2009 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 3) by Iowa Motor Truck Association

Lifeliner IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION Fall 2009

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INSIDE: Independent Contractor or Employee: Misclassification Costs Everyone! Iowa Power Fund helps make biodiesel seminars available Carrier Spotlight: Crouse Transportation Services

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Lifeliner

Fall 2009

In this Issue

IMTA Staff Brenda Neville, CAE President

Don Egli

Director of Safety and Security

Amanda Madison

Administrative Assistant

DeAnn Moody

Executive Assistant

Holly Mueggenberg

Communications & Education Manager

Mike Spalla

Membership Manager

Articles Chairman’s Message............................. 5

10 18

President’s Message............................... 7 Legislative Update.................................. 9 Legal Update..................................10-11 IMTA Motorcycle Ride........................... 11 CSA 2010........................................... 12 Labor Department................................ 13 Scholorship Winners............................ 14 Carrier Spotlight.............................15-17 Feature Article................................18-21 Renewable Fuels.................................. 23 TDC.................................................... 25 TDC Team Photos...........................26-27 TDC Winners..................................28-29 TDC Photos....................................30-32 Iowa Tow Show.................................... 33 IMTA Truck Show.............................34-36

Our Supporters

Midwest Wheel Companies............ 2 Great West Casualty...................... 4 Interstate Power Systems................. 6 Northland Insurance...................... 8 Quality Services Corp.................... 8 Zips Truck Equipment..................... 8 Central Trailer Service.................. 14 Hanifen...................................... 22

Iowa City Brake Inc...................... 22 Iowa Soybean Association............ 22 JJ Keller & Associates................... 24 Green Products........................... 30 Advance Online.......................... 37. Ziegler........................................ 37. Vatterott College.......................... 43 Midwest Wheel Companies.......... 44

IMTA Management Conference.......38-41 Final Word.......................................... 42 Fall 2009

Lifeliner

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Fall 2009

Reynolds & Reynolds Donaghy-Kempton Des Moines, IA Des Moines, IA 515-243-1724 515-288-8545

Edwards-Brandt Mason City, IA 641-423-0675

Mel Foster Odebolt Insurannce Davenport, IA Odebolt, IA 563-359-5446 712-668-2283

Millhiser Smith Cedar Rapids, IA 319-365-8611

Chairman’s Message Mark Zieman, Cherry Valley Enterprise, Inc. It doesn’t seem possible that I am already completing my term as the IMTA Chairman of the Board. I found my service to the association to be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. I know that many people will ask me what my favorite part of the job was and I would be hard pressed to name only one thing. As you all know as a former State Senator my deep respect and love our legislative process is something that is undeniably a top priority to me. In that respect, my work with IMTA’s legislative program was by far extremely important and could possibly be up there as one of my favorite aspects of this volunteer position. I had the opportunity over the last year to be even more involved in IMTA’s government relations program and I was honored to be able to visit with so many different members about our efforts. I am hopeful that at the end of many of those conversations that some of those members walked away with a new appreciation for the importance of these efforts. Too often, members have chosen not to be involved in our legislative efforts and this is simply a luxury that none of us in business can afford to take. Since the IMTA was formed, our goal to represent truckers at the legislature was our main priority. That important priority remains yet today, in fact, it is probably even more important NOW as business is getting attacked on virtually all fronts. While I would like to predict that there is light at the end of the tunnel, I am not that optimistic. I believe that legislators on both sides of the aisle have failed to recognize the important role that small business plays to this economy. While elected leaders everywhere continue to say they are looking out for small business, I would argue that point and in many cases, as more anti-business legislation is proposed, I would question any attempt to help business today by some of our so-called elected leaders. Having said that, I believe it is important that IMTA members continue to be a relentless and vocal advocate not only for trucking but business in general. I urge IMTA members to continue to stay engaged and educated on the issues. I also encourage members to give

some very serious consideration to making a contribution to our PAC. IMTA must have the tools and resources to be a viable force. The reality of having a healthy PAC in today’s environment is even more important than ever. Please consider making a financial contribution to our PAC, support is vitally needed. By now, you have probably concluded that the political work of our association is important to me and while it was an area that I did enjoy over the last year as Chairman, there are many other highlights as well.

Like all of the great leaders before me, I have great respect, loyalty and dedication to the IMTA and its efforts.

I enjoyed the member outreach activities and feel as though I know twice as many members as I did coming into this job. I enjoyed working with all the volunteer leaders and as always, found their commitment and dedication to their specific event or cause to be admirable and worthy of praise. I truly enjoyed getting better acquainted with the staff and believe that we are very fortunate to have a group of employees at the IMTA office that care very deeply about our mission and the members they serve.

I am honored to be able to serve in this role and feel it is a privilege to leave my mark on the legacy of this important association. Like all of the great leaders before me, I have great respect, loyalty and dedication to the IMTA and its efforts. And having the opportunity to give something back to an association that means so much to me…. was by far the greatest highlight of my role as IMTA Chairman. I thank you all for your support over the last year and look forward to our continued work together. God only knows that we will have many more battles to fight and knowing what I know now about the perseverance and tenacity of this membership, I am confident we will continue to be successful in our efforts.

Fall 2009

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Fall 2009

President’s Message Brenda Neville, Iowa Motor Truck Association As I write this column we are juggling many balls here at the IMTA office. We are wrapping up the follow up for our annual management conference, scrambling to collect receivables as our year end looms on the horizon and get a handle on the growing list of priorities not only as we finalize a new budget but compile our legislative and regulatory priorities - for the upcoming year. As many of you know, there is never a dull moment at your association headquarters and there never should be if we are doing the job right. Unfortunately, our industry is continually facing challenges and these challenges threaten us in many different ways. As we started to work on our legislative priorities, it was amazing how daunting it was to see the final list. Virtually every aspect of state government is now looking for revenue sources and as always, the trucking industry seems to be the logical choice. In the past, we concentrated a lot of our efforts on the DOT and FMCSA but now we are actively working with the Department of Labor, Department of Revenue, DNR and OSHA on various issues that have arisen in these specific departments. While we are hopeful that we can get the issues resolved without legislation, we are certainly prepared to move in that direction if we need to. Without question, we will need every IMTA member to get involved with our legislative work and unfortunately, our challenges will not only be at the state level but at the federal level as well. Aside from our legislative work, we are continually working to be a valued partner to our 700+ members. The economy has certainly taken its toll on IMTA members and we are committed to providing the best service we possibly can to our members. Over the last year we have seen increased involvement at all levels and we are hopeful that this will continue. Our desire is to find additional revenue sources so the member dues can stay steady and certain. We are aggressively looking at various programs and opportunities that will help us serve you even better in the future. Your input and insight has

been tremendously helpful and we look forward to your continued involvement and feedback as we move forward. Fortunately the attendance at the majority of IMTA events this year has been higher than previous years. There may be a lot of theories as to why that has been the case, but I have to believe that it is a testament to the importance of getting out to the members. Over the past several months we have had numerous opportunities to serve the membership and this magazine showcases some of those important events. The annual truck driving championships was again a successful effort as we honor and recognize the professional men and women who are the foundation of the industry. Despite moving to a new venue after 23 years, it seemed to be an event that was enjoyed by all.

City. This 67 year tradition provides yet another opportunity for IMTA members to come together. We are extremely fortunate to not only have members that value these events and always make an effort to attend, but equally important, we have members who are willing to step up and volunteer to organize and fund these events. Without that support by the volunteers, none of these member outreach activities would be as successful as they are. I have said this on numerous occasions and it goes without question, IMTA is a great organization with amazing

Aside from our legislative work, we are continually working to be a valued partner to our 700+ members.

We also launched a NEW event that the membership has requested for many years. A truck show complete with exhibits and a “pride and polish” competition was also launched at the Iowa Speedway this year. While there were some expected bumps along the way, it has been determined that a repeat performance is needed so watch for the 2010 dates for this event. And finally, our annual management conference was held recently in Iowa

members. Through the collective efforts of the membership, Iowa’s trucking industry continues to have a strong and effective presence in many areas and we intend to keep up that presence well into the future. I hope that you will consider your level of involvement and in that consideration, remember, your association is only as strong as the membership it serves. If you have been attending two events a year, consider attending three. I am very confident that you will find the investment well worth the return. It is with great pride that we serve you and look forward to our continued service to each and every IMTA member.

