Winter 2021
The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association
Scott Perry: His Lifelong Passion for Trucking
At the Heart of Trucking ALSO INSIDE :
• SMC Awards • FTA Annual Conference • 2022 Political Outlook
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 | A LIFELONG PASSION FOR TRUCKING By Holly Brooks For FTA Board Chair Scott Perry, the trucking industry has been an ever-present part of his life since childhood. Photos of Scott Perry by Norma Lopez Molina
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16
DEPARTMENTS President’s Message
3
Fall Round - Up 8
18
SMC Awards
10
FTA Annual Conference
12
Moves and News
22
FEATURES 4
Lifelong Passion for Trucking
10
28 26
4
3320
Defining Moments: Are We in This for the Long Haul?
16
2020 Trooper of the Year
19
2.0 Leadership Class
21
INDUSTRY INSIDER ATRI: Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry 18 2022 Florida Political Outlook
20
Changes to Entry-Level Driver Training
24
24
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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LEADERS IN TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT
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VOLUME 80, NUMBER 3 • 2021 STAFF: President and CEO, Alix Miller alix@floridatrucking.org
ALIX MILLER, PH.D.
Vice President of Operations, Brian Nerland
PRESIDENT AND CEO, FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
brian@floridatrucking.org Director of Communications, Holly Brooks holly@floridatrucking.org Director of Member Services, Chris Heil chris@floridatrucking.org PUBLISHED BY:
350 E. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 www.floridatrucking.org EDITORIAL Editor: Holly Brooks ADVERTISING Sales: Holly Brooks DESIGN & LAYOUT Art Director: Jeremy Ashmore Copyright - 2021 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 FTA. For subscription information, please
President’s Message It could be argued that FTA has never been more visible than right now. The Association and its members have been featured in both state and national media; standing behind the seal of the Governor at press conferences; sitting in the (sometimes virtual) room where decisions are made. When I first started working at FTA nearly four years ago, I was struck at the disconnect between the public image and the world I had just entered. The public perception has been one trapped in the stereotype of yesteryears. My long-term goal started right then and there: highlight the industry as it really is. A powerful industry that connects every aspect of our economy. Companies adapting to a rapidly changing business landscape. A field at the forefront of automated and electric vehicles battling to be the market leaders. Investments of billions of dollars in advanced safety technologies in trucks to keep the driver and all motorists safe on our roads. And most importantly: a family. We have the country’s attention. Current events have made it clear that there is a fundamental lack of understanding of the supply chain and trucking’s integral role in everyday life. We need to tell our story. FTA has been purposefully and strategically laying the groundwork toward the larger cause. We need to educate elected officials, from local to federal, about the current state of the trucking industry — its challenges and opportunities. We need to change the narrative and image of trucking to recruit and retain drivers, diesel technicians, safety directors, fleet managers and CEOs, and ensure trucking attracts the best of the best. We need to build more alliances and find common issues across industries.
contact FTA at 850-222-9900.
We need to keep the spotlight on trucking and have our voices heard to effect positive change.
Postmaster: Address changes to
FTA needs you.
Florida Trucking Association, 350 E. College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the authors of the articles contained in Florida Truck News
There’s no one better to tell our story than our members. Don’t let this opportunity pass us by — reach out to your local and regional leaders; engage your community and schools; and help recruit new members of the Association. Let’s work together to strengthen FTA and the trucking industry.
magazine are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Florida Trucking Association or its member companies. Printed in Florida. Please recycle where facilities exist.
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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A Lifelong Passion for Trucking By Holly Brooks
You might say FTA Board Chair Scott Perry was destined to work in the transportation industry. Scott, who serves as President of Moving & Logistics at Suddath, comes from a family of transportation professionals. His paternal greatgrandfather had his own trucking company as an extension of his chicken farming business – a small operation. His maternal grandfather was a truck driver for Bowman Transportation most of his career until he could no longer drive due to vision loss. That’s when he left the road and became a dock supervisor in their local terminal. “His terminal was actually about a block away from my elementary school, 4 | WINTER 2021
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
and I have fond memories of going to Bowman as a young child and ‘working’ on the dock and in the truck shop,” Scott recalls. He also has many uncles who have been in and out of the industry for the past 50 years.
He credits these familial ties with igniting his passion for transportation and logistics. “When I see our drivers, warehouse workers and support staff, I can relate that directly back to grandparents, aunts and uncles who played important roles in my formative years.” Scott grew up in Gadsden, a rural town in Northeast Alabama – “one of those towns with just two traffic lights” – and began his career in his teen years as a lumper at the Goodyear
Tire distribution center, working with one of his uncles who drove a truck full-time. He started networking with the local trucking companies while helping their drivers unload tires at all of the local warehouses, doing this until starting college at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Ala. During his junior year, Ryder offered Scott a job as a warehouse employee at the same Goodyear Tire distribution center where he worked in his teen years, giving him an opportunity to participate in their management development program. From there, he became an operations leader, eventually progressing into a corporate leadership role. Now, 35
COVER STORY: A Lifelong Passion for Trucking <
years later, he leads the moving and logistics organization at Suddath, one of the top residential, commercial, and military moving and logistics companies in the U.S. His many years of experience have not only given him a deep understanding of the supply chain, but also deep compassion for the customers he serves. “At Suddath, our mission is ‘to serve our customers, communities, and each other with the highest level of care, making lives easier by delivering in moments that matter.’ Whether we are serving our customers at some of the most intense times in their lives, or in their daily business, what we do to support them in those moments really does matter.” Scott’s wife, Kristi, has been by his side since the beginning of his career. “My professional achievements would have never been possible without the never-ending support of my wife. We’re one of those couples who can proudly say we were high school sweethearts, dating all the way through college and then starting our married life and professional careers together soon after graduating from college.” Scott and Kristi have one son, who is currently a sophomore in college. Scott has been involved in FTA leadership for about five years, first joining the Board of Directors in 2015. I spoke with him recently about Suddath, his thoughts on the trucking industry’s future, and his involvement in FTA.
How has the boom in the residential real-estate market impacted Suddath as a moving and logistics company? Our household goods moving team has seen a significant increase in demand for services over the past 18 months as a result of this boom. I think everyone working in the transportation industry has seen the ripple effect booms can create. We’re seeing significant disparities between supply and demand, which then inevitably strains the supply chain. Our teams have been true rockstars when it comes to finding ways to
Scott’s grandfather, who had a “significant impact” on his life, was a professional truck driver for Bowman Transportation. best serve our customers while trying to navigate through these challenging times. As a consumer, making a residential move can already be stressful when everything goes perfectly, so when the supply chain is strained it only reinforces why you should be partnering with organizations who know what they are doing and who care about the outcome – just as our teams have been doing for 102 years!
