New Mexico Trucking Magazine - fall issue

New Mexico

fall 2014

A PUBLICATION OF THE NEW MEXICO TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

NM Honors NTDC Step Van Champion Also Inside The Time is Now to Invest in America’s Infrastructure

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New Mexico Trucking is the official publication of the New Mexico Trucking Association and published four times per year by RJ Five LLC. For subscription information, please contact RJ Five at (505)407-2151

Publisher Ryan L. Davis RJ Five LLC rdavis@rjfive.com

Executive Editor Johnny R. Johnson New Mexico Trucking Association jrjohnson@nmtrucking.org

Art Director Don Mickey Don Mickey Designs, Inc.

Graphic Director Stephanie Read Don Mickey Designs, Inc.

Contributing Writers Lori Harris Becky Hodgen Andrew Browning Ken Meeks Maury Tiehen David Abney Jimmy K. Glascock

Contributing Photographers Ralph Pena, Scooter Café Digital Julian Gallegos Cover Photo Chris Shaw Compliments of NMTA

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Managing Director - Johnny R. Johnson Jrjohnson@nmtrucking.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Wayne Sonchar BTU Block

Secretary / Treasurer Larry Knippel DanLar Collision

1st Vice President Stan Grant Holly Frontier

ATA State Vice President Bruce Mac Rae United Parcel Service

2nd Vice President Sam Bagby Groendyke Transportation

Chairman Raul Garcia Mesilla Valley Transportation

Conference Chairs Truckload Carriers Danny Crawford Wild West Express

Heavy Haulers Henry Pacheco Pacheco Trucking

Private Carriers Mike Van Horn US Food Service

Allied Members Scott Klinkhammer Rush Truck Centers

LTL Carrier Todd Kellerstrass Conway Freight

Towing & Recovery Anthony VanderVossen Holmes Wrecker Service

Oilfield South RB Simmons Holly Frontier

CDL Testing and Training Maury Tiehen San Juan College

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Safety Management Council Lori Harris Western assurance

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An Affiliate of the American Trucking Associations NMTA is the voice of the commercial truck and bus operators in New Mexico. The NMTA represents member carriers in legislative and regulatory matters before local, state and the Federal government. They work to ensure laws and regulations affecting the trucking industry are fair and balanced. The NMTA also educate members regarding laws and regulations and promotes safe operations and good business practices to ensure our members remain a healthy and viable part of the New Mexico economy.

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SAFETY IS OUR PASSION

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In This Issue Directors Desk.....................................................................6

14

Presidents Podium................................................................7 From The Roundhouse...........................................................9 Western States Transportation Allianc (WSTA)

NMTA Reports......................................................................10 Drivers Accepted the Challenge

NMTA Board Comments........................................................11 A Step to the Future

National Watch......................................................................12 The Time to Invest in America’s Infrastructure

FedEx - NTDC Champion........................................................14 FedEx NTDC Champion / New Mexico Drivers Take Top Honors in Pittsburg

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San Juan College...................................................................18 A Success Story Most People Won’t Ever See Consumer Energy..................................................................20 New Mexico Energy Moves Ahead Behind the Lights..................................................................21 New Mexico State Police / Motor Transportation Division

NMTA Calendar.....................................................................23 SMC Bulletin........................................................................24 Let’s get everyone home safely

Advertising Index..................................................................26

18

Directors Desk Baseball and Politics – Hand In Hand I proudly have five grandsons who all play baseball at different levels from t-ball to 11-year-old majors. Coaching and playing competitive baseball and softball in my youth, I like many, have a real love for the sport. I have also noticed that little league and gas prices became intertwined rather quickly as my wife and I navigated around this past year to watch the many different games.

Recently, while watching a game involving one of my wife’s nephews from Colorado, who came down here to play in a highly competitive club-ball tournament in Albuquerque, I thought to myself that the recent political changes on both the national and state level are a great resemblance of our national pastime.

Looking at it as a fan or as the taxpayer/voter, we really have little to do with the outcome of

the game. We can sponsor uniforms, pay for field maintenance and support local teams (By using our right to vote), but once the players have reached the dugout (Washington or Santa Fe), we can’t do much more than offer shouts of encouragement to our team or take a deep breath when things don’t go our way. Really there is very little we can do, but sit back and watch the game.