“IMTA staff all participated in the “race experience” at the Truck Driving Championships and had a thrill of a lifetime. Speeding around a track at 140 mph is similar to life in the association office some days. Here is a group pose before IMTA President Brenda Neville kicked off the event. L-R: DeAnn Moody, Mandy Madison, Brenda, Heather McCasland, Holly Mueggenberg”

Fall 2009

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Fall 2009

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Legislative Update Sen. Rich Olive is a businessman from Story City, Iowa, and serves as Vice Chair of the Iowa Senate’s Economic Growth Committee As a small business owner, a father and grandfather, and former Chair of the Story City Economic Development Corp., I take seriously the state’s business climate and job-creation efforts when I vote in the Iowa Legislature.

I will continue to work hard to make sure that the steps we take in the Legislature will enhance our quality of life.

Legislature Highlights Budgeting • responsibly and

Sen. Rich Olive

That’s why I’m so proud that initiatives that I have supported since being elected to the Iowa Senate in 2006 have put our state on the path toward recovery and prosperity. As proof, Iowa recently earned high marks for our business climate from an independent survey of all 50 states. CNBC ranked Iowa fourth among the 50 states in its annual “Top States for Business” survey. Iowa was ranked ninth in the same survey in 2008, moving up five spots in just one year. The survey, which considers several factors, ranks Iowa first in the category of “cost of doing business.” It is nice to see other states and national surveys taking notice of our bipartisan efforts to continue to improve Iowa’s business climate and job creation efforts. Learn more about what makes Iowa a great place for doing business at www.cnbc.com/id/31765926. I’m also proud that in the face of a deepening national recession, the Democrat-controlled Legislature moved boldly during the 2009 session. As we plan for the upcoming 2010 session, I will continue to work hard to make sure that the steps we take in the Legislature will enhance our quality of life, our business climate, and ensure that Iowa remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

keeping Iowa’s fiscal house in order: In addition to balancing this year’s budget without raising taxes, we set aside $400 million in the state’s “rainy day” funds. Recovering from • the deepening

national recession: The Legislature approved a bold economic initiative to create goodpaying jobs across the state. Iowa’s effort – combined with federal stimulus funds -- will fund transportation projects, public buildings, disaster recovery and prevention, wastewater and water improvements, and initiatives on housing, energy, and broadband access. Building Iowa’s • renewable energy

economy: The Legislature approved the third phase of the Iowa Power Fund, a four-year, $100

million initiative, and approved other legislation to expand the production of Iowagrown renewable energy, help family farmers, and make our state more energy independent. Iowa is now the nation’s leader in the production of wind energy, which ensures that Iowa will continue to create good jobs that can’t be outsourced. Rebuilding after • historic natural

disasters: The Legislature approved several initiatives to help communities recover from last year’s tornadoes and record-setting flooding. We also invested in major flood prevention measures. Making health • care more affordable and accessible for all Iowa children: The Legislature took the next big step toward making affordable health care coverage available to all by

expanding health insurance to 30,000 currently uninsured Iowa kids in the next year. Maintaining • our commitment

to quality teachers and higher student achievement: The Legislature continued Iowa’s progress by increasing investment in Iowa’s public schools, including increasing teacher quality, improving student achievement, and making higher education more affordable. Protecting our • kids from sexual

predators: The Legislature worked together to protect Iowa’s children by making Iowa’s sex offender laws smarter, tougher, and safer. We’ve given law enforcement the power to keep dangerous child sex offenders away from schools, day care centers and other places children gather.

[For more information, please visit www.iowasenatedemocrats.org.] Fall 2009

Lifeliner

Legal Update Jason Palmer is a shareholder at Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor, & Fairgrave, P.C. where he maintains a general practice, including, but not limited to, trucking and transportation law. Jason is a member of the Transportation Law Association (TLA) and the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA). Jason represents national motor carriers, Iowa transportation companies, and insurers with regard to trucking accidents, cargo claims, and other general transportation matters.

Protect Yourself and Your Company

As the Human Resource Director of a motor-carrier company you have been blessed with stable and longstanding drivers. However, recently, a few drivers have Jason Palmer had problems Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor with logbook & Fairgrave, P.C. violations and traffic accidents. Because these drivers have been historically good drivers, you elect not to terminate their employment or driving contract. Later, a traffic accident occurs, which is your driver’s fault, resulting in one fatality and two severe injuries. Not only could a negligence lawsuit for the acts of your driver be filed, but a claim against the company for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention could also be pursued. Worse yet, depending upon the extent of the prior bad conduct of the driver, and the company’s failure to terminate the driver, a claim for punitive damages could also be sought. This article briefly outlines some of the cases involving such issues, and provides suggested actions a company should take when presented with such a situation.

For any of the above-stated negligence claims against an employer, the plaintiff must prove the driver was incompetent and the employer knew or should have known of the driver’s incompetence. Three ways to establish incompetence are: (1) logbook violations, which may indicate a fatigued driver, (2) positive drug and alcohol tests, which may indicate an impaired driver, and (3) past traffic violations, which may indicate an unsafe driver. There is no specific number of logbook violations, prior accidents, or failed drug tests that cause a driver to be negligently hired, supervised, or retained. The issue is usually whether the specific bad act was a cause of the accident. However, past logbook violations and positive drug tests can be relevant when determining the motor carrier’s negligence, especially if they demonstrate a pattern of negligence by

In Iowa, an employer can be held liable for punitive damages arising out of employees’ conduct under the “complicity rule.”

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Fall 2009

the company. Prior accidents may also show a company’s negligence if the motor carrier violated a company policy or a government regulation in retaining the driver.

Logbook violations can be strong suggestions of a fatigued driver. In Ditzler v. Wesolowski, 2007 WL 2253596 (W.D. Pa. 2007), the court implied that falsified logbooks could be interpreted by a jury to evidence driver fatigue. Thus, if the collision occurred when the driver was not supposed to be driving, the court implied a motor carrier could be liable for negligent training, entrustment, or supervision. Multiple logbook violations can also be used to demonstrate a pattern of ignoring safety rules. In Garrett v. Albright, 2008 WL 920310 (W.D. Mo. 2008), the plaintiff alleged that the collision between the plaintiff’s car and defendant’s tractor-trailer was “part of a pattern of collisions caused by improperly supervised, hired or trained drivers.” Evidence of this pattern was that the defendant motor carrier “violated hours-of-service limits and falsified . . . logbooks.”

Legal Update By not checking drivers’ logs directly, the company could be found liable for negligent supervision. Random drug tests are also used by motor carriers to ensure truck drivers are not driving while impaired. In one Texas case the post-accident drug test revealed the driver tested positive for narcotics. Unfortunately, the driver’s application for employment indicated that he had once illegally driven after taking narcotics. The court affirmed the jury’s award of damages against the company for the negligent hiring of the driver. An Idaho case provides an example of how many prior accidents are needed for the motor carrier to be liable for negligent hiring and supervision. In Davis v. Nevarez, 2009 WL 1532270 (D. Idaho 2009), the court was charged with deciding whether to allow a claim for punitive damages. The driver had been involved in, among other things, five preventable accidents in the last four years, including a “turnover” accident. The driver also had numerous logbook violations. In allowing the plaintiff to pursue claims of negligent hiring and supervising along with punitive damages, the court found it

was difficult to imagine an applicant with more warning signs of a safety risk. Iowa courts have also determined what constitutes reckless conduct by a company regarding a claim for punitive damages. In Iowa, an employer can be held liable for punitive damages arising out of employees’ conduct under the “complicity rule.” This would most likely occur when the employer was reckless in employing the driver, or authorized or ratified the employee’s behavior. To be reckless, an employer must act with the knowledge of a strong probability that certain consequences will result from an act or that a reasonable person in its position would know of that probability. In Seraji v. Perket, 452 N.W.2d 399 (Iowa 1990), the Iowa Supreme Court found that despite a prior license revocation, four convictions of speeding, one conviction of driving without a license, two moving violations while employed, and three reprimands for minor, avoidable accidents, the defendant’s employment of the driver was not reckless. The court held that the employer was at most negligent in hiring and retaining the driver, but punitive damages were not appropriate. However, the court noted the employer

had not violated its own company policy or federal regulations in employing and retaining its driver. Thus, it is unclear in Iowa whether the violation of a company policy or federal regulations, along with a substandard driving record and logbook violations, would constitute enough evidence for the submission of punitive damages to the jury. Even though a company cannot completely avoid all lawsuits, it can take steps to ensure such claims significantly decrease. First, a company must have an initial training program regarding maintaining proper logbooks and ensuring that all company and federal rules and regulations are followed. Second, when a company finds out that a driver engaged in prohibitive conduct, it should determine why the act occurred and take steps to prevent a reoccurrence. The company should document these actions so it can later show that it proactively acted to analyze and remedy the problem. Finally, if a driver has simply violated too many policies and/or has been involved in too many accidents, the company should terminate the driver to ensure that such lawsuits do not occur. These tasks will save the company money and time in defending such lawsuits.

