Quarter 1 ■ 2016
The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc.
Safety—The First Priority
FTA’s Safety Management Council continues to gain momentum and has big plans for its 50th year ALSO INSIDE
Publications Mail Agreement #40606022
»» FTA’s Reinvigorated Truck Driving Championships »» The Electronic Logging Devices Mandate is Here »» Five Ways to Be a Healthier, Happier Driver
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contents
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The team expands by five, increasing the reach of this elite driver team
A Brand New Experience
The Florida Truck Driving Championships have grown to become one of the transport industry’s biggest showcases for talent and professionalism, and it moves to a new venue in 2016
Articles
3 5
TECHNOLOGY
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The Electronic Logging Devices Mandate is Here …Now what?
19 20 25
SAFETY
31 32
Regular Sections Message from the President & CEO Board of Directors and Committees New FTA Members Supplier Spotlight—Q&A
Don’t Skip the Post-Trip
Avoid passing problems to the next driver
ADVOCACY
FTA: The Problem Solver
Where advocacy and member service intersect
HEALTH
Five Ways to Be a Healthier, Happier Driver Set goals and stick to them this year
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Meet the Newest Florida Road Team Members
SAFETY MANAGEMENT AWARDS
Safety Showdown
Take this opportunity to show off in the 2016 FTA Safety Management Awards
ON THE COVER
Quarter 1 ■ 2016
COVER PHOTO: RYAN KETTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY TOP PHOTO: VENTDUSUD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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FTA’s Safety Management Council continues to gain momentum and has big plans for its 50th year
FLORIDA ROAD TEAM
The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc.
FTA’s Safety Management Safety—The First Priority Council (SMC), chaired by Jared Fritts, has a challenging role and is never complete in its ultimate mission: to make trucking in FTA’s Safety Management Council continues to gain momentum and Florida as safe as possible. This has big plans for its 50th year year marks the 50th anniversary of the SMC, and the council has big plans for 2016. To read more, turn to the cover story on page 6. ALSO INSIDE
» FTA’s Reinvigorated Truck Driving Championships
Publications Mail Agreement #40606022
6
FEATURES Safety—The First Priority
Volume 69, Issue 1 Q1 2016
» The Electronic Logging Devices Mandate is Here » Five Ways to Be a Healthier, Happier Driver
FLTrucking.org | Q1 2016 | Florida Truck News
1
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FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
KENNETH S. ARMSTRONG, PH.D. PRESIDENT AND CEO, FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
VOLUME 69, NUMBER 1 • Q1 2016 Published for:
350 East College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301-1565 www.FLTrucking.org President and CEO, Kenneth S. Armstrong ken@FLTrucking.org Vice-President, Tisha Keller tisha@FLTrucking.org Director of Operations, Angela Cundiff angela@FLTrucking.org Executive Assistant, Dot Butler dot@FLTrucking.org Coordinator of Special Projects, Ben Schultz ben@FLTrucking.org
Published by:
140 Broadway, 46th Floor New York, NY 10005 Toll-free: 866-953-2189 Toll-free Fax: 877-565-8557 www.lesterpublications.com President, Jeff Lester Vice President & Publisher, Sean Davis EDITORIAL Editorial Director, Jill Harris Editorial Assistant, Andrew Harris
What I’ve Learned
I
t’s been two years since my arrival at FTA. That doesn’t seem possible. Here’s a quick list of what surprised me as someone who knew very little about this industry before I came on board. • Trucking isn’t simply trucking. The industry is more complicated than almost any outsider knows. • Our members are even hungrier for sharing best practices than I imagined. • The division between companies that “do it right” and those that are trying to “get by without getting caught” is vast. (By the way, our members are definitely the former!) • Eighty percent of freight is moved by truck. • It’s shocking how many really smart people either don’t understand or choose to ignore the importance of trucks.
• Most trucking company executives aren’t very good at returning phone calls. • American Trucking Associations (ATA) treats us state associations like adults, rather than children – you can surmise that I might have had an opposite experience with another national association. • The shortage of good technicians is as severe as the shortage of good drivers. • “If you build it, they will come” applies to FTA also; 104 companies joined FTA in 2015 alone. • Florida is a big state and it’s “geographically challenged.” • Trucking people are the best. I look forward to another two years of surprises. Thank you for helping me cope and for helping me learn!
ADVERTISING Colleen McDonald Quinn Bogusky Louise Peterson DESIGN & LAYOUT Art Director, Myles O’Reilly Crystal Carrette Jessica Landry John Lyttle
VIEW APART/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
© 2016 Florida Trucking Association. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the FTA. For subscription information, please contact the FTA at 850-222-9900. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the authors of the articles contained in Florida Truck News magazine are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Florida Trucking Association or its member companies. Printed in Canada. Please recycle where facilities exist.