What’s ahead for Suddath’s Moving & Logistics business?
services, transportation brokerage, project management, international freight forwarding, and household goods transportation. Talent recruiting, talent development, and change management are key elements of our ongoing strategy to better serve our customers and provide opportunity to our employees.
What is the most important lesson you have learned from working in the trucking industry? Everyone in our industry plays an important role and there is so much honor in what we do, so we shouldn’t stand by and allow bad behavior from others – whether within or outside the industry – tarnish our reputation or image.
We operate in so many different business verticals that it is easy to get lost in the excitement of no two days being the same – but we are highly focused on business simplification through a number of modernization and innovation initiatives to help us with achieving our goals around safety, quality, and growth. We made a strategic acquisition earlier this year with Daryl Flood, providing us an entry point and expanding our capabilities into the home delivery logistics segment. We are highly focused on growing that business, on top of the planned growth for workplace services, contract warehousing, fulfillment
What is something exciting to watch in the trucking industry right now? Is there an emerging technology or opportunity that you are keeping an eye on? Fleet electrification and autonomy are very high on the radar screen for me. Having lived in that world for a while, I know there is a lot of heavy Cover Story Continues on pg. 6
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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> COVER STORY: A Lifelong Passion for Trucking
professionally. Being able to share new thoughts and ideas around opportunities for the industry, as well as using the FTA platform as a unifying voice when looking to influence policymakers, helps to make me a more effective leader for my organization.
Can you discuss the value of an FTA membership?
Scott leads the moving and logistics organization at Suddath, one of the top residential, commercial, and military moving and logistics companies in the U.S. lifting to be done before we see those technologies on a broad basis, but the momentum is good, and both will have significant impacts on how our companies and our supply chains operate.
You have a Master of Liberal Arts in Sustainability from Harvard. How have you been able to apply your knowledge of sustainability to the trucking industry? While that degree program gave me great insights into the environmental impacts that we all have based upon our personal and professional choices, it also gave me some great perspective on how sustainability is a balance of the environmental, social, and financial elements of every business. I started that degree path when I was at Ryder in an innovation role while the industry was just getting exposed to advanced fuel vehicles, autonomy, advanced materials, and electrification. I was living on the front line of many of these technologies and needed to have a better foundation for understanding the decisions that 6 | WINTER 2021
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
were being made by manufacturers, fleets, and regulatory agencies. Since then, I have been able to use those skills through a much more balanced approach of trying to view business through all three perspectives, understanding that if you don’t take all three into account, you likely won’t like the long-term result. We all must be financially viable as businesses, we all need to be invested in our communities and our people (or we’ll lose our social license to operate), and we all must take our impact on the environment seriously. Success here won’t come from the stroke of a pen, but rather through daily discipline and focus on being good stewards of our communities.
How has FTA involvement shaped you as a trucking industry leader? Getting to interact with peers through different events and environments created by the FTA has not only allowed for the expansion of my personal network but has also allowed me to develop relationships that support our organization
Beyond the benefits I just referenced from a personal perspective, I am certain that every transportation company operating within Florida, whether they are based here or not, is benefitting from the FTA’s efforts. Your membership allows you to have a front-row seat to those efforts and also allows your organization to tap into all of the support services that have been developed by the FTA staff. Whether you are a small start - up, or a large, well-established publicly traded company — if you participate in this industry, you will benefit greatly from being a member of FTA.
Outside of the trucking industry, what are you most passionate about? Most of my time and resources are devoted to my family and career, but I also value the opportunity I have had to serve as Chairman of the Board for Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). I have been associated with TAT for eight years, and the work that Kendis Paris and the team are doing is simply amazing. As a nationwide provider of transportation services, I felt it was critical to align our organization with TAT’s efforts to end human trafficking. Our goal at Suddath is for all drivers, dispatchers and warehouse dock workers to be 100% TAT-certified, ensuring they have the knowledge and awareness to make a difference. If your organization hasn’t been TAT trained, I strongly encourage you to reach out today! Photos of Scott Perry by Norma Lopez Molina
Welcome, Welcome, New New FTA FTA Members! Members! CARRIERS CARRIERS
CarMax Auto Superstores CarMax Auto Superstores K.L. Breeden and Sons K.L. Breeden and Sons Jarrett Trucking Jarrett Trucking SSR Logistics SSR Logistics Drive Logistics Drive Logistics Countrywide Logistics Countrywide Logistics Muzom Transportation, Inc Muzom Transportation, Inc J & J Trucking J & J Trucking LaGrange Express LaGrange Express
SUPPLIERS SUPPLIERS
CyntrX CyntrX US Submergent Technologies US Submergent Technologies Marsh & McLennan Agency Marsh & McLennan Agency Waller Insurance Partners Waller Insurance Partners Goldhofer Goldhofer AmFed National Insurance Council AmFed National Insurance Council SouthState Bank SouthState Bank Falken Tire Falken Tire Birdseye Security Solutions Birdseye Security Solutions One Florida Bank One Florida Bank collisiondata collisiondata
Florida Trucking Show Florida Trucking Show WEX WEX Open Path Technologies Open Path Technologies S-E-A S-E-A Northland Insurance Company Northland Insurance Company dexFreight dexFreight SteelRoad Group SteelRoad Group NETS Trailer Leasing & Sales NETS Trailer Leasing & Sales Thompson Tractor Thompson Tractor Consolidated Chassis Management Consolidated Chassis Management Perez Goree & Associates, LLC Perez Goree & Associates, LLC
866-475-9001
TOWING • RECOVERY • TRANSPORTATION
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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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Unify, Adapt, Innovate: 2021 Fall Round-Up
More than 30 participants – including safety managers, company drivers, and fleet managers from FTA member companies; FHP troopers; and FDOT staff – gathered for a voluntary vehicle inspection on Oct. 13, as port of FTA’s 2021 Fall Round-Up.
Day #1: Voluntary Vehicle Inspection, FTA Board of Directors Meeting, and Opening Reception In the early morning hours of Oct. 13, professional truck drivers passing through the Flagler I-95 Weigh Station in Palm Coast were greeted with the offer of a free voluntary vehicle inspection. Drivers who wished to participate pulled around to the parking lot next to the station, where they were greeted once again by groups donning bright yellow safety vests. Those groups – each assigned to a different truck – paced back-and-forth next to the vehicle, evaluating a list of safety criteria, from the tires and reflective tape, to air and electric lines. The inspection, sponsored by PrePass and organized by FTA’s Safety Management Council (SMC), was the first event of the 2021 Fall Round-Up – an exciting start to a packed couple of days for FTA members. As with other inspections organized throughout the 8 | WINTER 2021
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
year by SMC, the event was held in partnership with Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). “The mission of the SMC is to make trucking in Florida as safe as possible, and voluntary vehicle inspections are a wonderful way to engage current and prospective FTA members, along with our law enforcement and state agency partners, as we work toward that shared goal,” said SMC Chair Laura Lamson. During the Fall Round-Up inspection, inspection groups – which totaled about 30 participants divided into groups of five – evaluated 50 vehicles over a threehour period, ultimately pulling three vehicles from the road for major safety violations. Those in attendance included safety managers, company drivers and fleet managers from FTA member companies; FHP troopers; and FDOT staff, including Statewide Scale Operations Manager Paul Clark.
