YEAR IN REVIEW 2017
A Message from CVTA’s President & CEO
YEAR IN REVIEW: 2017 Don Lefeve
President & CEO (703) 642-9444 ext. 101 don.lefeve@cvta.org
Cindy Atwood
Vice President (703) 642-9444 ext. 102 ccatwood@cvta.org
Kristine Gager
Director of Communications (703) 642-9444 ext. 104 kristine.gager@cvta.org
Mark Valentini
Director of Government Affairs (703) 642-9444 ext. 105 mark.valentini@cvta.org The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) is the largest association representing commercial truck driver training programs in the United States. CVTA members represent nearly 200 training providers in 42 states and trains over 50,000 commercial drivers annually. Advancing the interests of trucking’s workforce providers and employers, CVTA advocates for policies that enhance safety through commercial driver training, enable students to secure employment within the trucking and bus industries, thus further advancing driver professionalism. CVTA 44 Canal Center Plz., Suite 120 Alexandria, VA 22314 T: 703.642.9444 www.cvta.org
At the beginning of 2017, CVTA’s Board of Directors adopted a five-year strategy focused on leveraging CVTA’s brand, expanding services to meet member needs, and refining operations. To accomplish this five-year plan, our focus for 2017 was to introduce member services, improve CVTA’s content, and focus on growth. I can happily say that we are meeting these goals. CVTA recently announced a member only fuel deal that should provide savings to members. Partnering with Transportation Financial Solutions (TFS), CVTA is now able to offer $.15 per gallon at over 200 TA/Petro locations. This is a substantial savings and members should save an average of $2,700 per year. Keeping members informed about their industry is one of the core services any association provides. This year, we focused on content by offering a daily clips service, quarterly publications, and best practices. Based on member feedback, the daily clips service is a big hit. Additionally, we released our first best practices document that focused on the financial aspect of the industry. Our goal with best practices is to present members with information that will help them self-assess their own practices against what most in the industry are doing, then determine whether any changes should be considered. We look to produce more in the coming year, and a special thank you to all those members who worked hard putting the first one together. This year began with the swearing in of President Trump, and an administration with new policy priorities. CVTA has worked hard to ensure that lawmakers understand our priorities, particularly workforce funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). During our Hill Day event, 22 first-time CVTA member participants articulated the importance of WIOA funding as a critical source of student funding. Despite the President’s budget, which sought to slash workforce funding, CVTA members continued educating members of Congress throughout the year through school visits, follow-up meetings in Washington, D.C. or in their home state and district. As we approach 2018, we will build on the foundation laid in 2017. We will continue our growth, brand recognition, and continue providing members with dynamic content that helps them improve their programs. Don
GETTING TO KNOW CVTA’s CHAIRMAN BRAD BARBER CVTA spoke with Brad Barber (Georgia Driving Academy) to learn more about him, his outlook on the industry, and his approach as the association’s new Chairman of the Board.
What is the best thing about being involved in the CVTA community?
FAST FACTS
HOMETOWN
EDUCATION
Donalsonville, GA
MBA & a B.S. in Chemistry Columbus State University
FAVORITE MOVIE
Uncle Buck
What are you most looking forward to as CVTA’s Chairman of the Board? As Chairman of the Board, this is my opportunity to give back to an association that has provided me with the resources that I could not have found on my own over the years. CVTA has the ability to bring competitors together; to network and share; exposure to latest teaching technology: and to provide a voice for schools on the national and state level.
What are you hoping to achieve as Chairman of the Board? My goal is to advance the growth of CVTA as a truck driver training leader and strengthen our voice on all issues affecting the industry. In addition, I want to ensure we are preparing all our members for the upcoming entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations.
How did your career in transportation begin? In my early days, I started in manufacturing management on a career path at McDonnell Douglas in Macon, Ga. While there, I received a call from my brother that my father’s automobile driver training school in Columbus was adding a truck driver training program. My father’s school had just started a pilot JTPA program for military soldiers, so I joined the family business and began my career in truck driver training. After working with my family for over a year, I decided to start Georgia Driving Academy in Conyers near Atlanta.
The best thing about being involved in CVTA is the network that you develop and long-term friendships. When you talk with members in any state you quickly find out that they share the same issues and concerns that you do. One of the best parts of being a member is that you can call on a competitor to discuss issues and address them together. It’s this bond that strengthens over time and can prove beneficial when industry issues and regulations come up.