FLTrucking.org | Q1 2016 | Florida Truck News
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DIRECTORS & COMMITTEES
2016 Board of Directors Denis Ross, Kenworth of Jacksonville—Chair Jeffrey Day, Publix Super Markets—First Vice-Chair Rob Sandlin, Florida Rock & Tank Lines—Second Vice-Chair Carlos Currlin, Rechtien International Trucks—Secretary Terry Borglund, McGee Tire Stores—Treasurer Jeff Marple, SEIDS/Rooms to Go—ATA Vice President John McTyre, McTyre Trucking (Ret.)—Immediate Past Chair Doc Hyder, Rowland Transportation—Past Chair Rob Carryl, Reliance Supply—Past Chair Phillip Pritchett, Pritchett Trucking—Past Chair Kurt Vest, PrePass
Keith Walpole, Walpole Phares Acuff, Florida Utility Trailers—Member Recruitment Chair Terry Dicks, Dicks Enterprises—PAC Chair Chris Emrich, Southeastern Freight Lines— Technology & Maintenance Council Chair Jared Dusharm, Armellini Express Lines—2.0 Chair Jared Fritts, Landstar Transportation System— Safety Management Council Chair Mark Shallar, FedEx Express/MPS Transportation—Road Team Chair
2016 FTA Committees Member Recruitment Committee Phares Acuff, Florida Utility Trailers (Chair) Brad Pruitt, Vertical Alliance (Vice-Chair) Shannon Bolan, TransForce Rob Carryl, Reliance Supply John DeMarco, Palm Peterbilt Jared Dusharm, Armellini Express Lines Ed Heil, J.J. Keller Rich Kurtz, PeopleNet Johnny McTyre, McTyre Trucking Jake Severit, Publix Super Markets J. Taylor, Taylor and Associates Bob Thomas, Nextran Tampa Cary Watkins, Moments Notice
Finance Committee Terry Borglund, McGee Tire (Chair) Charlie Brown, Nextran Corp. Ralph Cartwright, XPO Carlos Currlin, Rechtien International Jeff Day, Publix Super Markets
Debra Gilkey, Wallace International Doc Hyder, Rowland Transportation Ray McGowan, People’s Capital and Leasing David Teichert, Raven Transport
Investment Committee Michael O’Leary, Grimes Companies (Chair) Jeff Marple, SEIDS/Rooms to Go (Vice-Chair) Rob Sandlin, Florida Rock and Tank Lines (Vice-Chair) Terry Borglund, McGee Tire Charlie Brown, Nextran Corp. Debra Gilkey, Wallace International Rick Johnston, Indian River Transport Scott Perry, Ryder System Keith Walpole, Walpole
Member Benefits Committee Doc Hyder, Rowland Transportation (Chair) Robert Beryl, Vero Logistics Mike Cobb, Landstar
Mike DelBovo, Saddle Creek Transportation Damian Diaz, North American Transport Melissa Ernst, Quality Distribution Cecil King, Cheney Brothers Tracy Linhart, Breakthru Bev Tommy Oakley, Oakley Transport Denny Ross, Kenworth of Jacksonville Joanna Schwend, Schwend Inc. Jim Shaeffer, McKenzie Tank Lines Keith Walpole, Walpole
Public Policy Committee Jimmy Davis, Davis Express (Chair) Keith Walpole, Walpole (Vice-Chair) Philip Fulmer, Carroll Fulmer (Vice-Chair) Steve Bacalis, Tom Nehl Trucks Mark Bostick, Comcar Terry Dicks, Dicks Enterprises Gary Enzor, Quality Distribution Frank Morris, UPS J. Taylor, Taylor and Associates Philip Taylor, Broadleaf Duple Travillion, FedEx Corp. Chris Verlander, AIF
2016 SMC Officers
2016 TMC Officers
Cary Watkins Jared Fritts Landstar Transportation System Moments Notice Truck Chair Driver Leasing Secretary Tracy Linhart Breakthru Bev Jim Anderson Florida Rock & Tank Lines First Vice-Chair Immediate Past Chair Bill Roy Scott Reagan Walmart Transportation Centurion Auto Logistics Second Vice-Chair TDC Chair Larry Hicks Publix Super Markets Treasurer
Chris Emrich Southeastern Freight Lines Chair
Tom Jones Publix Super Markets Training Chair
Jeff Hile Saddle Creek Transportation Vice-Chair
Jeff Day Publix Super Markets SuperTech Co-Chair
Bob Thomas Nextran Truck Center Immediate Past Chair
Shelley Conklin Landstar Transportation System SuperTech Co-Chair
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SAFETY—The First Priority FTA’s Safety Management Council continues to gain momentum and has big plans for its 50th year
By Lisa Kopochinski
RYAN KETTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
“The great thing about the SMC is that our members and leadership all share the same philosophy: that if we can help each other prevent truck accidents and make trucking safer, it benefits everyone.” – Jared Fritts, Chair, FTA Safety Management Council
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RYAN KETTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
he mission of Florida Trucking Association’s Safety Management Council (SMC) couldn’t be more straightforward—to make trucking in Florida as safe as possible. “Our role is pretty simple, yet challenging and never complete,” said SMC chair, Jared Fritts. “Members can be involved in many ways, and the benefits are huge. The great thing about the SMC is that our members and leadership all share the same philosophy: that if we can help each other prevent truck accidents and make trucking safer, it benefits everyone—the trucking industry, the motoring public, law enforcement, the image of trucking and more.” Formed in 1966, the SMC is comprised of safety professionals from FTA member companies. In an effort to achieve its goals, the council operates year-round with wide-ranging programs and education campaigns. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognized the FTA SMC for its efforts and success in increasing both public and industry awareness of the importance of trucking safety in the state. “Under the leadership of Ken Armstrong and his staff, FTA—as a whole—has grown tremendously in the past two years,” said Fritts. “Every one of the companies (supplier or carrier) that is an FTA member designates a person to the SMC. This has grown the membership of the council from around 40 members to over 140 members. As chair, it’s my goal to make sure those members
know that their expertise and experience are wanted to help make trucking safer in Florida.” Fritts says the SMC is accomplishing this goal by making it easier for members to be actively involved in various committees. Examples of newly formed or invigorated committees include: • Herman Fauss Scholarship Committee • Truck Driving Championships Committee • Outreach and Communications Committee • Budget Committee • Awards Committee • Programs and Training Committee Tracy Linhart is SMC’s vice-chair. He says his goal is to support the council by attending meetings, recruiting members, serving as a resource to members and sharing best practices with the group. “Basically, [my role is] to contribute in any way I can,” said Linhart. “There are many SMC members who are safety professionals at their companies, but many of our members also come from suppliers such as insurance, law enforcement, service providers, parts and equipment and retail.”
