19 minute read
Final Thought
Patchwork of State Trucking Laws Stall Emergency Response, Force Natural Disaster Victims to Suffer Longer
When there is a natural disaster, the trucking industry is the first on the scene to aid with the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Unfortunately, our response is often hampered by a patchwork of state size and weight laws that stall our ability to respond and force natural disaster victims to suffer longer.
Over the years, we know that water trucks responding to wildfires have been asked to dump their water before continuing to their destinations as empty vessels and power line trucks have been told to remove their essential tools before traveling through various jurisdictions.
Case in point, in August 0f 2020, thousands of Iowa residents were living without power, a week after a storm packing 130 mile-per-hour winds tore through the Midwest. The inland hurricane, called a derecho by weather experts, killed 4 people, spawned 17 tornadoes, and affected 10 states, hitting Iowa the hardest.
More than 6 million acres of corn and soybean crops were wiped out. Half the trees in Cedar Rapids and Marion were lost. Buildings, vehicles, and grain silos were destroyed. Telephone, internet and – critically – power lines went down, leaving more than a half million Hawkeyes without power.
Iowa’s MidAmerican Energy Company faced a crisis requiring more assets than it was able to deploy from its Des Moines headquarters. Its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, also owns NV Energy in my home state of Nevada. MidAmerican called on the Nevada utility to send help (fast!) – bucket trucks, wire, rope, shovels, digging bars, and more.
NV Energy engaged Paul DeLong Heavy Haul of Las Vegas to move the emergency assets to Iowa. The trip is a “fifteen hundred-mile straight shot,” as DeLong described it. But the first four loads of bucket trucks got stuck in regulatory mud long before they reached their destination.
The trucks were halted at the UtahWyoming border because they were almost 10,000 pounds heavier than Wyoming’s stringent size-and-weight limits allow. The Wyoming port of entry officials said the trucks were divisible loads and would be allowed to continue – after unloading their tools. Sending the trucks without the equipment to restore the power is like sending an empty toolbox,” DeLong remarked.
Ultimately Wyoming Port of Entry officials agreed to let the first four loads through but warned that future loads would be cited without a green light from the Governor or WYDOT Director.
Because DeLong’s alternative I-70 route was closed due to a Colorado wildfire, subsequent trucks were routed on I-90, adding 850 miles and a day and half while Iowa’s half-million powerless residents waited.
Wyoming is within its rights to implement and enforce size-and-weight laws. Typically, up to 80,000 lbs. can move on the interstate system. States may fashion their own regulations and establish a process to allow oversize and/or overweight loads to travel through.
Wyoming’s Gold Book has rules for Truck Sizes, Weights and Permits. It provides for
Governor or the director (of transportation) has determined the greater vehicle weight or size will relieve an economic hardship or benefit the general welfare of the state of Wyoming or another state.”
So, emergency goods sat in Wyoming’s port of entry, and groceries rotted in Iowa, while someone tracked down Governor Mark Gordon for his opinion on the humanitarian value of the shipment.
Congressional action is slow, and the outcome is uncertain. Size and weight changes, even for emergencies, will be opposed by the railroads and anti-truck groups that cloak themselves under the guise of safety.
Darrin Roth, Vice President of Highway Policy at the American Trucking Associations recognizes the gravity of this issue and believes the fix needs to be at the state level. Roth recommends the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) should move forward with envelope permit for trucks responding to emergencies. However, getting all 48 continental states and the District of Columbia to agree could be a Sisyphean task requiring legislative or regulatory changes, which many states will be remiss to do.
Sadly, it appears we will have to remind policy makers that very recently, the trucking industry performed valiantly to meet an emergency called Coronavirus response. In that emergency, we got cooperation from every official at every turn. It shouldn’t require a pandemic, an earthquake, a hurricane, or a wildfire to facilitate emergency response from Trucking. Let’s work together to ensure that timely help arrives for the victims of disasters.
My prayer is that these problems can be overcome with common sense. That people at all levels of government employ the Golden Rule: “Do unto to others as you have them do unto you.” That they put themselves, or the people they love, in the shoes of those Americans who’ve lost not just power, but homes and livelihoods. They must let the trucks roll.
Paul J. Enos, CEO The Nevada Trucking Association
*Reprinted with permission from the Nevada Trucking Association
Lifeliner Special Section
The EXTRA MILE
TOGETHER: BACK WHERE WE BELONG
When IMTA members departed the 2019 Management Conference no one would have expected it would take another two years for Iowa’s trucking industry to once again gather for this extremely valuable event. And while the pandemic is certainly one for the history books, missing an annual conference is one that will also have its own place in history as the 77-year streak came to an end with the cancellation of the 2020 event. However, a new streak has officially started and IMTA members took advantage of the opportunity to get back to where we all belong – together.