Often times we can coach from the stands (lobby) and sometimes the players that are near to us may heed our advice. However, from the coaches (or leaders) point of view, our voices seem to be faint, inaccurate and sometimes unwanted advice or direction.

Unlike baseball, we may be able to control who bats first by which team we elect to be home. Baseball is settled by either where the game is played or a simple coin toss. Luckily, ever so often we have the opportunity to put our team at bat first, but once the teams have taken their perspective dugouts, we the fans (voting public) can often do nothing more than settle in to watch the game. We the fans (voters) are cheering (or hoping) our team gets a run across the plate before the

opposing team takes there turn at bat (from election year to the next). For many, the love of the game is wishing for a spirited game with a favorable outcome for all that resides in the stands, home or visitor.

There is another resemblance to the game of baseball and our elected officials. Both teams and fans (voters) strive to put the fairest person we can find behind home plate as an umpire (President). Soon though, we realize he/she has the ability to control the outcome of the game by virtue of either his /her nearsightedness, farsightedness or sometimes total blindness. These umpires have the ability to call a player out on small technicalities like stepping out of the batter’s box at the wrong time (voting for an unpopular bill or idea).

Even worse is when a runner is called out as they attempt to come home, and when much to the chagrin, the home plate umpire (President) clearly makes a call to favor the opposing team. Of course the other team will remain completely silent even as they know it’s a bad call. This often comes about because they dare not give one up for the team. The voters (fans) are then confused on how we could ever Continued on page 8

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Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm Saturday - 8am - 5pm Closed Sunday (After Hours Available) Phone: 505-833-1000

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General Manager: roy.lamps@lonestartruckgroup.com Parts Manager: mrodriguez@lonestartruckgroup.com Service Manager: mike.west@lonestartruckgroup.com

Presidents Podium As we approach the end of another year I catch myself reflecting on the past. This has been an amazing year for New Mexico Trucking Association. We Wayne Sonchar have seen our annual banquet grow by leaps and bounds, have celebrated a New Mexico Driver as a national champion for the 2nd year in a row and our membership has enjoyed many new benefits with more to come. In addition we have also raised public awareness and championed the fight of Truckers against Trafficking in New Mexico.

Our commitment to the trucking industry continues and we will keep the issues that concern us all our top priority. We have gained ground in many areas. I look forward to the partnership we are entering with the

State of New Mexico to help our returning Vets use their skills to acquire jobs within our industry. Our relationship with our elected officials on a local, state, and national level continues to produce open lines of communication with regard to the status and strength of our industry and the issues affecting us. It is due to these issues and relationships that our Association must continue to develop.

Additionally, your membership and involvement in the issues will continue to grow our association. If we are to effect change, we must all be involved.

As I look forward to the year ahead I take great pride in our industry.

Although it is not often portrayed in a fair and positive light, our industry strives to improve and is a beacon of safety on the road. The drivers and those behind the scenes handle many difficult and dangerous tasks with proficiency and professionalism, which

brings me great pride in being part of the trucking industry in New Mexico.

In 2015, I look forward to your support of NMTA as it continues to play a vital role in the trucking industry. I know you, our members will continue to do what you do best and represent the trucking industry in safety, professionalism and high standards as we move into the future.

We will continue to foster our total commitment to our members in finding resolutions to the issues that cause them the most concern.

In closing, my family and I want to extend our hopes that each of you and your families has a joyous Christmas Season and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Wayne Sonchar, President B.T.U. Block & Concrete, Inc. Las Vegas, NM

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FALL 2014

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Directors Desk

Continued from page 6

CT POWER

(elect) pay such a person to have that much power and determine the outcome of the game. These are the times that make the game no fun to watch or play, which is true for both sides.

SALES

These however are the situations that we must all accept and to be honest, the game without umpires would be really hard to watch. Officials are a must unless all that played were totally honorable players and could self-govern themselves.

Now that would be a game to be appreciated and really enjoyed as a fan (voter), however, the chances of seeing that game are slim to none – in reality!

There does seem to be a major disconnect that the ‘players and umpires’ have missed while locked in this ‘one up-manship’ fight and total fixation on the score. That is that we the fans (America, and the 50 states) want desperately to see a good, fair outcome and for them to play for the love of the game or country. They also want these officials and players to remember who helped put them on the field and why (their talent, and drive). We also ask them to please remember and not lose sight that a true fan (American) knows that sound of the crack of the bat when it’s a home run. Often times for that brief moment in time we all truly enjoy watching it float so majestically over the fence regardless of who hit the ball. This is true because as a fan (American) a home run is just that….. A Home Run!