As President of Georgia Driving Academy, what does a typical day look like? First, there is no typical day at GDA and the days usually go by fast. There’s a lot that goes into managing a truck driver training school. Usually, my day starts 7 a.m. with a review of student attendance and an update of the equipment status at both the Columbus and Conyers campuses. While my official role here at GDA is President, I’m very hands on and step in to help when needed. From conference calls, daily-to-yearly scheduling, preparing weekly and monthly budget reports and other accounting requirements for both campuses, I occasionally assist with instructor and student skills testing scheduling and even cover for instructors in the classroom and in the yard.
What is your favorite movie? My favorite all time movie is Uncle Buck. I am a big fan of John Candy and although the movie was a comedy, there were a lot of life lessons within the movie.
Where were you born? I was born in Donalsonville, Ga., which is in the southwest corner of the state near the Florida-Georgia line. Donalsonville is mainly a farming community. The hospital room I was delivered in is where the elevator is located now. My father was in the Navy and then in the Air Force, so we lived in California and Colorado, before moving to Columbus when I was five years old.
What do you like to do in your spare time? When I get a chance, I try to ride my Harley or drive my 1974 red Corvette Convertible. I enjoy college football and have been a University of Georgia football team season ticket holder for several decades. I also enjoy fishing and golf when I can get a chance.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Larry Marsh Vice Chairman JTL Truck Driver Training
Brad Barber Chairman of the Board Georgia Driving Academy Gary Strube Stuart Bowman Immediate Past Chairman Treasurer/Secretary DrivePro Career Path Training Corporation
DIRECTORS Gary Pressley Heavy Metal Truck Training School Jerome Redmond American Truck Training Nadia Speney PIA Jump Start Program John Rojas Mike Byrnes & Associates, Inc. Davida Rogers J. Smith Lanier & Co. a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company
Paul Rasmussen Paschall Truck Lines Marilyn Surber Melton Truck Lines Martin Garsee NAPFTDS Bruce Busada Diesel Driving Academy Emeritus Director John Diab, Sr. Smith & Solomon Emeritus Director Louis Spoonhour (Ret.) Emeritus Director R. Wade Murphree (Ret.) Honorary Board Member
ADVOCACY IN AC TION CVTA’s 5th Annual Hill Day a Success! In March, 27 CVTA member representatives came to Washington, D.C. to educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the issues facing commercial truck driving education. They attended 49 meetings with Senators and Representatives from states and districts where CVTA members are located, many of whom are on essential committees such as the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Senate Commerce Committee, and Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee. It was CVTA’s largest Capitol Hill Day to date. CVTA representatives promoted our 2017 Legislative Agenda that included: • • • •
WIOA Funding CDL Skills Test Delays Autonomous Vehicles CDLs for Examiners
In 2018, our legislative priorities place a strong emphasis on Autonomous Vehicles policy, WIOA funding, CDL Skills Testing Delays, and 18-21 Year Old Drivers. Registration is open for CVTA’s Hill Day 2018 event that is s taking place February 27-28th at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, Va. In November, Congress will hold midterm elections, and there are members of Congress on key committees retiring. As the trucking industry is continually faced with regulations and legislation - whether positive or negative - we encourage our members to attend this event. For more information on how to register for Hill Day, contact CVTA’s Vice President Cindy Atwood.
2017 HILL DAY SPONSORS
Everyday is Hill Day Throughout the year, CVTA members welcome members of Congress and/or their staff to visit their schools to showcase how important the truck driver training industry is to their communities and the nation as a whole. To date, CVTA members have hosted Congressional leaders and staff members to their training locations. Visits from the following offices include: • Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) • Congressman Robert Brady (R-PA-01) • Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) • Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA-18) • Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH-07) • Congressman David Scott (D-GA-13) • Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA-15) • Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) • Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK-04) • Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) CVTA extends personalized invitations to members of Congress to visit our members schools. In 2018, we will be conducting Hill Drops in January and June. To learn more about our outreach efforts, and how to host a tour at your school, contact CVTA’s Director of Government Affairs Mark Valentini. CVTA has a comprehensive tour guide that will provide you the tools and resources you need to have a successful visit with your member of Congress and/or a staffer. CVTA’s advocacy role is not limited to a one-time annual occurrence in Washington. All members are encouraged to be active to ensure our message is heard and our concerns are addressed. While CVTA staff is working full-time on your behalf in Washington, you play an equally important role in educating lawmakers by inviting one to tour your campus and learn more about truck driver education.