IMTA Members participate in a Motorcycle Ride to raise money for Truck PAC Iowa.

Special Thanks to Greg Ollinger - Manatt’s, Inc. and Delwin Van Wyk – Interstate PowerSystems for their help in organizing the 2009 Truck PAC Iowa Motorcycle Ride. Fall 2009

Lifeliner

Ă&#x201A;

www.fmcsa.dot.gov/csa2010

iowa ContaCt | shirley mcGuire, Division administrator Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Iowa Division 105 6th Street, Ames, IA 50010-6337 Phone: (515) 233-7400

what you need to know > > Coming summer 2010

Comprehensive safety analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Implementation is expected to begin in summer 2010.

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Lifeliner

Fall 2009

Labor Department Barbara Tapscott has been an employment attorney with Iowa Workforce Development since June of 2004. Barb was a private practice employment attorney for more than a dozen years, working for law firms based in New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and West Des Moines. She has bachelor and master’s degrees from Iowa State University in journalism and mass communications and spent about a dozen years working for newspapers in Waterloo, Ames, Des Moines and Kansas City. She switched careers after graduating from the George Washington University School of Law in 1992.

Independent Contractor or Employee: Misclassification Costs Everyone!

Much attention has been focused at the national and state level on employee misclassification. A Task Force appointed by Governor Chet Culver determined at the close of 2008 that misclassification is a growing problem that poses a significant threat to the state’s economy, its businesses, and its most important resource – its workers. Employee misclassification is defined as the situation where an employer Barbara Tapscott wrongfully treats Iowa Workforce workers as Development “independent contractors,” rather than employees. Employers are not required to pay social security, unemployment or income taxes on independent contractors, nor are they required to provide a variety of benefits, such as health and pension benefits that may be provided to other workers. Misclassification of workers as independent contractors negatively impacts Iowa, its business and its citizens in several ways: One, the state loses important tax revenues in the face of increasing demands from a climbing unemployment rate and flood-related damages. Two, conditions for a fair and competitive marketplace are sabotaged. Companies that misclassify workers can underbid law-abiding businesses because they do not account for normal payroll-related costs. Three, workers lose the protection of workers’ compensation, unemployment, minimum wage, overtime, family medical leave, discrimination, and several other important labor and employment laws.

Misclassification is of interest to several government agencies. The Iowa Department of Revenue and the federal Internal Revenue Service are interested because of potential underreporting of income taxes. Iowa Workforce Development is interested for several reasons: underpayment of unemployment taxes, lack of workers’ compensation coverage, potential violations of Iowa’s wage and contractor registration laws. The agencies are involved in an enhanced, coordinated effort to curtail misclassification in Iowa.

right to control the manner in which work is performed is held to be “the single and universally applicable test.”

Iowa unemployment and workers’ compensation law and regulations identify the factors to be considered in determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee. Iowa Administrative Code Section 871-23.19(1) identifies several factors that establish an employer/employee relationship exists in the unemployment context: (1) does the employer have the right to direct and control the performance of the work or service; (2) does the employer have the right to terminate the relationship without penalty; (3) does the employer furnish the tools, equipment, and place of work; (4) is the worker paid fixed wages calculated on an hourly or weekly basis.

1. A person whose employment is purely casual and not for the purpose of the employer’s trade or business (except as otherwise provided in 85.1); 2. An independent contractor; 3. An owner-operator who, as an individual or partner, or shareholder of a corporate owneroperator, owns a vehicle licensed and registered as a truck, road tractor, or truck tractor by a governmental agency, is an independent contractor while performing services in the operation of the owner-operator’s vehicle if all the following are met: a. Owner-operator is responsible for maintenance of vehicle; and b. Owner-operator bears principal burden of vehicle’s operating costs, including fuel, repairs, supplies, collision insurance, and personal use expenses for operator while on the road; and c. Owner-operator is responsible for supplying the necessary personnel to operate the vehicle, and personnel are considered the owner-operator’s employees; and d. Owner-operator’s compensation is based on factors related to work performed, including percentage of any schedule or rates or lawfully published tariff, and not on basis of hours or time expended; and e. Owner-operator determines the details and means of performing the services, in conformance with regulatory requirements, operating procedures of the carrier, and specifications of the shipper; and f. Owner-operator enters into a contract which specifies the relationship to be that of an independent contractor and not that of an employee.

Iowa’s unemployment regulations indicate that a worker is more likely to be an independent contractor if the following exist: (1) the worker is subject to direction and control of another merely as a result of the work, not as to the means and method for accomplishing the results; (2) discharge or termination will constitute a breach of contract; (3) the work involves performance of a specific job or piecework at a fixed price; (4) proof that the worker is involved in a distinct trade, occupation, business or professional service that is offered to the public who will reap the benefit of that worker’s training and experience; and (5) proof that the worker has the right to employ assistants with the exclusive right to supervise their activity and completely delegate their work. In unemployment cases, the key factor is determining whether the worker is an employee or an independent contractor is whether the employing party has the right to control the manner and means of performance. While each individual case must be considered on its merits, and a variety of factors are important, the Iowa Supreme Court has held that the

The factors identified in the unemployment context for determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee are similar to those in Iowa’s workers’ compensation law. Iowa’s workers’ compensation law provides at Iowa Code Section 85.61(11.)(c.) that the following persons shall not be deemed “workers” or “employees”:

A discussion of the relevant independent contractor/employee factors in unemployment and workers’ compensation trucking cases will be featured in the winter issue of Lifeliner.

Fall 2009

Lifeliner

Iowa Motor Carriers’ Foundation Scholorships The Iowa Motor Carriers’ Foundation is a nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to deserving young Iowans. The Foundation’s scholarship program is administered by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, Des Moines, Iowa. Scholarships awarded by the Iowa Motor Carriers’ Foundation are available to students majoring in any field of study. To be eligible to receive a Foundation scholarship, a student must be a permanent resident of the state of Iowa. The student must currently be attending or planning to attend any of the following types of educational institutions; a community college located in Iowa, a public or private trade school located in Iowa, a private college or university located in Iowa, a public college or university located in Iowa. Selections are based on the applicant’s financial need, academic record, and outside activities, as it pertains to school and community citizenship. The scholarships are awarded for the fall semester of the year that you apply. It is valid only for that academic year and cannot be held over without the approval of the committee. (One Application Per Person)

2009 Iowa Motor Carriers’ Foundation Scholarship Recipients Harold Dickey Memorial Scholarship Derek Robison

IMTA General Scholarship Kari Ruchti

Darryl Mason Memorial Scholarship Jordan Hoy

Paul Crouse Memorial Scholarship Jacy Shadden

Bob Bannister Memorial Scholarship Allison Adams

Diesel Mechanic Scholarship Daniel Schildroth

Verne Simpson Memorial Scholarship Chelsea Carter

Iowa Council of Safety Management Scholarship Brooklyn Roberts

Lifeliner

Fall 2009

Carrier Spotlight

Crouse Transportation Old & New

and about 60 small towns in between. The service was daily and overnight which was one of the bigger reasons for its success. Times were tough and drivers were hard to find because of WW II, but 18 hour days by Paul made it go.