Following the voluntary vehicle inspection in Palm Coast, Fall Round-Up activities continued that afternoon at the Orlando Marriott in Lake Mary. The FTA Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Scott Perry, convened to discuss committee updates, public policy, and the Association’s 2022 event calendar. Rounding out the day was a bustling reception in the hotel foyer. As the sunset filtered through the foyer’s floor-to-ceiling windows, FTA members enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new connections. Day #2: Educational Sessions and SMC Awards The second day of Fall Round-Up began with FTA President and CEO Alix Miller welcoming more than 150 attendees, kicking off a series of educational sessions. Session topics ranged from driver recruitment and training, to technological advances in driver equipment and accident reconstruction – fitting for this
year’s Fall Round-Up theme: “Unify. Adapt. Innovate.” Presentations began with a legislative and judicial update from William Large, President of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, and Chris Dudley, a Partner with The Southern Group. Next up was Travis Dunn, Vice President of CDM Smith, who discussed the future of road user fees and the shift to road usage charging (RUC) to support road maintenance and construction. The following session focused on FDOT’s Florida Regional Supply Chain Optimization Model (FRSCOM), presented by Rickey Fitzgerald, Manager of the Freight & Multimodal Operations Office for FDOT, and Rob Palmer, a certified urban planner and transportation/ logistics professional for Quetica, LLC. Tra Williams, Owner and President of FleetForce Truck Driving School – which has locations in Winter Haven and Bradenton – gave a passionate presentation on recruiting and training the next generation of professional truck drivers. Billy Roberts, the Founder of AmFed National Insurance Company, announced the launch of FTA’s workers’ compensation insurance partnership with AmFed. Breakout sessions included an interactive presentation (featuring lasers!) on technology and techniques in accident reconstruction by Eric Sauer, a Senior Mechanical Engineer with S-E-A; along with presentations on equipment innovations and technology from Mac McKinley of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Scott Lingenfelter of PACCAR, John Moore of Volvo, and Brady Engle of Allison Transmission.
During an interactive breakout session, S-E-A used a laser to quickly scan the entire conference room – and session attendees used tape measures to test it for accuracy.
Thank Thank You,You, 2021 2021 Fall Fall Round-Up Round-Up Sponsors! Sponsors! Thank You, 2021 Fall Round-Up Sponsors! Thank Thank You, You, 2021 2021 Fall Fall Round-Up Round-Up Sponsors! Sponsors!
Dr. Dale Brill, Orlando Economic Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Research and the Foundation for Orlando’s Future, captivated attendees with his keynote address sharing economic insights on the trucking industry’s future. Fall Round-Up concluded with the Safety Management Council Awards, which recognized fleets, drivers, and safety professionals for their commitment to safety and professional development. (Award winners are featured in this issue.) From start to finish, it was an energetic Fall Round-Up, filled with opportunities for trucking professionals to learn and connect as we look to the industry’s future. FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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2021 Safety Management Council Awards
Safety Professional of the Year Ray Lloyd (center) – Photo credit: Ike Sherlock
Driver of the Year Charlie Fuller
Each year, FTA’s Safety Management Council (SMC) celebrates fleets, drivers, and safety professionals for their commitment to safety on the roads through the SMC Awards program. During Fall Round-Up, SMC announced the 2021 winners of the Fleet Safety Awards, Safety Professional of the Year, Drivers of the Month, and the Driver of the Year.
Fleet Safety Awards To put it simply, Fleet Safety Awards are a big deal. To receive an award, a company must rely on the driving records and accident history of all of its drivers. Receiving such an award requires a singular goal and commitment to safety that is evident throughout all departments of a company. 10 | WINTER 2021
Davis Express accepting a Fleet Safety Award
The Fleet Safety Awards program has three separate classifications: Truckload, Less-Than-Truckload, and Bulk/Other, delineated by size of fleet. The winners are selected by reported DOT recordable accidents for the past two years, crash frequency, and overall number of Florida miles driven.
In 1990, Ray began his dedication to public safety at the age of 18 as a Dispatcher with the Lakeland Police Department. He went on to serve the citizens of Lakeland as a police officer for the next 19 years, ultimately attaining the rank of Sergeant before retirement.
Safety Professional of the Year
Once he left public safety, Ray decided to continue his dedication in the private sector and was given the opportunity to lead the Safey Program at McTyre Trucking in Orlando. During his time at McTyre, he encouraged the drivers to promote safety not just for themselves, but others. He brought respect to the position and could often be found in the field working with drivers to promote safety. Ray became
Ray Lloyd of Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation is the 2021 Safety Professional of the Year. The object of the award is to advance standards of excellence for truck fleet safety professionals. Member companies boast thousands of safety experts at the top of their game, so it is truly an honor to receive the award.
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
active with FTA, eventually becoming a member of the SMC Executive Board. In 2018, McTyre Trucking closed which left him without a job; but through his connections within FTA, Ray was introduced to Philip Fulmer. Philip hired Ray at Carroll Fulmer Logistics to lead the Safety Department. Ray brought organization and leadership to the team, and Carroll Fulmer has been the recipient of Fleet Safety Awards each year he has been there. Ray is the Immediate Past SMC Chair and remains active within FTA.
Drivers of the Month Nominees for the Driver of the Month/ Year Awards must be employed by or contracted to a member company of FTA, and must have been continuously employed or contracted for at least one year prior to the nomination date. To select Drivers of the Month, the SMC considers a number of criteria, including their safety record, professional experience, mileage and route classification, professional development training, community leadership, and acts of heroism. The coveted Driver of the Year Award is presented to one of the 12 Drivers of the Month, with the winner receiving a trophy, driver’s ring, and a gift from the SMC.
Driver of the Year Charlie Fuller of FedEx Freight is the 2021 Driver of the Year. He has driven more than 2.7 million safe miles in his 35-year career. Charlie’s dedication to safety is made clear with his high level of professionalism displayed daily to the motoring public. His commitment to the future of trucking can be seen with the number of employees he has trained within his company. Charlie has competed in the Florida Truck Driving Championships since 2003, and he became a member of FTA’s Road Team in 2014 where he found his true passion for safety by teaching high school students how to Share the Road with trucks. Outside of work, you can find him being a leader in his community. He leads a non-profit organization called the JM:12 Foundation, in honor of his grandchild who was lost in a drive-by shooting at the age of 12 years old. The Foundation features a mentorship program focused on empowering young men ages 12 to 18, providing assistance as they navigate their youth into adulthood.