HILL DAY 2018
Washington, D.C. February 27-28
REGISTER TODAY
CV TA’S SPRING CONFERENCE The 2017 Spring Conference in New Orleans was a great success. CVTA would like to thank all the speakers, especially FMCSA’s Larry Minor, for joining us and providing conference attendees with valuable information about the status of issues important to the commercial driver training and trucking industries. In addition, all speakers’ presentations were highly thought-provoking and educational. We would like to thank our exhibitors and sponsors, whose support makes it possible for us to continue presenting high-caliber events for CVTA members. In addition to a great line-up of presentations, one new member was elected with two members being re-elected to CVTA’s Board of Directors. Here are the results for the elected Board members: School Member: Nadia Speney, PIA Jump Start Program Motor Carrier Members: Marilyn Surber (Melton Truck Lines) and Paul Rasmussen (Paschall Truck Lines)
SPRING CONFERENCE SPONSORS
REGISTER TODAY
CVTA’s 2018 SPRING CONFERENCE HyaTT REgENcy CLEARwatER BEAch REsORt ANd Spa MAY 2ND - 4TH Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and our Website for updates!
Enjoys traveling Technology savvy Likes music Wants to make a difference
T.E.D. is a professional truck driver delivering the valuable goods that keep America moving. It’s not always easy and family means a lot. So, it’s great to know one can still travel and have plenty of home time, too. T.E.D.’s advice to his friends? Find a company that appreciates diversity and listens. One where you can be confident in knowing they are doing their part for the environment and society. Choose the company with a 17 billion miles and counting head start with electronic logging devices. No one knows them better and that means more productive miles and pay for you.
®
877.735.2565
Visit DriveWerner.com for a career of opportunities.
CV TA: OUT & ABOUT
Don delivering the keynote speech during the American Bus Association’s BISC Summer Meeting
NAFPDS’ Martin Garsee & CVTA’s Mark Valentini as panelists on the Motor Carrier panel during WFBCON
CVTA’s Mark Valentini & All State Career (Lester) Executive Director Robert Bubb
Visit to MTC Truck Driver Training
Don Lefeve with Trucking’s Top Rookie Award Winner Daniel Schonebarger (Melton Truck Lines)
LET’S GET SOCIAL! Follow Us on Twitter: @CVTA Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ CVTA1 Follow Us On Instagram: cvtaorg
Don Lefeve’s behind the scenes shot at SiriusXM’s D.C.-based studio prior to his interview on Road Dog News
CVTA EVENTS 2018 DOT New Drug Testing Rules ( WEBINAR) January 10th
HILL DAY February 27-28th
CVTA proudly welcomed the following companies into the association this year. We’re proud to have them as our newest members.
Washington, D.C.
CC Training Commercial Vehicle Training Centers
2018 SPRING CONFERENCE May 2nd-4th Clearwater, FL
Mississippi Truck Driving School, LLC Midwest Truck Driving School J. B. Hunt Transport, Inc. Amazon Logistics
Check our social media sites for updates & details
Eureco Health Solutions Stanton Blackwell, LLC Tell All Trucking
CV TA’S FALL CONFERENCE
FA L L C O N F E R E N C E S P O N S O R S
2017 CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS ADVERTISING & MARKETING
CDL MARKETING GROUP
Ben Onnie T: 248-977-8953 E: ben@cdlmarketinggroup.com
CDL Marketing is the #1 digital recruitment solution for trucking schools and freight carriers on a mission to acquire drivers. Our wide network of web properties attracts countless Class-A drivers seeking new opportunities and students in need of training. With over 150 schools and carriers in our network, CDL Marketing is the go-to resource for student and experienced driver acquisition. Student Leads: www.cdlcareernow.com | www.cdltrainingtoday.com Experienced Drivers: www.cdljobnow.com | www.truckwarrior.com Corporate website: www.cdlmarketinggroup.com
FASTPORT Brad Bentley T: 978-877-4300 E: brad.bentley@fastport.com
FASTPORT was founded in 2010 by trucking company owners to help solve the Trucking Industry’s recruiting and hiring problems. FASTPORT invented JobMaps™’ user-friendly software to aid the job searching and hiring process, providing better careers for drivers and growth for carriers. FASTPORT’s non-commercial division is uniting the Industry’s effort to educate, hire and inspire military veterans through its Trucking Track initiative in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Foundation. As the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry intermediary for the Transportation sector, FASTPORT also helps employers create registered Apprenticeship programs.
TITAN WEB MARKETING SOLUTIONS Cash Miller T: 615-890-3600 E: accounting@titanwms.com
When left alone, each individual is magnificent in their particular area of marketing. With their talents combined, there is no limit to what can be accomplished. No matter what you task our agency with, have confidence knowing an entire team is working to acquire leads for your company. Every service we offer is focused on one thing — your success.
DOT COMPLIANCE
EXAM VIP ExamVIP, Inc. is a national, employer-dedicated Healthcare Company that provides on-site DOT Medical and Drug Screen services, as well as comprehensive Third-Party-Administrative services, to companies and schools in the Trucking industry.
