2022 Lifeliner Magazine --- Issue 4

THE RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT

Strategically moving the association’s efforts forward with continual, insightful feedback from members. Issue 4, 2022

Values Drive Performance

Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence

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ROUND OF APPLAUSE

TrueNorth Wins Mike Russell Trucking Image Award

First awarded in 2007, the Mike Russell Trucking Image award is given to an individual, motor carrier, trucking organization and industry supplier who each demonstrate excellence in illustrating the industry’s essentiality, professionalism, and commitment to safety on and off the highways. TrueNorth’s work with ATA and state trucking associations, as well as fundraising for important industry-driven organizations like the Warrior’s Drive for Hope and Florida of Honor were named as major contributors to TrueNorth’s recognition.

Honoring Veterans in a Unique Way

West Side Transport had the honor of unveiling their Veterans in Trucking Trailer: the Warrior Wagon as a way to honor Veterans, specifically those that are employed by West Side. The Warrior Wagon will allow them to contribute resources to programs that help and support Veterans.

Des Moines Trucker Receives National Safety Council Driver Award

Established in 2004, the Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding drivers throughout the country who have driven a significant number of miles/years behind the wheel without incurring a preventable crash. With 44 years of accident-free driving,

Marr, a Des Moines based truck driver, was one of only 11 drivers in the U.S. to receive the 2022 honor.

Barry

2022 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award Winners

FROM L TO R: Steve Ponder, senior vice president of Great West Casualty Company, who presented the awards; Alabama Trucking Association CEO Mark Colson, Kenneth Calhoun of Altec Industries, Northern Industrial Training CEO Joey Crum and TrueNorth Cos. representative Jason Smith

I am thrilled to be serving as the 2023 IMTA Chairman of the Board; my family has a long history of involvement with the association. As I move into the Chairman’s role, I am honored to be following in the footsteps of my grandfather Harold Dickey who was chairman in 1980 and my father Dave Dickey who was chairman in 1999.

At our annual convention in September when I was officially voted in as the Chairman, I remember back to 23 years ago as I was sitting in the audience watching my father up on stage as he was named chairman. It was very special then and is equally special now. As the first third-generation chairman of this great association, I think it speaks volumes to the kind of organization IMTA is and the kind of people that are part of the IMTA membership. All of us are very committed and focused on being part of the solution and larger voice for Iowa’s trucking industry.

I had the honor of working beside my grandfather and my father throughout my career at Dickey Transport and they taught me well. They instilled in me the consistent and tireless work ethic that is needed to be successful in this business. They also instilled in me the value of the industry. Trucking is the lifeline to every household. Because of trucks, we all have a very comfortable life and almost immediate access to anything we want or need. That further speaks to the tremendous responsibility we have as an industry to continually strive to deliver the products safely and professionally every single day.

As I look at the year ahead, I have a couple of priorities that will be my focus as the IMTA Chairman. Of course, getting our tort reform legislation passed is at the top of the list. This is some of the most important legislative work we have ever done as an organization. Every single trucker in this state is being impacted by the aggressive trial attorneys that have targeted our industry. The only course of action is through legislative reforms, and I will continue to do everything in my power to get this over the finish line.

Another important priority that is personally very important to me is improving the way our professional truck drivers are treated, especially when it comes to shippers and receivers. There is no reason that any driver should be denied the use of a restroom or be extended

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

simple common courtesy when they deliver a load. Shippers and receivers cannot and should not be treating drivers as though they are second class citizens, especially when the driver has successfully delivered a load for them. I am tired of hearing the stories of the bad treatment drivers receive upon delivering a load. The rude and unprofessional actions that are still too prevalent at the dock are as much of a factor in drivers exiting our industry as anything else and that must change.

During COVID, professional truck drivers were the heroes, and the industry finally got the recognition and respect that it deserved. Unfortunately, however, as the pandemic winded down, so did the recognition and respect for the industry. It will be my focus to look for ways in the upcoming year to address this important priority.

In addition to being the IMTA Chairman, I also serve as a state Senator for district 44. This will be my third session as a state legislator, and I am excited to continue to work in making Iowa not only a great place to live but a great place to work, too. The Republican majorities are strong in both the House and the Senate, and our Governor is as good as it gets in moving this State in the right direction. As a state Senator I have seen firsthand the many sides of an association and I am proud of being affiliated with the IMTA. IMTA is a premier association, and they are recognized and highly respected at the Capitol. IMTA represents our interests and is our voice on so many different levels. Your involvement and support are appreciated and always needed too.

I appreciate the trust you have put in me as your chairman, and I am humbled to be able to represent you in this manner. We have a lot of work to do so let’s get to it and continue to make a difference.

I APPRECIATE THE TRUST YOU HAVE PUT IN ME AS YOUR CHAIRMAN, AND I AM HUMBLED TO BE ABLE TO REPRESENT YOU IN THIS MANNER.

ADRIAN DICKEY IMTA’s Chairman of the Board

THOMPSON TRUCK & TRAILER

Doing whatever it takes to help deliver what matters.

On January 3, 2023, I will be starting my 36th year with the Iowa Motor Truck Association. I still remember that cold winter day in 1987 when I walked into a new job at 700 2nd Avenue as the communications director.

I had more exuberance than experience for my new role, but I was excited to have a regular paycheck, good benefits, and my own office. Within the first few hours of my job, I was overwhelmed by all that I needed to learn not only about the trucking industry but also working at an association. Fortunately, the staff took me under their wing and many patient and kind members were generous with their guidance and support (they still are today). What I thought would be a two year career turned into decades of a rewarding and extremely satisfying job at IMTA.

Part of my onboarding in those first few days was reviewing the board list and introducing myself to the volunteer leaders. As those conversations unfolded, a consistent theme emerged, members were the heart and soul of IMTA and taking care of the members was the top priority. That was an easy enough concept to embrace but it wasn’t until I moved into a membership role a few years later that I really understood the importance of always preserving the foundation of IMTA – the membership.

As I traveled the state recruiting members and calling on current members, I discovered the tremendous variety of companies that belonged to IMTA. It was fascinating to learn how the company had started with some very distinct differences between the companies that had started pre-deregulation and post-deregulation.

I was amazed at the number of family operations in IMTA and I quickly learned that the trucking company, especially those in rural Iowa, was the largest employer with the best pay in many of those rural communities. Rarely did I call on an IMTA member that wasn’t engaged or active at the local, state or national level.

IMTA members are smart, savvy, and exceptional business owners and they demand a good return on their dues investment. They were not bashful about their expectations either. IMTA members looked to the association as a trusted and knowledgeable business partner and demanded impressive results. In the 5 years that I served in that membership role, my respect, admiration, and understanding of our membership grew immensely. Making our members the top priority was also ingrained in me during that time.

It is those valuable lessons that still guide me today. Having the comprehension and more importantly an appreciation of the challenges and obstacles our members are facing is the catalyst for everything we do as an organization. Our thought process in launching any new effort or initiative is its impact

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

on the members.

We strive not only to serve our members but serve them in a meaningful and impactful way. We want to make a difference and aspire to be the kind of partner that is valued and respected. And if we are doing our job, there should be no hesitation in renewing your dues. And if there is, that is on us, not you.

Because of our unwavering commitment in serving our members, we need to have a good understanding of your world. We need to know what keeps you up at night and have a clear and concise comprehension of the obstacles and challenges you are facing. There are many ways we could get this information, but we believe the most effective way is to hear directly from you. That is why we conduct member feedback/focus groups around the state while also implementing an aggressive outreach campaign of personal phone calls and visits. Our goal is to touch each member at least two or three times throughout the year. Your feedback and opinion matter and these conversations are pivotal as we develop our priorities and goals.

BRENDA NEVILLE IMTA President & CEO

We also poll the membership regularly and on page 18, you can read about the results of our most recent membership satisfaction survey. Once again, we had outstanding participation and the information we collected was invaluable. As we developed our strategies and initiatives for the upcoming year, this data and feedback was at the center of this plan. A plan that is designed to help the IMTA staff continue to serve the members at the highest level.

While we are proud of a retention rate that exceeds 95%, we will never rest on our laurels. Every day we come to work motivated to serve the members and ensure that they are getting an exceptional return on their investment. While we are always appreciative of the support, we never take it for granted and will always strive to do better. As a member of IMTA you are at the center of our world, and having the opportunity to be attentive and cognizant of your needs is what we aspire to do daily.

Thank you for your continued support and here’s to another great year!

EVERY DAY WE COME TO WORK MOTIVATED TO SERVE THE MEMBERS AND ENSURE THAT THEY ARE GETTING AN EXCEPTIONAL RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT.

Producer Price Index Growth Moderates

Two key inflation reports were released in early December and inflation remains persistent. The first report was the producer price index, which measures changes in prices received by producers of goods and services. The finished goods PPI jumped 0.2% from October and rose 10.6% from November 2021. Although this was the smallest year-over-year change since August 2021, wholesale prices remain very sticky. Interestingly, the core PPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.5% from October and 8.1% from a year earlier.

The other report that was released was by the Census Bureau was the international trade in goods for the month of October. The export of

goods contracted by 2.1% that month, the second monthly decline following a 2.3% drop in September. However, this was only the third decline in 2022 and goods exports are up 10.4% so far this year and 11.7% from October 2021. The very strong US dollar is beginning to weigh on US exports as our goods become more expensive to foreign buyers simply because their currency has weakened significantly versus the dollar. Following from foreign goods becoming cheaper, imports of goods also changed course recently, from consecutive declines in the second quarter to sequential increases in September and October, 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively.

Source: ATA Economics Department

Oil Prices Increase

Oil prices gained more than $2 a barrel in mid-December based on supply jitters, as a key pipeline supplying the United States closed and Russia threatened a production cut even as China’s loosening COVID-19 restrictions bolstered the fuel demand outlook.

Brent crude futures were up $2.38, or 3.1%, at $78.48 a barrel; however, previously in December, Brent and WTI fell to their lowest since December 2021 as investors worried a possible global recession could hurt oil demand.

Traders worried about how long Canada’s TC Energy Corp would take to clean up and restart its Keystone oil pipeline after more than 14,000 barrels of oil leaked last week, the largest U.S. crude oil spill in nearly a decade.

TC Energy shut the pipeline after the spill was discovered late last Wednesday in Kansas. The company told officials in Washington County, Kansas, that they have not yet determined the cause and were excavating around the 622,000 barrel-per-day Keystone line, a critical artery shipping heavy Canadian crude to U.S. refiners. The outage is expected to shrink supplies at the Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub, delivery point for benchmark U.S. crude oil futures.