The next generation of the company, Jace Pruitt, grandson of George and Dixie

Their previous trucking company, Crouse Cartage Company, started in 1941 by Paul Crouse in Denison, IA. He had been in the trucking industry for the previous 12 years as a driver and manager for such trucking companies as ET Reed, Union Freightway, Wilson Forwarding, and eventually Brady Motor Freight. Originally Paul started with a rented warehouse, 4 trucks, and 5 employees. The operation was between Des Moines, IA, Omaha, NE, Sioux City, IA

Into this trucking company 4 sons of Paul’s began their careers as truckers. They all took their turn at going to the school of “Hard Knocks” as drivers, dockmen, clerks and supervisors. One thing they all learned was good work habits as they were told by Paul “Hard work never killed anyone it just makes you tired”. As such the company grew from 6 employees in 1941 to 1100 people in 1998. The territory expanded from 60 towns to all the towns in 15 states in the Midwest. The company’s success was the business strategy of overnight service between any 2 points in the company’s territory,

safety at all times, and taking care of the customers’ needs. The biggest success factor was the people. Their dedication to get the job done right and fast was far beyond any competitors Crouse Cartage Company had. Their “turn over” rate with employees was nothing with some 3rd generation people working for the company.

Our company grew from 6 employees in 1941 to 1100 people in 1998 In 1987 Paul Crouse passed away in a car accident and George Crouse became President. After a couple of years of some hard times and all the Crouse boys in the business, the company continued to grow and expand.

Times were tough and drivers were hard to find because of WW II, but 18 hour days by Paul made it go. Fall 2009

Lifeliner

Carrier Spotlight My father told me along time ago never ask an employee to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. In 1988 the company grew faster than any other year. “Our largest competitor American Freight Systems locked their door one Tuesday night at 8:00 PM and we took off. We hired their best people, bought or rented their terminals and became Iowa’s largest LTL Motor Carrier, thanks to the hard work of everyone,” says George.

George Crouse

In 1998 the Crouse Family sold a very healthy, financially stable truck line and George retired.

“I retired with no hobbies and way too much time on my hands. After 30 days I went to work for my son, who owns TC Trucking in Lake View, IA driving truck. Driving truck gives you way too

Lifeliner

Fall 2009

much time to think and after several months I started Crouse Transportation in Denison, IA with 6 reefer trailers and 4 leased operators hauling for Farmland Foods,” George recalls. The 2 employees were George’s oldest daughter Renee and an old time employee John Rossiter, who had done most of the jobs at Crouse Cartage. This business would change over the next 10 years and they now have 16 company trucks and 22 leased operators. Crouse Transportation still haul lots of perishables in all 48 states but mostly short hauls that allow the drivers to be home every weekend and several times a week. The management crew has now grown to all three of George’s daughters, Renee, Jodi, and Julie. Operations are

In this business you can’t become complacent with your business.

run by Georges son-in-law and an old Crouse employee, Jeff. Maintenance is run by Jerry Wilson a 30+ year veteran of Crouse and 3 mechanics who’s time at Crouse total in excess of 40 years. Who said old timers can’t work? Crouse Transportation also has 12 tank trailers and haul for the Bio Diesel Industry. Something new for an old freight hauler. “I have always enjoyed watching things

Carrier Spotlight grow and become something. In this business you can’t get complacent with your business. You have to always be looking for something new to haul as it is a very competitive business,” says George. “You have to know your cost and not just bid a little cheaper than your competitor, because he might be in bad shape himself. You also need to know all your employee needs to keep the company running. My father told me a long time ago never ask an employee to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. That has worked well for over 50 years.”

Thanks to the IMTA, what an organization!

Julie Pruitt, Dixie Crouse, George Crouse, Jodi Seufert, and Renee Crouse

George’s three daughters still think he’s smarter at trucking than they are and he’s not going to tell them any different. George still enjoys driving 2 or 3 times a week and the Lord willing he’Il continue. Maybe retirement will come in the next 15 years or so. “Thanks to all my friends in the trucking industry for their advice and help through the years. There are truly no better friends than truckers. We fight each other for freight but when one of us needs help we’re all there. Thanks to the IMTA, what an organization to help us with the legal, political, and financial things of trucking. Especially thanks to my wife Dixie for 51 years of marriage. A special trooper who was always there and as with most truckers, raised our family,” George Said.

Dixie & George Crouse

Fall 2009

Lifeliner

FE ATU R E

Surplus Shortage or

By: Travis Scott Contributing Writer

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Fall 2009

Surplus or Shortage Recovery and the Driver Shortage

The past two yeas in the trucking industry there has been unparalleled drop in tonnage and rapid increase in company closure. Disappearing credit has destroyed production and shipments of all kinds – leaving scores of trucks parked. Last year alone, we saw more than 3,000 trucking firms across the country fall into the fold. Of all the companies who’ve weathered the storm, virtually each has had to cut back on man power. So now that the economy’s downward spiral has at least slowed, are we now looking at a driver shortage to hobble the industry or a surplus to speed the industry Roger Amhof and economy Amhof Trucking, Inc. forward? “I think we received a wake up call. There was a mindset of endless prosperity and credit, and I think society got the impression that fundamentals didn’t apply anymore and became desensitized,” said Jackie Johnsrud, vice president of Johnsrud Transport, Inc.,

Of all the companies who’ve weathered the storm, virtually each has had to cut back on man power. Headquartered in Des Moines, a recognized leader in the transport of bulk liquids for the food industry.

then we have no need in expanding drivers, instead only doing what is needed right now.”

Roger Amhof, CEO at Amhof Trucking, Inc., reports that their business has only recently started to mend from the fast and loose years in 2005 and 2006. “In the first part of August things started to head in the right direction. Business has been sporadic – moving in fits and starts. There are certain area’s of the country that are picking up and others that are slow. The general feel is that people are waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Industry leaders across the board are cautious, as it is difficult to tell whether the recent improvements are based on the fact that competition has been reduced, government subsidies are helping the economy, or that it is simply the time of year when numbers improve.

That is with good reason, as the economy and the industry have been pummeled by a number of factors in the past year, sending national shipping tonnage down by 20 percent in the past year. Denny Franzen, at D.J. Franzen, Inc, headquartered in Des Moines and services the contiguous 48 states, is similarly cautious about the current state of the economy and the industry, “We’re not doing anything until we can return to profitable trucking. Until

Regardless, Denny Franzen the recession D.J. Franzen, Inc. and the consequential reduction of drivers on the road have changed the employment dynamic. Where the industry was once concerned with having enough drivers for increasing demand, there seems now to be a surplus of drivers. In 2005, the American Trucking Association conducted a report that cast a grim perspective over the industry’s future. Specifically, in the year prior, the industry suffered a shortage of 20,000 longhaul truck drivers. The report went on to state, in the “absence of substantial market adjustment,” that figure could increase to 111,000 by 2014. Side effects of a possible driver shortage

Fall 2009

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Recovery and the Driver Market escalation would include customer delays in getting the products they want or need, which, in turn, can negatively impact the already struggling economy. Jackie Johnsrud Johnsrud Transport, Inc.

Since the recession, reportedly beginning in December 2007, these drastic numbers are no longer the case. The American Trucking Association has noted that there are still jobs available in the trucking industry, but the driver shortage is no longer as severe as in the years prior to the recession.

Reasons for Optimism

Jackie Johnsrud has seen an uptick in driver’s looking for work, and notes that the economy has stabilized some of the workforce. “It may be keeping some of the job hoppers put for a while, but that

typically changes when things heat up. The increased number of drivers looking for work has not lessened or decreased our effort to be a quality employer for a quality driver.” Denny Franzen noted that times are much different today than two years ago. “In 2006 we couldn’t get enough drivers,” he recalls. “Now we’ve seen a 180 degree turnaround in that. But its not necessarily new drivers, just that more of competition has disappeared or crumbled.” Franzen’s company has reduced its fleet by 35 and expects to maintain that number until they are comfortable with the direction the economy is heading. “We are probably down about 10 percent from where we were before,” said Roger Amof. “We haven’t seen an onslaught of truckers beating down our doors, but we are seeing more walk-ins than usual. But the quality of drivers out on the road has

increased, while those looking for work tend to be the less dependable truckers.” The industry has seen smaller companies and owner operators leave the business. Meanwhile, the companies that are surviving have laid off drivers and parked tractors. Coincidentally, delayed retired layoffs and company failures in other sectors of the economy have spurred jobseekers to pursue training and to enter the field. This reduction in demand and increase in drivers has resulted in a highly competitive job market. Now, jobs are more likely to go to drivers with experience and a safe driving record. In the cases where companies are bringing on new drivers, they are looking through referral programs – rather than from a new crop of drivers. This does not mean this is a bad time to train to become a driver. Experts and employers alike expect the driver needs to increase when the recession ends, and freight volumes begin to grow again.