Amanda Harrison T: 866-235-9112 E: aharrison@examvip.com
Our accomplished executives, in-house clinical team and Nationally Certified Medical Examiners work closely with each client to custom-build and manage the medical services and drug screen programs, as required by law and requested by the company. There is no limit, large or small, as to whom we can service.
2017 CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS DOT COMPLIANCE
TRANSPORTATION COMPLIANCE SERVICES
Brian Stout
Transportation Compliance Services, USA is a safety and consulting firm with certified experts that specialize in all areas of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Title 49. Over the last decade, we have helped motor carriers maintain compliance with the DOT and the FMCSA. We also provide certified safety training for drivers in several areas including Haz-Mat, Hours of Service, and drug and alcohol. We offer everything from consultations to seminars to complete safety management.
T: 228-623-2828 E: brian@dottrucksafety.com
DRIVER HEALTH & FITNESS
EURECO HEALTH SOLUTIONS
Aaron Hoffman T: 603-686-7173 E: aaron@eurecohealth.com
Eureco Health Solutions is an agile and progressive occupational health and safety consulting company that focuses on improving individual health risks towards business productivity, continuity, and bottom line. Our occupational health experts focus on managing the ‘individual’ health of employees in high risk occupations and on building health assets into the DNA of our customers’ organizations. Eureco partners with your company to expertly manage assets and liabilities surrounding health.
FINANCING
EDUCATION LOAN SOURCE
Marshall Shen T: 858-720-6854 E: marshall.shen@edloansource.com
Our firm, Education Loan Source, provides Tuition Financing at 100% Student Approval, regardless of student FICO score. We manage over $1.2 billion in Loan Portfolio Assets, exclusively in the Education Sector and work in Compliance with schools in all 50 states with Truth-in-Lending Laws and Consumer Protection Regulations. We also look for opportunities to purchase Student Receivable Portfolios, performing or non-performing, to help schools realize cash on “write-off” portfolios and assist with the 90/10 Requirement. We offer the full boutique of Loan Services from: Loan Origination, Compliant Loan Servicing and Collecting, and Institutional Loan Purchasing.
PARTNERS FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Sean M. Martin T: 314-681-5156 E: SeanM@partners-mo.com
Partners Financial Services, Inc. holds a unique position in the loan servicing and collection of student accounts/driver receivables. Before we became Partners, our executive team handled all aspects of finance and student receivables for one of the largest CDL school groups in the country. We were incorporated in 1993 as Partners Financial Services, and student receivables has remained our primary market since that time.
2017 CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS FINANCING
TFC CORPORATION Sean Steinmarc T: (800) 832-2733 E: ssteinmarc@tfctuition.com
For over 45 years, thousands of schools have used TFC to increase enrollment, retention, and successful graduates with alternative financing solutions. We take great pride in our industry-wide reputation for professional excellence. Our continual focus on state & federal compliance and enhanced customer service technologies will alleviate stresses and elevate your school. Join thousands of schools working with TFC & learn about our new services today!
UNISA
Matt Chinn T: 303-221-5626 E: matt.chinn@unisainc.com
Have any liquidity needs? UNISA and its affiliates will purchase your performing and non-performing receivables on a non-recourse basis! UNISA utilizes a federal student loan servicing model to assist CVTA schools with the origination and servicing of tuition payment plans and institutional loans. Daily statement mailing and billing, student portal, outbound past due contact, multiple payment processing with no fees, national credit bureau reporting, and skip tracing is included. UNISA activities are pre-collections but interfaces with third party collection agencies who services include litigation.
VOCATIONAL RECOVERY SOLUTIONS
Zack Shlachtman T: 214-861-7201 E: zack@vrscollects.com
Vocational Recovery Solutions (VRS) is a division of Lockhart, Morris & Montgomery, a third-party debt collection agency specifically serving truck driving schools, educational lenders and carriers. VRS can dramatically decrease losses on uncollectable receivables through debt collection services and outright purchase options. Our debt collection strategy places our client’s reputation first and goes beyond the pay-it-or-else mentality to convert uncollectable receivables into working capital quickly and effectively.
INSURANCE
LANCER INSURANCE COMPANY
Steven O’Shea T: 800-782-8902 E: soshea@lancerinsurance.com
Lancer Insurance Company’s Commercial Driving School Program provides A.M. Best “Excellent” rated insurance, including Commercial Auto Liability, Physical Damage and General Liability coverages, to certified driver training schools specializing in the operation of trucks, tractor trailers and buses. With Lancer, you’ll get 24/7/365 direct access to the best claim professionals in the business, an extensive library of complimentary loss prevention tools, and knowledge of commercial driving school operations that’s second to none.