The two-day conference kicked off with a special treat for the avid golfers of the group, playing a round of golf at the highly respected Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. Then later that night attendees had a ‘smashing’ good time at the annual welcome reception held at Smash Park. With picture-perfect weather for an outdoor event, attendees not only had the opportunity to network, but also had the opportunity to get active with pickle ball, bags games, foosball, and more. The same evening, the annual Foundation Auction raised $55,800 for the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation.
The following day allowed for educational sessions, keynote speakers, and you guessed it, even more networking opportunities. This year the breakout sessions focused on the economy and two of IMTA’s top priorities in both 2021 and 2022, workforce and lawsuit abuse.
“We cram a lot into a two-day event, but we know our schedule is what continues to set us apart and attract attendees. Let’s be honest, nobody has the time or the desire to spend several days away from the office at a convention, so we have to develop a schedule that will offer a tremendous return on their investment of time and money. And I think we did just that,” said Committee Chairman Brad Bailey, Central Trailer Service.
The conference capped off with the IMTA Awards Gala where not only were we introduced to IMTA’s newest Chairman of the Board Brenda Dittmer, Weinrich Truck Line, but the “Best of the Best” were celebrated and recognized for their professionalism and dedication to the industry. IMTA awarded nearly $20,000 in cash prizes to a variety of outstanding performers in several categories -- drivers, maintenance, safety, operations, and image. Additionally, IMTA awarded, a very surprised, Gary Handley with the coveted President’s Service Award.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD PHOTOS, VIDEOS & PRESS RELEASES FROM THE 2021 IMTA MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
FRONT ROW, L TO R: Bobby Seivert (Panama Transfer); Brad Bailey (Central Trailer Service); Preston Hinkle (MHC Kenworth) BACK ROW: Brad Jones (Saige Partners LLC); Nick Gerondale (BMO Transportation Finance); Tim Modlin (Thermo King Sales & Service); Mike Spalla (Kunkel & Associates)
2021 Management Conference Committee
BRAD BAILEY
Chairman Central Trailer Service
ADAM HERMSEN
Co-Chairman TrueNorth Companies
JIM ANDERSON
Midwest Wheel Companies
NICK GERONDALE
BMO Transportation Finance
PRESTON HINKLE
MHC Kenworth
BRAD JONES
Saige Partners LLC
TIM MODLIN
Thermo King Sales & Service
BOBBY SEIVERT Panama Transfer
MIKE SPALLA
Kunkel & Associates
By The Numbers
» 375 overall attendees — 215 carrier attendees & 120 vendor attendees, and 40 special guests including regulators, association colleagues, special guests » 81 total companies represented — 49 trucking companies and 42 vendor companies » A special thank you to the 66 sponsors who helped financially support the conference
» $20,000 in cash prizes handed out during the IMTA Awards Gala » A record 42 individuals graduated from the IMTA Leadership Class because we recognized both 2020 and 2021 classes
Going Above & Beyond as an IMTA Volunteer
Recognizing Gary Handley, the 2021 President’s Service Award Winner
The Crowley Service Award, now known as the President’s Service Award, was established to honor and recognize individuals that went above and beyond in their involvement and engagement with the association. In the association world, these special individuals are truly the heart and soul of our efforts. They are volunteers that enable an average association to be an extraordinary association.
The 2021 President’s Service Award recipient Gary Handley has dedicated his entire life to service and putting others before himself. It started when he served his country in the military and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973. He was extremely proud to serve in this manner and has continued to serve as an active and valued leader at the Greenfield Legion.
Upon returning from the military, he made his way into trucking and quickly fell in love with the industry and serving his country in another way, as a professional truck driver. This new opportunity enabled him to reaffirm his love of this country by the places he saw and the people he met as a driver. He was proud of his profession, and he gave it his all.
When BTI Special Commodities presented Gary with an offer to move into the safety director role he jumped on the opportunity and got involved in several important areas of the company and made a multitude of valuable contributions to the company’s ongoing success. Today, he still talks regularly to drivers and trucking colleagues that view him as a trusted and cherished friend.
Throughout his entire career, Gary has looked for ways to be engaged and make a difference. His involvement with IMTA and its many different groups and committees has been immense. His ability to provide leadership with enthusiasm and passion was always prevalent and earned him industry wide respect and appreciation. He has always been a valuable and trusted advocate for the industry.
For over four decades, Iowa’s trucking industry has been the recipient of his leadership, his friendship, and his passionate dedication. But the thing that really sets him apart is quite honestly who he is as a person. Gary is the kind of person that lights up a room when he enters and instantly makes you at ease with his kind yet confident demeanor. He understands the value of having a loving family and is deeply committed to being a good son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, and would do anything in the world for his family, including his trucking family.