Value of membership Both Fritts and Linhart emphasize that the benefits of SMC membership are numerous. “Members benefit by having a forum—a network where they can discuss issues and get real-world answers to solving problems and learning about Continued on page 9 FLTrucking.org | Q1 2016 | Florida Truck News
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Armstrong, Reagan, McTyre and Thomas pose with 2015 Florida TDC champion, Larry Warr
resources to help them,” said Linhart. “It’s a place where we all have a common interest and where industry best practices are talked about and shared.” Added Fritts: “There’s no other organization in the state that can offer what the council does—the ability to share ideas and work with law enforcement, professional drivers and safety professionals across the trucking industry, and make a difference in promoting truck safety in Florida. In addition, the events that the FTA SMC puts on throughout the year are second to none.” The many programs and events supported by FTA’s safety professionals include (just to name a few): • Florida Truck Driving Championships (qualifier for ATA’s National Truck Driving Championship) • Annual Safety Management Awards (awards for fleets, drivers, safety professionals) • Florida Vehicle Inspections • Herman Fauss Scholarship program ( for graduating high school seniors) • Florida Driver Appreciation events • Safety Roundtables
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New for 2016 Throughout 2015, FTA and the SMC have raised the bar for educational events by having regional meetings around Florida to bring members of the FTA SMC, the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) and 2.0 members together. “With the larger group, more topics are offered,” said Linhart. “Each regional meeting had over 12 educational sessions in a one-day event and the cost is minimal for the value of the sessions.” Fritts says that in taking its signature efforts up a notch, the biggest change for 2016 will be the location of the FTA’s showcase event—the 2016 Truck Driving Championships—which will move away from Tampa and be held indoors at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. “Under the leadership of Scott Reagan and the rest of the Truck Driving Championships Committee, this move will make what is already the best championship in the country even bigger and better, and the opportunities for growth in the future
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are endless,” said Fritts. “It will give a bigger stage to those who deserve it the most: the safest, most talented professional drivers in Florida.” Additionally, the spring and fall educational sessions that the FTC SMC hosts each year will continue to improve with speakers presenting on a wide variety of topics.
“A new program we’re kicking off this year as part of the Trucking Safer...Every Day initiative is Safety Roundtables— open-discussion meetings throughout the state for safety professionals from trucking companies sharing ideas on best safety practices,” said Fritts. “We are really looking forward to this!”
Safety Management Council Events for 2016 With its main goal to make the trucking industry in Florida as safe as possible, FTA’s Safety Management Council (SMC) has seen its membership grow immensely since it was formed in 1966. Some of the exciting events on the SMC’s agenda this year include the following: • • • • • • •
Safety Roundtable Q2: April 8, 2016 (locations in four regions simultaneously) Spring Round-Up: April 20-21, 2016 SMC Membership Meeting: April 20, 2016 Herman Fauss Scholarship Golf Tournament: June 8, 2016 FHP Roadcheck Inspections: June 7-9, 2016 Florida Truck Driving Championships: June 9-11, 2016 Safety Roundtable Q3: August 5, 2016
• • • • • • • • •
Cargo Theft Florida Summit & Workshop: August 31, 2016 FHP Brake Safety Week Inspections: September 11-17, 2016 FHP Operation Safe Driver Inspections: October 16-22, 2016 FTA Fall Round-Up: October 19-20, 2016 SMC Membership Meeting: October 20, 2016 Trucking Industry Employment Summit: November 9, 2016 Safety Roundtable Q4: December 2, 2016 Winter Vehicle Inspection: December 13, 2016 Truck Driver Appreciation Event: December 14, 2016
For more information on the FTA SMC, please visit the Florida Trucking Association website at www.FLTrucking.org.