• SERVICE

•

PARTS

R

Service & Parts Manager: Mike Myers Iceberg Rental Manager: Chase Johnson Sales: Alex Juarez 505-235-7114 Operating Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Office Phone: 505-833-0267 Office Fax: 505-833-0276 *AFteR HOuRS CAll Out SeRvICe AvAIlAble 24/7 365 dAyS A yeAR.

It would be nice to be able to say it is a “good game,” being well played by both teams. Only then, truly we the fans would be the winners……

On behalf of the NMTA and myself, I want to wish you all the happiest of Holidays this year! ~ Johnny Johnson

Every Mile. Covered.

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Parts

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www.cumminsrockymountain.com 8

•

From the Roundhouse legislation both from US House and Senate.

Within the west, this kind of regional problem solving can improve not only our ability to meet present and future demands but will do so in a way that provides significant benefits to our citizens.

2014 Update from Western States Transportation Alliance (WSTA) WSTA in 2014 is poised to embark on a major effort to bring western states closer to uniformity on size and weight limits for commercial vehicles. WSTA, a ten state alliance of western states, was created to bring uniformity, improve highway safety and improve highway system efficiency.

In New Mexico on November 17th and 18th, WSTA will convene its annual Fall Policy Conference Meeting to discuss resolutions and policy action items for 2015. At this conference, Rep. Bobby Gonzales of New Mexico will assume the Chair of the WSTA Board of Directors for 2015. Tops on the list of discussion and action items is a call for the creation of a Western Compact Agreement between 15 western states to lift the federal freeze on weight and size limits in the west and allow the western states

to meet and develop a new size and weight standard for the west concerning commercial vehicles.

Stay tuned for the roll out of this effort

This compact agreement will allow western states to determine how best to harmonize these size and weight limits to improve productivity of freight movement, reduce mobile source emissions, reduce congestion mitigation on our highways and provide a realistic strategy for dealing with ever increasing freight demands on our highway system.

States will have the opportunity to either accept or decline the opportunity to join the compact agreement and the states will be given permit authority over the fleets that would operate at the new size and weight standards.

and our state agencies in this most

WSTA has already attended a productive meeting in Utah with congressional members and is now seeking to roll out the request for federal approval of the compact agreement. WSTA will be asking state trucking associations, agricultural associations and oil/gas producers to get behind this effort to improve productivity while maintaining highway safety by working in each western state to secure acceptance of the compact agreement concept and securing federal congressional supporters for such federal

and look forward with your association working with WSTA, our state legislators important effort.

NM Representative, Robert, “Bobby� Gonzales

RJ Hicks- Executive Director WSTA FALL 2014

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NMTA Reports

Come Join the New Mexico Trucking Association for the Annual Truck Driving Championships and Golf Tournament!

Drivers Accepted the Challenge!

2014 has been a promising year with all of the applications turned in for Driver of the Month/ Year. Moving forward, the New Mexico Trucking Association will continue to support the Drivers in the great state of New Mexico and feature the “Driver of the Year” on the cover of the New Mexico Trucking magazine. This new found tradition along with the presentation of the famed blue blazer that was awarded for the first time last year is the least we can do to appreciate the King/Queen of the road! We encourage companies to support their drivers and want to know – “Does your driver have what it takes to wear the crown?”

Golf Tournament April 30, 2015 NMTA Annual Business Meeting May 1, 2015 NM Truck Driving Championships and Award Banquet May 2, 2015

Any questions or suggestions please contact: Alex Juarez (ajuarez@ctpower.com)

2014 Drivers of the Month:

Book your Rooms now at the Isleta Resort and Casino!

Entry forms will be available at the New Mexico Trucking Website in January

www.nmtrucking.org 10

January - C.B. "Candy" Montoya, YRC

February - Carroll J. Weaver, ABF

March - Fred White, ABF

April - R.J. Barreras, Conway

June - Rick Mora, Fed-Ex

July - Eli Aguilar, Holly Frontier Transportation

August - Wayne Stone, Geondyde

September - Matt Finegan, Fed-Ex

October - Aldo Lozoya, Conway

November - Lawrence Torrez, Fed-Ex

December - Daniel Macias, Fed-Ex

May - Angel Lara, Conway

A Step to The Future The first issue of the New Mexico Trucking magazine was greatly accepted by the trucking industry both locally and throughout the country. The NMTA is dedicated to supporting the industry and the magazine is only one of the many new ways the association will continue to maneuver into the future. As the voice for the NMTA members, the magazine will be a vital source of information concerning issues facing the trucking industry throughout both the state and the country.

