W I N T E R
2 0 2 0
E D I T I O N
Entry-Level Driver Training Delayed Until 2022
O
n February 4, the FMCSA issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) , which delays the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulation implementation until February 7, 2022. Comments are due by March 20, 2020. The agency issued this IFR to provide “additional time to complete development of the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The TPR will allow training providers to self-certify that they meet the training requirements and will provide the electronic interface that will receive and store entry-level driver training (ELDT) certification information from training providers and transmit that information to the State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). The extension also provides SDLAs with time to modify their information technology (IT) systems and procedures, as necessary, to accommodate their receipt of driver-specific ELDT data from the TPR. FMCSA is
delaying the entire ELDT final rule, as opposed to a partial delay as proposed, due to delays in implementation of the TPR that were not foreseen when the proposed rule was published.” This past July the FMCSA published a notice proposing a partial delay with the Entry-Level Driver Training Rule. As its reasoning, the Agency indicated that it could not complete development of the IT system necessary for the Training Provider Registry in time for the 2020 start date. The notice stated that, “despite the Agency's best efforts, due to IT development issues largely beyond its control . . . including changes in Department of Transportation (DOT) internal requirements for cloud-based IT systems, which added time to the development process . . . FMCSA cannot complete any portion of the TPR in time for February 2020. (Continued on page 3)
IN THIS ISSUE… ◼
ELDT Delay
◼
Legislative and Regulatory News
◼
Transition to Trucking
◼
◼
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
C
VTA has been working hard for its members. We recently met with the FMCSA to discuss a number of items important to CVTA members.
FTC Considers Rule Banning Noncompete Clauses
One of the issues we raised to FMCSA officials is that schools need to be recognized by the FMCSA as schools, not motor carriers or employers., which is the current category where schools have fallen into. CVTA discussed that Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations must recognize schools apart from motor carriers or employers because we are inherently different. This is especially true when the FMCSA is designing and writing regulations.
TRACED Act Signed into Law to Curb Robocalls
◼
Auto Airwaves Plan
◼
Meet the Members
◼
Conference Committee
◼
2019 Coronavirus Outbreak
◼
Member Publications
◼
More...
One of the outcomes of this meeting was that the FMCSA informed CVTA of a recent case where the FMCSA determined a student was not an “employee” of the school nor was the school considered an “employer”. CVTA is excited by this decision because the FMCSA properly recognized student for what they are…students, not employees. This decision will likely impact a school’s compliance with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse in terms of compliance for STUDENTS, not their instructors, who are employees of the school. However, we strongly recommend that schools do not change their current process until the FMCSA formally provides clarification on this point. CVTA believes that schools will still need to query their instructors and others on the payroll.
UPCOMING EVENTS... ◼
There are other parts of this ruling which need further review. CVTA will be researching these and offer further information in the near future. To view the FMCSA decision, please click here.
Hill Day February 25-26, 2020
Thank you and to all those participating in this ◼
CVTA –NAPFTDS Spring Conference, Naples, Florida April 29-May 1, 2020
process.
Larry Marsh, Chairman, CVTA
2
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY NEWS Entry -Level Driver Training Delayed for 2 Years (Continued from page 1)
serve as the blueprint for House’s Highway Bill Reauthorization and would spend $760 Billion over 5 years. Of the $760 Billion, the House proposal would spend $319 on major roadway and bridge projects. One of the more controversial items is a proposal that would authorize “a multi-year national pilot program to test revenue collection to ensure the future viability and equity of surface transportation user fees, including a vehicle-miles travelled fee.” This provision is viewed as an attempt to shift collection of tax revenue to the Highway Trust Fund from the current gas tax to a new system based on vehicle miles traveled.
The Agency also points to the fact that the majority of comments in response to July’s extension favored a full delay. The commenters were concerned that a partial delay would be confusing and ineffective without the inclusion of the SDLA verification requirement. They also expressed concerns that a partial extension would place an undue burden on the driver applicants and could affect recruiting. Although expected, today’s news is obviously a disappointment for the CDL training community which has put time and money into ELDT’s timely implementation. CVTA will continue to work with Congress, the FMCSA, and all stakeholders to ensure that ELDT is implemented on or before the 2022 deadline.