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A Brand New
Experience
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Florida Truck News | Q1 2016 | FLTrucking.org
F E AT U R E
The Florida Truck Driving Championships have grown to become one of the transport industry’s biggest showcases for talent and professionalism, and it moves to a new venue for 2016 By Kelly Gray
T
he Florida Truck Driving Championships (TDC) are a big deal for more than 200 drivers and their families, as well as hundreds of industry attendees. Each year, the state’s TDC is an event that celebrates the professionalism of Florida’s considerable transport sector, and it does so with fun and pageantry. This year, organizers have ramped up the excitement with a new venue and an expanded presence that will vault the Florida TDC to even greater heights. The 2016 event will be held in Daytona Beach at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort and the adjacent Ocean Center convention facility from June 9 to 11, 2016. According to FTA president Ken Armstrong, the venue and location will place the Florida TDC “in a class by itself.” “Indoors is rare for a state TDC, and Florida’s event will offer a unique experience for the drivers as well as the attendees,” he said. Scott Reagan agrees. Reagan is in his second year as the chair of the Florida TDC. He points to aspects such as the excellence of the indoor venue as key elements that are working to create a polished event that is more in tune with the larger national Truck Driving Championships that will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. towards the end of the summer. “Spectators and drivers will no longer have to brave the elements, and the site offers a better and closer view of all the action. Its more family-centric as well,” he said, noting a wealth of activities from beach time to the Herman Fauss Scholarship golf tournament on June 8 to the awards banquet, where the state’s trucking industry dusts off its finery for a night of glamour and good times. Last year, the association hosted 220 drivers who came to show their prowess in nine separate skill classes. For 2016,
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FEATURE
“The Florida TDC helps make better drivers. Participants discover where their skill set needs work. It also contributes to an overall sense of camaraderie, where drivers can see they are part of something much bigger.” – Ken Armstrong, President and CEO, Florida Trucking Association
The Ocean Center COURTESY OF THE OCEAN CENTER
Reagan expects participant numbers to be close to the same, but expects to see more family members and a greater selection of executives and industry personalities from both state and national organizations. “There is an incredible opportunity for companies to take the spotlight with a title sponsorship, where they can put their corporate name alongside the event,” he said, commenting that the TDC is a great way for sponsors to present their goods and services to both drivers and transport companies. Here he mentions an opportunity to sponsor the checkered flag as well as other key elements of the three-day gathering. According to Armstrong, the entire effort is designed to bring everyone together in a collegial atmosphere where safe
operations, accuracy and best practices are celebrated. Not only do attendees get to stay at a superb resort location on the beach, but there is a social event planned at the Daytona International Speedway that will help elevate the festivities and enhance the excitement. “Last year, we saw 850 people attend the awards banquet. Now with a more robust venue, we expect to see more attendees, especially if some of the national companies involved utilize the Florida TDC in tandem with their corporate events. This event is unique and offers a very different experience from the typical annual get-together most companies organize. This year, we are going from something great to something fantastic,” said Armstrong, suggesting that in the past the scope was
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defined by the venue. “Now our limitations have been removed and we can really showcase the Florida trucking sector like never before. The opportunities for sponsorship are like night and day. And, the new venue will make this an event drivers and their families will remember.”
Better drivers According to Armstrong, companies should encourage drivers to participate in the competition, which includes three phases—a written exam, a pre-trip skills test and a driving skills course. “The Florida TDC helps make better drivers. Participants discover where their skill set needs work. It also contributes to an overall sense of camaraderie, where drivers can see they are part of something much bigger,” he said. Reagan points out that the event highlights the accomplishments of the industry as well as those of individual drivers. For example, not only is the winner of the competition announced, but the event is the place where trucking industry accolades and awards such as the FTA’s annual Safety Management Council Awards are handed out. “This is the place where we celebrate and showcase those drivers who demonstrate the skills that are helping to make the industry safer, as well as improve the public’s perception of these professionals. We also recognize the participating
An aerial view of the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach COURTESY OF THE OCEAN CENTER
companies that support these drivers who work day in and day out as true safety champions,” said Reagan, inviting members of Florida’s transport community to pencil in the dates in June and be prepared to be impressed.
Making it happen Behind the success of each year’s Florida TDC is a group of dedicated volunteers. These folks, who number more than 100, are the backbone of the event. They are the scorekeepers, the judges and the teams who do all the setting up and taking down. “Without their tremendous support, the TDC would not be the huge success is it today,” said Armstrong.
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COURTESY OF PEOPLENET
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In addition to ensuring compliance, companies need to look at what they want to get out of their technology. Florida Truck News | Q1 2016 | FLTrucking.org
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICES
The Electronic Logging Devices Mandate is Here …Now what?
By Elise Chianelli, PeopleNet
A
fter months of anticipation, last December the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published their final ruling on electronic logging devices (ELDs). This ELD mandate marks a change in how fleets and their drivers log hours of service (HOS). Instead of filling out paper logbooks, drivers will now have to electronically record their HOS through a device that is directly connected to the truck’s engine. This mandate is aimed specifically at improving driver safety, streamlining roadside inspections and reducing HOS violations. For those fleets currently using paper log books, they must equip their trucks with ELDs by December 18, 2017. If a fleet is already using some form of Automatic On-board Recording Device (AOBRD) or plans to purchase one before the deadline, they have an additional two years (until December 18, 2019) to comply with the mandate. Depending on the age of the AOBRD, this might only require a simple software update. While 2017 might seem like a ways off, it is crucial for fleets to develop a strategy around implementation of ELD devices. As with the introduction of any new technology within an organization, there will be challenges to overcome. By starting now and carefully considering a few key points, you can use this mandate to your advantage by improving operational efficiencies, driver safety and your organization’s bottom line.
Initial roadblocks to implementation There will be a couple of challenging aspects to ELD adoption. The first will be to educate drivers on this new technology, since filling out paper logbooks is all that many drivers know. It is important for fleets to point out the benefits of these new devices to their drivers to help them understand that this mandate is aimed at making their jobs easier by saving them time, speeding up inspections and reducing accidents.