Bank of America Global research said Brent could rebound past $90 per barrel on the back of a dovish pivot in the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and a “successful” economic reopening by China. China, the world’s biggest crude oil importer, continued to loosen its strict zero-COVID policy, though streets in the capital Beijing remained quiet and many businesses stayed closed.

SOURCE: Transport Topics

ATA, Others Oppose Bill That Would Drop Renewable Diesel Labeling

American Trucking Associations and the Truckload Carriers Association have asked U.S. Senate leaders to block legislation that aims to eliminate fuel pump labeling requirements for renewable diesel fuel, a move the groups contend would cause confusion for motor carriers regarding what’s being pumped into their trucks’ tanks.

“In recent years, truck drivers and trucking fleets have purchased increasing quantities of renewable diesel,” said the joint ATA/TCA letter, dated Nov. 28. “In so doing, they have lowered the amount of money they spend on fuel, decreased their emissions footprint, and been able to quantify those reductions in response to regulatory demands or company sustainability goals.”

The bill, if it passed, would lead to a situation where wholesalers, retailers and consumers would not fully be aware whether they are purchasing renewable diesel or petroleum diesel blends, according to ATA and TCA.

REPUBLICAN SEN. JOHN BARRASSO

The legislation, sponsored by Republican Sen. John Barrasso — the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources — would repeal the Federal Trade Commission’s pump labeling requirements that ATA and TCA contend would cause diesel costs to rise and leave trucking companies with no way of ascertaining the environmental attributes and sustainability advantages of the fuel they purchase.

The legislation was described in the Congressional Record as “a bill to increase the production and use of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, and for other purposes.”

“Eliminating the renewable diesel label at fuel pumps also would prevent trucking companies from complying with forthcoming federal regulations that will obligate many of them to calculate with precision the volume of renewable diesel that they consume,” the joint letter said.

SOURCE: American Trucking Associations

THE BILL, IF IT PASSED, WOULD LEAD TO A SITUATION WHERE WHOLESALERS, RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS WOULD NOT FULLY BE AWARE WHETHER THEY ARE PURCHASING RENEWABLE DIESEL OR PETROLEUM DIESEL BLENDS, ACCORDING TO ATA AND TCA.

US Department of Labor Proposes Rule Change

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a rule that would set multi-factor standards for what constitutes an independent contractor, a departure from previous federal guidelines adopted under the Trump administration that were generally regarded as favorable to the trucking industry’s use of independent owneroperators, experts said.

The Department of Labor said its proposal “is not intended to disrupt the businesses of independent contractors who are, as a matter of economic reality, in business for themselves.”

The DOL notice of proposed rulemaking said that each of six factors in the economic realities test must be weighed, and that it’s the totality of the circumstances that is important.

THE CURRENT MODEL IS EFFECTIVE AND THE NEW RULE ONLY BLURS THE LINE AND OPENS THE DOOR FOR TRIAL ATTORNEYS TO LITIGATE.

“The NPRM jettisons the Trump regulation’s emphasis on two core factors — nature and degree of control over the work and the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss — and proposes to weigh all six of its proposed factors more equally,” said a Scopelitis law alert. “The NPRM also eliminates the Trump regulation’s emphasis on actual practice in favor of also weighing theoretical possibility. And in a break from the weight of judicial precedent, the NPRM explains that all instances of control should be considered, even if deriving from contractual requirements, quality control or safety standards, or legal obligations.”

The six factors DOL plans to weigh include:

• the degree of the alleged employer’s right to control the manner in which the work is to be performed

• the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss depending upon their managerial skill

• the worker’s investment in equipment or materials required for their task, or their employment of helpers

• whether the service rendered requires a special skill

• the degree of permanence of the working relationship

• the extent to which the service rendered is an integral part of the alleged employer’s business

“Misclassification is a serious issue that denies workers’ rights and protections under federal labor standards, promotes wage theft, allows certain employers to gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding businesses, and hurts the economy at large,” the DOL statement said.

“While independent contractors have an important role in our economy, we have seen in many cases that employers misclassify

their employees as independent contractors, particularly among our nation’s most vulnerable workers,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Misclassification deprives workers of their federal labor protections, including their right to be paid their full, legally earned wages. The Department of Labor remains committed to addressing the issue of misclassification.”

Hugh Ekberg, CRST The Transportation Solution, is the chairman of ATA’s independent contractor committee and has expressed the committee’s grave concerns about the proposed rule and urged state trucking associations to weigh in on the proposed rule.

“The current model is effective and the new rule only blurs the line and opens the door for trial attorneys to litigate,” said Hugh.

The Iowa Motor Truck Association has many member companies that have agreements with independent contractors and as they developed comments against the proposed rules they asked for members to share their agreements. IMTA then used sections of these agreements with all company information redacted as part of their comments to highlight how effective the current rule is in the independent contractor arrangement.

All comments were due on Tuesday, December 13.

ABC Test

The three-pronged ABC test dictates that a worker is considered an independent contractor to whom a wage order does not apply only if the hiring agency establishes:

A: That the worker is free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and in fact.

B: That the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business.

C: That the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity.

Dan Van Alstine Named 2023 ATA Chairman – First ATA Chair from Iowa

Dan Van Alstine, COO of Ruan Transportation was elected the 79th Chairman for the American Trucking Associations at its annual MC&E in October. Dan is the first person from the State of Iowa to serve in this capacity and will spend the next year in the national spotlight providing leadership for the nation’s trucking industry.

“We are so proud to have Dan in this role and I think it is fitting that the first ATA Chairman from Iowa is someone from Ruan, especially given that Mr. Ruan was one of the founders of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Dan will do an incredible job and we wish him the very best,” said IMTA President & CEO, Brenda Neville. Dan was the Chairman of the Board for IMTA during the pandemic and served for two years in the top spot, 2020 and 2021.

As the ATA chairman, Van Alstine said he plans to focus on issues important to ATA while also taking time to tell Ruan’s story to truckers across the nation; it’s a unique tale of putting people first, while respecting the values and traditions of the third-generation family enterprise that was founded in 1932 by John Ruan.

Van Alstine said his platform at ATA will be “to be loud and consistent about the virtues and the opportunities of this industry. I owe it to ATA, and I owe it to its members. I lead with my heart and will continue to do that.”

“Our industry indisputably enables the standardoflivingthatweallenjoy,”saidDan. “Each of us has known this since the time of ourstartinthisbusiness,yetittookaglobal pandemicforourcountrytotrulyunderstand and appreciate that without our industry, withouttrucking,everythingsimplystops.”

“Dan’s very thoughtful, and he’s strategic,” said longtime friend and former co-worker, Paul Herzog, chief financial officer for Dubuque, Iowa-based Hirschbach Motor Lines, Inc. “He definitely will bring that to ATA. He has a genuine interest in leaving things better after he’s touched something.”

Since taking over his role at Ruan, Van Alstine has overseen significant growth of the company’s integrated supply chain solutions offerings, including dedicated contract transportation, managed transportation, value-added warehousing, and brokerage support services. Ruan, which ranks No. 38 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America, has more than 5,600 employees, 300 operations across the nation, 4,000 power units and 10,000 trailers. Van Alstine said the company’s revenue has now reached roughly $1.5 billion.

Hugh Ekberg, CEO of CRST The Transportation Solution, said that while he himself had run large manufacturing companies before coming to CRST in 2016, he had no experience in trucking. He and Van Alstine hit if off quickly after their first meeting.

”He became for me a go-to resource as I continued to learn the industry,” Ekberg said. “He made himself available. He was very sincere about reaching out. I took full advantage of his years of experience in the industry.

Ekberg calls Van Alstine “a man of human connections.”

As the ATA Chairman, Dan will spend the next year traveling the country to meet with ATA members and government policymakers to develop, advocate for, and advance innovative research based policies that promote highway safety, security and environmental sustainability.

“Danisinspiring,”saidATAPresidentChris Spear,whohasworkedwithVanAlstinefor sometime.“Helistens,asksquestionsandtakes action.Hecreatesmomentumbychallenging peopletogivetheirverybest.It’swhyDan makes a difference and ATA is most fortunate to have him as our chairman.”

Adrian Dickey, Dickey Transport is IMTA’s First Third Generation Chairman

At IMTA’s annual meeting, history was made when Adrian Dickey was elected as the 2023 IMTA Chairman of the Board, the first third generation chairman. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Adrian assumes the top spot with great pride, humility, and enthusiasm.

“I remember being in the audience when my dad was coming in as the 1999 Chairman. I was so proud of my dad, and they made a big deal about him being second generation. I remember thinking then that I would like to someday be in the same role, so to be in the position now is something that brings me great pride,” said Adrian. Adrian’s grandfather, Harold Dickey was IMTA’s Chairman of the board in 1980.

Adrian in President of Dickey Transport based in Packwood, Iowa. The company started in 1959 and started by delivering fuel to their own chain of gas stations. Gradually they started to build a customer base as they hauled for other gas stations outside of their own. But eventually these customers would add gas stations and start hauling their own gas, so Dickey branched out to anhydrous ammonia, fertilizer, asphalt and swinging meat. In the late 1970s, they changed their focus to strictly refrigerated products. The company operates approximately 80 trucks.

“My grandfather always recognized the value of being involved and active with the association. He appreciated the need to have a unified voice to get things done. That same philosophy has been passed down over the generations. My father was also involved with IMTA at a very high level so it was a given that I would do the same,” said Adrian.

Over the years, Adrian has served on many different association committees and task force efforts. He is recognized as being a hard

worker, extremely engaged, and a thoughtful leader. Adrian is also someone that you can always count on to show up and be an active participant in whatever the event is focusing on.

“If Adrian says he is going to be somewhere or do something, he will be there, and you can always count on him. He is very dependable and always comes prepared to participate and contribute,” said IMTA President and CEO Brenda Neville.

While Adrian loves trucking and has been involved with the industry his entire life, his other passion is politics. Adrian has made many trips to Washington DC as part of the IMTA delegation and got involved with the Republican party on the local, state, and national level.

In December 2020 a unique opportunity arose when Iowa Senator Mariannette Miller-Meeks decided to run for Congress and Iowa Senate District 41 was without a state Senator. This was Adrian’s district and after a few conversations with legislative leaders, Adrian decided to toss his hat in the ring and had 15 days to pull together a campaign effort for this special election. His hard work once again paid off and he defeated Democratic challenger Mary Stewart to win the vacant Iowa Senate seat in January 2021.