We appreciate all of the words of congratulations both in person and in print. We look forward to many more issues and ‘Thank You’ for the continued support!

f the a few o e r a e r ents He g comm in g a r u o enc ived! we rece

Johnny, I Just finished reading your inaugural magazine. Looks good, great job!

Johnny, e middle of my I finally got to th agazines and m teetering pile of Y NICELY ER got to yours! V eat publicaa gr DONE!! What embers! tion for your m

Spook Barry "Spook" Stang Executive Vice President Motor Carriers of Montana

Johnny, d I had the opportunity to rea to er cov m fro the magazine cover! It is really impressive.

Great stuff!

Ron Cordova Pre Pass District Manager

Sheila ctor Managing Dire n king Associatio uc Tr Wyoming

Hello Mr. Johnny, I received the Magazine and they look good. I gave one to Royal and others her e.

Good job, looking goo d.

Raul Garcia Risk Management Mesilla Valley Transportation.

Johnny, Your first copy looks great, congrats!

Dan Case Executive Director Oklahoma Trucking Association

The NMTA would like to welcome you to the association “Image Truck.” Catch NMTA Director, Johnny Johnson behind the wheel throughout the state!

FALL 2014

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NatiOnal watch

The Time Is Now to Invest in America's Infrastructure

Unless we start to invest in transportation infrastructure, there will come a time when huge snarls of traffic choke our nation's economy. Years of political infighting and not investing holistically will constrict America's growth potential. And worse, while our transportation system deteriorates and freight delays increase, the rest of the world will have kept investing, especially countries like China, where CEOs including myself will gather this weekend for the APEC CEO Summit.

Quite simply, we can't allow that to happen.

All signs point to increasing transportation costs, coupled with rapidly growing populations worldwide. If we don't take action now, the results will be disastrous for American businesses and our national economic well-being.

COST OF CONGESTION - The reason is a continued lack of investment in America's transportation infrastructure. Every single aspect of this infrastructure - from roads to rail to airports to shipyards--is underfunded and under-serviced. Congestion is worsening and we're going to pay for it.

Every hour, every minute, every second … we're waiting to go somewhere--and that, in turn, translates into real dollars and cents for our economy.

These costs are staggering. Americans spend 5.5 billion hours in traffic each year, according to a White House report, costing families more than $120 billion in extra fuel and lost time. Businesses likewise take a hit, spending $27 billion annually in extra freight costs and shipping delays that raise prices on everyday products.

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By UPS CEO - David Abney

INCREASING DEMAND - Without

rail network a “C+” grade in its 2013 annual infrastructure report card. Though efficient and highly functional for many long-hauls, rail is expensive to build and maintain, a fact that constrains both rail companies and the businesses that rely on them to move large quantities of goods.

As more Americans are born and the state of our infrastructure network worsens or remains the same, where is all of that freight going to go? And how will everyday Americans just get from Point A to Point B?

At the same time, our reliance on air cargo is likewise increasing. As one of the world's largest airlines, UPS has a unique advantage on that, and we've seen firsthand just how much of global trade is taking to the air. Though it only currently accounts for 2 percent of trade by weight, air cargo accounts for 40 percent of global trade's value, and that number will continue to increase.

investment, that impact will rise sharply in the coming years. The Census Bureau predicts a 42 percent population increase by 2050, and we are already moving 57 tons of goods per person per year, according to the Department of Transportation.

If we think we can stand idle and the problem will resolve itself, we're all wrong.

In 2011, approximately 11 million trucks moved 16.1 billion tons of freight worth $14.9 trillion. According to the Department of Transportation, that level of activity-which accounted for only 9 percent of all vehicle highway miles that year--caused recurring peak-period congestion on 10 percent of the National Highway System.

If we stay on our current course, these rush hour delays (with their associated costs to businesses and consumers) will only increase. The Federal Highway Administration predicts that over the next 30 years, the number of trucks on the road will grow by 60 percent to keep pace with demand, which in turn will translate into more stop-and-go conditions.