He is an outstanding example of leadership and sets an example that we should aspire to attain. We are all better for knowing and loving Gary and the Iowa Motor Truck Association and Iowa’s trucking industry is far better because of the many contributions that Gary has made over the years.
In a Category of Their Own
Numerous men and women in the trucking industry have made some very significant contributions not only to their individual companies but to this association and the always demanding industry. These same individuals are the talented and dedicated workers that give 100% every day to their specific area of expertise.
Through this long-standing awards program the IMTA recognizes and honors these individuals for their persistence and dedication. The trucking industry wouldn’t be able to operate without the countless individuals in the trenches doing the work that most outside of the industry take for granted.
RANAE ALLEN WEINRICH TRUCK LINE, INC.
Dispatcher of the Year
Ranae Allen, WEINRICH TRUCK LINE, INC.
Ranae has a 30-year career in the trucking industry and all with her family’s operation at Weinrich Truck Line. She brings zest and passion to the dispatch operation while overseeing 29 individuals, and ensuring operational goals are continually met.
The award-winning dispatchers received a $250 cash prize to accompany a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The dispatcher of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.
The award-winning master drivers received a $500 cash prize to accompany a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The master driver of the year received a $1,500 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.
LACY FREEMAN Hy-Vee, Inc.
PATRICK POLLARD Johnsrud Transport, Inc.
MICHAEL REINKING Perishable Distributors of Iowa
THERESA KOLUND Ruan Transportation
BEN HENRY Warren Transport, Inc.
RANAE ALLEN Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.
DEAN KEY RUAN TRANSPORTATION
Master Driver of the Year
Dean Key, RUAN TRANSPORTATION
Dean has a 37-year driving career, with 22 of those years being accident free. When asked what trucking means to him Dean is quoted as saying “A person gives up a lot to be a driver. But you know that going into it. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely! I am proud to be part of the progress that is happening in trucking.”
JACK MILLER CRST The Transportation Solution
CHAD HAZELTON
Decker Truck Line, Inc.
THOMAS MELTON
Decker Truck Line, Inc.
LEO MONTIEL Nebraska Coast, Inc.
DEAN KEY Ruan Transportation
KEITH DECKER West Side Transport, Inc.
DAVE ZERBE KEANE THUMMEL TRUCKING
Fleet Safety Professional of the Year
Dave Zerbe, KEANE THUMMEL TRUCKING
Dave has been in the trucking industry since 1998, and with Keane Thummel Trucking since 2006. Drivers describe him as always available, dependable, knowledgeable, and very hands on. Dave has a heart for the trucking industry and his knack for technology and learning new information keeps everyone within Keane Thummel up to date.
The award-winning safety professional of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.
JOHN W SMITH WARREN TRANSPORT, INC.
Professional Driver of the Year
John W. Smith, WARREN TRANSPORT, INC.
John has a 35-year driving career, with over 4-million accident-free miles to his name. When it comes to his career, John is quoted as saying “My definition of retirement is doing something you love. This means I’ve been retired for the last 35 years or my entire professional career.”
The award-winning professional drivers received a $250 cash prize to accompany a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The professional driver of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.
The award-winning maintenance professionals received a $250 cash prize to accompany a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The maintenance professional of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.
ANTHONY VASQUEZ Decker Truck Line, Inc.
BRADLEY TEW Don Hummer Trucking Corp
LEE BLOCK Don Hummer Trucking Corp
LEWIS MINEHART
Don Hummer Trucking Corp
HAROLD MAJOR
Hy-Vee Inc.
JOHN SCHOLL Ruan Transportation
MARVIN TROUT Ruan Transportation
LELAND HILDEBRANDT Ruan Transportation
JOHN W SMITH Warren Transport, Inc.
RANDALL LUSCHEN Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.
CRAIG POLLITT HY-VEE, INC.
Fleet Maintenance Professional of the Year
Craig Pollitt, HY-VEE, INC.
Craig has 40 years of experience in the trucking industry, with 38 of those years being specific to maintenance. When is comes to the maintenance aspect of trucking Craig is quoted as saying “Over the years that I have been repairing diesel trucks I have learned a great deal about not giving up. Current truck technology creates challenges yet improves the bottom line and makes those challenges well worth it.”
JOE HAYES Decker Truck Line, Inc.
CRAIG POLLITT Hy-Vee, Inc.
RAE EVANS
Hy-Vee, Inc.
TYLER WHITE
Hy-Vee, Inc.
JASON KRUSE Hy-Vee, Inc.
JOHN ZEKA
Perishable Distributors of Iowa
JAMES WHEETLEY
Ruan Transportation
Fleet Maintenance Company of the Year
Decker Truck Line, Inc.