The freshman Senator was immediately recognized as a rising star and got involved with several high-profile legislative issues and secured seats on some key committees. In 2022 he was named Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee. Because he was first elected in a special election, Adrian had to run again this past November and once again launched a highly effective effort and was victorious in November in retaining his Senate seat. Additionally, Adrian has been named as the Chairman of the Senate Workforce Committee, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, the Vice Chairman of Economic Development Sub Committee, and serves on the Ways & Means, and Commerce Committees.

“He takes his role as a state senator very seriously and we appreciate the work that Adrian puts into his committee assignments and working with his fellow Senators,” said Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver.

Adrian has a degree in industry technology from the University of Northern Iowa (1995) and is also a volunteer firefighter and supportive father to his children Kyler and Korynn. He resides in Packwood and if he has spare time, he is also an avid boater, bicyclist, and motorcyclist.

“I am excited to serve in this position for the association and I have tremendous respect for our members, my fellow board members and officers and our professional staff. I believe that IMTA is the premier trucking association, and I am honored to provide this level of leadership to an association I have loved for so many years,” said Adrian.

IMTA UPDATE

I AM EXCITED TO SERVE IN THIS POSITION FOR THE ASSOCIATION AND I HAVE TREMENDOUS RESPECT FOR OUR MEMBERS, MY FELLOW BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS AND OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF.

IMTA Volunteer Leaders – Moving the Association Forward

The Iowa Motor Truck Association held its 2023 elections at its recent annual meeting that is held in conjunction with the management conference. Adrian Dickey was elected the 2023 Chairman with Scott Szymanek, President & CFO of Eldon C. Stutsman elected as the first vice chairman and Hugh Ekberg, President and CEO of CRST The Transportation Solution elected as the second vice chairman.

Steve Schuster, President of Schuster Company will retain the treasurer position with John Smith, Chairman of the Board for Admiralty Holdings, Inc. serving as the association’s secretary. Brenda Dittmer, Vice President of Weinrich Truck Lines was once again elected to serve as Iowa’s ATA Vice President.

“We are very lucky to have such active and engaged volunteer leaders. I look forward to this officer group and I really appreciate how they continue to contribute their time and expertise on many different matters impacting the association. They are a great group of leaders, and we are fortunate to have them involved at such a high level for IMTA,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board Adrian Dickey.

IMTA Board Welcomes New Board Members

The Iowa Motor Truck Association membership elected four new board members to serve on the 2023 IMTA Board. The Board meets in-person two times a year and has two additional meetings that are held virtually.

ADRIAN DICKEY Dickey Transport

BRENDA DITTMER Weinrich Truck Lines HUGH EKBERG CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.

JOHN SMITH CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.

TOM JONES

President, Solar Transport, Des Moines, Iowa

JEFF DEVRIES Owner, WestWind Logistics, Des Moines, Iowa

SCOTT SZYMANEK Eldon C Stutsman

DAVID RIGGAN

Vice President, TanTara Transportation Corp., Muscatine, Iowa

STEVE SCHUSTER Schuster Company

JODY SANDY Vice President of Logistics & Supply Chain Innovation, HyVee, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa

Red Wave in Iowa – Election Results

The red wave was evident on November 8th as Republicans gained additional seats and strengthened the Republican trifecta of power in the State of Iowa.

Republicans gained ground in the state legislature, eight seats in the Iowa House, and two in the Iowa Senate. The GOP also won control of five of six statewide administrative offices, defeating two long-term Democratic incumbents, and now controlling all six seats of Iowa’s Congressional delegation.

In a statement after the election, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Des Moines, said the results showed Iowans are rejecting the way of “D.C. liberals.”

“Iowans spoke clearly,” Whitver said. “They want common-sense solutions to the problems we’re facing,” Whitver said.

Whitver pointed to the Republicans’ agenda as the key to their success in the election, looking to enact even wider tax breaks after passing a flat tax rate of 3.9 percent in the last legislative session that will take full effect by 2026.

“Once again, they have validated our agenda and our message to focus on growth and prosperity for Iowa families,” Whitver said. “We will continue to be focused on tax relief, supporting law enforcement, fighting reckless spending, and empowering parents.” Whitver said.

Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, established an education reform committee, which he will chair with House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl as his vice chair. The committee’s charter is to tackle significant reforms to Iowa’s public education system. The

Governor’s top priority is school choice/school vouchers, and it is predicted that something will pass to support her priorities in the 2023 legislative session.

Democrats are looking to continue to fight for their values even with dwindling power in the statehouse.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said House Democrats are looking to legalize marijuana and protect reproductive rights — among other goals — despite their minority in the legislature.

“While the election results were tough this year, we understand Iowans are fed up with politics, and we’re going to stay focused on the issues important to them,” Konfrst said in a statement.

Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, said Senate Democrats are looking to fight against the Republican supermajority.

“As Iowans face high prices, slow growth, and rising uncertainty, Senate Democrats are committed to defending economic opportunity and fundamental rights,” Wahls said in a statement. “Republican politicians, meanwhile, are offering the same old extreme and unfair agenda rewarding big corporations over middle-class families and attacking Iowans’ personal freedom.”

Iowa Dedicates $6 Million for Entry-Level CDL Reimbursement

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced $6 million to reimburse eligible employers to help remove obstacles for new truck drivers who want an entry-level commercial driver license.

“Truck drivers play such a critical role in meeting our supply chain demands — ‘If you got it, a truck driver brought it.’ Like the rest of the nation, Iowa, too, has a high demand for truck drivers; and in order to meet that demand, we need innovative solutions that reduce barriers for anyone interested in obtaining a CDL,” Reynolds said.

The new effort, called the Iowa Entry-Level Driver Training Program, is available for Iowa-based employers, employer consortia and nonprofits who hire Iowa CDL drivers and provide entry-level driver training either in-house or with third-party certified training providers.

Brenda Neville, president and CEO of Iowa Motor Truck Association, said Reynolds reached out to IMTA to help devise a way to bolster the state’s trucking industry, which is at the top of the governor’s workforce priorities, along with nursing.

“We are thrilled that trucking is on that list,” Neville said, adding that the new program will “help us get people into the industry.”

The grants can be used to reimburse in-house CDL programs for instructor wages, curriculum materials and maintenance needs. For third-party providers, employers can receive funds to pay for tuition for entry-level driver training.

The state will administer grant reimbursements only after documentation for training certification and a CDL exam within 30 days of a participant’s first day of either behind-the-wheel training or theory instruction. Online applications must be made by Feb. 3 at IowaGrants.gov.

Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development, said the new grant program is meant to create more opportunities to get a CDL and make it easier for employers to recruit and train their own drivers.

“This new program will break down barriers that currently exist for obtaining a CDL and provide support to organizations who sponsor these critical training opportunities right here in Iowa,” Reynolds said

JACK WHITVER R-Des Moines PAT GRASSLEY R-New Hartford

Des Moines

MHC Kenworth (844) 438-5899

Dubuque

MHC Kenworth (833) 268-2922

Omaha MHC Kenworth (844) 438-5906

Cedar Rapids MHC Kenworth (844) 435-5789

Quad Cities

MHC Kenworth (844) 435-5785

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THE RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT

Trade associations are a unique business model, a business model that has been around since the early 1700s. The official definition of a trade association is the voluntary association of business firms organized on a geographic or industrial basis to promote and develop commercial and industrial opportunities within the sphere of operation. Trade associations are also formed to voice publicly the views of their members on matters of common interest and/or concern.

The oldest and most widespread trade organizations are chambers of commerce. The first British chamber of commerce was organized in 1768 to protect and promote common local interests. New York state formed its chamber in 1768. By the late 19th century, trade associations, especially in the United States, started to get more active in voicing their members’ views on matters of common interest in state legislatures, lobbying and advocacy became the hallmark of these early trade association’s existence and was also the main recruiting tool.

The formation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers (shoemakers) in Philadelphia in 1794 marked the beginning of union organization among American workers and was also the first creation of organizations that are called a “society”. A professional society recruits individuals not companies to be part of their membership. The main distinction between trade associations and a society is the membership – companies versus individuals. IMTA is a trade association.

ASSOCIATIONS TODAY –A NATIONAL COMPARISON

The 2021 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report created by Marketing General, a company that works with non-profits as well as for-profits, provides important benchmarks for trade associations of all sizes and geographic locations. In the 2021 benchmarking report, they validated what many trade associations had experienced - the last few years have been challenging for association membership. Not since the 2008 Great Recession have more associations reported a membership decline versus an increase.

Here are the sobering statistics from 2019 to 2021 during the pandemic. A total of 47% of associations reported declines in their total membership. Of those who say membership has declined, the median percentage drop is 9%. Member renewal rates are also impacted. 45% of associations reported declines in member renewals, almost double the previous year’s of 24%. On top of membership challenges, 80% of associations say that their annual in-person meetings were canceled or postponed in 2020 and even into 2021.

These outcomes have had repercussions on the budget and the staff of associations. Two in ten associations report that their association experienced employee layoffs and salary or hour reductions. And 12% say that they furloughed employees.

Despite these trials, the benchmarking data also offered some promise of a turnaround for future results.

The overall membership trend for associations remains positive. Nearly half of associations (45%) indicate that their membership still shows an increase over the past five years. The Benchmarking Report has tracked membership for over a dozen years. Looking back at outcomes from previous economic disruptions like the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009, association membership made a remarkable recovery in subsequent years. In the years after that economic downturn, the proportion of associations reporting increased membership rose rapidly from a low of 36% to nearly 50% and higher in the following years.

Interestingly, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) conducts a benchmarking survey for the state trucking associations and in its recent findings, state trucking associations most generally reported a position of “neutral” membership numbers in 2019 to 2021. While some state trucking associations reported declines in membership, that wasn’t the widespread trend.

of associations are reporting declines in their total membership of associations report declines in member renewals, almost double the previous year’s 24%

Not since the Great Recession over a decade ago have more associations reported that their membership declined more than those showing an increase. associations report that they furloughed employees indicate that their membership still shows an increase over the past five years

The Iowa Motor Truck Association was formed in 1942 and within its 80 years of existence many things have changed but much has remained the same too. For example, the founders of IMTA identified advocacy (lobbying) as the top priority for the association and that continues to remain true today. While IMTA is 80 years old many trade associations even here in Iowa have been around for 90 to 100 plus years. Iowa was a popular state for trade association formation.

Another common thread that the IMTA of today shares with the IMTA of the 1940s is its reliance on a strong membership and stream of revenue that is generated by its dues. Membership has always been the foundation of the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA). When a group of trucking executives led by John Ruan formed the IMTA, they were all charged with getting 10 new members and if they didn’t get 10 new members, they would have to provide financial support to the association. Since the inception of IMTA, membership dues have been its biggest source of revenue.