The highway system is not the only transport mode in distress. Rail and air freight systems also need heavy investment.

A savvy reader might suggest adjusting for this increased demand and road congestion by shifting some freight to other modes of transport. But those systems are in need of investment, too. DOT is currently predicting an 88 percent increase in rail freight demand by 2035, but we certainly haven't allocated enough national resources to add 88 percent capacity. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave America's

DOT predicts a 56 percent increase in the per-ton value of air goods by 2040, and that's just for starters. And think about all the volume going by sea; are our ports ready? The U.S. is currently negotiating a series of ground breaking trade agreements, all of which will drive huge gains in exports and imports-business growth that America needs. Is our infrastructure ready for that? The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement alone would generate $123.5 billion per year in U.S. exports by 2025, and then you add the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and the Trade in Services Agreement and you have exponential volume growth that our current infrastructure just isn't ready to move.

THE TRANSPORTATION EQUATION

- It doesn't take an expert statistician to figure out what's going to happen. On one side of the equation, we have ever increasing demand from all around the world. On the other side of the equation, we have infrastructure that can't physically handle it. We're in the negative, and unless we add something to that infrastructure

side, we are going to come up short in terms of growth and jobs.

In the U.S., we've always thought our highways and shipyards, rail networks and airports were among the very best. But the data says otherwise. According to the World Economic Forum, our road conditions are ranked 18th in the world--down from 7th less than a decade ago.

How bad will it get? Today, for the trucking industry alone, highway bottlenecks cause 243 million hours of delay each year, at a cost of $7.8 billion. Now what happens in 5, 10 or 20 years if we don't change course?

There's no such thing as “too big to fail.”

RETHINKING CAPACITY - “Adding

something to the infrastructure side,” though, isn't as easy as just adding new capacity. My sense tells me that to truly impact America's transportation infrastructure problem, we can't approach it just from the standpoint of “trying to fix our roads” or “trying to fix our ports.”

Instead, we need to think first about the real end goals: 1) getting to and from our destinations and 2) making those commutes as quick, efficient and costeffective as possible.

Of course, before even having a broader debate about infrastructure, we need Congress to pass, at minimum, funding support for vital maintenance and repair programs. Otherwise today's infrastructure won't even be around for tomorrow's solutions.

Beyond this immediate fix, we need a long term investment and improvement plan that looks at transportation through the lens of global competitiveness. We need to do whatever it takes--no playing favorites-if we want to keep pace with the rest of the world.

A BOLD NEW TAKE - This bold new take

on transportation infrastructure will require tremendous political cooperation and tough, even unpopular choices. To address congestion and drive down transportation costs, we need a holistic approach--one that integrates all modes of transport, and that includes dedicated funding mechanisms.

Whether it's a vehicle-miles-traveled tax, raising the gas tax, implementing waste-reduction policies or reallocating government spending, we'll need a way to

pay for these crucial investments.

Needless to say, both of those components-a multi modal transportation approach with a dedicated funding mechanism-won't come easily. Part of that is because most politicians, businesses and traditional transportation analysts have not ever thought about infrastructure in this way.

It's relatively easy to come up with a plan to build a bypass locally, but it's another to convince voters and politicians to support projects that go beyond their constituent boundaries.

In short, we cannot afford to operate in silos and be only focused on our own backyards. If we're going to do anything about our declining transportation system, we need to fundamentally rethink how our country approaches the issue. The future of transportation demands that we make the investments needed to support unprecedented population growth, increasing global trade flows and the advantages of e-commerce.

We're not living in 1950, so we need to stop planning our infrastructure like we are.

America's transportation infrastructure can become stronger and more efficient if we work at moving people, not just planes, trains and automobiles separately. “Good” can't be defined exclusively according to road engineering manuals, and while a nationwide “people-based approach” might sound idealistic, it's also the approach most informed by bottom line impact.

A truly functional transportation infrastructure system isn't just about how many cars we can fit on a particular stretch of highway; it might be, for example, about how we can allow trucks to deliver along busy retail corridors, or how we can best facilitate customers being able to reach their local businesses, no matter where they are in the world.

Put differently, to really get the best bang for our infrastructure buck, we must measure and account for how transportation investments drive growth and support quality of life. The questions we ask about infrastructure need to change accordingly.