The day before the Democrats released their plan, House Transportation & Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Highway & Transit Subcommittee Ranking member Rodney Davis (R-IL) outlined the Republican principles for a forthcoming bill. Two of their principles are addressing the longterm sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund and prioritizing core programs and functions of our existing federal surface transportation programs. The Republicans also noted that this bill should be accomplished in a bipartisan manner.
On that note, CVTA was CVTA is pleased to see that ELDT was discussed by Senate Commerce Committee leadership at a recent hearing. On February 4th, at a hearing entitled, “Keep on Truckin’: Stakeholder Perspectives on Trucking in America,” Transportation and Safety Subcommittee Chairwoman Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) described concern regarding FMCSA’s delay of important safety regulations. She stated that, “recent regulations set to go into effect, include the Entry-Level Driver Training rule and the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, both of which will improve safety. However, in both cases FMCSA has had to delay parts of these rules.”
House Democrats Leaders Unveil $760 Billion Investment in Transportation Infrastructure On Wednesday, January 29, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal (D-MA) unveiled the House Democrats proposal for Highway funding and infrastructure investment. This proposal will 3
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY NEWS cont. they held a CDL prior to losing hearing. Such a change would present obvious risks to safety, but would also present sweeping implications for the CDL training industry as it grappled with training completely deaf new drivers. CVTA is asking all members to submit comments on regulations.gov. All comment submissions will be due to regulations.gov by Feb 14th
President Trump, DOT Secretary Chao Targets Human Trafficking Last week, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao held an event titled “100 pledges in 100 days.” The event focused on the transportation industry’s fight to end human trafficking. Kendis Paris, the Executive Director of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), also spoke at the event. Paris spoke about the impact the trucking industry can have in identifying potential trafficking victims but also reporting them to the TAT hotline or law enforcement.
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Final Rule took effect on Monday, January 6th. If you’ve experienced difficulties logging on or registering students onto the Clearinghouse website you are certainly not alone. Many members have experienced difficulties and have encountered intermittent periods of the website “timing out,” etc. CVTA is following up ith the
Just three days after this event, President Trump signed an “Executive Order on Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation in the United States.” This Executive Order dedicates a full time White House staff position to coordinate government efforts to fight this horrible epidemic. CVTA was proud to attend this DOT event and offers the TAT curriculum for free. We continue to encourage members to implement the Truckers Against Trafficking curriculum as part of your curriculum.
FMCSA to find out how long these IT issues
should last. You may also be among the CVTA members that are seeking clarification on how to best comply with the Clearinghouse generally. CVTA is seeking clarification on a number of issues in this regard and we suggest you follow the advice of your MRO and Drug Screen companies until the FMCSA is able to offer clarity on precisely how CDL schools should comply.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Petition Response On January 16th, members of CVTA’s Legislative and Regulatory Committee convened to discuss how best to respond to the National Association of the Deaf’s petition to the FMCSA. As you may know, the NAD petition seeks a blanket removal of the hearing requirement for all CDL drivers, regardless of whether 4
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY NEWS cont.
Network Outage, Ransomware Could Impact Your Training Program
Grant Opportunities The application periods for CDL Program Implementation (CDPLI) and CMV Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grants are both currently open. CDLPI applications are due by Feb 21st and CMVOST applications are due by Feb 24th, so time is ticking to make use of these opportunities.
On January 13, 2020, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) confirmed that the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS) was down for nearly four hours causing disruptions to state driver’s license agencies processing transactions across all states. The PDPS is a system which contains information on individuals whose privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been revoked, suspended, canceled or denied or who have been convicted of serious traffic-related offenses. While the cause for the disruption has not been identified, it is another example of the importance of protecting DMV IT systems as vulnerabilities to such networks can cause major problems for those seeking a commercial driver’s license.
While CVTA members are not eligible themselves for the CDLPI grants, they offer a useful chance to connect with your SDLA, particularly if they are experiencing difficulties associated with their CDL program, e.g., skills testing delays, IT problems, MVR issues. We encourage you to reach out to your SDLA to see if they would be willing to seek a grant to help solve the problem CVTA believes proactive outreach to your SDLA is prudent for several reasons. First, it shows your SDLA that you want to help the state solve its problems as a stakeholder. Second, it alerts the state CDL coordinators that the grant is out in the event they were unaware. Third, it may offer the chance to connect the SDLA with CVTA as an organization that could help them optimize their CDL program to prevent delays or difficulties. Please reach out to your SDLA and let us know what they say. The CDLPI grant portal is located here https:// www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html? keywords=CDLPI.