Over the years the association has become much savvier in collecting data and identifying key performance indicators that help them establish a more sophisticated and accurate understanding of the membership landscape. Additionally, the association invests time and financial resources in polling the membership, hosting focus groups throughout the state and actively communicating with the members. These efforts enable the volunteer leaders and the professional staff to have a good feel as to where the membership is at on a variety of important issues. The association also invests time and energy in developing strategic plans to help direct the future of the association.

This fall, the association launched a survey to measure the satisfaction of the members. The information collected from this survey was reviewed and became an important part of the association’s strategic plan. A plan that is shared with the board and the professional staff and is referred to regularly as IMTA establishes its goals, visions, and initiatives. The survey results along with the feedback collected from member focus groups is instrumental as IMTA creates a strategic plan for the next two years.

“Far too often strategic plans are developed and then they collect dust on the shelf, we don’t do that at IMTA. These documents are developed from the data we collect from the members, and we take the feedback and input from the members very seriously. We never make the assumption that we know more than our members as far as what the current trucking environment is, so we always appreciate the feedback and data we receive from our membership surveys,” said IMTA President Brenda Neville.

BRENDA NEVILLE IMTA President & CEO

too often strategic plans

and then they collect dust on the shelf, we don’t do that at IMTA. These documents are developed from the data we collect from members, and we take that feedback and input very seriously, ” said IMTA President Brenda Neville.

1,500 Calls

answered by an IMTA staff member (not a machine); information was dispersed/questions answers/problems solved. IMTA staff phones do not have a voicemail option.

with 8 of these engagements as a guest speaker on XM Radio trucking shows. IMTA President had interviews with TV, radio, or newspapers – topics included: driver shortage, issues of trucks on windy days, rising fuel price, supply chain issues and overview of trucking in Iowa

» national average for trade associations is 75% » state trucking associations is 83%

“Far

are developed

While the Iowa Motor Truck Association has not experienced some of the national downward trends in recruiting, retention, and attendance at events, it doesn’t dismiss any of that information either.

“We never take the national trends lightly. Those are trends that eventually may get to the Midwest, right? So, we want to always stay on top of this data and be as proactive and realistic as possible in addressing some of the national trends in our strategic efforts. Like any other business, there are always segments of the business that are constantly changing and evolving, the same holds true for an association. It is incumbent that all of us involved with the direction of the association (board and professional staff) are being realistic and accepting of the changes that are happening,” continued Brenda Neville.

One trend that can be very impactful to a trade association that relies on membership dues as its main revenue source, like the IMTA does, is the current merger and acquisition trend in the industry. Some analysts believe that the number of trucking companies in the United States will decrease by almost 20% over the next 5 to 8 years. The IMTA has already seen this taking place within its membership.

Another trend that IMTA is always monitoring is its attendance and engagement with the next generation of leaders. IMTA leaders recognized many years ago that the key to a vibrant and effective association is the association’s ability to attract new people into the organization. There was a period when IMTA’s leadership program was struggling to get participants but fortunately that three-year trend in the early 2000s shifted and now there is a waiting list for the annual leadership program. Now that the leadership program is close to celebrating its 30th anniversary, it is by far the most effective tool in ensuring that new people, new ideas and new thoughts are always part of IMTA’s strategic plan.

“At the end of the day, for IMTA to continue to be relevant we need active and engaged members. While we have a long-

standing tradition of having a very active and engaged board, we need to always be looking beyond that group of decision makers. The average age of our board members for a long time was probably closer to 60. We are now seeing that shift, but we have to be cognizant of the demographic shifts in the membership and what that means in both the short and long term for the association,” said Neville.

A third trend that IMTA leaders have continued to monitor is the membership’s appetite for advocacy. Advocacy can take on a lot of different interpretations but at its core, advocating for an industry means having a strong and reliable presence in front of lawmakers at the state and national level. Over the years the political landscape has changed dramatically and as the political environment has become more polarized and negative, some trade associations have seen the membership devalue the importance of advocacy as part of the overall value proposition that is common for trade associations.

“IMTA members still have an expectation that IMTA needs to fill the role of being the eyes, ears, and voice at the Capitol. Even our smallest members continue to appreciate and recognize the

have the time, expertise, or desire to interact with legislators and they expect us to do that for them,” said Neville.

With IMTA taking on lawsuit abuse legislation the last 3 years and again in the upcoming 2023 legislative session, IMTA members across the board believe that to be such an important priority that they are supportive and engaged. However, there are several state trucking associations on the east and west coast that are constantly playing defense because of the makeup of their legislature and getting members to stay engaged and provide financial support does become difficult.

“Our relevancy as an association is always front and center in our conversations as we look towards the future and advocating for the industry and helping our members understand and more importantly appreciate the value of advocacy will always be a top priority,” said Neville.

It is also important to note that advocacy goes beyond just the statehouse. Trade associations provide important advocacy expertise with regulators, the press, and many other audiences that are equally important in their connection to the trucking industry.

IMTA members still have an expectation that IMTA needs to fill the role of being the eyes, ears, and voice at the Capitol. Even our smallest members continue to appreciate and recognize the value of our advocacy efforts.

HOW DOES IMTA STACK UP? MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

The online membership satisfaction survey had 90 members respond with both carriers and vendors participating. The group with the largest response was operations with over 350 trucks and the second group with the most responses was operations with 51 to 100 trucks. Of the 90 responses, 80 said they were highly satisfied with the efforts of IMTA whereas 9 felt that the association was mediocre in its efforts, and 1 person felt that the association was unsatisfactory.

Most of the folks that participated in the survey have been a member for over 10 years with the second highest group of participants falling in the 1 to 5 years membership category. Most of the respondents (96%) identified advocacy as being the main reason they belong to the association and taking on tort reform initiatives is resonating with the IMTA membership. It is legislation that IMTA members, both carriers and suppliers, understand and sadly, many members have had to deal with. The feedback with the focus groups correlates with the data collected in the electronic online survey.

Many members continue to want more emphasis focused on the public image of the trucking industry and see that as an important role of the association. Driver retention and attracting folks into the industry continues to take the lead as far as issues of concern which also supports the desire of the membership to see more resources targeted at public image programs.

IMTA’s electronic newsletter (Truck Talk) is the most popular communication among the membership with the special bulletins and the Lifeliner taking the second and third spot respectively. Networking is another important benefit of being a member of the association, and three different networking formats came in on top of the outreach spectrum – member lunches/dinners, social events followed by educational sessions. Not surprisingly, members prefer in-person events to the virtual format that was used excessively during the two-year pandemic.

24%

» distributed to 1,516 indivuals in august 2022

» opened by 374 individuals (25% open rate)

» completed by 90 people (24% completion rate)

90 responses

1. Trucking Operation over 351 trucks: 22%

2. Supplier/Vendor: 21% 3. Trucking Operation 1 -20 trucks: 15% 4. Trucking Operation 51 – 100 trucks: 14% 5. Trucking Operation 21 – 50 trucks: 13% 6. Trucking Operation 101 – 250 trucks: 8% 7. Trucking Operation 251 – 350 trucks: 2% » < 1 y ear - 1 year: 1% (1 response) » 1 y ear - 5 years: 23% (21 responses)

90 responses

6 y ears - 10 years: 9% (8 responses)

1 0+ years: 67% (60 responses) » Trucking Operation 21 – 50 trucks: 13%

Trucking Operation 101 – 250 trucks: 8%

Trucking Operation 251 – 350 trucks: 2%

NOW WHAT?

All the data and feedback are extremely valuable. IMTA will continue to rely on this important data and feedback as it moves into the final stages of developing our 2023 -2024 strategic plan. IMTA will also continue to have one-on-one conversations with the members to get even more insight on what is on the horizon. Preparing for the future and being one step ahead of the members is an important part of the membership formula.

IMTA will never get complacent and embrace an attitude that all is good with the IMTA members. Instead, IMTA will seek out members that are likely to give a mediocre or unsatisfactory rating. These are the folks that will enable IMTA to become even better at serving the membership and ensure that IMTA will always be the preeminent trade association. “Status quo will never be an option at IMTA. We will always look for ways to serve the members with innovation, creativity and a dedication to always providing an excellent return on their investment,” said Brenda Neville.

REFLECTION & FORWARD THINKING

WINS IN 2022

Member Engagement: having events throughout the state after 2 years of the pandemic

S how Trailer: finally out there and making a difference

M ember Retention Rate: continued support is critical to ongoing success as an organization

Workforce Summit: trucking is noticed & our voice is heard

MISSED THE MARK IN 2022

proudly earned we tried our hardest, but keeping the momentum going

LOOKING TOWARDS 2023

Taking on the Trial Bar: lawsuit abuse legislation & strengthening our member’s defenses/toolbox

Workforce: ongoing outreach events with students of all ages, developing initiatives to continue to attract people to our industry/building coalitions

Leadership Development: identifying future leaders for the trucking industry and giving them the tools to be successful will never end/Board Succession plans/keep the momentum going

Best in Class in Serving the Membership: our members are our number ONE priority — always staying on the pulse of the membership

Beefing up the Professional Staff: IMTA’s biggest asset in fulfilling our mission

DONALD BROUGHTON Managing Partner, Broughton Capital LLC

We live in extraordinary times. The single greatest book on economics, “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith, was written 245 years ago, but the basic principles outlined in it remain true today. Concepts such as free markets being the most efficient allocator of scarce resources, and the power of the Invisible Hand (i.e., markets incentivize individuals, acting in their own best interest, to produce what is best for everyone). How marketplaces work, and how market participants behave, has not changed. What has changed is the speed and efficiency of markets. Never before have markets reacted and adjusted as quickly as they do today. As more sophisticated technology is used by buyers and sellers of all sizes, significant increases in information about supply and demand have become available to everyone. Adjustments such as increases/ decreases in price that used to take weeks or months, now happen daily or even hourly. Just as this is true for those of us in the trucking industry, it is also true for the producers of the products that need to be shipped. The net result is that at times markets seem more volatile. Choosing any marketplace factor, and conducting a simple comparison of the amount it changes from the top of a market cycle to the bottom of a market cycle, suggests that the magnitude of swings today is fairly consistent with the magnitude of swings that happened 5, 10, or 20 years ago. But, the speed at which the market can swing has never been faster. As the use of technology and the capabilities of that technology continue to grow, so will the speed at which markets react. Those who continue to adopt new technologies

and position themselves to quickly adapt to changing marketplace conditions will thrive; those who do not, will not survive.