Are there ways to achieve the same transportation goals by investing limited resources differently? Are we investing in

the research, engineering and alternative fuels that will transform commutes and save money? And are we thinking about ways to “right-size” projects--selecting infrastructure investments that might accomplish 90 percent of our goals, but at a fraction of the cost?

MOVING FORWARD - Real-world results

confirm that those kinds of questions will pay back huge dividends to the countries and communities who adopt innovative approaches to transportation.

For instance, the Tennessee Department of Transportation saved $171 million in 2012 after conducting a “right-sizing” review of five ongoing projects.

What would happen if we applied concepts like that at the national level? And that's to say nothing of the land-use, housing, education and financial policies that similarly affect how, why and where our transportation system gets built. If we can delve into those, too, we'll make huge gains in reducing congestion and getting back on the fast lane to economic success.

Needless to say, those kinds of innovative, integrated solutions won't come easily-especially on Capitol Hill. But the alternative isn't an option. We can't let America fall behind.

It's time to make some tough choices, invest in the future and get to work on infrastructure.

David Abney serves as chief executive officer of UPS, a position he assumed on Sept. 1, 2014. UPS's global transportation network serves more than 200 countries and territories, and includes a ground fleet of more than 96,000 vehicles and an air fleet of more than 500 aircraft. From 2007, he previously served as chief operating officer, overseeing logistics, sustainability, engineering and all facets of the UPS transportation network.

Abney is a member of the Business Roundtable and of the Coalition of Service Industries, which seeks to lower barriers to global trade. He is also chairman of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

FALL 2014

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FedEx

National Champion!

by Ken Meeks – FedEx Express, Operations Manager – Albuquerque, NM

Chris Shaw – 2014 NTDC Step Van Champion

The National Truck Driving Championships recognize industry leadership in safety and promote professionalism among truckers. A record 138 drivers representing FedEx Express, FedEx Freight and FedEx Ground qualified to compete at the NTDC by driving accident free for at least one year and winning their state competitions.

It is with great pride that I congratulate the 36 FEDEX Express drivers who competed in the 2014 National Truck Driving Championship (NTDC) in Pittsburgh, PA on August 12-16, 2014. Chris Shaw, a 21-year courier working in Albuquerque, New Mexico marked his fifth consecutive appearance at the NTDC by being crowned National Champion in the Step Van class.

Chris Shaw with his family - Wife, Angella and their boys, Grayson and Garrett

New Mexico is lucky to have Chris. At work he sets a very high standard for all to follow while mentoring and coaching fellow drivers. By holding pretrip coaching sessions or safe driving scenarios, Chris engages in this industry. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and has the ability to pass it along to others willing to learn.

Chris Shaw with ATA Chairman, Phil Byrd

Closing in on a million accident-free miles, Chris says he wants the public to know that the trucking industry is made up of drivers who care about the people around them. There are a lot of great people that work in this industry and on a daily basis do a lot of amazing things to prevent negative things from happening.

Moving forward, we at FedEx are looking for Chris to expand on this accomplishment as he is now qualified to become a member of the Elite FedEx aces team. Becoming a repeat inner will have its challenges but we feel confident that he will be in contention once again. Bravo Zula to you Chris Shaw.

NTDC Step Van Trophy FALL 2014

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NM Drivers Took Top Honors at NTDC

By Johnny Johnson, New Mexico Trucking Association Director

Chris Shaw and FedEx Senior Operations Manager, Dave Godwin

My first involvement in a Trucking Driving Championships was very different than they are for drivers today in the state of New Mexico. The Auto Transport Division in which I worked for at the time (which no longer exists) was not able to compete at the state level. There were not enough like companies in the state to host that division. At that time, New Mexico auto transport drivers had to travel and qualify in Texas or Arizona.

That did not discourage me nor the drivers and as a result many of us traveled outside of the state for many years in the early 80s. This may make you wonder what makes drivers, companies, and management want to pursue that endeavor year after year. The answer is simply “THE NATIONALS.” Unless you have been to the National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC), or even a state championship, it is very difficult to explain why there is such an emphasis put on these events. I will give you an idea on the magnitude of these events and how it truly affects the trucking industry.