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Another challenge fleets will face is the implementation of this new technology. Transitioning from manual to electronic logging systems means more than simply changing the hardware and software— the change will affect most aspects of the company, including the culture. For this reason, leadership must establish a clear vision and transparent implementation plan. Whether the plan unfolds all at once or is implemented in stages, it is essential that all involved parties are continually updated and informed on the process. Implementation is a total team effort. By making sure everyone involved knows why implementation is occurring as well as the benefits of adding ELDs, it will be easier to smoothly introduce the technology within a fleet.
How to ensure compliance For those companies that do not have any technology in place today, they might be unsure of how to navigate the vast number of options to choose from. An important question to ask is whether or not the
technology complies with what the mandate requires. Fleets should actively review and familiarize themselves with the content included in the ELD and HOS supporting documents final rule. Per the rule, all suppliers will be required to certify their ELD devices. These approved devices will then be available to the public on an FMCSA-managed website. Fleets need to ensure that the systems they choose to implement are listed on the ELD approved website. For those fleets using a current 395.15 certified AOBRD, it is important to keep in mind that they will have four years to comply with the ELD mandate. It is crucial that these fleets work with their suppliers to understand the migration path to ensure that they are utilizing compliant systems come December 2019.
Go beyond the minimum In addition to ensuring compliance, companies need to look at what they want to get out of their technology. Some organizations, whether due to financial constraints or because they want a quick fix,
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Florida Truck News | Q1 2016 | FLTrucking.org
will only aim to meet the minimum requirements to become compliant. By just reaching the minimum, fleets are missing out on the numerous benefits of going beyond just implementing an ELD. By selecting a more comprehensive technology solution like a fleet management system (FMS), you can address a wider scope of issues beyond compliance to improve safety and efficiency. Typically rugged stationary hardware, an FMS is not reliant on a driver’s mobile device for communication. However, data will often be transmitted wirelessly to the back office, allowing fleet managers, safety managers and dispatchers to review HOS information in near-real time. An FMS can help a fleet meet a broader range of goals through capabilities like onboard event recording, speed monitoring, IFTA reporting and comprehensive dashboards and analytics reports, just to name a few. This is an opportunity for fleets to not only become compliant, but to also improve how they do business and generate a greater return on investment.
Don’t delay, start today By keeping these things in mind, you should feel confident in making a decision on ELDs. The sooner you start planning implementation, the faster you can realize the numerous benefits of this technology. Elise Chianelli is the director of safety and compliance at PeopleNet, which provides fleet mobility technology for North America’s land transportation industry to enable greater levels of safety, compliance, cost reduction and customer service. She currently sits on three separate committees for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and is vice-chairwoman of the ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council on Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). For more information on the mandate, visit www.peoplenetonline.com/ELD to view additional resources to help ensure your company is ready to meet the mandate’s requirements.
SAFETY
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Don’t Skip the Post-Trip Avoid passing problems to the next driver By Eric Flick, FedEx Freight
to make the next trip. Identifying issues at the end of a trip gives us a better opportunity to keep the freight moving, which is what our industry is all about. So what specifically can we look for during a post-trip inspection? Let’s make sure we are taking the time to: • Look underneath the vehicle for wheel seal leaks, slack adjusters and oil leaks • Make sure the windshield wipers and defroster are working properly • Make sure tires have sufficient tread • Identify any air leaks from the brakes and components like air bags There are safety considerations for drivers, and CSA scores affect both drivers and companies. Failing to complete a detailed post-trip can pass on safety issues that result in poor CSA scores for a colleague and your company. A lot can happen during the course of a trip to alter a vehicle. At the end of the day, there is nothing more important than looking out for other drivers by taking care of equipment so everyone gets home safely. This article was originally printed in the Q4 2015 edition of Guardian, a publication by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
FLTrucking.org | Q1 2016 | Florida Truck News
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ruck drivers could be delivering life-saving medical supplies to a community in rural Nevada or hauling a shipment of precious metals across the country. A driver’s success relies heavily on road quality, safe driving skills, other drivers making safe decisions and the equipment he or she is using to transport goods along the highway system of the United States. When transporting freight in an 18-wheeler, having equipment that is working properly is critical to making sure the product is delivered safely and efficiently. What’s the best way to guarantee everything is functioning correctly? For me, it all starts when the trip ends, with a post-trip inspection. A post-trip is just as—if not more than—important as a pretrip inspection. The post-trip inspection ensures we don’t pass on problems to our fellow drivers. We cannot take shortcuts and assume it is an insignificant step. At the end of a long delivery, every driver is ready to return home, which makes it even more crucial to do a thorough posttrip inspection. A driver that overlooks a post-trip inspection can jeopardize the next driver’s safety. We must cover our bases to ensure we are not putting a vehicle out on the highway that is unsafe. Of course, every driver should also do a pre-trip inspection. But if we can catch problems at the end of trip, it gives our company time to make the necessary repairs before a driver is scheduled
TOM WANG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
FTA: The Problem Solver
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ADVOCACY
Where advocacy and member service intersect By Ken Armstrong, Florida Trucking Association