There is one factor in the trucking market which is an exception to the concepts we have just summarized. It won’t last long, but the correction will produce a marketplace shift that will catch many by surprise. Throughout 2021, spot pricing was higher than contract pricing in all modes of trucking and shippers struggled to find enough trucks to move their loads. As a result, in the most recent shipping contract bid cycle, a record number of shippers insisted on committed capacity. They agreed to much higher contract pricing, but only if a minimum number of trucks would be provided on a routine / regular ongoing basis. It made sense for the shippers, many of whom had extraordinary difficulties finding enough trucks to move their loads in ‘21. It made sense for large carriers, who were able to secure large rate increases as well as a minimum guarantee of load volume. This shifted loads out of the spot market into the contract market, and spot pricing fell back below contract pricing where it normally is. Then when the rate of demand growth slowed, spot pricing fell even further. Normally as the discount (the amount spot pricing is less than contract pricing) increases, the incentive for shippers to shift loads, away from contract and into spot, increases. The larger the discount the larger the shift of

The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same

loads. This continues until eventually the shift of loads becomes large enough to support pricing in the spot market and the discount stops growing and begins to narrow. This time, because so many shippers had guaranteed volume in order to guarantee capacity, they could not shift loads out of contract into spot no matter how large the discount. All three modes of truckload have seen the discount of spot pricing to contract pricing reach new record highs, on both a nominal and percentage basis.

As contracts are rebid in the new year, we expect shippers will abandon the committed capacity provisions in their contracts. Loads that are currently locked into being first offered to contract carriers, will be freed and many of them will quickly shift into the spot market. Spot rates will rise and the discount of spot to contract will narrow to more normalized levels.

WHAT ELSE IS COMING IN 2023?

Dry Van - demand will continue to be driven by consumer spending and new household formation. While the rate of growth in consumer spending has slowed, it had to slow from the frenetic pace it reached, it will continue to grow in 2023 as consumer income continues to grow. As demand for labor continues to exceed the supply of workers, wages and consumer income will continue to grow. New household formation has also slowed. Similar to consumer spending, it had reached a frenetic pace (housing starts hit levels not seen since 2006, before the 2008 housing crash) that was impossible to maintain. Higher mortgage rates are putting pressure on new household formation right now, but inflation will trend lower throughout 2023 and as it does mortgage rates will decline and new household formation will reaccelerate.

Purchasing a new house is only the first step for a young couple. Almost a decade of spending follows the house purchase, as they make the house their home. Young couples don’t buy houses because mort-

gage rates are low; they buy them because they need a place for their growing family to live.

In the first year after buying a new home, consumers are >2 times more likely to buy a new car.

Although it has retreated from the ultra-high levels it reached earlier this year, it is still above 50 and still at levels which should support pricing increases in the months to come.

Reefer - Although any incremental demand from medical supplies is already fading, an entirely new driver of incremental demand has been created.

Not just pizza and Chinese food anymore – over the last year many restaurants failed, but those that survived are thriving. Consumer buying habits have been completely retrained. Diners of all ages have learned how to order breakfast, lunch and dinner on their phone. Delivery services such as Door Dash and Grub Hub are booming. In areas where restaurants have fully reopened, many of them are back to pre-Covid (not socially distanced) maximum capacity for in-house dining, yet their receipts from takeout are still exceeding the receipts from dine-in. Since most restaurants do not serve any processed food, they use far more fresh / frozen food stuffs than most households. Since they also tend to make larger serving sizes the amount of food stuffs they consume is magnified even further. We believe the vast preponderance of this shift in purchasing behavior is permanent. If it is, it not only magnifies demand, but in a similar fashion to the e-commerce demand for local drivers, Door Dash and Grub Hub compete for available labor, offering regular home time without the need for a CDL or a drug test. Most Reefer fleets will be unable to grow and will struggle to keep their current fleets seated.

Our favorite measurement of the equilibrium, between capacity and demand, is signaling more strong pricing power ahead for Reefer.

Although it has retreated from the ultra-high levels it reached earlier this year, it is still above 50 and still at levels which should support pricing increases in the months to come.

Flatbed – demand will continue to be driven by the construction and automotive industries, with significant waves of additional demand being added by the oil & gas exploration, manufacturing and agricultural industries.

The rally in WTI crude oil prices, to levels that materially exceed the cost of production via fracking in all the major fields, has already driven rig count dramatically higher. Just as e-commerce and food delivery govern the addition of capacity in Dry Van and Reefer, Oil & Gas Exploration will offer alternative high paying employment to potential drivers for the Flatbed industry.

Summary - the economy continues to rebound more vigorously than most people appreciate, and it will continue to grow faster for a longer period than anyone predicts. The drivers of demand in each segment are also offering employment alternatives to drivers, thwarting the ability of each mode to add capacity. The combination of sustainable demand and constrained capacity should extend the length of this period of prosperity for the entire trucking industry. Fasten your seat belts because it is going to be an incredible ride!

With current oil prices, the oil rig count, already 3.6X the August 2020 low, could more than double again from current levels.

Current concerns, after Russia invaded Ukraine, have driven oil and natural gas prices even higher. In the last twelve months, the oil rig count has increased by more than 40%, and the natural gas rig count has increased by more than 50%.

Donald Broughton

It is our long-held belief, backed up by years of experience and tons of data, that the most reliable and earliest indicator of economic conditions is the trucking industry. Long before the wizards of Wall Street, or those big brains with PHDs in economics, become aware of a trend, the men and women of the trucking industry know. Not only do you know whether the consumer economy or the industrial economy is getting better or getting worse, based on the volume of loads and the rates being paid, but you know about specific companies (i.e., Wal-Mart may be sticklers about appointment times but they get me unloaded quickly; K-Mart is very disorganized, take forever to unload me, I can’t understand how they stay in business). Our ongoing mission with this column will be to: highlight trends in other parts of the freight market that you might not be aware of, but could end up affecting you; as well as trying to explain what we believe are the reasons behind the trends you are experiencing in trucking.

After spending over two decades as one of Wall Street’s top Analysts and one of its leading Market Strategists, Donald Broughton founded Broughton Capital in 2017. Broughton is notorious as a hard-hitting forensic accountant, using Sell ratings more often than any other analyst. He is highly regarded for translating goods flow data into economic forecasts that have proven to be highly prophetic. Additionally, Broughton is convinced that most individuals know much more about the economy than they realize and believes that economists are only boring because they are lazy or choose to be.

IDOT UPDATE

New Iowa 511 App Combines Info for Commercial Drivers

Iowa’s new 511 app is now the one-stop-shop for all traveler information, including information commercial vehicle drivers rely on for safer and more efficient trips. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s updated Iowa 511 app for Apple and Android is a user-friendly refresh of familiar features and some new and exciting functions to help you get where you need to go.

Where can I find the 511 app information for commercial drivers?

• For commercial drivers who previously downloaded the Iowa 511 Trucker app, the functionality you rely on has now been added to the new Iowa 511 app. The commercial driver version of the app will be removed later this year, so you’ll want to download and begin using the new Iowa 511 app.

• Once you have the new app, commercial drivers simply need to tap the truck toggle to view restrictions, truck parking information, and weigh station locations.

How do I get the updated app?

If you have already downloaded the previous Iowa 511 app to your phone, it will automatically update. If you have not downloaded the app, you can go to the Apple and Google Play stores.

What features are included with the Iowa 511 app?

The new Iowa 511 app includes all of the features from the old app plus these new features:

• Click “Nearby events” to zoom the map to your current location and view a list of what’s happening near you that might impact your travel such as construction or crashes.

• Save and view your favorite traffic cameras to your personalized 511 account.

• Turn on the weather radar and weather station alert layers during inclement weather to help you make safer travel decisions.

Popular features that have carried over to the new app include:

• Use the “layers” button at the top of the screen to choose what information displays on your screen. Layers include “unplanned traffic events,” “construction,” “Waze reports,” roadside cameras,” rest areas,” and more to help you travel more safely.

• Click on “Tell me” to receive hands-free, eyes-free audio announcements of upcoming traffic events as you travel along your route.

Remember, you should not try to set up your 511 app while you are driving. Get all of your information set ahead of your trip or have a passenger use the app while you concentrate on the road.

HUMAN RESOURCES INSIGHT

Rethinking Your Approach to the Employee Experience

Companies Should Focus on Not Just What They Give Employees but Also How Their Offerings Make Employees Feel

Human resources leaders commonly assume that for a company to stand out as a great place to work, it must deliver competitive perks—everything from skills training to pet insurance to foosball. New research finds that this view is outdated: Engagement and retention don’t correlate with benefits awards. Employees have begun looking beyond material offerings and assessing how they feel about the company they work for—and that requires a different approach.

Fortune 500 companies spend more on benefits and perks than ever—almost $2,500 a year per employee, on average. But a study by the research and advisory firm Gartner, comprising global surveys of 5,000 employees and more than 150 HR leaders, reveals that employee engagement has been flat since 2016. For example, just 31% of workers say that their company offers something unique. And only 23% of HR leaders expect most employees to stay with the firm after the pandemic ends.

“Companies have been engaged in an arms race to offer the best perks,” says Carolina Valencia, a vice president in Gartner’s HR practice and one of the study’s authors. “But once basic needs are met, people are more powerfully motivated by feelings than by material features. Employees today want to be treated as people, not just workers.”

That doesn’t mean companies should switch out all their employee offerings, the researchers say. What’s needed is a change in emphasis: Instead of building a portfolio of ever-increasing offerings, benefits managers should focus on a “human deal” that makes employees feel cared for financially, physically, and emotionally. The need for such a shift is particularly acute given the dual crises in many countries of the pandemic and civil unrest. In Gartner’s survey, conducted in January 2021, 47% of employees reported that their stress was higher than anything they’d previously experienced in their careers, and only 37% agreed that their organization understood what they needed in their personal lives and for their families.

