make some great money, meet all kinds of people, and see things you’ve never seen before.”
Thank you, Earl, for your incredible hard work, dedication, and commitment to safety over the years. Reaching 4 million safe miles is truly an outstanding achievement and a testament to your skill, focus, and professionalism. Your efforts set an inspiring example for everyone, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this milestone with you. Congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment!
4 Million Miler: Earl Williams
Alabama truck driver named TCA Highway Angel
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Zach Rogers of Florence, Ala., a TCA Highway Angel for helping an elderly woman who crashed her car while experiencing a medical emergency. Rogers works for Carter Express Inc. out of Madison near Huntsville.
On Aug. 21 around 11:30 a.m., Rogers was traveling on Highway 72 just west of Slayden, Mississippi, when a motorist crossed the lanes of traffic in front of him and ran off the road.
“She cut all the way over in front of me and then ran off the road and spun and slid, then came back across the highway and ended up in the ditch,” Rogers said.
He stopped and went to assist the elderly female driver and her passenger. He found the driver convulsing, so he called 911.
“She was just out of her mind; she couldn’t talk and her eyes were rolling back in her head,” Rogers said. “I actually just held her and prayed because she reminded me of my grandmother, and I knew that she was probably somebody’s grandmother—they probably weren’t ready to lose her.”
He remained with her until emergency services arrived and then completed his load.
“I don’t feel like I did anything special,” Rogers said. “I treated her like I would have wanted someone to treat my grandmother, had they been in the same situation.”
SMMC hosts TMC chair and leading fleet safety expert Amanda Schuier at November meeting
We were honored to host Amanda Schuier, National Chair of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations during the Fall Safety and Maintenance Council combined seminar in Montgomery last month.
Ms. Schuier is a passionate advocate for maintenance professionals in the trucking industry, dedicating her career to supporting and highlighting the critical role they play in keeping operations running smoothly. At her company, Jetco Delivery, she leads safety and maintenance operations with expertise and a hands-on approach, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her work. Her deep knowledge and enthusiasm were on full display during an engaging session with our Alabama Trucking Association members, where she shared valuable insights and inspired many in attendance with her dedication to the industry. Are you interested in joining us for our next SMMC meeting, visit our website at alabamatrucking.org.
DOT proposes changes to simplify hazmat regs
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently announced a new proposed rule the agency said will provide close to $100 million in annual cost savings for businesses and consumers.
The proposed rule updates and modernizes regulations to accommodate the latest technologies, business practices, and understandings of hazardous materials, including updates in packaging practices for hazmat transportation. Further, PHMSA said it reduces burdens for U.S. truck drivers by simplifying hazard communication requirements for fuels including gasoline that are transported in tanker trucks; encourages innovation and safety improvements to hazardous materials rail cars by reducing review times for tank car design improvements and addressing National Transportation Safety Board recommendations regarding improved design standards for rail tank cars; and modernizes standards for essential agricultural equipment by codifying manufacturing standards for newly built fertilizer tanks and per-
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Amanda Schuier
Zach Rogers
INSPECTION
mitting the use of video and fiber optics technologies when inspecting and calibrating cargo tanks in both agricultural and non-agricultural operations.
“Hazardous materials are a significant share of the essential goods routinely shipped in the United States, and the Biden-Harris Administration is working to make it more affordable and straightforward to safely move these materials through our supply chains,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The proposal we’re announcing today streamlines requirements while maintaining safety measures, helping to reduce costs for businesses and consumers and make it easier for drivers to do their job.”
Among the changes and clarifications the proposal seeks are the revision of the registration requirements to allow for electronic submission procedures; specify that a cargo tank may display the UN ID
number of the petroleum distillate fuel with the lowest flash point transported in different trips on the previous or current business day, except for gasoline and alcohol fuel blends with more than 10% ethanol; require bonding and grounding when preparing to transfer or transferring a combustible liquid, or a flammable liquid reclassified as a combustible liquid, from a cargo tank motor vehicle, in addition to the current requirements for flammable liquids; allow for the use of video cameras or video optics equipment for any inspection or test; include “bulges” in the list of conditions that may render a cargo tank unsafe for hazardous materials service; and add inspection and maintenance requirements for external ring stiffeners installed on a cargo tank motor vehicle constructed of metal other than mild steel or high-strength low-alloy steel, and clarify inspection and verification requirements for welded repairs.
SMMC’s Fleet Safety Awards set for March 13
The Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety and Maintenance Management Council (SSMC) is excited to announce its annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet on March 13, 2025, at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. This event celebrates the trucking industry’s commitment to highway safety with awards like the ATA and ATA Comp Fund Fleet Safety Awards, plus individual honors for Driver of the Year, Safety Professional of the Year, Maintenance Professional of the Year, and Fleet Manager of the Year.
The awards provide Alabama trucking companies an opportunity to highlight their dedication to safety. Judging is conducted by experts from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. For more details, visit alabamatrucking. org or contact Tim Frazier at tfrazier@ alabamatrucking.org.
ATA Titan’s Retreat
The ATA Foundation is excited to host our annual Titans Retreat at Pursell Farms in Sylacuaga again this year. All Titan members are invited and encouraged to attend.
SMMC Fleet Safety Awards Banquet
This SMMC-sponsored event demonstrated the extreme importance the trucking industry places on highway safety.
SMMC Spring Courtesy Roadside Inspection (Northern District)
Join our Safety Council as we work alongside state and federal regulatory agents for live Level 1, 2 and 3 roadside inspections.
Alabama Trucking Annual Convention ‘25
A curated and exceptional lineup of speakers and entertainment will make this year’s event the best ever!
SMMC Combined Seminar
SMMC is composed of safety and maintenance professionals from hundreds of Association member companies.
Alabama Truck Driving Championships ’25
Dozens of professional truck drivers are expected to compete in nine vehicle classes. It’s our safety council’s largest, most popular event of the year.
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2024 ATA BUYER’S GUIDE
We make every effort to ensure this list is correct. For changes or corrections to your company’s listing, contact Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org. (Current as of 9-10-2024)
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.
Penske Truck Leasing –Birmingham, AL (205) 942-6985 penske.com
S & L Leasing, LLC (256) 775-1313
Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 southlandtransportationgroup. com
Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 wardintltrucks.com
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