Kottke Trucking accepting a Fleet Safety Award – Photo credit: Ike Sherlock
CARRIER
FLE E T SA FE T Y AWA R DS CATEGORY OVER//UNDER
Dillon Logistics Bulk/Other Florida Rock & Tank Lines Bulk/Other
First Place Second Place
UPS AAA Cooper
LTL LTL
First Place Second Place
Kottke Trucking Landstar Express America Total Distribution
TL TL TL
< 5 Million < 5 Million < 5 Million
First Place First Place First Place
Shelton Trucking Davis Express
TL TL
5-15 Million 5-15 Million
First Place Second Place
Carroll Fulmer Logistics Landstar Inway
TL TL
> 15 Million > 15 Million
First Place Second Place
DR IVE R S O F T H E MO NTH
MONTH NAME
COMPANY
January
Bobby Edney
Carroll Fulmer Logistics
February
Carl Townsend
Florida Rock & Tank Lines
March
John Sznjakart
Davis Express
April
Oniel Greenland
Carroll Fulmer Logistics
May
Dorough Lane
UPS
June
Marcelo Gonzalez
Dillon Logistics
July
Charlie Fuller
FedEx Freight
August
Tommy Stiglet
Florida Rock & Tank Lines
September
Reginald Randolph
UPS
October
James Petersen
Exxact Transport
November
Eddie Blount
Florida Rock & Tank Lines
December
Herbert Vicaire
Carroll Fulmer Logistics
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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FTA Annual Conference 2021
Alix Miller, Gov. Ron DeSantis, and FTA Board Chair Scott Perry
Herman Fauss Scholarship recipient Whitley Cochran
FTA wins the Truckers Against Trafficking Champion Award
CEO Circles
There was a definite feeling of excitement during the 2021 Annual Conference this summer at the RitzCarlton Grande Lakes in Orlando. FTA’s summer event is the time of transitions: committee leadership, Board of Directors Chair, and other committees pass the baton (or in our case, gavels) on to the incoming leaders. And this year, it served as the symbolic transition from President and CEO Ken Armstrong to Alix Miller. Annual Conference turned out to be a who’s-who of trucking. After missing a year, members seemed eager to return for networking and friendship-building. Almost 400 people were in attendance — industry leaders from around the country and expert briefings at the state and federal levels. The event unofficially teed off from Ritz-Carlton Golf Course first thing in the morning on Thursday, followed by SMC, TMC, and Board of Director meetings. All attendees gathered late afternoon in the ballroom for the always-popular CEO Circles. With about 25 CEOs holding 12 | WINTER 2021
court at tables, members had the opportunity to gain insight and ask questions in an informal environment. Chris Spear, President and CEO of American Trucking Associations, gave an update from the Federation. The evening concluded with the First-Timer’s Reception and the President’s Reception, which gave the opportunity for new members to get to meet one another, the Board of Directors, and sponsors. Thursday night ended on a high note for all (especially those who extended the conviviality at the lobby bar).
gave thanks for the past, but signaled continued progress and excitement for the future. The afternoon included the introduction of the 2021-2022 2.0 Leadership Class (more on that in this issue of FTN); Annual Meeting of the Membership; and the official transition of leaders. Board Chair Philip Fulmer passed the gavel to Scott Perry; Ray Lloyd passed the SMC Chairmanship to Laura Lamson; and Morris Valenzuela handed off TMC to Scott Lingenfelter.
Friday’s Breakfast General Session began with an FDOT update from Secretary Kevin Thibault, P.E. Another tradition for Annual Conference was the Fireside Chat, this year with the CEO of Ryder System, Robert E. Sanchez.
Attendees learned a lot from some keynote speeches during lunch featuring Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson; an economic update from Florida Chamber’s Jerry Parrish, Ph.D. and constant supporter of our tort and insurance reform efforts; and Dan Cook from TrueNorth.
The morning session concluded with an FHP update from Lt. Col. Troy Thompson; FMCSA with Jack Van Steenburg; and a State of the Association presentation by Ken that
After an introduction from Alix, Gov. Ron DeSantis took to the stage for nearly an hour to give an impassioned speech about his support for the trucking industry and the state of the
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
Florida Road Team members Fred Combs, Tommy Forrest, and Eric Blandford
state. Following the Governor, Master Illusionist Joshua Seth showed his talents by making half the audience disappear. The evening concluded with an ice cream party for Ken Armstrong. Some stalwart FTA members, who have seen the Association through thick and thin, spoke of Ken’s work and wished him well on his upcoming 22-month retirement trip around the world.
What’s in store for 2022? Annual Conference 2022 will be headed to the Westin Cape Coral Marina Village. Plan to see some changes: More time for networking and company dinners. Child care options and spouse events so the conference can be a family event — with parents being able to get some time off! Mark your calendars: July 21-22. We can’t wait to see you there!
Ken Armstrong at his ice cream party
DIAMOND SPONSORS ($10,000+)
Passing of the gavel with Philip Fulmer and Scott Perry GOLD SPONSORS ($2,500) Assured Partners Birdseye Security Solutions Boulevard Tire Center Bridgestone Americas Collisiondata Conlan Tire Cummins Sales and Service Cypress Truck Lines Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies FleetForce Truck Driving School Fleetwing Florida Rock and Tank Lines Florida Utility Trailers
Great West Casualty Gulf Coast Business Credit Keep Truckin Love's Travel Stops Meritor Omnitracs Pilot Travel Centers Rivero, Gordimer & Company Rowland Transportation Signature Financial Suddath Global Logistics
Sunbelt Transport Sunstate Carriers Tenstreet TransForce Group Trimble Transportation Truck Rental and Leasing Association Volvo Trucks NA
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FTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2021 PLATINUM SPONSORS ($5,500)
SILVER SPONSORS ($1,500) Abbey, Adams, Byelick & Mueller Breakthru Beverage Florida DMC Insurance Exxact Express Florida East Coast Highway Services Great Dane Trailers GreenRoad Insurance Indian River Transport
McLeod Software Michelin NA Mutual of America New Line Transport People's Capital and Leasing Quality Carriers Reliance Supply Rountree Transport & Rigging Taylor & Associates
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits The Southern Group Walmart Transportation WEX
Congratulations to FTA Board Member Ryan Walpole of Walpole, Inc. Ryan was honored with the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) 2021 Dameo Award for his service as an ATA State Vice President. Since 2014, the Dameo Award has been awarded to ATA State Vice Presidents who have gone above and beyond in advancing the goals of the trucking industry and ATA. The award carries with it a $5,000 donation to the winner’s state association. Ryan (right) is pictured here with ATA Chairman Harold Sumerford, Jr. and FTA President and CEO Alix Miller at the ATA Chairman’s Membership Committee Meeting on Oct. 23 in Nashville, Tenn. Photo credit: American Trucking Associations
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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FTA is on the map. WE'RE MAKING THE INDUSTRY BE HEARD. LEVERAGING OUR VOICE FOR CHANGE.