Connecting with employees’ lives outside work

. Companies have traditionally shied away from asking about nonwork issues, in part because of privacy concerns, but the researchers argue that the boundaries have blurred during the pandemic, and workers are no longer willing to pretend that their work lives and outside lives are separate. More than 60% of employees say it’s important for their company to share in caring for their families and communities. “Employees want their managers to know about their personal commitments and to make accommodations where possible,” says Dion Love, also a vice president in Gartner’s HR practice and a coauthor of the study. “Trust is key to that.” Recognizing those realities, AT&T devised an employee trust survey to help managers learn how comfortable people are sharing personal information with them. Employees and their managers discuss the results and identify ways to shore up trust in areas where it’s lacking.

autonomy. Many organizations allow remote work at least some of the time. But they should go further, aiming for “radical flexibility” in which employees ideally decide with whom, on what, and how much to work. That’s not possible in every role, of course, but even non-white-collar employees can and should be granted more control of their schedules, the researchers say. At the pharmaceutical company Novartis, each team determines what work

Employers can put together a human deal that will make workers feel valued and supported by:

HUMAN RESOURCES INSIGHT

patterns will be most effective and sets its own boundaries for flexible work. At the pest-control company Rentokil, successful solutions for flexible work practices are shared across the organization. Far from providing cover for loafers, Gartner finds, the adoption of radical flexibility raises the number of employees defined as high-performing by 40%.

Promoting personal growth. Most organizations offer programs to foster professional growth. But more than half of employees want opportunities for personal growth as well. That can mean anything from career coaching to community service and even language lessons. At one major consulting and accounting firm, employees identify learning opportunities and tap an employee experience fund to pursue them. One of the few requirements is that people must be willing to connect others to the opportunity. Broadening the definition of “development” in this way increases both performance and intent to stay by 6%. “Learning something new, even when it’s not work-related, hones employees’ learning skills,” Valencia says. “It pays off for employers too.”

discuss emerging issues and create a framework for deciding whether and how to address them and for sharing the results transparently throughout the organization. Some also urge employees to take action themselves. At Griffith Foods, employees develop personalized “purpose plans” to learn about the company’s stated purpose and identify intersections with their own. They are encouraged to act on the overlap through activities such as reading about sustainable agriculture and volunteering at local food banks.

Providing holistic well-being offerings—and helping people use them.

Most large firms offer a variety of well-being programs, but few employees take advantage of them. That’s a tough nut to crack, but companies can start by recognizing that needs vary from person to person and change over time. Mashreq, a leading Middle Eastern financial institution, encourages employees to assess their well-being across six dimensions, such as family well-being and financial well-being, and to create and hold themselves to an action plan that leverages the organization’s offerings. Leaders can also talk candidly about mental health and provide managers with dos and don’ts (do ask employees how they are faring and guide them to resources if needed; don’t try to be their counselor).

The pandemic exposed the limits of that transactional relationship, and leading employers will respond accordingly.

Instilling

shared purpose.

Employees want to feel invested in their organizations’ purpose, including the ways in which it interacts with the larger world. Some 53% say they want their leaders to take a stand on societal issues they care about, beyond just issuing occasional statements. Unbeknownst to many employees, leaders often already do so: Some 66% of HR chiefs report that their company acts on social issues, but only 32% of employees agree. Leaders may hesitate to highlight their activism for fear of alienating employees with dissimilar views, but such concerns appear to be overblown. Seventy percent of employees say they feel included when their company takes a stand they approve of—and 68% feel included even when they disapprove. “Don’t duck these issues,” advises Dion Love. “Face them head on.” Companies can institute regular meetings to

Employees want to be treated as whole individuals, the researchers emphasize, and to feel deeply connected to their company. Today’s tight labor market may be fueling a spike in organizational attention to those concerns, the researchers say, but it would be a mistake to see all this as a passing trend. “The days of showing up for work simply to collect a paycheck and get some benefits are over,” Love says. “The pandemic exposed the limits of that transactional relationship, and leading employers will respond accordingly.”

c.2022 Harvard Business School Publishing Corp.

Learning something new, even when it’s not work-related, hones employees’ learning skills. It pays off for employers too.

New

REBECCA BREWSTER ATRI President & COO

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released a new report that assesses the infrastructure requirements for converting the U.S. vehicle fleet to battery electric. This analysis, a 2021 top priority of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee, focused on three critical challenges for nationwide vehicle electrification:

• U.S. Electricity Supply and Demand

• Electric Vehicle Production

•

Truck Charging Requirements

The study found that full electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet would require a large percentage of the country’s present electricity generation. Domestic long-haul trucking would use more than 10 percent of the electricity generated in the country today – while an all-electric U.S. vehicle fleet would use more than 40 percent. Some individual states would need to generate as much as 60 percent more electricity than is presently produced.

ATRI’s analysis also quantified the tens of millions of tons of cobalt, graphite, lithium and nickel that will be needed to replace the existing U.S. vehicle fleet with battery electric vehicles (BEV), placing high demand on raw materials. Depending on the material, electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet would require 6.3 to 34.9 years of current global production. This is the equivalent of 8.4 to 64.4 percent of global reserves for just the U.S. vehicle fleet.

Finally, it was found that charging the nation’s long-haul truck fleet will prove challenging, partially due to the ongoing truck parking crisis. Current technology will necessitate more chargers than there are truck parking spaces in the U.S., with hardware and installation costs of $112,000 per unit, or more than $35 billion systemwide.

“Carbon-emissions reduction is clearly a top priority of the U.S. trucking industry, and feasible alternatives to internal combustion engines must be identified,” said Srikanth Padmanabhan, President, Engine Business, Cummins Inc.

“ATRI’s research demonstrates that vehicle electrification in the U.S. will be a daunting task that goes well beyond the trucking industry – utilities, truck parking facilities and the vehicle production supply chain are critical to addressing the challenges identified in this research. Thus, the market will require a variety of decarbonization solutions and other powertrain technologies alongside battery electric.”

Beyond BEV automobiles, the report concludes that while there are certain applications for BEV trucks, a completely new charging infrastructure is critical to increasing BEV truck adoption by the trucking industry. Furthermore, the research documents that existing raw material mining for BEV batteries will likely need to be re-sourced with an emphasis on domestic mining and production.

A copy of the full report is available on ATRI’s website.

ATRI’s Latest Crash Predictor Model Corroborates Strong Role of Driver Behaviors to Future Truck Crashes

The American Transportation Research Institute released the 2022 update to its wellknown Predicting Truck Crash Involvement research. ATRI’s Crash Predictor research, originally published in 2005 with updates in 2011 and 2018, designed and tested a predictive model that identified statistically significant relationships between truck driver safety behaviors and future crash probability. The new 2022 report uses the same statistical methods and is based on more than 580,000 individual truck driver records.

ATRI’s analysis identified more than 25 different violations and convictions that increased the likelihood of future crashes, five of which increased future crash likelihood by over 100 percent. Simply having a previous crash increased a truck driver’s probability of having a future crash by 113 percent, 28.4 percent higher than previous ATRI Crash Predictor reports.

Five behaviors have consistently been strong indicators of future crash involvement across three or more reports, including a Reckless Driving violation, Failure to Use / Improper Signal conviction, a prior crash, Failure to Yield Right-of-Way violation, and an Improper or Erratic Lane Changes conviction.

The 2022 Crash Predictor update includes several new analyses, including a safety comparison between 18–20-year-old truck drivers and those older than 24 years. The report also revisits the safety of male versus female truck drivers, with female drivers continuing to be safer than their male counterparts.

The analysis also documents a surprising differential between the percentage of female truck drivers overall (6.7%) and their much smaller representation among truck driver inspections (2.7%). Several explanations are tested to understand the basis for the difference.

Finally, the report includes an updated list of the 10 Top Tier States for truck safety, ranked by the relationship between traffic enforcement inspections and crashes. Washington State was the top-ranked state, followed by Indiana, New Mexico, Arizona and Massachusetts.

“Having a science-based model for predicting crashes is one of t he most important tools the trucking industry can have. ATRI’s Crash Predictor research allows carriers to target and monitor those truck driver behaviors that matter most. With truck crashes increasing, there is no better time to have this data in our hands,” said American Trucking Associations Vice President of Safety Policy Dan Horvath.

IOWA MOTOR CARRIERS FOUNDATION

$76,290 Raised During Annual Foundation Fundraisers

IMTA members always show up, especially when it comes to the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation and the annual auction that take place at the annual Management Conference.

The live auction held during the welcome reception raised $53,000 when attendees blindly bid on twelve prize packages. Shortly after the live auction, the best surprise of the night came when Scott Szymanek, Eldon C Stutsman, won the vintage Louis Vuitton purse raffle drawing and decided to have the auctioneer auction it off to the highest bidder. Once all was said and done, the purse raffle raised $9,840 with $6,000 coming directly from the bidding war.

“I continue to be amazed with the support of our members through the various auctions at the Management Conference. To be able to raise over $76,000 during three auctions is just remarkable. The Foundation has a lot in store for 2023 and we wouldn’t be able to advance our mission without the money raised through these fundraising activities,” said Foundation Board Member Steve Schuster, Schuster Co.

The following day, the LEAD Council’s silent auction raised an additional $13,450 with attendees bidding on 23 donated packages from IMTA members.

Thank you to the 2022 auction winners:

• Adrian Dickey, Dickey Transport

• Alan Heyl, Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.

• Bill Roth, Truck Country

• Chris Hummer, Don Hummer Trucking

• Chris Patrick, Cottingham & Butler

• Darla Arends, Van Wyk, Inc.

• David Riggan, TanTara Transportation Corp.

• Don Decker, Decker Truck Line, Inc.

• Don Vogt, West Side Transport, Inc.

• Doug McCoy, Truck Country

• Eric Crall, Panama Transfer

• Jeff Wangsness, JMT Trucking Company

• Jerry Bender, Midwest Wheel Companies

• Dave Neuwohner, All Seasons Trucking

• Jody Neuwohner, All Seasons Trucking

• John Gile, Truck Country

• John O’Halloran, Quality Services Corp.

• Mark Crall, Panama Transfer

• Mark Olson, Olson Explosives, Inc.

• Melinda Anderson, Ennis Corp

• Robert Seivert, Panama Transfer

• Scott Szymanek, Eldon C Stustman

• Steve Schuster, Schuster Co.

• Travis Thompson, Thompson Truck & Trailer

Thank you to the companies who donated to the silent auction:

• Bison USA

• Clausen Companies

• Cottingham & Butler, Inc.

• Decker Truck Line, Inc.

• Don Hummer Trucking

• Ennis Corp

• Fareway Stores, Inc.

• GATR Truck Center

• Green Products Company

• Hirschbach Motor Lines

• JT Logistics

• PDI/Hy-Vee, Inc.

• Ruan Transportation

• Schuster Co.

• Simon’s Trucking, Inc.

• Solar Transport

• Sukup Manufacturing Co.

• Thompson Truck & Trailer

• Truck Center Companies

• Truck Country

• TrueNorth Companies

• US Cargo Control

• West Side Transport, Inc.