Enrollments and people interested in driver training during the past 6 to 12 months has jumped.

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Fall 2009

Recovery and the Driver Market Until then, there are driving jobs available and trucking companies are hiring, but in much smaller number and much more selectively. Iowa Community Colleges that offer truck driver training continue to report “sold out” classes and Workforce Development officials reported that a number of displaced employees are viewing the trucking industry as a desirable option because the trucks are always going to be needed. Whether this will attract desirable candidates is yet to be determined.

Future Outlook

Fortunately, it appears there will be more drivers to choose from. Although no studies have been completed, Mike

O’Connell, executive director and legal counsel for the Commercial Vehicle Training Association in Washington, D.C., was reported as saying operators of just about all 180 trucking schools his organization represents have reported jumps in enrollments and people interested in driver training during the past 6 to 12 months. Regardless of the numbers – quality is where the employer’s eye is focused. The constricted industry has put an emphasis on the type of drivers on the road. For instance, Johnsrud says that the working force will always be top priority in the industry, “The entire landscape of blue collar workers is an issue, including mechanics and laborers. The driving force will continue to be a challenging issue when times are good. On the positive side, the supply of drivers, or lack thereof, assists in keeping capacity in line. “

As the industry and economy slowly mend, business owners are looking forward with a tempered enthusiasm.

This reported increase in drivers is even benefiting Kevin Gass’s organization – Perishable Distributors of Iowa. Gass reports that PDI has actually increased driver numbers since last year. “We still only will hire based on need. As our customer base continues to grow, we hire based on meeting their needs. Since January 2008 we have hired 14 drivers. Most of those fourteen were new hires.” So as the industry and economy slowly mend, business owners are looking forward with a tempered Kevin Gass enthusiasm. Perishable Distributors Few are ready of Iowa to discuss advertising dollars or methods, but most everyone is ready to start looking ahead again and are optimistic that quality drivers will continue to be the back bone of the industry. “We will use traditional advertising as well as word of mouth,” Gass elaborated. “PDI is a special place to work and we only hire the best. If you have made it through the process and know that we have an opening and know of someone equally qualified, often times it works out for both parties.” Perhaps the recovery can be just that easy.

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I M TA’ s N e w e s t M e m b e r s Welcome New Members!

Iowa Tanklines, Inc., Omaha, NE Krug Law Firm, North Liberty, IA Randolph’s, Inc., Traer, IA Shear Transportation, Inc., Bristow, IA Wehrle Trucking, Inc., Lynnville, IA Wenger Truck Line, Davenport, IA

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Fall 2009

“Membership lets companies big and small be part of the voice of the trucking industry in Iowa. IMTA constantly strives to be our member’s best business partner. Welcome new members. We are here to serve you!” Mike Spalla, IMTA Membership Manager

Renewable Fuels Randy Olson, Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. Randy Olson is the original Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB).  IBB was founded in 2007 to promote the commercial success of biodiesel in Iowa.  Previously, Randy’s career involved the chemical and financial industries.

Iowa Power Fund helps make biodiesel seminars available

The biodiesel industry has invested more than $100 million in research and development over the last 15 years, and biodiesel blends have seen millions of miles of real world use in virtually every diesel application imaginable—from farm tractors to on road semi’s to construction equipment. All this information was used in the development of stringent ASTM specifications which have now been agreed upon by industry experts and approved for biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Now it’s time to share the same information and facts that allowed ASTM experts to approve the fuel with Iowa’s diesel technicians.

“Biodiesel is important for the trucking industry because it replaces the lubricity lost when petroleum moved to ultra-low sulfur diesel.”

IBB, in partnership with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and One Source Training, has developed instructional materials and will conduct training sessions to arm instructors of diesel technology and renewable fuels classes at all of the state’s 15 community colleges with a biodiesel curriculum to incorporate into their courses. Of particular note for diesel technicians in the trucking industry, those instructors will also offer free continuing education seminars throughout the state for the state’s diesel technicians, using the same information. The schedule of classes is available at www.onesourcetraining.com. “Governor Culver and the Iowa Legislature created the Power Fund to cultivate Iowa’s new energy economy,” says Roya Stanley, director of the Office of Energy Independence. “The Power Fund focuses on growing the use of our state’s abundant energy resources. For example, the Iowa Biodiesel Board’s project begins as a training program and leads to an opportunity for increased sales of biodiesel.”

“Biodiesel is important for the trucking industry because it replaces the lubricity lost Randy Olson, when petroleum moved to Iowa Biodiesel Board ultra-low sulfur diesel, states Randy Olson, executive director of IBB. “Because it is cleaner burning than petroleum diesel, With the help of a $50,000 grant from biodiesel is also good for the environment. the Iowa Power Fund, the Iowa Biodiesel In addition, Iowa leads the nation in Board (IBB) is taking the lead in an biodiesel production capacity; therefore, educational project aimed at providing using biodiesel supports an Iowa industry solid information about biodiesel to Iowa’s and Iowa’s farmers.” diesel technicians, and ultimately, the consuming public. The program has been In addition to the Power Fund’s $50,000 developed in response to a need voiced by grant, funding for the project will be diesel technology instructors, who confirm provided by IBB, NBB, the Iowa Soybean that a thirst exists for good information and Association (ISA) and the National education about renewable fuels. Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

IBB is the state trade association for the biodiesel industry in Iowa. It is comprised of representatives of the entire diesel chain, from growers of the crops, to production of the fuel, to distributors and users of biodiesel.

To learn more about IBB, visit www.iowabiodiesel. org. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is the national trade association for the biodiesel industry and a leader in education about biodiesel to users, engine manufacturers, and petroleum companies. More information about NBB is available at www.biodiesel.org.

Fall 2009

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Fall 2009

2009 Truck Driving Championships Chairman Mark Zieman and wife Jennifer

2009 TDC Committee Farner-Bocken Company Chairman

• Bridget Nixon

Solar Transport Co-Chairman

• Darrell Whitehead

ARGEE Transport

• Bob Kohlwes

BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

• Gary Handley

BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

• Larry Spain

Continental Western Insurance

• George Crouse

Crouse Transportation Services

• Sid Carroll

Great West Casualty

• Bruce Arnold

Green Products Company

• Todd Kelley

Panama Transfer

• Dan Gardner

Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC

• Mark Zieman

Cherry Valley Enterprises IMTA Chairman of the Board

Iowa Truck Driving Championships

The best of the best gathered once again for an annual tradition that has been going on for decades. The Iowa Truck Driving Championships was once again a premier event that featured some of the best professional drivers you will find. With 75 drivers competing for the top prizes, it was once again a tough competition with a lot of high scores and close scores. At the end of the event however, 8 winners in each class were selected and the event was again hailed a huge success for IMTA and the Iowa Council of Safety Management, sponsors and organizers of this annual event. After being at the Iowa State Center in Ames for 23 years, the event moved to a new venue and was held at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. As one of Iowa’s premier destination venues, the Speedway offered a lot of special amenities that really added to the truck driving championships. After the banquet on Friday evening, all the participants were able to watch a race in the VIP section and the overall sentiment was that the venue was a great location. Evaluation and analysis continues but for the 75 participants representing 21 different companies, it was once again a very memorable competition. The committee chaired by Dan Hannasch with Farner-Bocken Company once again did an outstanding job of organizing a two day competition at a location that

Presenting awards is always a highlight

hadn’t even heard of the Truck Driving Championships. “As with any new location there are always a few challenges, but overall the 2009 TDC were very successful. The competitors and their families seemed to thoroughly enjoy having the event at the Speedway and if it works for us to hold it here in the future, we will certainly be pursuing that,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board, Mark Zieman. A special thanks to Dan Hannasch, Chairman of the event and Bridget Nixon with Solar Transport for stepping in as the Co-Chair of the championships. Without their leadership, the event would not have been the success it was. “I enjoyed serving in this capacity and while there is a lot of work that goes into the planning of the championships, the reward is always seeing all the drivers and their families having a nice time and I think that was very evident at this year’s event,” said Dan Hannasch.