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t the most recent Public Policy Committee meeting, Florida Trucking Association (FTA) lobbyist Chris Dudley and staff covered the 25 public policy items they are working on. One reason many companies join FTA is the importance of advocacy on behalf of the industry collectively. An equal amount of FTA time and attention, however, are spent helping members deal with company-specific issues that have arisen one by one. This, too, is a privilege of membership and often worth more to the member than the big-picture advocacy work. Both of those roles feature the unique FTA ability and position of problem solver. The “Ghostbusters” reference is irresistible: “Who you gonna call?” Your truck has been put out of service for a reason you either disagree with or don’t understand…who you gonna call? A traffic light is needed at an intersection near your terminal…who you gonna call? A nasty surprise has hit you from HSMV, Highway Patrol, DOT or even another state…who you gonna call? FTA staff field calls several times a week from members and even non-members who simply need help solving a problem. Often, FTA can play a direct role, which happened recently when a tank truck member had a citation in Georgia that got referred back to an enforcement agency here in Florida. Perhaps more often the caller is simply asking, “Who do I talk to about ‘X,’ and can you put me in touch with them?” Even when we might not have a direct line of influence over regulators, oftentimes hearing from FTA staff lends a level of interest and credibility to the decisionmaker’s thought process. The relationships built over years with regulatory, law enforcement and legislative professionals give FTA the ability to cut through knots and be the problem solver that members expect as part of their dues investment. In fact, this skill is frequently
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ADVOCACY
FTA staff field calls several times a week from members and even non-members who simply need help solving a problem. part of the member recruitment message: “It doesn’t take many times of FTA opening a door for you or speeding up a solution to a problem or connecting you with the right person before that couple thousand dollars you paid in dues looks like the best investment you made this year!” Sometimes, one of the items on our Public Policy Agenda has a definite member-service role. Take the 2,000-pound weight variance for natural gas-powered trucks. Several FTA members questioned why, after the State of Florida encouraged them to use a more efficient, cleaner, domestically sourced fuel, they were essentially penalized for the extra weight of tanks and LNG or CNG by having to haul less freight by 2,000 pounds. Clearly it was a member-service issue for many member companies, but also a necessary push for legislative action. Enter FTA as problem solver on the public policy and advocacy side. A coalition of organizations and industry groups with a similar interest in natural gas is built. At the Call on Washington, FTA
The largest LNG fleet in the Truckload environment
1-904-880-1515 executive@raventrans.com | idriveraven.com 22
Florida Truck News | Q1 2016 | FLTrucking.org
members advocated for a federal weight variance. In the 2015 Florida legislative session, the proposal floated but then failed as both houses adjourned early. We encouraged the Secretary of FDOT to consider supporting a variance. The provision was once again proposed for 2016. The role of problem solver, then, can come in the form of advocacy for the whole, advocacy for a specific group or throwing out the lifeline for one or two members in crisis. The natural gas illustration above demonstrates the second role. A similar example is our work to turn back or limit Miami Beach’s—and potentially other cities’—desire to restrict truck pick-ups and deliveries to certain times and locations, with burdensome licenses and fines attached. FTA activities on behalf of the “whole” include most of the other 25 public policy items discussed at the Public Policy Committee meeting. Cargo theft is a major one, which definitely has a legislative component, but also is addressed by better communications and collaboration across the trucking spectrum, law enforcement, the courts and more. The employment shortage takes another overall effort. FTA held a statewide summit in 2015 and will again do so in 2016. We are working with legislators, veteran organizations, educational partners, insurance companies, state officials and employment providers, among others. A particularly innovative collaboration with monster.com and military.com is underway. The list of individual company problems that FTA addresses on behalf of our members really does sound like a “Ghostbusters” movie. They range from the “sublime to the ridiculous,” but none is unimportant, or the member wouldn’t have asked for help. That’s why FTA is here. The face of FTA in Tallahassee is Trucking Day at the Capitol (held January 13 this year—flip to page 31 for highlights), with 30 industry leaders delivering our key messages. But FTA advocacy doesn’t stop at the Florida line. Almost 20 members participated in the Call on Washington last May. Also, on a regular basis, the staff is actively working with American Trucking Associations (ATA) on federal legislative or regulatory priorities. Don’t forget that we are regularly sitting at the table—representing you and your interests—at meetings state and nationwide, including with FDOT, TSA, FHSMV, FHP, CVSA, FMCSA, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and more. No matter how big or small the problem, whether it’s yours alone or on a global scale, when it comes to trucking…who you gonna call?
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H E A LT H
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Five Ways to Be a Healthier, Happier Driver Set goals and stick to them this year By The RoadPro Family of Brands
1. Eat healthier No one’s saying it has to be all kale, all the time, but skip the pizza in favor of the salad bar. Drink water instead of soda. Pack carrots and low-fat dip as a snack instead of chips and dip. You’ll feel better, stay healthier and lose weight.
2. Cook in the truck Dining at truck stops is not only unhealthy; it’s also expensive. With a little planning and some practice with your 12-volt appliances, you can make some remarkably good meals in your cab. Road Tested Living (www.roadtestedliving.com) is one of many sites that offer recipes, tips and encouragement for in-cab cooking. And if you don’t like cooking in the truck, bringing a cooler full of healthy snacks and beverages is a good idea.
3. Get some exercise Don’t let your truck be the only thing doing the heavy lifting this year. Exercise will help you lose weight, improve your stamina and make you look and feel better. If your fleet offers an exercise program, take advantage of it. If not, sites like The Healthy Trucker (www.thehealthytrucker.net) and www.livestrong.com are full of exercises you can do in or next to the truck with minimal or no equipment. A growing number of truck stops also offer workout facilities and outdoor tracks or trails.