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Florida Trucking Association is one of the oldest and most respected associations in the state—promoting and protecting the trucking industry for almost 90 years. FTA is the sole state liaison between the trucking industry and the legislative, regulatory and judicial branches of state and federal government. The Association represents every sector of trucking: from agriculture, auto transport, LTL, private fleets; to companies relying on trucking to move goods; to manufacturers, banking, insurance and law firms that provide services to the industry.
FTA is one of 50 state trucking associations that is a part of American Trucking Associations. This Federation represents roughly 35,000 member companies and leverages the strength and size of membership in order to develop, advocate, and advance innovative research-based policies that promote highway safety, security, environmental sustainability and profitability.
FTA has a lot of horsepower. We harness that power and focus on the needs of our members so they can keep their eyes on the road.
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RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR JOIN NOW BY CONTACTING FTA AT 850-222-9900 OR INFO@FLORIDATRUCKING.ORG WINTER 2021 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
FTA is at the forefront of policy making, regulatory reform, safety practices and technological developments for trucking. FTA has cultivated strong relationships with state and federal leaders who listen to us and prioritize our needs. We communicate regularly with and have a direct line to the decision-makers. FTA is visible. Our voice is heard and we are seen—we are considered the preeminent thought-leaders on trucking issues in Florida. The Association and its members are featured regularly in print, television, podcasts and social media. We are invited to participate in press conferences, roundtable discussions and individual meetings in Capitol offices in Florida and Washington, D.C. We are committed to sharing our message so everyone—elected officials, business leaders, prospective trucking employees—knows who we are and what we stand for. FTA’s members are national and state trucking titans: we represent Fortune-500 corporations; fourth generation family-owned companies; to companies just getting their tires rolling. FTA has your back. Whether you reach out to staff, or call a fellow member, the FTA family is loyal and committed to success for all. FTA is a valuable investment. We provide regular opportunities for your employees to engage in activities, whether a technician, driver, manager or CEO. • Networking opportunities: regional and statewide meetings • Live and virtual educational sessions to share best practices and developments • Truck Driving Championships, Vehicle Inspections, Safety Awards • Advocacy Days in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. • Interaction with leaders from other transportation modes • Florida Road Team—our professional driver ambassadors for the state FTA encourages members to get involved. We have multiple committees to engage and mobilize our members, because YOU are the focus. • Safety Management Council • Technology and Maintenance Council • FTA Foundation • 2.0 Leadership Class • FTA PAC • Public Policy Committee • Membership Recruitment Committee
FTA is stronger with you. FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS WINTER 2021 | 15 We know the unified voice of many is far more powerful than when we go it alone.
Defining Moments: Are We in This for the Long Haul?
By Tra Williams Every industry has defining moments, windows of time when near-term opportunities and transactional successes obscure an entire population’s ability to think strategically and anticipate long-term, unintended consequences. It happens the same way every time. The window always opens with industry pros sprinting toward low-hanging fruit and snatching up unheralded victories. Unfortunately, the sprinters learn all too late that it isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. They were so focused on winning the first mile that they now cannot finish the race. So focused on the battle that they lost the war. Their early celebrations are eventually marred by an industry-wide economic implosion. In their mad dash to grab quick and easy dollars, they fail to realize that they stand atop a house of cards. The dotcom boom and subsequent collapse in the late ‘90s, along with the real estate boom and eventual collapse in the mid-2000s, are both shining examples 16 | WINTER 2021
Tra Williams with students at FleetForce Truck Driving School
of our curious and tragic propensity for shortsightedness and immediacy.
of over-the-road transport is a house of cards… and the wind is starting to blow.
The trucking industry is currently facing such a defining moment. Absolutely everyone in the industry has been aware of the driver shortage for decades. It’s not news, or at least it wasn’t until COVID revealed to the nation that we as an industry have been shortsighted. That we were too busy sprinting toward dollars, too focused on the first mile in this marathon. The whole nation now knows that the reliability and consistency
There is no quick or easy solution. America needs 1.1 million new professional drivers in the next 10 years. That’s 110,000 per year or about 350 per day. And that number, taken straight from the American Trucking Associations’ website, does not include the Class B drivers needed to sustain the concrete, waste management, or food and beverage delivery industries... not to mention school buses.
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So, what do we do? How do we avoid the economic implosion that inevitably follows in this scenario? The answer is multi-faceted. First, we must embrace that there is a cultural and generational divide. COVID created enormous demand, which could easily translate into thousands of new drivers and companies. But because we haven’t properly managed the perception of our industry in the eyes of the public, ambitious and entrepreneurial-minded Americans don’t see the trucking industry as ripe for start-ups. As industry professionals, it is incumbent on us to change that narrative. We must reveal to businessminded innovators that trucking isn’t a low-skill, low-wage career. It is, in fact, quite the opposite. Next, we must invest in the future of the industry, and that means investing in people. Every CDL license-holder in America who wants a job already has a job. That means every dollar spent on recruiting is not an investment in the industry, because taking drivers away from other carriers does not solve
the problem. Twelve hundred drivers retire in America every week. So every week, recruiters are fishing in a smaller and smaller pond. The only solution is to restock the pond, and that means investing in entry-level drivers. Imagine the tremendous influx of drivers that would result from investing all those dollars into training instead of wasting all that money on recruiting. Once we have changed the narrative and attracted and trained more talent, the next step is to address the fragmented nature of our systems. Fully 97% of all trucking companies in American have fewer than 20 trucks. That means thousands of small companies individually seek insurance coverage each year, and they all pay the price for our lack of collaboration. There is tremendous and growing support for lowering the interstate driving age to 18, but this accomplishes nothing if we are unable to secure coverage for entry-level drivers. How on earth are we to bring in fresh talent if underwriters require two years’ experience? Insurance has dictated minimum experience
requirements for far too long, and they have made billions off our refusal to collectively bargain. We must advocate for our industry and work together. Finally, once all of this has been achieved, it must be sustained. None of us will live forever, but the industry will. No matter what we do or how hard we work, it will mean nothing if we don’t identify, nurture, and empower future leadership. Succession planning is the industry equivalent of creating dynasties. It is the difference between Band-Aids and stitches, between treating symptoms and curing disease. If we want to seize hold of this industrydefining moment and ensure that it serves as a watershed event for future generations, then we must treat the next generation of drivers and trucking leaders as the most important people in the industry…because they are. Tra Williams is the Owner and President of FleetForce Truck Driving School, which has locations in Winter Haven and Bradenton, Fla. FleetForce is a member of FTA.