This past November, the State of Louisiana suffered a major ransomware attack. This event prevented anyone seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) from being issued one; ranging from several days to nearly 2 weeks. As you can imagine, it also created a major problem for schools who had enrolled students, as those students were not able to have their CLP issued in a timely manner.
CMVOST grants may be used by CVTA members to fund tuition and indirect costs where veterans and veterans’ families are seeking to obtain a CDL. These grants are available to schools that are approved to receive WIOA and VA funds. If you’re interested in learning more about CMVOST grants please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/searchgrants.html?keywords=cmvost and click on the ‘Related Documents’ tab. There you will find a list of the necessary information you’ll need to provide and the manner in which you may utilize the funds, if your application is successful.
In 2019, Emsisoft, a global anti-malware company, stated that 966 government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare providers were impacted by ransomware attacks. The cost totaled in excess of $7.5 Billion in 2019 alone. Of these 966 affected entities, 113 were state and municipal governments and agencies. Whether an IT disruption occurs as the result of an outage or a ransomware attack, it is important to know that unplanned disruptions can strike at any time. It is also important to know what can be done if such an event should strike. In the case of the Louisiana ransomware attack, CVTA was alerted that the event took place by a member and was able to act in short order to aid our member schools. The issue that was presented is that our schools had individuals, who are actively 5
MEMBERSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS Transition to Trucking Winner
(Continued on page...)
Joseph Campbell, winner of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, accepts the award with his father, Joseph H . Campbell Sr. (from left), mother Littie A. Campbell, and wife Debra Campbell, in Washington. (Courtesy Paul Feenstra)
J
oseph Campbell stood on stage at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. on Dec. 6, fighting back tears. Just before he walked to the podium, he had hugged his wife, Debbie, his father, Joseph, and mother, Littie. The family had journeyed up from their hometown of Elgin, S.C., and had been anxiously sitting in the room waiting for the news in the Chamber’s famous flag room.
Campbell’s journey to reach this moment started in February 1991 when, just after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for five years.
“I’m overwhelmed. I never thought I’d ever be in a position like this, where someone would actually give me a really good opportunity to take that initial weight of trying to find a truck to really get into the industry the way I want to, as an owneroperator,” Campbell said.
On stage, Campbell, 47, was holding the keys to a new, fully loaded Kenworth T680 truck. Moments before, he was named the winner of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, which is given out annually with the Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes division, Kenworth and Fastport, a national group that assists veterans with finding careers after they leave the military. The award recognizes rookie truck drivers who also are military veterans.
Campbell only began driving a truck in the civilian world less than two years ago after he retired from the U.S. Army a sergeant first class (Continued on page 11) 6
FEATURED STORY
FTC Considers Rule Banning Noncompetes By Leah Nylen , Politico
drawn in the 1990s. An FTC rulemaking could also raise constitutional issues, he said.
The FTC's two Democratic commissioners say they support the agency moving forward with a rule that would ban noncompete clauses that attempt to prevent workers from switching jobs within the same industry.
“This is a real issue,” Phillips said, speaking at the
“I strongly support the FTC undertaking such an endeavor,” FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter said Thursday of a rulemaking that would limit noncompetes. “We need not wait for legislation to tackle this head-on.” Slaughter’s comments at an FTC workshop mirror those of her Democratic colleague, Commissioner Rohit Chopra, who has urged the FTC to adopt rules on noncompetes. Such a rule would have wide-reaching implications — about 1 in 5 Americans today is bound by noncompetes — particularly in tech and health care, where the clauses are common.
Caption text caption text caption text caption . (Lato Font—8 PT)
As many as 45 percent of primary care physicians are bound by noncompetes, according to a study by economists at Ohio State University. Between 35 and 45 percent of tech workers have noncompetes, a University of Maryland study found. Another survey by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute found 40 percent of employers report using noncompetes.