4. Stop smoking You’ve heard this before and, chances are, you’ve tried to quit before. Try again. There is nothing else you can do that will be better for you, and you will begin to feel positive results within days of quitting. There are a lot of places to go for help. See if your employer offers a program. If not, the American Lung Association (www.lung.org) and other organizations offer advice and encouragement.
5. Stay in touch When you’re on the road, it’s easy to let your world shrink to your truck, truck stops and terminals. It’s important for your physical and mental wellbeing to have regular contact with friends and family. Call, Skype, text, chat on Facebook—whatever the medium, but communicate with people every day. Remind yourself of why you’re out there.
Last year was full of alarming news about driver health— truckers don’t live as long as people in other professions; they smoke more; they are more likely to be overweight and have diabetes; and they don’t exercise enough. FLTrucking.org | Q1 2016 | Florida Truck News
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ruck drivers are a stubborn bunch. You have to be to persist through everything the job throws at you. That’s why setting and keeping healthy goals ought to be easy. What’s dropping a bad habit compared to fighting through rush hour traffic on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway? Last year was full of alarming news about driver health— truckers don’t live as long as people in other professions; they smoke more; they are more likely to be overweight and have diabetes; and they don’t exercise enough. This might not all apply to you, but odds are at least some of it does. Let this be the year you do something about fixing it. Here are five ways to be a happier, healthier driver.
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SAFETY MANAGEMENT AWARDS
SAFETY
SHOWDOWN
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2016 FTA SAFETY AWARDS
Take this opportunity to show off in the 2016 FTA Safety Management Awards By Tisha Keller, Florida Trucking Association
Fleet Safety Awards One of the best ways to tell how well a company is doing with training, methods and accountability is to track its crash frequency. Familiar to safety professionals, the crash frequency is simply the number of FDOT reportable accidents per million miles traveled in a given timeframe. For the purposes of this competition, we use the previous calendar year (2015). Because of the diversity of our carrier membership, the SMC awards committee separates entries based on mileage categories and carrier type. This makes it a great possibility that almost any safe carrier can win one of the awards!
Driver of the Year Perhaps the most revered award that FTA bestows is the Driver of the Year (DOY) award. With it, we recognize the driver with the most accident-free mileage, most community service, varied training and skills and involvement in safety-related activities. The first phase of the competition recognizes a dozen deserving drivers as the “Drivers of the Month.” From there, an independent council comprised of FTA staff, law enforcement and an allied industry representative cull through the 12 entries to choose
one “Driver of the Year.” This is the highest honor in the state for a commercial driver. The DOY receives a monetary award and a milestone ring. Did I also mention they receive their very own congratulatory billboard on I-75 Southbound? From this point, the DOY is automatically entered in the American Trucking Associations (ATA)’s Driver of the Year and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Driver Excellence Awards.
Safety Professional of the Year The FTA SMC also recognizes academic and practice excellence in safety management. Nominees for the Safety Professional of the Year must be at director or higher status in their company, and have a body of work that displays proficiency in safety collaboration and management. Certifications and coursework count for much of the experience, as well as specific examples of safety improvements and directives implemented at the company level. Look around the next SMC meeting or Truck Driving Championships for the trademark bluestone gold ring on the hand of former Safety Professional of the Year winners. Safety awards are distributed amongst much pomp and circumstance at our Florida Truck Driving Championships awards banquet in June—and its 750-plus audience members. This competition takes very little on your part, but can go a long way toward enhancing your company’s reputation and morale among employees. What is there to lose, besides a few minutes completing the application? The deadline for the 2016 awards is March 31. Visit www.FLTrucking.org to download the nomination forms today.
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he annual FTA Safety Management Awards competition is one of my favorite events of the year. Our Safety Management Council (SMC) takes applications from across the FTA carrier membership to showcase excellence in safety practices. We encourage all our carrier companies to submit entries. It’s a great way to reward your employees and increase esprit de corp. The competition includes three award categories: fleet, driver and safety professional.
A Whole New Level of Excellence Florida Truck Driving Championships Indoors in 2016 June 9–11:: Daytona Beach Ocean Center www.FLTrucking.org
The team expands by five, increasing the reach of this elite driver team By Tisha Keller, Florida Trucking Association
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The Florida Road Team provides hands-on education for all ages to increase safe driving around big trucks. Their Share the Road presentation is popular in driver education programs around the state and includes lecture, video and hands-on demonstrations for students, elementary children, senior citizens, working adults and families year-round. About 10,000 people per year “sit where the driver sits” and learn the limitations of and safe behavior around semi-trucks on the road. In the past ten years, the Share the Road presentation has added information on the dangers of distracted driving. In addition, the Road Team serves as the industry ambassador group for FTA, providing information and role models for those looking to enter the profession. These professional truck drivers are also at home
Kenneth Crotts
John Kinchen
Denny Johnson
John Wright
Alfredo Lemus
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CREDIT: FTA
Meet the Newest Florida Road Team Members
n January 15, 2016, five professional truck drivers were named the newest members of the Florida Road Team, the public safety education group of the Florida Trucking Association (FTA). The announcement came after three days of countywide presentations at area schools and a daylong interview process. These six drivers expand the Florida Road Team to 25 members: • Kenneth Crotts, FedEx Freight, Largo/Clearwater • Denny Johnson, FedEx Freight, San Antonio/Tampa • John Kinchen, Publix Super Markets, Orlando • Alfredo Lemus, UPS, Miami • John Wright, UPS, Jacksonville
««««««« Many of the Florida Road Team members at the 2016 selection event
FLORIDA ROAD TEAM
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FLORIDA ROAD TEAM
in media interviews and interacting with law enforcement officials in a safety partnership model. On average, the Florida Road Team hosts 10,000 people at educational events statewide. In 2016, the team hopes to expand its reach to younger children and older adults at new and additional locations and events.