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ATRI Releases 2021 Report: Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry
Throughout 2021, the trucking industry has faced a series of challenges that amplified problems it faced prior to the pandemic. A surge in demand for goods sparked by the pandemic remained steady this year. Factory shutdowns abroad led to a shortage of computer chips, slowing the production of trucks. Inflation has caused increased equipment and fuel costs. All of these factors have compounded to exacerbate global supply chain disruptions, and now, consumers are recognizing how essential trucking is to our everyday lives. Issues that the industry has been calling attention to for years – including the truck driver shortage and the need for improved infrastructure – are being brought to the forefront of public conversation. In October 2021, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its 17th annual Top Industry Issues report, identifying a number of the industry’s key concerns during this year. To produce the report, ATRI 18 | WINTER 2021
distributed a survey to more than 23,000 industry stakeholders across the U.S. Survey respondents were asked to select their top three choices from the list of 30 critical issues, and subsequently rank their top three preferred strategies that corresponded to each selected issue. More than 2,500 industry stakeholders participated in the survey. The respondents represented motor carrier personnel (52.4%), commercial drivers (24.1%), and other industry stakeholders (23.5%), including industry suppliers, driver trainers, and law enforcement. For the fifth year in a row, the Driver Shortage topped the list of industry concerns, with more than four times as many first-place votes as the number two issue, Driver Retention. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the current driver shortage has risen to 80,000 – an all-time high for the industry. Trucking will need recruit 1 million new drivers over the next 10 years to close the gap caused
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by demand for freight, projected retirements, and other issues. “A thing to note about the shortage is that before the pandemic, we were adding drivers to the industry – even though we had a shortage, more people were entering the industry,” said Bob Costello, ATA’s Chief Economist, in an October 2021 press release.“The issue is that new entrants into the industry didn’t keep up with demand for goods.” At the time of the survey in September and October, respondents’ top-ranked proposed strategy to address the driver shortage was to advocate for the expedited launch the DRIVE Safe Act pilot program to expand interstate CDL eligibility for 18-20-year-olds. The $1 trillion infrastructure package passed by the federal government in November includes the program, which will lead to an infusion of younger talent into the trucking workforce. Developing new outreach initiatives targeted to high school students and
Among the survey’s professional truck driver respondents, Driver Compensation and Truck Parking tied for the number one industry concern. Detention / Delay at Customer Facilities – another challenge experienced daily by commercial drivers – ranked second.
ATRI REPORT: TOP 10 CRITICAL ISSUES IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY - 2021 1.
Driver Shortage
2. Driver Retention 3. Driver Compensation 4. Lawsuit Abuse Reform 5. Truck Parking 6. Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) 7.
Detention / Delay
8. Infrastructure / Congestion / Funding 9. Insurance Cost / Availability 10. Diesel Technician Shortage young adults was the second-highestranked strategy in dealing with the driver shortage. According to ATA, the average age of over-the-road drivers is 46 and for new driver entrants, the average age is 35. Driver Retention was selected as the second-most critical issue overall this year. The top-ranked proposed strategy selected by respondents was to research and prioritize retention, based
on driver feedback and driver tenure data. Data from ATA showed that driver turnover at large truckload fleets was 92% at the end of 2020. Further reflecting the industry’s workforce challenges, Driver Compensation was ranked third overall. Rounding out the top five industry concerns were Lawsuit Abuse Reform and the lack of available Truck Parking.
“It really is no surprise that truck driver-related issues – notably the driver shortage and driver retention – ranked so high on the survey. Coming out of the pandemic, with the increased demand for goods and other pressures on the supply chain, getting and keeping drivers has been a real challenge industrywide,” said ATRI President and COO Rebecca Brewster in a press release announcing ATRI’s report.“We also see the impacts of the current supply chain crunch in how highly issues like driver compensation, truck parking, infrastructure and driver detention ranked on the list.” ATRI’s report highlights the industry’s most pressing concerns – but more importantly, it provides a roadmap for tackling these challenges as we move forward.
2020 Trooper of the Year — Trooper Larry Favors On April 6, 2020, Trooper Favors conducted a traffic stop on I-10 to complete a Level II CVSA inspection. After initial contact with the driver, he stated that he did not feel well, and Trooper Favors offered to summon rescue. The driver declined, and Trooper Favors continued with the inspection.
Trooper Larry Favors is the recipient of FTA’s 2020 Trooper of the Year Award. He came to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) in 2012 after retiring from the United States Navy. He had a decorated 30-year naval career and attained the rank of Command Master Chief.
Trooper Favors is dedicated to the mission of the FHP. As a Commercial Motor Vehicle Trooper, he strives to reduce the number and severity of crashes, as well as hazardous materials incidents involving commercial motor vehicles and increase public awareness and education.
Later during the inspection, Trooper Favors observed blood coming from the driver’s nose and mouth. Recognizing that the symptoms displayed indicated a serious medical condition, Trooper Favors had rescue respond to the scene. Rescue responded and transported the driver to the hospital in Macclenny. Later, the driver’s wife advised that doctors told her that her husband only had minutes to seek medical attention, or he would have perished. She thanked Trooper Favors for saving her husband’s life.
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WINTER 2021 | 19
2022 Florida Political Outlook By Chris Dudley
advancement of priority projects throughout the state. I would expect to see the Legislature continue these investments with the remaining $5 billion in federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan.
The year ahead promises to be an exciting one for politics and policy in Florida. As the Legislature gears up for an early Jan. 11 start of the regular legislative session, a number of significant and historical decisions loom over both chambers. We are also now less than a year out from the 2022 elections.
FTA Priorities As priorities for Florida Trucking Association in 2022, we are actively working on several fronts.
Redistricting The once-a-decade process of redrawing Florida’s Congressional, Senate, and House seats is always the most debated and watched process in the country. Given Florida’s growth, the state has been allocated one new Congressional seat, bringing our state’s Congressional delegation up to 28 members. In the decade since the last census in 2010, Florida’s population has grown to more than 21.5 million people. Following the redistricting process, all 28 members of Congress, all 120 House members, and all 40 Senators will run in newly drawn districts.
2022 Elections In addition to the requirement that all members of Congress, all State Senators and all members of the Florida House of Representatives run for re-election in newly drawn districts, all four statewide offices will also be on the November General Election ballot. Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis have all announced their intention to seek another term. The Agriculture and Consumer Services seat will be vacant, with incumbent Commissioner Nikki Fried announcing her intention to run for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Senate President Wilton Simpson has announced his plan to run for the Commissioner of Agriculture seat. At the national level, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will also be running for re-election.