21 15

Companies Represented

Participating Drivers

First Year Participants Fall 2009

Lifeliner

2009 TDC Facts

• Dan Hannasch

IMTA President Brenda Neville thanking the TDC committee

TDC Team Photos Congratulations to all the Teams that participated in the 2009 Championships

BTI Special Commodities, Inc. SteveBrowning, Erik Martin, Jeff Cooper

ABF Freight Systems Dan Waugh

Anderson Erickson Dairy Co., Inc. Jason Bradshaw, Bob Nesselroad Con-way Freight, Inc. Front Row: Frank Maiefski, Tony Maiefski, Tony Sanders, Robert Milbrath, Chuck Thompson, Steven Iburg Second Row: Lynn Palmer, Chad Pritchard, Mike Riggs, Mark Greeley, Tony Hulen, Pat Banowetz, Lenny Freese Third Row: Jack Smith, Jim Getty, Scott Marnin, David Petersen Back Row: Richard Barre, Kurt Walker, Kevin Garlick, Mike Anderson, Jeff Wickwire

Caseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Stores, Inc. DallasWilliams

Cherry Valley Enterprises, Inc. Arlen Nuehring

FedEx Freight, Inc. Front Row: Kirk Rochholz, Ryan Kelley, Dave Dickinson Back Row: Ken Wickey, Terry Anderson, Brent Clausen, Glenn Bearden

FedEx Express Bruce Warner

FedEx National, LTL Jim Bennien

FedEx Ground Matt Stookey

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Fall 2009

TDC Team Photos

Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd. James Dacus, Gary Baker, Glen Frick

Johnsrud Transport, Inc. Ron Bloom, Ron Brown, Rick Liedle

Solar Transport Andy Pohlmeier

Schuster Co Marty Lalumendre, Barry Blanchette TanTara Transportation Corp. Mack Smith

UPS Freight Ron Raney

Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC. Front Row: Bob Hendrickson, Mike Rouse, Todd Harl, Chris Childress Back Row: Bruce Dix, Dave Towne, Jim Stinemates, Harold Flesner, Mark Brown, Kelly Richards

Y.R.C. World Wide Scott Heth, Scott Himmel, Pierre Becker, Dale Holder

Green Products Co. Greg Trittien, Roger Gardner, Rick Armstrong

Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc. Front Row: Dominic Condra, Mike Garrison Back Row: Todd Anderson, Mike Gillman, Bobby Petty

Jacobson Transportation Co., Inc. Bryan Crosswhite, Tony Baldwin

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Flatbed Division

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 3rd Place - Bob Nesselroad - Anderson Erickson Dairy, 1st Place - Dave Towne - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 2nd Place - Bob Hendrickson - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Twin Trailers

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 3rd Place - Ron Brown - Johnsrud Transport, Inc., 1st Place - James Dacus - Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd., 2nd place - Mark Brown - Wal-Mart Transportation, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 2nd Place - Kevin Garlick - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 1st Place - Scott Marnin - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 3rd Place - Matt Stookey - FedEx Ground, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

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Fall 2009

4 Axle Van Sleeper Division

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 2nd Place - Bruce Dix - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 1st Place - Jeff Wickwire - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 3rd Place - Scott Heth - Y.R.C. Worldwide, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 2nd Place - Lynn Palmer - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 1st Place - Kelly Richards - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 3rd Place - Bryan Crosswhite - Jacobson Transportation, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Tank Division

5 Axle Van

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 2nd Place - Ryan Kelley - FedEx Freight, 1st Place - Jim Stinemates - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 3rd Place - Ken Wickey - FedEx Freight, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 3rd Place - Harold Flesner - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 1st Place - Glen Frick - Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd., 2nd Place - Rick Liedle - Johnsrud Transport, Inc., Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Straight Truck

Winners

3 Axle Van

2009 Iowa Truck Driving Championships

Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., 2nd Place - Mike Rouse - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 1st Place - Richard Barre - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 3rd Place - Greg Trittien - Green Products Co. , Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Team Sportsmanship Award

Bridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., Ryan Kelley, FedEx Freight, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Team Awards

BTI Special Commodities, Inc.,

2nd Place Team - Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd.

1st Year Participant Individual Sportsmanship Award

Bridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., Bob Hendrickson - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

James Dacus, Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd.

Team Awards

Highest Pre-Trip Score

Bridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken Co., Jim Stinemates, Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, IMTA Chairman of the Board

Winners

1st Place Team - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC

Team Awards

Highest Overall Score

2009 Iowa Truck Driving Championships

3rd Place Team - FedEx Freight

Fall 2009

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2009 Truck Driving Championships

A big thank you from all of us at Green Products Company to our drivers who participated in the Iowa Motor Truck Association 2009 Truck Driving Championships: Rick Armstrong Roger Gardner Greg Trittien

CONGRATULATIONS!

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Fall 2009

2009 Truck Driving Championships E Q U I P M E N T D O N ATO R S 2009 Truck Driving Championships

Competition Equipment Donated By: Conway Freight Decker Truck Line FedEx Freight Johnsrud Transport McKenna Truck Center O’Halloran International Peterbilt of Des Moines Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC

Trailer for Driver Holding Donated By: Anderson Erickson Dairy Crouse Transportation

Tow Truck Flatbed Announcer’s Stand Donated By: Barney’s, Inc.

Pre-Trip Equipment Donated By: BTI Special Commodities Green Products Company Perishable Distributors of Iowa Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC

Generator Donated By: Ziegler, Inc.

IMTA Show Trailer Power Unit Donated By: Freightliner of Des Moines

IMTA Staff – Mike Spalla - Membership Manager, Heather McCasland – Summer Intern, Holly Mueggenberg – Communications & Education Manager, Brenda Neville – President, DeAnn Moody – Executive Assistant, Amanda Madison – Administrative Assistant, Don Egli – Director of Safety

Fall 2009

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2009 Truck Driving Championships

SPONSORS

2009 Truck Driving Championships ARGEE Transport Bauer Built, Inc. Bisom Truck Line BTI Special Commodities Casey’s General Stores Cedar Rapids Truck Center Central Trailer Service City Carton Recycling Continental Western Insurance Crouse Transportation Services Cummins Central Power Decker Truck Line, Inc. Donaghy Kempton Insurors DR & KW Transtor, Inc. Elliott-Hartman Agency FedEx Freight Great West Casualty Green Products Company Gregg Goodenow, Ltd. Hanifen Co, Inc. Harold Dickey Transport Holmes Murphy Housby Mack, Inc. Hy-Vee Food Stores Interstate Power Systems Iowa Soybean Association Jim Hawk Truck & Trailers JJ Keller & Associates JMT Trucking

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Fall 2009

Majestic Truck Center McKenna Truck Center Mid Seven Transportation Midwest Wheel Companies Millhiser Smith Agency Joe Morten & Son, Inc. d.b.a. Motor-Ways, Inc. Niagara National Northland Products Perishable Distributors of Iowa Power Service Products PrePass – ACS Prins Insurance, Inc. Qualcomm, Inc. Reppert Rigging & Hauling Reynolds & Reynolds, Inc. Schneider Graphics Schueman Transfer, Inc. Simons Petroleum Solar Transport Stutsman Transportation, Inc. Thermo King Christensen Triple J Enterprises Corp. Truck Country of Des Moines Vernon Company Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC West Side Transport Whittemore Truck & Trailer Wilson Trailer

Iowa Tow Show Iowa Tow Show Held in Conjunction with Iowa Speedway Event

For over 20 years, Iowa’s towing industry has held a summer event for its members. This year TRPI was especially pleased to be able to hold their annual gathering at the Iowa Speedway. TRPI members had numerous tow trucks on display and were also able to promote the value of their industry to the hundreds of people that walked through the display on Friday evening and

TRPI Members mingled and viewed tow trucks on display from across the state.

Saturday. In addition to having the extensive display, towing members held an annual membership meeting and had a lot of time for socializing and networking.

Iowa Truck Show S p o n s o r s

AAA Minnesota/Iowa Bill’s Towing & Wrecker Service J & D Body Shop Trebron, Inc.

Doyle Kepley, Dave’s Auto & Truck Service and Norbert Bertling, Trebron, Inc.