Among the excitement of selecting new members, the Road Team said “until next time” to four special members at the selection festivities on January 18 in Tallahassee. These professionals have given many years of dedicated and excellent service to FTA and the Road Team, and they will always be counted among us. • Larry Ahern – 2012 (four years) • Melinda Davis – 2008 (eight years)
You can have a Florida Road Team member talk to your company about being a “road ambassador” and teaching others how to avoid the “no zones” around your trucks. Contact FTA at 850-222-9900 for more information on this free service.
Larry Ahern
Melinda Davis
Tom Davis
David Kight
• Tom Davis – 2008 (eight years) • David Kight – 2000 (16 years)
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Florida Truck News | Q1 2016 | FLTrucking.org
TRUCKING DAY AT THE CAPITAL
New Members Introducing the newest members of FTA. FTA welcomes everyone on the list! Carrier Companies • • • • •
DC Hall Trucking, LLC – Nobleton, Fla. Daedalus Transport, Inc. – Celebration, Fla. USA Logistics, Inc. – Kissimmee, Fla. R.C. Moore, Inc. – Scarborough, Maine Edward Zengel and Son Express, Inc. – Fort Myers, Fla.
Supplier Companies • CargoNet – Jersey City, N.J. • Coretex – Jacksonville, Fla. • Lou Bachrodt Freightliner – Pompano Beach, Fla. • Healthy Trucking Association of America – Montgomery, Ala. • CDC Ventures, LLC – Apopka, Fla. • Epic World Wide – Las Vegas, Nev. • Fleetmatics – Clearwater, Fla.
New Council Members
Florida Trucking Day
at the Capitol
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he 2016 Florida Trucking Day at the Capitol was a productive, cold and exciting event for FTA. Our Board of Directors, Public Policy Committee, Florida Road Team and staff represented the association in the Florida Capitol Complex on January 13, 2016. We talked in a small group setting with Sen. Jeff Brandes, Sen. Greg Evers, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold, FHP Director Col. Gene Spaulding, CEO Tom Feeney (AIF) and Matt Dunagan with the Florida Sheriff Association. Equipment from FTA chair Denny Ross’ Kenworth of Jacksonville, Southeast Milk, Suddath Companies, and our partners FHP and AgLaw graced the Capitol courtyard.
Safety Management Council • Floyd Creed, YRC Freight – Marietta, Ga. • Jose Guzman, Daedalus Transport, Inc. – Celebration, Fla. Technology & Maintenance Council • Mike Courter, FedEx Freight, Inc. – Orlando, Fla. • Mike Evans, CDC Ventures, LLC – Apopka, Fla. • Jose Guzman, Daedalus Transport, Inc. – Celebration, Fla. • Dallas Loupot, Fleetmatics – Clearwater, Fla.
* List updated as of Feb. 5, 2016
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Q&A
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Featuring Cassie Holder with Electric Guard Dog At Home
What is your personal business philosophy? Provide the best service possible and treat customers as a family.
Hometown: Tennessee
When and how was your company started? Electric Guard Dog was started by Bill Mullis. He owned the largest guard dog company in the nation. Unfortunately, he was broken into at his facility. He built the 7,000-volt fence to keep unwanted persons off his yard. Neighbors stopped to ask where they could get a fence to secure their business. After Mullis put up several fences, he decided to give up guard dogs — naming his new company after his loyal companions. Electric Guard Dog now secures over 4,000 locations nationwide.
College: Middle Tennessee State University First car: Honda Favorite color: Yellow Favorite movie: Gone with the Wind Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii Do you have children? Yes Apple or Android? Apple What is the last thing you Googled? “What’s for dinner?” Which T.V. show would you choose to be on? Grey’s Anatomy Who – living or deceased – would you most like to meet? John Wayne What super power would you want to have? To fly What is the last movie you saw in theaters? The Hunger Games Where is the farthest you’ve been away from home? Caribbean If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chips
At Work Current title: Security consultant at Electric Guard Dog Why did you get into trucking? Trucking is Electric Guard Dog’s number one targeted market for providing perimeter protection and securing billions of dollars of assets on a daily basis.
What are the challenges facing your company today? The major challenge in the trucking industry is truck and cargo theft. J.J. Coughlin’s book on cargo crime security and theft prevention is an awesome resource for any company. What is the biggest challenge currently facing the trucking industry as a whole? Probably driver recruitment — the good news is as I make my travels to different companies, I do see an increase in tenured drivers. What improvements have you seen in the industry? Development in technology has contributed to improvement and helped increase productivity of company operations Where do you see future growth in the industry? Trucking is the backbone of the American economy. Since the economy has recovered, the experts predict the number of truckload carriers to increase. Hopefully, this will launch expansion of existing truck carriers to increase their fleets. What are the greatest benefits to FTA membership? Being a part of the trucking community, promoting safety and security, and learning about and participating in upcoming trends in trucking.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Act immediately. Security is the most important aspect in securing freight on a yard.
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