State Oversight of Buildings The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Miami on June 24, 2021 took the lives of 98 people. The 12-story condominium was only 40 years old. As the investigation continues, concerns remain about the structural integrity 20 | WINTER 2021
•
and oversight of buildings throughout the state. The Legislature is committed to reviewing the current state oversight of buildings and potentially adding new requirements for regular structural and engineering review.
Consumer Data Privacy One of the few hotly debated topics from the 2021 legislative session that failed to pass dealt with consumer data privacy. A priority issue for Gov. DeSantis, President Simpson, and Speaker Chris Sprowls, the consumer data privacy proposal would have created new requirements for businesses that collect consumer data. The goal of the proposal is to better empower citizens to know what data is being collected and give the consumer the authority to control the collection and use of that data. The key difference between the House and Senate proposals will lie in the enforcement mechanism, with the Senate preferring to grant enforcement authority to the Attorney General and the House supporting the right of an individual citizen to bring a private cause of action.
Water and Road Infrastructure Investment in the state’s water and road infrastructure will remain a top priority for the 2022 Florida Legislature. The 2021 regular legislative session saw an investment of more than $1 billion to combat climate change, sea level rise, and water quality issues. In addition, the Legislature allocated an additional $2 billion into the state’s transportation trust fund. This additional investment in roads is already leading to a significant
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
IRP License Plates One proposal would create a multi-year International Registration license plate to negate the need to replace physical IRP plates each year. Interstate carriers would still be required to register each year as required by federal law; however, the physical license plate would be able to remain on the front of the truck for several years.
• Trucking Safety We are working on legislation that would encourage carriers to require the use of safety equipment (such as cameras) and additional safety training by independent contractors without impacting the employment classification of the independent contractor.
•
State Partnership
We are working on a new partnership between the trucking industry and the state of Florida to promote freight efficiency, regulatory compliance, recruitment of drivers and technicians, and enhanced safety of the traveling public.
• Tort Reform Tort reform continues to be a top priority for the trucking industry. And while the Florida Supreme Court has continued to focus on cases that could reverse decades of antibusiness standards, the Legislature has been slower to address these issues. However, issues such as inflated medical damages, litigation financing reform, and the expansion of COVID-19 liability protections for businesses will still be on the radar for the 2022 session. Chris Dudley is a Partner at The Southern Group.
2021-2022 2.0 Leadership Class After two years with Stephanie Slivanik and Ryan Walpole at the helm of the inaugural 2.0 Leadership Class (extended by the pandemic), Lori Ann Chaussinand (Pilot) and Mike Wojcik (Oakley Transport) accepted the position of co-chairs during Annual Conference, where they introduced the 2021-2022 class: Matt Baugh, Operations Department at Service Trucking Gene Carroll, Wholesale Manager at Navistar Marc Chandler, Vice President of Operations and Business Development at US1 Network Matt Edwards, Customer Service and Logistics Manager at Dillon Logistics Rafael Gomez, Driver Manager/ Customer Service Manager at Kottke Trucking Evan McHugh, Chief Financial Officer at Florida Utility Trailers
Nate Penha, Retirement Plan Consultant at Mutual of America Ressa Penland, Recruiter and Social Media Manager at Cypress Truck Lines Phil Signore, Manager at C.H. Robinson Griffin Smith, Broker at Marsh & McLennan Agency Kyle Weaver, Associate Attorney at Carr Allison Jay Whealton, Senior Director of Safety and Recruiting at Exxact Transport The Leadership Class met briefly at the 2021 Annual Conference in Orlando, for introductions, as well as to get a sense of expectations and ideas for the year. The group reconvened in September, first with a reception hosted by 2.0 member Nate Penha, and the next day in Tampa for a day focused on community engagement. FTA member Sun State International was generous to host the day, and the group was transfixed by the opening presentation by CEO Oscar Horton.
Following an inspiring welcome, the class spent the day listening to and engaging with some of the most influential business (and community) leaders in the city. This included Bob Ward, CEO of the Florida Council of 100; Jeff Marple from Rooms-to-Go and former FTA Chairman; Joe Waggoner, CEO of Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority; and Wade Elliott, Vice President of Business Development of Port Tampa Bay. Next up for the Leadership Class is some extra time at Trucking Day at the Capitol. The group will receive additional briefings from elected officials and some advocacy training with Chris Dudley and Alix Miller, prior to the rest of the invitees’ arrival in Tallahassee. Are you interested in joining the 2.0 Leadership Class? Applications for the 2022-2023 class will go online in the spring. We encourage companies with emerging leaders to nominate their employees.
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
WINTER 2021 | 21
MOVES AND NEWS
Update on people and places in FTA membership
Melissia Reeves has been promoted to Managing Director of Operations – Orlando District with FedEx Freight. Reeves brings more than 16 Melissia Reeves years of FedEx experience to her new role. She joined the Lexington, Ky. team in 2005 with Customer Center Support then moved to FedEx Services as a District Sales Manager Administrator. Since, she’s held numerous roles in operations leadership – from Operations Supervisor, Operations Manager, Assistant Service Center Manager, and to her most recent role as Service Center Manager of the FedEx Freight E. Dallas, Texas facility. Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation celebrated the following drivers in November. 1 Million Mile Safe Drivers: Steve Aleo, John Miskiewicz, Marc LaFountain, Edgar Harrell, Miguel Bahena, Leo Paquette, Jose Lopez, Daniel Weidenbacker. 2 Million Mile Safe Drivers: Ollie Thompson, David Adams, Clifford Laymon, Anthony Tate.
Diena Thompson with AGX executives Ike Sherlock, James Bagwell, Chris Reeves, and Jay Nemeth
Second Place – Kenneth Ames, Third Place – Robert McGahy. Hub International Florida, a leading transportation insurance brokerage, just launched a safe driver app. HUB Drive Safe App is a fleet risk management solution that provides driver coaching at scale, automatically detects collisions and helps fleets reduce their insurance costs through safer driving behavior on iOS and Android mobile devices.
2021 Company Driver of the Year: First Place – Clifford Laymon, Second Place – Marc LaFountain, Third Place – David Murray.
Quality Carriers – headquartered in Tampa – announced David Lepak as their 2020 Driver of the Year. Lepak, an owneroperator, has been with Quality Carriers for 26 years but has been driving for almost 44 years. He has accumulated more than 2 million accident-free miles and multiple safety recognition awards while at Quality Carriers.