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, FTC, Commissioner
same event as Slaughter. “The fact that neither the FTC nor any court has found noncompetes to violate the FTC’s prohibition against unfair methods of competition, and the lack of a good historical precedent, all of that concerns me.” Additionally, according to Eric Posner of the University of Chicago Law School, while some have tried to challenge noncompetes using antitrust law, none of those cases has been successful.
The FTC has the authority to challenge “unfair methods of competition.” Last year, a coalition of groups including the AFL-CIO, SEIU and Open Markets Institute, among others, urged the FTC to open a rulemaking that would ban noncompetes as an unfair method of competition. In November, the attorneys general from California, Illinois and 17 other states threw their support behind a rule.
California, North Dakota and Oklahoma already ban noncompetes. More recently, other states including Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon and Washington have passed laws limiting them, particularly among low-wage workers.
But Republican Commissioner Noah Phillips expressed concerns about the FTC’s authority to issue competition rules, a sign the agency isn’t likely to move forward with a rulemaking in the near future.
Despite these laws, one survey found that 19 percent of workers in California still have a noncompete in their contract, even though the clauses are unenforceable.
Phillips noted that the FTC has only once issued a competition rule in the 1960s, a rule that was with-
(Continued on page 14) 7
8
ASSOCIATE MEMBER NEWS TRACED Act Designed to Curb “Robocalls” Signed Into Law Luke Sosnicki, Partner, Thompson Coburn n the last week of 2019, President Trump signed into law the “Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act” (TRACED Act), a law specifically aimed at curbing the increasing flood of “robocalls” to consumers.
blocking services and offer these at no additional charge to consumers as well. Finally, the law requires the Attorney General, in
According to the law’s bipartisan proponents, which include Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Senator John Thune (R-SD), Congressman Greg Walden (R -OR), Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), Americans received an estimated 48 billion “robocalls” in 2018—an increase of 64% since 2016. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received 232,000 complaints in 2018 from consumers who had received unwanted calls, which was also up nearly 35% since 2015. The TRACED Act strengthens the FCC’s abilities to fight unwanted “robocalls” in several key respects. It lengthens the existing statute of limitations for the FCC to pursue violations to up to 4 years. It also increases the scope and amount of the applicable penalties, allowing the FCC to pursue first-time scammers, and increases penalties to up to $10,000 for intentional violations.
Luke Sosnicki, Partner, Thompson Coburn
consultation with the FCC, to create an interagency task force to study how the government prosecutes “robocalls.” Among other things, this task force is intended to help create better coordination between federal and state agencies. The FCC will also need to work better with the Department of Justice to refer specific cases of criminal violations for prosecution.
The law also imposes on the FCC and private carriers new obligations aimed at reducing the number of “robocalls.” Among other things, the law requires the FCC to report annually to Congress on its enforcement activities, and to come up with additional proposals to stem unwanted calls. The FCC is also tasked with reducing the number of “robocalls” exempt from current laws, reporting on its progress relating to the reassigned-number database (which is intended to stop “robocallers” from calling to look for a consumer who had the number before), working to stop onering scams, and developing better ways to trace the origin of unlawful “robocalls.” Some of these efforts are already underway.
As Congress was sending the TRACED Act to President Trump for signature, the FCC issued a public notice seeking comment on a variety of call-blocking initiatives. Through the notice, the FCC is soliciting feedback regarding call-blocking tools available to consumers, including their number and variety, the extent to which they are offered by carriers directly or by third parties, and whether the providers charge additional fees for these services. It also inquires whether these tools are effective, and solicits input about the proper metrics that should be used when evaluating them. Comments in response to the FCC’s public notice are due January 29, 2020. The deadline for replies is February 28, 2020.