2017 CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS LEARNING TOOLS
MIKE BYRNES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
John Rojas T: 361-749-4007 E: jmrojas54@yahoo.com
Mike Byrnes & Associates, Inc., Has been providing instructional materials for trucking, passenger transport and heavy equipment operations for over 25 years. As the premier CDL text book of choice, we have created the most effective online CDL training platform on the market. Bumper to Bumper curriculum is proven to increase your students’ knowledge and improve their pass and completion rates along with ensuring schools are 100% compliance with FMCSA for Entry Level Training Standards.
SIMULATORS
ADVANCED TRAINING SYSTEMS
Becky Hudson P: 800-870-5782 E: bhudson@atstrainingsystems.com
Take your training to the next level with patented technology and innovation only offered by Advanced Training Systems, while increasing your bottom line. Unique to our systems is our patented TransMaster™ shifting unit. With all ATS systems, the implementation of dynamically correct on-set cues, force-feedback steering and harmonic transducers reproduce a realistic training environment in both single and multiple 1080p high definition visual arrays. To learn more, visit www. atstrainingsystems.com.
VIRAGE SIMULATION Virage Simulation’s VS600M combines superior simulation technology with validated transfer of training, competency based training programs. The “Golden Series” of training curriculum gives CDL training programs a competitive edge. These programs T: 514-856-1556 ext. 104 include Student Tracker and Debrief Station provide unbiased data regarding the Toll Free: 877-456-1556 level of student competency and where additional attention should be given. E: remi.quimper@viragesimulation.com Students and instructors have documented proof of the driver’s ability and skill in reaching the level of proficiency needed to maximize the training time needed to become a Professional Driver.
Remi Quimper
SOFTWARE & IT
ieLinks
Abu Shaharier T: 602-403-7493 E: atshahar@aol.com
eCampusLynx™ school management software provides the best value for your money by eliminating database servers and the resources needed to manage prospects and track student records. The single system supports functions performed by employees in all departments: a) Admissions, b) Registrar, c) Student Services, d) Financial Aid, e) Academics, f ) Accounting, g) Internship, h) Compliance, i) Placement, and j) Alumni Relations. eCampusLynx™ school management software maintains all the demographic data points required for IPEDS, ACICS, NACCAS, ACCET and other compliance agencies.
2017 CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS SOFTWARE & IT
TENSTREET Jessica Hughes T: 918-261-3780 E: jessica.hughes@tenstreet.com
Tenstreet is dedicated to finding answers to the trucking industry’s toughest problems. We combine state-of-the-art technology and innovative thinking to create products such as the IntelliApp, Xpress, and Xchange to eliminate the friction carriers experience every day. Tenstreet’s Truck School Network is a streamlined paperless application process created to close the communication gap between drivers, schools, and carriers – allowing all three to be more successful. Trucking schools can now digitally transfer their student applications to any carrier in the network (1000+), for free.
TEXTAIM
David Goodwin T: 480-703-6133 E: david@textaim.com
TextAim is a communications company that allows back and forth conversations with students by text. Since students prefer to use text instead of phones and email, TextAim helps schools to communicate with hundreds or thousands of students through a system as easy to use as email. It is cloud-based, so no IT department needed. TextAim is different than any other text program available and helps streamline and simplify communications with students for different departments.
TRUCK STOPS & SUPPLIES
INTERNATIONAL USED TRUCKS
Nicole Zeuske
With 15 used truck centers nationwide, International Used Trucks offers an inventory of trucks from a variety of manufacturers in Class 5 through 8. Whether you’re looking for something value-priced to keep costs down or a late-model, low mileage unit to take advantage of the latest technology, we’ve got a truck to meet your needs as well as flexible financing options and warranty packages. Stop in at any of our 15 locations nationwide to find your used truck today.
T: 630-212-5019 E: nicole.zeuske@navistar.com
TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA
Eric Davanport T: 678-591-4675 E: edavanport@ta-petro.com
TravelCenters of America LLC is a full-service travel center operating in 43 states and Canada with 254 locations along interstate highways under the TA® and Petro® brand. They offer diesel, DEF and gasoline fueling, TA Truck Service maintenance with 1,079 bays at 243 facilities, 3,000+ technicians (over 2,000 ASE certifications), roadside breakdown assistance, OnSITE mobile maintenance, and the TA Truck Service Commercial Tire Network, the nation’s largest independent tire dealership.
44 Canal Center Plz Suite 120 Alexandria, VA 22314 www.cvta.org