2021 Owner-Operator of the Year: First Place – Jose Ramos-Rodriguez,
Open Path Technologies LLC, a safety and compliance products company
22 | WINTER 2021
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
based in Tampa, announced that it has completed the prototype of its sensor driven vehicle inspection software. The application makes use of strategically placed sensors on the vehicle and a driver’s cellphone to ensure proper inspection compliance. The company is seeking motor carrier partners for a free installation and testing of the application. Contact Ken Cabrera (727) 543-2554 for more information or visit www. OpenPathTechnologies.com. More than 20 companies and 80 golfers joined AGX Freight at the 11th Annual Children’s Safe Passage (CSP) Charity Event in Jacksonville in November. CSP was founded in 2010 by AGX Freight CEO Mike Williams after the heartbreaking Somer Thompson tragedy shocked the Jacksonville community in October 2009. Somer, just seven years old at the time, was abducted and murdered by a sexual predator while walking home from
Kelly Sikes
Jim Rosier
school. Her story was the inspiration for Children’s Safe Passage, whose mission is to identify and financially support organizations focused on the prevention of violence and sexual exploitation of children. For more than a decade, the Monique Burr Foundation for Children has been the primary beneficiary of all funds raised through the golf event through its Somer Sunshine Scholarship, established by Diena Thompson, Somer’s mom. AGX Freight has been the title sponsor of the event for the last five years. Many of the sponsors, including several FTA members, have been supporting the event since its inception. Lake Trucking Company, located in Leesburg, was honored with a SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency. Over the last four years, Lake Trucking has decreased its carbon footprint on
Alise Lyke
Tom Yeazitzis
its fleet of tractor trailers by 40% by purchasing more fuel-efficient tractors and trailers designed to maximize fuel efficiency. EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible, while protecting public health and reducing air pollution. Lake Trucking was one of 12 shipper and logistics companies to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay’s nearly 4,000 Partners. Leading transportation technology company EROAD announced the expansion of its flagship video telematics portfolio with EROAD Clarity Solo Dashcam, a single, connected, and cost-effective video solution that delivers more operational visibility while ensuring driver safety and protection from false claims. EROAD Clarity Solo makes it easier for carriers to configure and implement
David Lepak
HUB Drive Safe App
video telematics into more asset and fleet types — ranging from national and regional mixed fleets to local short haul heavy and light commercial vehicle (LCV) fleets, like construction, waste management and distribution vehicles. Kelly Sikes of UPS Jacksonville Feeders became their first female driver to reach the Circle of Honor, attaining 25 years of safe driving. Alise Lyke became the second female driver to reach the Circle of Honor. Jim Rosier also reached the Circle of Honor, with 25 years of safe driving. Tom Yeazitzis celebrated 30 years of safe driving. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions has designed new features with carriers’ needs in mind: SCORM capability to allow uploading compatible content for a more immersive experience; mobile app availability, giving drivers access to training anywhere they are; improved reporting for better performance running reports; and a new media player.
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WINTER 2021 | 23
Changes to Entry-Level Driver Training By Tod Browning Overview
The new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule goes into effect in February 2022 — and whether you train drivers or hire drivers from training programs, this change could impact your business. Regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will include those applying to:
Training providers wishing to provide ELDT — including fleets, community colleges, individual trainers, or commercial entities — must register and self-certify that they meet all FMCSA requirements. Drivers do not need to register for the TPR; only training providers will register and
• Registered training providers will submit driver certification information to FMCSA after a driver successfully completes training. • States will verify a driver’s completion of required training using data made available by the TPR before administering relevant tests. The State Level
FMCSA’s ELDT regulations establish minimum training standards for entry-level drivers and do not directly preempt state law. This means states can impose more stringent ELDT standards than those established at the federal level.
• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time; • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement or the first time. Beginning on the February 7, 2022 compliance date, drivers seeking a Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or the S or P endorsement must successfully complete ELDT — both theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training — from a training provider listed on FMCSA’s new Training Provider Registry (TPR) before taking the CDL skills test(s). In the case of the H endorsement, the driver must successfully complete ELDT (theory only) prior to taking the state-administered knowledge test. The ELDT regulations are not retroactive; they do not apply to individuals holding a valid CLP/ CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022.
ELDT Training Curriculum
The TPR will ensure that entry-level drivers receive training and demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
THEORY TRAINING • Lectures, demonstrations, computer-based, online learning, etc. • May use a simulator • No minimum number of hours; must score at least 80% on assessment • Training topics include: Basic Operation, Safe Operating Procedures, Advanced Operation Procedures, Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions, NonDriving Activities
Training Provider Registry (TPR) The Training Provider Registry (TPR) is a web system launching on February 7, 2022 that will help CDL applicants connect with qualified training providers to get the training they need. The TPR will retain a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the ELDT regulations, and that information will be relayed to the states to ensure compliance. 24 | WINTER 2021
BEHIND-THE-WHEEL (BTW) TRAINING • Actual operation of a CMV on a range or public road • May not use a simulator • No minimum number of hours; training provider will determine driver’s proficiency • Training includes basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers
provide information to the registry. Training providers must submit the driver-trainee’s training certification information by midnight of the second business day after the driver-trainee completes the training.
According to FCSMA, here’s how the TPR will work: • Entry-level drivers will search for a training provider using the list on the TPR website.
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
In Florida, the state-authorized Third Party Testers will verify that the applicant has completed the ELDT requirements for the CDL skills test that the applicant is wanting to take. The CDL skills test will be conducted, and test results provided to the state so that the CDL may be issued once all three parts of the CDL skills test have been passed. The Third Party Testers are not authorized to conduct a CDL skills test if the applicant has not been verified as completing the ELDT requirements. Any CDL skills test that is conducted and not authorized will not be a valid test.
For the hazardous material endorsement, the ELDT check will be conducted at the driver license or tax collector office that will be administering the knowledge exam. Applicants will not be allowed to take the knowledge exam unless the ELDT has been met. To learn more about ELDT and the Training Provider Registry, visit: https:// tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. Tod Browning is a CDL Coordinator at Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Knowledge is Power Not All Trucking Companies Are Alike Trucking is all we do. When you choose Great West Casualty Company to insure your trucking business, you are getting over 60 years of experience serving the trucking industry.
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Our agents work with you. We selectively choose agents with a keen focus on the trucking industry. Our agents are knowledgeable, dependable, and responsive. They understand your needs and work with you to match the right coverage and level of service for your trucking operation. Do one thing, and do it right. Our agents can guide you through the process and customize a plan to provide you the broadest protection possible. You can be confident knowing that our service begins, not ends, with the issuance of your policy. Great West Casualty Company – No matter where the road takes you, you will discover that at Great West, The Difference is Service®.
NOTHING CAN STOP US FROM MOVING YOU FORWARD. Determination is what drives you. Same here. With 25 full-service dealerships across the U.S., Nextran Truck Centers is the partner you can depend on for high-quality trucks, service and parts. We’re here to keep America moving forward by keeping businesses up and running.
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