As to private carriers, the law requires them, over time, to develop ways to prevent “robocallers” from using disguised caller-ID to make calls, and to do so without charging consumers for the service. Carriers are also required to implement better “robocall”9
10
Ransomeware, (Continued from page 5)
In January 2000, four years after leaving the Marines, Campbell re-enlisted, this time in the Army. During his 24 years in uniform in the two branches of the service, he deployed to Iraq in 2003 and
enrolled in classes, but did not hold a CLP, were unable to secure their CLP. This presented problems for the schools, who had a re-order their training operations to continue teaching the individuals while not being allowed to allow them to directly participate in driving on the “road.” Not only did these present problems for getting them licensed so they could receive on-road instruction, but the same student’s ability to sit for the CDL is contingent for each student holding their CLP for 14 days. In other words, their ability to test would have been severely delayed unless action was taken. Upon hearing about the problem, CVTA was able to contact and work with the FMCSA and the school’s Congressman to get waivers for these individuals from the 14-day CLP regulation. These individual students were able to get the road training they needed and ultimately test for the CDL without being severely delayed. While Louisiana was fortunate enough to get their operations back online in short order, the whole experience is one that members need to remember if they encounter a similar situation moving forward. Given the statistics about IT disruptions, CVTA believes that others will occur in the months and years to come.
Joseph Campbell sits in the T680 cab as Kenworth marketing director Lisa Berreth hands him the keys. Campbell served in the Marines and Army. (Courtesy Paul Feenstra)
Transition to Trucking (Continued from page 6 )
In January 2000, four years after leaving the Marines, Campbell re-enlisted, this time in the Army. During his 24 years in uniform in the two branches of the service, he deployed to Iraq in 2003 and served at several major military installations including Fort Knox (Ky.), Fort Bragg (N.C.) and Fort McCoy (Wis.). Along the way, he earned two bachelor’s degrees and a masters in performance management.
He’s a flatbed driver for Roehl Transport and plans to drive for the company under its operating authority .
This truck is a grateful gift. It’s not a reward. It’s a gift,” he said. “It’s an honor to be chosen to drive this truck.” Before Campbell’s name was picked, he and the others in the audience heard U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue issue a strong call to keep recruiting veterans for the industry. Donohue reminded the audience that before he joined the Chamber of Commerce, he was CEO of American Trucking Associations for 13 years. “These are smart people, and that’s what we have got in the trucking industry,” he said. “This industry is getting better, smarter, stronger and safer because of technology, better training and because of our veterans.”
“I’m going to stay with them, and they have done me right the whole time that I have been with them,” Campbell said.
(Transition to Trucking Continued on page 16)
11
REMEMBERING KELBY THOMPSON Farewell to a Good Friend It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of TMC's finest field recruiters, Kelby Thompson. Kelby passed away suddenly on Thursday evening. Kelby was a highly valuable and respected member of the TMC team since March 2003. He had a passion for recruiting and a deep love for our company, making him a great representative of TMC. Kelby was just as passionate in his free time, a longtime fan of OU. He built wonderful relationships in the trucking industry, always working hard with a kind and compassionate demeanor. He made many great contributions to TMC and left an impact on many. He will be greatly missed.
Kelby attending an Iowa State football game with another TMC recruiter
12
13
Nearly 40 House Lawmakers Ask Pai to Reconsider Auto Airwaves Plan
FTC Noncpmetes (Continued from Page 3) Employers are using this tool as a threat even when they can’t enforce it,” said Orly Lobel, a professor at the University of San Diego School of Law whose research focuses on labor and noncompetes.
by John Hendel , Politico
Several state attorneys general have challenged noncompetes, including a 2016 settlement in which sandwich chain Jimmy John’s agreed to drop noncompetes from its employment contracts and a 2018 settlement with Illinois and New York where WeWork pledged to stop using them for most employees.
01/22/2020 04:20 PM EST
The majority of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today slammed the FCC’s unanimous December vote to break up 5.9 GHz auto safety airwaves to make room for Wi-Fi and new accident prevention technology.
Jane Flanagan, who headed up labor cases in the Illinois attorney general’s office, said the state pursued dozens of investigations on noncompetes involving health care, day care centers, salons and payday lenders, among others. In one case, Flanagan said, a steakhouse sought to ban servers from working at other restaurants that primarily served steak or seafood.
““The fact that neither the FTC nor any court has found noncompetes to violate the FTC’s prohibition against unfair methods of competition, and the lack of a good historical precedent, all of that concerns me.” Many of the noncompetes were so broad as to be legally unenforceable, she said, but they effectively chilled workers from seeking other jobs because of the threat of a lawsuit. The lawmakers “are alarmed by the [FCC] proposal to reallocate more than half of the 5.9 GHz radio frequency band (or Safety Band) to unlicensed operations, such as Wi-Fi,” they wrote today in a new letter, saying the plan “undercuts the potential to prevent many of the 37,000 traffic fatalities each year.”