Fall 2009

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IMTA Truck Show Sending a Strong Message

When anyone thinks of trucking, they automatically think about big rigs going up and down the highway. The IMTA Truck Show was an ideal way for people from the general public to see those fancy rigs up close and personal. Over 35 trucks were on display for the Pride and Polish competition that was held in conjunction with the IMTA Truck Show at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. As the trucks started to roll in, so did the people and they were not disappointed as they walked through a display of polished trucks and sparkling chrome. “Very impressive” was a common thought people were sharing as they walked through the display. After going through the pride and polish display, they could walk over and look at the trucks of years gone by. Over 50 antique trucks were also on display and were equally popular as people milled through the display and reminisced. Years ago, Mike Riggan, TanTara Transportation and George Crouse, Crouse Transportation Services hatched the idea of having a major truck show that featured new trucks, old trucks, working trucks and other exhibits that would really exemplify the power and importance of the trucking industry. As the years went by, the dream continued to grow with several important objectives in mind. The event would be good for the IMTA membership and for the general public, a match made in

Participants in the Pride & Polish competition

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Fall 2009

heaven. After years of dreaming and refining the concept, it became a reality this year at the Iowa Speedway. Over the course of the two day event, over 15,000 people attended the races and had to walk through the display to get to the main entrance of the Iowa Speedway. While there were certainly some challenges to the new event, there were certainly some positives as well. “I think the exposure we gained was priceless and I think with each year, we will get more and more participation not only from our membership but from folks who simply love the trucking industry. I believe it was a very positive event and can only get better with time,” said Mike Riggan, one of the primary organizers of the event. In addition to the exhibits, IMTA offered seminars in hopes of attracting IMTA members and also offered race tickets at deep discounts in an attempt to get folks to attend. While some of the offerings were not as widely accepted as hoped, overall the event met its

objectives and garnered tremendous exposure for Iowa’s trucking industry. “I would conclude that at the end of the day, there were a whole lot of people that gained some new perspective and respect for the trucking industry as a result of IMTA being front and center at the Iowa Speedway for that weekend in July. That in itself is extremely positive and important and hopefully something that we can only improve upon in future years,” said George Crouse.

IMTA Truck Show 2009 IMTA Truck Show

L to R: Travis Headley - “Best Paint”, Jeremy Danner - “Best Light”, Mack Smith, TanTara Transportation - “Best Company Driver Truck”, Ron Brubaker - “Best of Show Truck”, Bill Gibson, Aschenbrenner Trucking - “Best Interior”, Troy DeVries - “Best Owner Operator Truck” Ron Brubaker - “Best of Show Truck”

IMTA Truck Show S p o n s o r s

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions Crouse Transportation Services, LLC Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc. Iowa Biodiesel Board Iowa City Brake Midwest Wheel Companies Simon’s Petroleum / Love’s Travel Stops Towing & Recovery Professionals of Iowa Vatterott College Zip’s Truck Equipment

Celebrity Judges - Jim Hetzler, Bobby Hansen - Iowa Speedway, Chaz Allen - Mayor of Newton, Matthew Whitaker - US Attorney

David Reed - Bandag Bridestone

L to R: Bobby Hansen - Iowa Speedway, Mike Riggan - TanTara Transportation, Jimmy DeMatteis - Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc., Chris Hetzler, Jim Hetzler There were over 50 antique trucks on display.

Fall 2009

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IMTA Truck Show

TDC Highest overall score winner Jim Stinemates, Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC waves the green flag to start the IMTA 50.

ARCA Truck Race

As part of the IMTA truck show, IMTA was the official sponsor of the ARCA Truck Race which was held in conjunction with all the IMTA events that were held at the Iowa Speedway. IMTA members were given the opportunity to purchase deeply discounted tickets and enjoy an evening at the Iowa Speedway in Newton. In addition, IMTA was able to get some tremendous publicity in front of 10,000 fans. IMTA Chairman of the Board, Mark Zieman was in the pace car for the opening lap and Jim Stinemates with Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC who had the highest overall score at the Truck

Everyone that attended the races on Friday and Saturday had to walk through the truck display and that was a lot of positive publicity for Iowa’s trucking industry,” said Mike Riggan with TanTara Transportation and one of IMTA’s officers. Another highlight for folks was at the conclusion of the race; the light display illuminated the sky and really created added attention to the display. The trucks in the pride and polish competition were judged for their light display as were the tow trucks. The task force is already looking into the event for next year and discussions have begun with Iowa Speedway officials.

Driving Championships was the official starter for the IMTA 50 race. Bill Kahn with Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions also got the thrill of a lifetime when he led all the racers and the pace car with the famous Bandit truck around the race track. “The atmosphere was very exciting and there was a great crowd at the event.

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“Overall the entire weekend had much more “positives” than “negatives” so we will carefully evaluate every aspect of the event and make a decision as to what we will do moving forward. There is a segment of the membership that truly wants this kind of an event and we will see if we are able to accommodate those requests,” said IMTA President Brenda Neville.

IMTA Chairman of the Board Mark Zieman prepares to say racings famous words “Gentlemen start your engines” as well as ride along in the pace car for the IMTA 50.

IMTA Officers: Mike Riggan, Brenda Neville, Mark Zieman, George Crouse, Bill Kahn - Bandag Bridgestone and Bobby Hanson - Iowa Speedway

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IMTA Management Conference 2nd Flight 1st Place Winners: Tom Trusty – BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Bill Jackson – Peterbilt Motors Company, Fred Grask – Cedar Rapids Truck Center, Brian Nuss – Peterbilt Motors Company.

67th Annual Management Conference Held in Coralville

Over 300 IMTA members gathered in Coralville recently for the 67th annual IMTA Management Conference which was held in Coralville. Conference Chairman Mark Hyland with Majestic Truck Services welcomed the group and reminded them about the important role they all play in the ongoing success of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. In an effort to attract even more participation by the membership, the committee streamlined the schedule to basically 1 full day of sessions and the ceremonial requirements of the meeting. On Tuesday, the group gathered for networking at the golf outing and the shooting competition and as always, the traditional welcome reception was again a big success.

. Seasons Trucking, Inc Dave Neuwohner – All es vic Ser ck jestic Tru and Marc Hyland – Ma

Pat Storey – Motor-Ways, Inc., Jordan Wall – Great West Casualty Company

Sid Carroll – Great West Casualty Company, Jim Jensen – Reynolds & Reynolds, Inc., Brooks Reynolds – Reynolds & Reynolds, Inc., Randy Miller – Great West Casualty Company,

On Wednesday, nobody had any spare time as the day was full of award events and valuable sessions. The break out sessions were again a huge hit as they focused on timely topics for carriers. The keynote speaker this year was Michael Reagan and he spoke for almost 90 minutes to a standing room only audience. Over 200 people were in attendance and his lively and entertaining presentation certainly is something that folks will remember for a long time. Probably the most compelling part of his presentation was when he imitated his father, the late Ronald Reagan and it was delivered with perfection. Another special part of the conference is the award events in which IMTA members are recognized. Once again, the awards luncheon recognized folks who have demonstrated excellence in virtually every aspect of the operation; safety, maintenance, dispatch and driving. Almost 75 award winners were recognized at this important tradition that once again illustrates the high level of commitment to professionalism that exists among our membership.

e Breitbach Theresa Breitbach & Mik – Trans Star Trucking Co.

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Fall 2009

Tim Ockenfels – City Car ton Recycling and Frank Miller – City Carton Recycling

i n n o v a t e.

The final highlight of the conference was the Chairman’s banquet where IMTA recognizes and thanks industry leaders for their commitment and

m o t i v a t e.

IMTA Management Conference support to the association as well as the industry as a whole. Outgoing Chairman Mark Zieman, like others before him, left his mark on the association. Through his leadership, he helped IMTA navigate through some huge internal transitions and also successfully guided the association through another brutal legislative session.

tenacity and perseverance that serves them well in all that they do. The committee comprised of Clark Bannister, Murry Fitzer, Bob Kohlwes, Tim Kovacevich, Mike Riggan, Pete Romig, Dan Stevens, Doc Wilson and Mark Zieman deserve a huge THANK YOU for the great job they did in creating yet again an exceptional Management Conference.

IMTA’s newest elected leader, Bob Kohlwes with BTI Special Commodities will take over the Chairmanship duties effective October 1st and will undoubtedly prove to be another tireless advocate for the association and the industry. Bob’s long term commitment to the association is evident through his active involvement over the last 20 years. Like his predecessors, he too will leave his own unique mark on the association as he provides leadership over the next 12 months.