Foundation President Brenda Neville and the Professional Auctioneer Joe Bair pose with Foundation Board Members Kevin Gass (PDI), Jeff Wangsness (JMT Trucking), Steven Schuster (Schuster Co.), Brad Kohlwes (Argee Transport), Justin Phillip (Simon’s Trucking), and Jack Sawyer (DMTC)

Scott Szymanek (Eldon C Stutsman) helps auction the vintage Louis Vuitton that he volunteered to auction off after winning the purse through a raffle drawing.

IMTA Board of Directors Convene for Annual Fall Meeting

The 2023 IMTA Board of Directors met this Fall for their annual meeting where newly elected IMTA Chairman Adrian Dickey, Dickey Transport, led the formal meeting. Additionally, four new board members were welcomed to the Board – Jeff DeVries, WestWind Logistics; Tom Jones, Solar Transport; David Riggan, TanTara Transportation; and Jody Sandy, Hy-Vee.

2023 IMTA Board of Directors

SEATED, L TO R: Jack Sawyer (DMTC); Jeff Dickinson (Ten D); Justin Philipp (Simon’s Trucking); Hugh Ekberg (CRST The Transportation Solution); Adrian Dickey (Dickey Transport); Jody Sandy (Hy-Vee); David Riggan (TanTara Transportation); Steven Schuster (Schuster Co.) MIDDLE ROW: Travis Thompson (Thompson Truck & Trailer); Jason Smith (TrueNorth Companies); John Dalrymple (West Side Transport, Inc.); Darla Arends (Van Wyk, Inc.); Dave Neuwohner (All Seasons Trucking); Greg McCoy (Foodliner); Melinda Anderson (Ennis Corp.); Eric Hemann (Hueneman Farms); Jeff Arens (Schuster Co.); Scott Szymanek (Eldon C Stutsman); Mike Gerdin (Heartland Express) BACK ROW: Jeff DeVries (WestWind Logistics); Jeff Martin (Green Products Company); Lance Votroubek (Warren Transport, Inc.); Jeff Wangsness (JMT Trucking); Rory Triplett (Relion Insurance Solutions); Nick Thummel (Keane Thummel Trucking); Brad Kohlwes (Argee Transport); Blake Grolmus (Ruan Transportation); Jon Sarrazin (Quest Liner); Dale Decker (Decker Truck Line, Inc.)

Appreciation Efforts for Professional Truckers

The Iowa Council of Safety Management (ICSM) once again stepped up in a big way by providing over 600 complimentary boxed lunches to truck drivers across the state. Numerous volunteers came out to support the efforts, and a handful of media folks were on-site to capture the event.

Retired Board members Kevin Gass (PDI) and Bill Arnold (Quest Liner) were congratulated by IMTA President Brenda Neville and the entire Board during the meeting.

Jack Sawyer (DMTC); Lance Votroubek (Warren Transport, Inc.); Jeff Dickinson (Ten D)

Lexi Myers (Cottingham & Butler); Erica Bellach (Thompson Truck & Trailer)

Celebrating the Season with IMTA Members

Members and industry supporters gathered at the IMTA headquarters to celebrate the season with food, spirits and an abundance of networking. This festive event allows the IMTA to show our appreciation to members for their continual support throughout the year.

Reconnecting with IMTA Members

Due to unforeseen circumstances — COVID — it had been since 2019 that the IMTA staff hit the road for the annual Fall outreach events. Thankfully that all changed this past fall when the IMTA staff traveled to 7 different locations across the state in 5 total days meeting with over 200 IMTA members, including a handful of prospects. These events were not only a platform for IMTA leaders to update members, but it also served as a valuable opportunity to hear from members and learn about their concerns and priorities in the upcoming year.

IMTA EVENTS

Iowa Motor Truck Association — 2023 Schedule of Events

Webinar: Registered Apprenticeships in Transportation Thursday, January 26

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

IMTA Leadership Class

Wednesday, March 1 & Thursday, March 2 Wednesday, April 5 & Thursday, April 6

IMTA Office

Happy Hour hosted by the LEAD Council Wednesday, April 5

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Des Moines

Safety Professionals Conference Wednesday, April 19 & Thursday, April 20

IMTA Office

Seminar: DOT Roadside Inspection Training Tuesday, May 16 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

IMTA Office

Webinar: Maximizing Your Ability to Influence Wednesday, May 24 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Truck PAC Golf Outing Thursday, May 25 Legacy Golf Club; Norwalk

IMTA Leadership Conference Thursday, June 1 & Friday, June 2 IMTA Office

Truck Driving Championships Thursday, June 22 & Friday, June 23 Prairie Meadows; Altoona

IMTA at the Iowa State Fair Thursday, August 10 – Sunday, August 20

Webinar: Delegation & Prioritizations Thursday, September 14 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

IMTA Management Conference Tuesday, September 19 & Wednesday, September 20 Hilton Des Moines Downtown

FINAL THOUGHT

In the Fight Against Human Trafficking, Why Truckers?

By Lyn Leeburg, TAT Co-Founder

When working on a strategy to fight human trafficking, one of the first steps is determining which groups of people have the greatest opportunity to spot human trafficking as it is happening. In other words, who could serve as the primary surveillance?

With this crime, those front-line people include such groups as medical personnel, who treat victims in medical clinics; service personnel in local neighborhoods (such as postal workers, and cable, electrical, and water providers), who come by homes on a regular basis and would notice if something unusual was going on; restaurant and hotel personnel, who might see trafficking taking place in their establishments; and members of all segments of the transportation industry, including airport employees, because traffickers are continually transporting victims to sell them in a variety of places.

In 2009, Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) began working with the trucking industry, both in-country and internationally, because they recognized truckers as critical frontline people.

They knew truckers are trained to be extremely observant. The trucking industry is composed of people already entrusted with caring for other people’s goods, which speaks to the character of the industry when it comes to caring for others — especially when the interest of others might be in trouble. Members of the trucking industry are everywhere, covering the roadways of entire countries. Lastly, research shows that traffickers wanting to make fast money

often target truckers at truck stops and rest areas (because they’re everywhere and easy to reach right along highways) to sell their victims.

TAT believed that if the trucking industry were empowered with education and equipped with tools to fight human trafficking, they would be quick to mobilize against this crime. They could do their part to see victims recovered and perpetrators arrested. Members of the trucking industry could be everyday heroes in the course of their jobs and make a significant impact against the criminal activity of human trafficking. Perhaps they might even have a greater impact than the average person, because of their mobility and training.

To date, more than 1,457,000 drivers have been registered as TAT Trained. These men and women, who had witnessed the prostitution of women and minors at various places throughout the United States for years but hadn’t known what it was – forced prostitution and modern-day slavery – began calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) to report what they were seeing. Polaris Project, which runs the hotline, reported that calls from truckers rose substantially starting in 2009 when TAT began.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline statistics show that in the last five years, over 41 percent of the cases truckers have reported to them involved victims that are minors.

Why truckers? Watching the TAT training DVD readily answers that question. With one phone call, a trucker who saw some under-

aged girls working a truck stop not only facilitated the recovery of those girls, but also that of seven other minors. Thirtyone offenders were arrested and a 13-state child sex trafficking ring was broken.

Working with front-line responders in the United States in the fight against human trafficking is a strategy that can, and does, yield big results, and members of the trucking industry are some of the leading front-line responders.

Once you have trained your drivers and employees, be sure to visit the TAT website and register them as TAT Trained. It takes five minutes or less to complete the registration process. In addition to trucking companies, TAT is also working with shippers and thirdparty logistics companies, asking them to talk to trucking companies in their networks about human trafficking and training their employees. Some shippers are even changing their RFPs to include being TAT trained as a condition for hiring. When they ask us how to know which companies are trained, we direct them to the TAT website which provides the growing list of companies that have registered as trained.

Continue to talk to everyone in your sphere of influence about human trafficking and what the trucking industry is doing to fight it … your neighbors, church, community, and family. You are making a difference, helping to keep vulnerable children from becoming victims of human trafficking, while influencing others across the country to join the fight.

The EXTRA MILE

2022 Management Conference

ONTO THE NEXT 80 YEARS OF TRADITION

This annual conference was held in Coralville and once again offered over 450 attendees two days of informative sessions, captivating speakers, recognition opportunities, and of course, valuable networking. As is the case year after year, the hallmark of success for the conference is the large number of carriers and suppliers that attend. There were 265 carrier companies and 177 vendor companies representing over 121 different companies.

“The support by both the carriers and the vendors is truly unlike any other. This is the real testament to the unity and strength of the IMTA and the trucking industry as a whole,” said committee chairman Adam Hermsen, TrueNorth Companies.

The typical action-packed schedule kicked off with the annual fall golf outing at Finkbine Golf Course and then the welcome reception and the Vue Rooftop Bar.

The following day featured speakers, educational sessions focusing on the economy and workforce, special award recognitions, silent auction opportunities, and opportunities to engage with other IMTA members.

The conference then capped off with the annual IMTA Awards Gala where we were introduced to the 2023 IMTA Chairman of the Board Adrian Dickey, Dickey Transport, and then celebrated the accomplishments of industry professionals during the awards program.

“Through high caliber events such as this convention, the IMTA always has the best interest of members in mind. The opportunities in front of us to connect, engage and learn is just insurmountable and I couldn’t be prouder to lead this association in the new year,” said 2023 IMTA Chairman of the Board Adrian Dickey, Dickey Transport.

For 80 years, the Iowa Motor Truck Association has held this annual conference and members from across the state and beyond have gathered not only as an association but more importantly as a united industry. Iowa’s trucking industry is respected, resourceful, and renowned for its leadership and professionalism, and that proved true once again this year.

2022 Management Conference Committee

RORY

ADAM HERMSEN Chairman TrueNorth Companies

LANCE

Brad Jones (Saige Partners LLC); Adam Hesse (Cummins Sales & Service); Justin Phillip (Simon’s Trucking, Inc.); Ben Dombroski (Stutsman Logistics); Erica Bellach (Thompson Truck & Trailer); Rory Triplett (Relion Insurance Solutions); Jerry Bender (Midwest Wheel Companies); Adam Hermsen (TrueNorth Companies) Missing: Brenda Dittmer (Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.); Lance Votroubek (Warren Transport, Inc.)

2022 Award Winners

A Standard of Excellence

The singular focus of the IMTA Awards Gala is to showcase and recognize the very best of the best in the trucking industry. Everyone that is recognized is among a very small group of people that have excelled at a level of recognition that puts them in a class all their own. Recognized nominees have caught the attention of their CEOS and leaders within their respective companies as well as co-workers, colleagues and even folks outside of the company.