“Employers have few current disincentives to overuse and overreach,” said Flanagan, now a visiting scholar at the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago -Kent College of Law. While Phillips said he has issues with a rulemaking, he acknowledged noncompetes raise competition concerns. The FTC might want to consider bringing enforcement actions challenging some egregious examples, he told POLITICO on the sidelines of the FTC workshop, such as noncompetes in states where they are explicitly barred.
Although panel leaders previously aired their anxieties, today’s letter marks greater congressional pushback and includes panel leadership and 36 members comprising Democrats and Republicans. The lawmakers sided with DOT, which is not on board with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s approach. A handful of committee members didn’t join.
Copyright © 2020 by POLITICO LLC.
(Continued on page 16)
Click here to view online.
14
15
Transition to Trucking (Continued from page 11) The leadership at Roehl nominated Campbell for the award because of his superb work. “We are so proud of our teammate, Joe Campbell, who has won the 2019 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award. Congratulations, Joe! Thank you for your service to our country and to Roehl Transport! And thank you to everyone who voted for Joe!” the company said in a statement.
“I’m going to stay with them, and they have done me right the whole time that I have been with them.” — Joseph Campbell, on his career as a driver with Roehl Transport
U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue, a former CEO of American Trucking Associations, reminded the industry to keep recruiting veterans. (Courtesy Paul Feenstra)
third runner-up was Chris Bacon of TMC Transportation (Des Moines, Iowa). Harris received a $10,000 prize. Bumgarner and Harris each received $5,000. Officials said in the competition’s five-year history, this year marked the closest vote.
Airwaves-Plan (Continued from page 13) A FCC spokesperson countered that its “proposal would improve automotive safety by allocating 20 MHz for C-V2X, a promising technology that currently does not have any spectrum available to it.” Under Pai’s plan, 45 MHz of the band's 75 MHz would be reserved for unlicensed uses such as Wi-Fi and 20 MHz for other auto safety tech known as Cellular Vehicle to Everything, or C-V2X. Earlier today, Pai lauded news of a C-V2X deployment, which the FCC,s proposal would enable more broadly. "For over 20 years, the vast majority of the 5.9 GHz band has sat unused, and it is therefore time to turn the page on the failed status quo,” the spokesperson added.
Steve Harris, Joe Campbell, Chris Bacon, Wade Bumgarner, Brad Bentley
The first runner-up was Steve Harris of Stevens Transport (Dallas), second runner-up was Wade Bumgarner of Veriha Trucking (Marinette, Wis.), and
Copyright © 2020 by POLITICO LLC. 16
17
18
19
20
MEET THE MEMBERS
Ed Tanksley, President
Katlaw Truck Driving School Austell, GA and retaining good instructors, finding and maintaining quality equipment, A big one in Georgia
When did you join CVTA? Katlaw joined CVTA in 2004
How has CVTA helped you and/or your school?
How did you get into commercial driver training?
It has had a tremendous impact. Networking with other school owners, staying on top of regulatory issues, meeting and working with Associate and Carrier Members. We have benefitted from all the areas that of CVTA.
I was running a computer certification school back in 2002 when the dot-com bubble/crash thing happened and I had to get a new job. I had a CDL and had sales experience so I took a job at Katlaw as a recruiter. A couple of years later the owner passed away and his family asked me to manage it for them. I eventually bought the business from them.
What advice would you give other members about running a school? A: Learn as much as you can about the market you are working in so you can be competitive, there will be ups and downs so stay positive. Research and be creative in how and where you get the things you need to run your business, it will save you a lot of money.
What’s the best part of your job? The satisfaction you get when you know you are genuinely helping people improve their life and in many cases giving them the ability to provide for their family. I also enjoy the challenge of growing a business
What advice would you give members on participating in CVTA?
What’s the biggest struggle you face in running a school?
I absolutely recommend it. You will gain an invaluable amount of insight and information and make some great friends along the way.