Once again the conference served Dave Van Wyk – Van Wyk, Inc., Brenda Neville – as a poignant reminder that the IMTA, Don Decker – Decker Truck Line, Inc. collective efforts of many can accomplish great and wonderful things and IMTA members are the recipient of many great and wonderful things. A special thanks to all the members that participated and all the sponsors that provided the financial resources needed to keep up this important tradition. Work has already begun on next year’s conference and dnesday morning ors served breakfast We as always, volunteers are IMTA Board of Direct – Crouse use nference. George Cro already “thinking outside the at the Management Co cken -Bo ner Far – s ven Dan Ste box” as they begin to work Transportation Services, – O’Halloran ran allo O’H – PDI, Ltd., Jim on the 2010 management Company, Kevin Gass International, Inc. conference. Stay tuned……..

And finally, no recognition would be complete without thanking the conference chairman, Mark Hyland, Majestic Truck Services and his committee of loyal volunteers that provide all the heavy lifting for the conference. The committee of allied and carrier members were faced with some daunting challenges as the tight economy diminished sponsorship support by almost 20%. However, once again this dedicated group of volunteers vowed to put on a first class event and certainly did so with their usual

Thank you to the Management Conference Committee for creating an exceptional conference!

ety Award Winners

2009 Great West Fleet Saf

t h i n k.

Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, Inc. sits in on one of the carrier roundtables offered at the Conference.

Many award winners were recognized at the Annua l Management Conference awards luncheon.

a d v a n c e.

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IMTA Management Conference Management Conference

S p o n s o r s

Boyer Petroleum Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions Carrier Transicold Caterpillar Dealers of Iowa - Altorfer - Ziegler Central Trailer Service Cherry Valley Enterprises, Inc. Continental Western Group Cross Dillon Tire, Inc. Cummins Central Power, LLC Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc. Eastern Iowa Tire, Inc. Freightliner of Des Moines, Inc. Great West Casualty Hawkeye International Trucks Holcomb Freightliner, Inc. Housby Mack Howe, Cunningham & Lowe Interstate PowerSystems Iowa 80 Truckstop Iowa City Brake, Inc. Iowa Council of Safety Management JJ Keller & Associates Jim Hawk Truck Trailers Joe Morten & Son, Inc. d.b.a. Motor-Ways Kenworth Mid-Iowa Majestic Truck Services McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith P.C. McKenna Truck Center Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, Inc. Midwest Wheel Companies Navistar, Inc. Northland Insurance Northland Products Company Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Halloran International, Inc. Peoplenet Communications

Peterbilt of Sioux City, Council Bluffs, & Des Moines Pilot Travel Centers, LLC / Bosselman Travel Center Pre Pass â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACS State & Local Solutions Quad Cities Peterbilt, Inc. / Cedar Rapids Truck Center Qualcomm, Inc. Quality Services Corp. Reynolds & Reynolds Ruan Truck & Trailer Sales

Sioux City Truck Sales, Inc. Thermo King Christensen Thermo King Quad Cities, Inc. Transport Permits Truck Country Truckers Insurance TrueNorth Companies Insurance & Financial Strategies Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield Wilshire Insurance Wilson Trailer Company Vernon Company

2009 Conference Committee (L-R) Tim Kovacevich - Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, Chairman, Marc Hyland Majestic Truck Services, Clark Bannister - Central Trailer Services, Ltd., Murry Fitzer - Florilli Transportation, Pete Romig - Midwest Wheel Companies, Mike Riggan - TanTara Tranportation, Doc Wilson - Cummins, Bob Kohlwes - BTI Special Commodities, Dan Stevens - Farner-Bocken Company, Mark Zieman - Cherry Valley Enterprises, George Crouse - Crouse Transportation Services

IMTA Officers: George Crouse, Jeff Wangsness, Mike Riggan, Brenda Neville, Bob Kohlwes, Mark Zieman

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IMTA Management Conference

ster – Karen Koester & Jim Koe ies pan Com eel Wh t Midwes

Featured Speaker Michael Reagan spok e to a standing room only audience.

Vernon Van Wyk – Van Wyk Freight Lines, Michael Reagan, Loretta Van Wyk – Van Wyk Freight Lines

Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, Inc., John Smith – CRST International, Inc., Michael Reagan, Brenda Neville – IMTA, Representative Kraig Paulsen, Marc Hyland – Majestic Truck Services

Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities & his granddaughter Callie

Jennifer & Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises, Inc.

Special Thanks to our outgoing Chairman Mark Zieman for a great year of Leadership.

Mike Spalla – IMTA, Amanda Madison – IMTA, Brenda Neville – IMTA, Holly Mueggenberg – IMTA, & DeAnn Moody – IMTA

Management Conference attendees enjoyed a variety of social events as well as educational sessions this year!

Chris Finch – Central Trailer Service, Joel Huntrods, Brian Kohlwes, Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Brad Kohlwes – ARGEE Transport

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Final Word IMTA’s Allied Division, Worthy of Your Support

I have been an active member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association since I first joined the association over two decades ago. In fact, my first official act as a volunteer was when I helped hand out glasses of beer at a convention we held up in Fort Dodge. We were in a tent and Mike Bagg Central Trailer Services, Ltd. for three hours I had the time of my life as I met virtually hundreds of IMTA members on a cold September day in a parking lot. I know that I just really dated myself by recounting my first experience as an IMTA member but I knew from that moment on, that I was going to be involved with the association. Over the years, my involvement continued to grow as did my network of contacts throughout the trucking industry. I am not going to lie, being involved with the association has several benefits with one of the most important being the opportunity to create relationships with potential customers. Serving on a committee with carriers, sitting at the same table as we all work on the same project to benefit the association is an extremely valuable way to form long lasting relationships and friendships. It has been through these efforts that my volunteer work with IMTA has been a great source of satisfaction and pride to me personally. Because of that personal commitment, I have constantly challenged IMTA leaders to be more proactive in their efforts in supporting and promoting the Allied Division. For years, this division which is comprised of vendors that serve the industry; has played a very

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Fall 2009

important role to the association. This division has provided the resources to put on many of the member events that are now standard traditions. Through our efforts Iowa has one of the finest Truck Driving Championships and Management Conferences in the nation. And while many allied members think that those contributions are merely financial, the truth is that it goes way beyond that. Many allied members share their creative talents, their professional relationships and most importantly, their most valuable resource, their time in assisting the association in creating meaningful events that attract current members and prospective members. Last year, an important and bold step was taken as IMTA leaders formalized the structure of the Allied Division. Like all the other divisions, we now operate within the parameters of formalized policy and procedures. We have clarified our leadership role through the expansion of representation on the board and on other key committees. And everyone who knows me, knows that I continue to push for added representation by the Allied members on even more committees. Our goal as the Allied Division is to be treated like partners as we all work to fulfill the mission of the association. In return, we are hopeful that the collective efforts of BOTH the carriers and vendors will have a positive impact in the industry as a whole, and everyone benefits from that!

asking for solid and concerted action as we all face mounting economic pressures. We urge IMTA carrier members to give strong consideration to reviewing their vendor list and if by chance some of the vendors on that list are not IMTA members, please consider taking action to get them to join the association and really show their support of your business by supporting the unified efforts of IMTA. Not only is it vitally important to the continued strength and effectiveness of IMTA’s ongoing efforts but it is also vitally important that we support the “principled” culture that exists among so many of the IMTA leaders. Fortunately, there are several

As a carrier you are writing a regular check to a favorite supplier….maybe it is time that your suppliers write a membership check to an even more important cause….

Our next objective is to further strengthen our division by impressing upon carriers the importance of supporting the Allied Division by doing business with Allied Division members. This is a campaign that has long been provided tremendous “lip service” by association leaders but we are now

carriers that are staunchly supporting this effort yet there are far too many that simply don’t feel the need to pressure their vendors to support the association. Without question, we have nothing but challenges staring us in the face and why not take every opportunity to get as many members as possible to help in the effort to overcome these challenges. As a carrier you are writing a regular check to a favorite supplier….maybe it is time that your suppliers write a membership check to an even more important cause….your Association which protects your livelihood as a carrier and the continued stability of Iowa’s trucking industry. Mike Bagg, Central Trailer Services, Ltd. Allied Division Steering Committee Chairman

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