GRAND CHAMPION
Decker Truck Line, Inc. employs 108 maintenance professionals to oversee a fleet of 500 + trucks. They continually invest in improvement opportunities to better serve drivers & customers, and is a data driven department to always identify continuing opportunities in the world of maintenance.
Amhof Trucking, Inc. recognizes that a substantial safety program requires dedication, effective policies & procedures, continual training, & thinking “outside the box.” Their strong safety record results from a focused & committed leadership team that instills a sense of proactive self-management in their employees. Safety is their culture, and that is what differentiates them from others.
The award-winning fleets each received an award recognizing this important achievement. The operation of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a custom award and banner to proudly display.
DECKER TRUCK LINE, INC.
DICKEY TRANSPORT OLSON EXPLOSIVES INC.
SCHUSTER COMPANY SULLY TRANSPORT INC.
Great West Casualty Fleet Safety Awards
Amhof Trucking, Inc.
GRAND CHAMPION
Special thanks to Great West Casualty Company for sponsoring these awards. The award-winning fleets each received an award recognizing this important achievement. The fleet of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany the Great West Casualty crystal truck award.
NEBRASKA COAST, INC. General Commodity – Truckload 0 - 1 million miles
AMHOF TRUCKING, INC. General Commodity – Truckload 1 - 2 million miles
DICKEY TRANSPORT General Commodity – Truckload 2 – 4 million miles
HEYL TRUCK LINES
General Commodity – Truckload 4 – 7 million miles
DON HUMMER TRUCKING CORP
General Commodity - Truckload 7 - 10 million miles
SCHUSTER COMPANY General Commodity – Truckload 10 – 13 million miles
DECKER TRUCK LINE, INC. General Commodity – Truckload 13 – 16 million miles
OLSON EXPLOSIVES
Private Carrier 0 – 2 million miles
PERISHABLE DISTRIBUTORS OF IOWA
Private Carrier 5 – 8 million miles
SOLAR TRANSPORT COMPANY Tank Truck – Bulk 2 – 5 million miles
SULLY TRANSPORT, INC. Tank Truck – Bulk 5 - 10 million miles
WARREN TRANSPORT, INC. Flatbed – Truckload 4 - 7 million miles
IMTA Image Award
Thompson Truck & Trailer
GRAND CHAMPION
Thompson Truck & Trailer recognizes that they would not be where they are today without their remarkable customers. To recognize their customers efforts, Thompson created a Customer Spotlight social media campaign during the pandemic to shine a light on the important work that their valuable customers do. Not only where these spotlights appreciated, they were engaging, making an impact on their customer relationships months later.
The award-winning company received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a custom crystal award.
Save the Date
2022 MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE Wednesday, September 14 & Thursday, September 15 Hyatt Regency Coralville
(previously Coralville Marriott)
Thank you to our Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSORS
MHC Kenworth Midwest Peterbilt Gorup Midwest Wheel Companies Thompson Truck & Trailer Truck Center Companies Truck Country TrueNorth Companies
GOLD SPONSORS
Cottingham & Butler, Inc. Great West Casualty Company Joe Morten and Son, Inc. d.b.a.
Motor-Ways, Inc. Northland CDL Training Northland Products Company, Inc. Ruan Transportation
SILVER SPONSORS
Central Trailer Service I-State Truck Center Interstate PowerSystems McGowen Hurst Clark Smith O’Halloran International, Inc. a Trivista Company Pilot Flying J PrePass Safety Alliance Quality Services Corp. Sioux City Truck & Trailer, Inc. Trimble Transportation UPS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Allied Oil & Supply, Inc. Altorfer CAT Inc. Bauer Built Tire & Service BMO Transportation Finance Bridgestone Commercial Solutions GTG Peterbilt - Cedar Rapids, Waterloo & Davenport Comdata CJM Financial, Inc. Craftsmen Utility Trailer Cornhusker International Trucks Cummins Sales & Service Dave Syverson Truck Centers Drivewyze Eastern Iowa Tire, Inc. Engles, Ketcham, Olson & Keith, P.C. FSSolutions GATR Truck Center Hanifen Towing Housby Iowa Council of Safety Management Jim Hawk Truck-Trailers, Inc. Katz, Sapper & Miller Kunkel & Associates, Inc. Kwik Trip / Kwik Star Lube-Tech & Partners, LLC Majestic Truck Center Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, Inc. /
Keizer Co. Northland Insurance Co. Ottsen Oil Co. RDO Truck Center Relion Insurance Solutions Renewable Energy Group Reynolds & Reynolds, Inc. RSM US LLP Saige Partners, LLC Thermo King Christensen Thermo King Sales & Service Truckers Insurance Associates US Cargo Control Wilson Trailer Company ZF Group / WABCO Ziegler CAT