There have been many over the years, early on of course it was just trying to get the name out there to be able to compete with other Schools. Others include finding funding methods for students, hiring
21
2020 CVTA-NAPFTDS SPRING CONFERENCE
What I’m Most Looking Forward to at CVTA’s Spring Conference
As Chairman of the Conference Committee, I can’t wait to attend our Spring Conference in April. Sure, there will be great weather, beautiful surroundings and a great deal to do and see in Naples; but, that’s not why I’m truly excited for this year’s event. I am excited because, for the first time in over twenty years, CVTA will be doing a joint conference with the National Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, (NAPFTDS)! That means double the valuable business content, double the unparalleled networking opportunities, and double the successful curriculum ideas. Rebecca Hudson, , CVTA Conference Chairman
The conference steering committee is securing an exceptional line-up of speakers and session topics. The planned discussions about industry trends, updates on issues that affect our businesses, and opportunities to network with a wide range of industry vendors will deliver a positive and rewarding
experience for conference attendees.
Each year, I consider myself fortunate to be part of an association made up of such inspiring, experienced members, through whom I am continually learning and making connections to help drive the growth and success of our industry. This year’s conference is especially gratifying since we have the two groups coming together to share knowledge and experience that truly excels. Make your plans now to join us for this one of a kind event. Registration is open on the CVTA website., www.cvta.org. I look forward to seeing each of you, our members, as well as the many members of NAPFTDS who will joining us for CVTA’s Spring Conference on April 29th through May 1st in Naples, Florida at the Ritz Carlton.
22
CVTA SPECIAL REPORT: 2019 Coronavirus Outbreak “In the wake of the novel 2019 coronavirus outbreak, this latest report by Marsh advises organizations on how to manage their own risk by planning now to protect their people, operations, and fiscal integrity� To read the reports and be found in publications in the members area of the CVTA website www.cvta.org or click here.
23
CVTA COMMITTEES Associate Member
Membership & Communications
John Rojas and Craig Jablonski
Gary Pressley and Cheryl Freauff
Conference
Motor Carrier
Becky Judson and Jill Balleh
John Diab and Jeff Steinberg
Legislative & Regulatory
Oversight
Gary Pressley and Jeff Burkhardt
Nadia Speney and Tim McLain
Member Services Jerome Redmond and Tina Singh
WOMEN IN TRUCKING Women In Trucking Female Driver of the Year Award Women In Trucking is seeking nominations for the inaugural Women In Trucking Female Driver of the Year award, sponsored by Walmart. A part of Women In Trucking Association's mission is to recognize achievements and celebrate the accomplishments of women and it’s time to recognize our drivers! The goal of the Female Driver of the Year award is to recognize outstanding female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively work to enhance the public image of the trucking industry and makes positive community contributions.
been employed by or leased to and driving for her current trucking company employer for the past three years. View rules and requirements
Nominate a driver by February 15!
Nominate your drivers or ask your company to nominate you! Each company may nominate up to five drivers, however only one driver per company can qualify for placement among the top three finalists. This contest is open to any female driver or contractor who has safely driven one million consecutive, accident-free miles. A driver must be nominated by the motor carrier by which she is currently leased to or employed. And, the nominee must have
For additional information regarding the nomination process, contact Lana@womenintrucking.org or call (920) 737-9490.
24
MEET CVTA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Immediate Past Chairman
Larry Marsh
Gary Pressley
Stuart Bowman
JTL Truck Driver Training
Brad Barber
Heavy Metal Truck
Roadmaster Driver’s
Georgia Driving Academy
Training
School
Executive Committee
Board Emeritus
Board Emeritus
John Diab
Bruce Busada
Smith and Solomon
Diesel Driving Academy
Lou Spoonhour Retired
Board Emeritus
Motor Carrier Member Representative
Tim McLain Swift Transportation
Associate Member
Associate Member
Rebecca Hudson
John Rojas Advanced Training Systems Mike Byrnes & Associates
Motor Carrier Member Representative
Cheryl Freauff TMC NAPFTDS Representative
Martin Garsee Houston Community College
Board Member
Tina Singh CA Truck Driving Academy
Board Member
Board Member
Jerome Redmond American Truck Training 25
Board Member
Jeff Steinberg
Nadia Speney
Apex CDL Institute
PIA Commercial
PUBLICATIONS & BEST PRACTICES AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE CVTA has created a series of documents to aid members in proactive outreach to various stakeholders. We encourage members to review these materials. Admissions
Media Tips and Talking Points
The Admissions document covers suggested Best Practices in admissions and is the product of roundtable sessions at CVTA conferences, discussions with members, and numerous phone calls with members of the CVTA community. Because admissions activities are highly regulated, and actively scrutinized, the primary focus of this document is establishing admissions practices that are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. Keep in mind, however, that this guide is not meant to serve as legal advice. Nor should it be considered comprehensive. Rather, it is intended to provide CVTA members with ideas to consider as they work to improve business efficiency, oversight, and the success of their schools. We expect that this document will be revised, updated, and expanded over time.