Every nominee is setting the standards by which we must all aspire to reach. A standard of excellence. A standard of impeccable professionalism that is needed every day in the challenging environment of trucking and most importantly, the standard of unrelenting diligence and discipline that ensures that you are always at the top of your game.

Dispatcher of the Year

Zac Smith, HUENEMAN FARMS

As a dispatcher, Zac realizes that the role he serves is the backbone of his company in today's ever changing trucking industry. He enjoys working hard "behind the scenes" to ensure that his drivers not only have cargo to carry but he ensures that they are able to meet their scheduled appointments and destinations. Being as organized as possible, remaining calm by keeping a positive attitude, and making sure you know your drivers are attributes that have set Zac up for success in over 7 years as a dispatcher.

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.

Congratulations to the 2022 Dispatcher of the Year Nominees

AARON MARCELLUS

Warren Transport, Inc.

WILLIAM (BILL) HEIMS

CRST - Expedited Solutions

RYAN FLANARY

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.

BRANDON ERICKSON

Decker Truck Line, Inc.

Ruan Transportation

Master Driver of the Year

Michael Fink, WARREN TRANSPORT, INC.

RYAN ARMSTRONG West Side Transport, Inc.

Michael has been a professional driver for 44 years and has accumulated over 6 million miles throughout his career. Besides a stellar driving record, he has also received numerous awards throughout his career for his safe driving record and is constantly looking for ways to give back to the industry. Michael always dreamed of being a professional truck driver from a very young age and feels blessed that he was able to fulfill that dream. When asked what the trucking industry means to him, he simply said “It is my entire life!”

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.

Congratulations to the 2022 Master Driver of the Year Nominees

SCOTT DELANEY

Casey’s General Store

CHARLES WATKINS JR

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.

TODD OUVERSON

Decker Truck Line, Inc.

Warren Transport, Inc.

RANDALL LUSCHEN Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.

ZAC SMITH HUENEMAN FARMS

SCOTT NELSON CRST - Expedited Solutions

ZAC SMITH Hueneman Farms KEVIN SMITH Solar Transport

RYAN MORRISON Perishable Distributors of Iowa

BRENDA SHELTON

LEE BLOCK

Don Hummer Trucking

JUAN VIVEROS

Don Hummer Trucking

CURTIS SCHMITZ

Walmart Transportation

MICHAEL FINK

MICHAEL FINK

WARREN TRANSPORT, INC.

LIFELINER

Safety Advocate of the Year

Randy Kopecky, DON HUMMER TRUCKING

With nearly 30 years of trucking industry experience Randy has committed himself to being a student of the industry. Randy understands that safety is not just about the safety department, but that it must be an integral part of the culture that starts with qualification and hiring and flows through all parts of the company from recruiting, HR, sales, operations, and maintenance. Randy regularly participates in the ATA Fleet Safety Council, the Iowa Council of Safety Management and is always willing to volunteer for company, community and industry outreach events including acting as the Chairman for the 2022 Iowa Truck Driving Championships.

The award-winning safety advocates received a $250 cash prize to accompany a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The safety advocate of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.

Congratulations to the 2022 Safety Advocate of the Year Nominees

ROBERT MORRIS,

CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc.

PATRICE FOURTINA

Decker Truck Line, Inc.

RANDY KOPECKY

Don Hummer Trucking

ERVIN ALAGIC JT Logistics

JOSH WEIHS Panama Transfer

RAFAEL MONTANO

Pyle Transportation

DOUG BEACH

Ruan Transportation

CHAD SCHANTZ Truck Country

Professional Driver of the Year

Jeffrey Cody, WEINRICH TRUCK LINE, INC.

Although Jeffrey came into trucking by chance, he has been a professional truck driver for over 33 years. Within his trucking career he has gone an astonishing 24 consecutive years without an accident. Over the years Jeffrey has had a role in training the next generation of drivers and continues to preach that adapting to the changes in the industry enhances the safety aspect of the job. In addition to being a proud truck driver, he is also a veteran and extremely proud of his service and being a loyal and true American.

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.

Congratulations to the 2022 Professional Driver of the Year Nominees

RYAN KLEMISCH

Casey’s General Stores

JACQUELINE VASQUEZ

CRST-The Transportation Solution, Inc

CHARLES GHAN

Decker Truck Line, Inc.

MATTHEW ERICKSON

Don Hummer Trucking

RYAN JEYS

Don Hummer Trucking

MARK HORTON Hy-Vee Inc.

JOHN WAHLBERG

Olson Explosives Inc.

JAMES KLUESNER

Perishable Distributors of Iowa

COLLEEN GOODRICH

Pyle Transportation

SETH HORA

Pyle Transportation

TERRY OWENS

Ruan Transportation

GARRETT CARSON

Solar Transport

MICHAEL GARMOE

Walmart Transportation

DEON SMITH

Warren Transport, Inc.

JEFFREY CODY

Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.

JASON PAVELCHIK

West Side Transport, Inc.

JEFFERY CODY

WEINRICH TRUCK LINE, INC.

RANDY KOPECKY

DON HUMMER TRUCKING

2022 Award Winners

Fleet Maintenance Professional of the Year

Matt Mullis, THOMPSON TRUCK & TRAILER

Matt has been a maintenance technician for 25 years and believes that being a true professional in the maintenance field means staying on top of the current technology and changes in the industry while also serving as a mentor and supporter to the new technicians just entering the profession. He likes the fact that he sees his whole project through by looking up his own parts, maintaining incredible stats and finishing trucks correctly. He takes pride in his work and takes pride in teaching new technicians along the way.

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.

Congratulations to the 2022 Fleet Maintenance Professional of the Year Nominees

Fleet Maintenance Company of the Year

Casey's General Stores

GRAND CHAMPION

Casey’s General Stores has a proven track record to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to maintaining a “Best in Class” operation. They not only have a strong preventative maintenance program but also make it a priority to understand the life cycle cost for the individual components and drive down the CPM rates to support the transportation department. Casey’s has a comprehensive program that boasts results that further illustrate the tremendous commitment that prevails for this maintenance program.

The award-winning companies received a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The operation of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a crystal champions cup.

Congratulations to the 2022 Fleet Maintenance Company of the Year Nominees

MATT MULLIS THOMPSON TRUCK & TRAILER

OCTAVIO LORENZO Decker Truck Line, Inc.

BRAD JAMES Don Hummer Trucking

MATT MULLIS Thompson Truck & Trailer AARON BRANDT West Side Transport, Inc.

ANDERSON ERICKSON DAIRY

CASEY'S GENERAL STORE

DECKER TRUCK LINE, INC.

DICKEY TRANSPORT

OLSON EXPLOSIVES INC.

SCHUSTER CO. SULLY TRANSPORT

Great West Casualty Fleet Safety Awards

Dickey Transport

GRAND CHAMPION

Dickey Transport has consistently demonstrated their true commitment to safety by the many awards and tremendous recognition they have received both as a company and through the many individuals that have been recognized for their support and commitment to safety. They believe that safety is not just about compliance or lowering CSA Basic scores, it is a mindset and behavior that is practiced every day in every situation. Additionally, they ensure that all personnel are properly trained allowing them to return home safely, and this includes educating the general public as they operate around our vehicles.

The award-winning companies received a custom award recognizing this important achievement. The operation of the year received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany the Great West Casualty crystal truck award.

Congratulations to the 2022 Fleet Safety Company of the Year Nominees

OLSON EXPLOSIVES, INC.

Private Carrier 0 - 2 million miles

SOLAR TRANSPORT

Tank Truck/Bulk 2-5 million miles

CASEY’S GENERAL STORES

Tank Truck/Bulk 6-10 million miles

SULLY TRANSPORT, INC.

Tank Truck/Bulk 10-12 million miles

IMTA Image Award

Panama Transfer, Inc.

GRAND CHAMPION

DICKEY TRANSPORT

General Commodity - Truckload 4.5-5.5 million miles

AMHOF TRUCKING, INC.

General Commodity – Truckload 5.5-6.5 million miles

WARREN TRANSPORT, INC. General Commodity – Truckload 30-33 million miles

DON HUMMER TRUCKING

General Commodity – Truckload 33-35 million miles

SCHUSTER COMPANY

General Commodity - Truckload 50-55 million miles

DECKER TRUCK LINE, INC.

General Commodity - Truckload 70-75 million miles

RUAN TRANSPORTATION

General Commodity - Truckload 200-300 million miles

CRST THE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION, INC.

General Commodity - Truckload 300-400 million miles

Panama Transfer has been “all in” when it comes to promoting the industry and getting folks in their community to love and respect the trucking industry. From hosting numerous community events and featuring the IMTA show trailer and driving simulator to being a lead supporter financially on several community projects, that wouldn’t be a reality if it wasn’t for their “all in” support. Panama Transfer and all of its employees are always very proud and passionate about getting involved in the different efforts to raise awareness about the industry and their willingness to give back to the community in a very big way

The award-winning company received a $1,000 cash prize to accompany a custom crystal award.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

MHC Kenworth

Midwest Peterbilt Group

Midwest Wheel Companies

Thompson Truck & Trailer

Truck Center Companies

Truck Country

TrueNorth Companies

GOLD SPONSORS

Don Hummer Trucking

Great West Casualty Company

Isaac Instruments

Joe Morten and Son, Inc.

Northland Products Company, Inc.

Ruan Transportation

West Side Transport, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS

Central Trailer Service

Cottingham & Butler

DMC Insurance, Inc.

Hendrickson

Interstate PowerSystems

Love's

MHCS

Pilot Flying J

PrePass

RDO Truck Centers

Sioux

Trimble Transportation

Trivista

UPS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Acuity Insurance

Allied Oil & Supply, Inc.

Bauer Built Tire & Service

BMO Transportation Finance

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions

Comdata

Cummins Sales & Service

Eastern Iowa Tire, Inc.

Gatr Truck Center

GTG Peterbilt, Inc.

Hanifen Towing Housby

Iowa Council of Safety Management

Katz, Sapper & Miller

Kunkel & Associates, Inc.

Kwik Trip / Kwik Star

Lube-Tech

Majestic Truck Center

Mid-States Utility Trailer

National Interstate Insurance Company

Ottsen Oil Company

Relion Insurance Solutions

Renewable Energy Group

Saige Partners LLC

Tenstreet

Thermo King Christensen

Thermo King Sales & Service

Truckers Insurance Associates

US Cargo Control

Vander Haag's Inc.

Vault Health Workforce Screening

Wilson Trailer Company

XL Specialized Trailers