CVTA has produced a CVTA Member’s Media Tips & Talking Points document for members to aid them in the communications outreach with press and media. Telling our story and talking about the issues facing our industry is a tremendous opportunity for members to educate the public and stakeholders on what you do. CVTA has created this document to educate members on the dos and don’ts of talking with the press, educate members on issues either they will be asked about or will want to discuss, and background information on the issues. This document can be accessed on CVTA’s member-only website under “Best Practices”. An active login is required.
Financial
CVTA has also created a short document to educate both State Education and DMV officials about the upcoming ELDT regulation. Many in Higher Education and state DMV’s are unfamiliar with the ELDT. This document helps to give State Officials the quick facts and establish a dialogue, with you serving as the expert. If needed, CVTA can assist. We strongly encourage you to have discussions with your state officials about this upcoming regulation, how it will impact training. By doing so, you are seen by these stakeholders as a trusted resource on this important issue.
ELDT Document for State Education & DMV Officials
The Financial Best Practices document covers three important areas – Accounting, Student Financing, and Collections. This document is not meant to serve as legal advice or be all-inclusive with regards to finance. Rather, it is intended to provide CVTA members things to consider as you work to improve on business efficiency, oversight, and the success of your school.
Insurance This document serves as a set of best practices for commercial vehicle training schools and discusses types of coverages a school needs to consider and discuss with their insurance broker. A set of best practices is important because the lack or omission of coverage could result in significant financial loss to the school and it’s owners. This presentation is designed to aid commercial vehicle training school’s directors, owners or anyone involved with safety and risk management.
26
CVTA Fuel Programs Save Schools Money Since 2017, Transport Financial Solutions (TFS) and CVTA have partnered to offer members fuel discounts. Since the inception of this partnership, CVTA member schools have saved over $23,000.00 from their fuel purchases by utilizing discounted fueling locations. In addition to the existing $.18 discount per gallon at over 250 TA/Petro locations throughout the United States, TFS is pleased to announce two additional discount opportunities for enrolled CVTA members. Tire discounts are available at participating TA/Petro locations and range from $35.00 to $78.00 per tire. Secondly, TFS has partnered with EFS to provide independent fueling station discounts that participate in a cost-plus model and vary on a daily basis.
per gallon to over $.40 cents per gallon. Both deals allow members to save and see a tangible return on value to their CVTA membership. If you would like more information or better understand whether there is a fuel stop near your school, please call CVTA today! Fuel is one the largest expense that schools have and every bit of savings helps.
In 2019, CVTA unveiled another partnership that allows members to save at Pilot-Flying J, Loves, Sapp Brothers, and Speedway locations. This additional fuel deal offers members savings ranging from $.10
27
28
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION Now is the time to sign up your Instructors! Instructors are the most critical elements within a successful training program. Good instructors can prove invaluable to student drivers, and to the schools or motor carriers who employ them. While all instructors may be skilled drivers, they may understandably need assistance to succeed as teachers. CVTA has partnered with Pearson, an internationally recognized leader in education, to offer two distinct Certification Programs, to train, retain, and certify school instructors and motor carrier trainers. For information contact Cindy Atwood at ccatwood@cvta.org,
WEAR YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH PRIDE CVTA has it all, shirts, caps, truck magnets and much more click here
Larry Marsh, JTL sporting CVTA Polo Shirt
29
30
31
PREMIUM SPONSORS DIAMOND MEMBERS
PLATINUM MEMBERS
GOLD MEMBERS
32