Chris Shaw and his father, Ray Shaw

Among the awards Chris Shaw earned for his NTDC Step Van Championships, he was also presented with a certificate from Governor, Susana Martinez. State Representative, Monica Youngblood presented Chris with his certificate that recognized his commitment to his profession, his high standards in safety and his encouragement to be the best among his peers. Chris respectfully accepted the certificate during a presentation honoring his NTDC achievements at New Mexico’s FedEx office in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

To begin, The NTDC is truly our industries ‘Super Bowl.’ The competition is absolutely the best there is throughout the trucking industry in the United States. The attitude of everyone is respectful, professional and positive. Additionally, the camaraderie among the drivers is phenomenal.

It is a place where they have a chance to enjoy and be proud of their truck driving career and where lifelong friendships are formed.

I would venture to say, for those in the trucking industry here in New Mexico, if you want a really good explanation of what the state and national event is all about and its perspective from a driver, talk to ABF’s driver, Ralph Garcia. His record at the state level is almost unbelievable. Ralph is a 17-time State class winner and in 2013 he won the 4-axle division at the National Truck Driving Championship. He then backed that up as he finished second in the NTDC sleeper division in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania this year. His devotion to his profession has earned him these amazing titles and although the competitors do not like seeing Ralph in their perspective classes, they do not doubt for one minute his resolve and admire the commitment to his profession.

New Mexico Driver, Ralph

Garcia finished second place

in the Sleeper category at the

NTDC (Ralph was the Winner of the 4-axle division in 2013)

State Representative, Monica Youngblood with NMTA Director, Johnny Johnson presented Chris Shaw with a certificate from Governor, Susana Martinez.

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behind their teams as they head to the National event. Winning a team trophy is a coveted award and every state in the trucking industry wants to take it home. I am certain that our New Mexico team will be awarded this title and the desirable award soon!

NTDC Step Van Champion, Chris Shaw with Jim Wilcox

Next, you can talk to Fed-Ex’s Chris Shaw, who in Pittsburg this past year brought New Mexico a First-Place championship. Chris earned the title in the step van competition and truly set an example of extraordinary professionalism and dedication to his skills.

We are proud to have that kind of talent in New Mexico. It is truly fantastic!

The National Truck Driving Championship may be the biggest and best, but let us not forget what it takes just qualify for the event. The first step includes the state level where the driver must be accident free for one year. They must also be injury free and a have a clean MVR. All of this must remain the case right up until the day before the drivers board the plane to the NTDC. The 2015 NTDC will take place in St. Louis, Missouri and many of today’s professionals are working hard and looking forward to the event.

I have taken note to the many companies who take pride in encouraging their best drivers as they reach the state and then the national level of competition. From barbeques at the state level to dinners and fun road-trips to take in the local flavor at the national locations, many drivers are rewarded for their commitment to their companies. These companies know the value in the competitions and support their drivers wholeheartedly.

In addition to the individual awards and titles, the NTDC also offers each state a chance to get involved. The states that take advantage of this opportunity send their best and really get

I could go on and on about both the State and National Truck Driving Championships and how these events can help companies build their drivers enthusiasm, how it Dion Saiz, FedEx driver at the NTDC in Pittsburg this past year can facilitate appreciation for their careers, and clear down to how it can save companies money. However, it would better if you saw this first hand and came out and saw it for yourself. Better yet, enter drivers and let them experience this awesome event. I can assure you the drivers will want to return year after year and companies will enjoy seeing their driver’s compete among the best and represent their company and profession.

The New Mexico Trucking Association invites you to come enjoy the New Mexico Truck Driving Championships. It will take place at the Isleta Resort and Casino, April 30th, May 1st and May 2nd, 2015. Details and applications will be on NMTA website in January 2015!

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A Success Story Most People Won’t Ever See In the 2014 New Mexico Legislative Session a bill was passed that changed state statute restrictions on CDL written tests. For many years, a New Mexico regulation only allowed CDL applicants to take the written permit tests at the MVD office three times in a twelve month period. The reason applicants take these tests is to get a job driving a commercial vehicle, and failing one of the required tests three times meant that the applicant could not take the test again for a year from the first time the test was taken. This change in the law allows applicants to take the written tests twice a week all year, making New Mexico more like Colorado where the CDL tests can be taken every day.

Emerson Dez enrolled in the Class A CDL training program at San Juan College in June 2014. Like many others, he struggled with the written CDL tests because the topics are very complicated. They involve language he was not familiar with and are done on computers which he had little experience with. He did not pass any of the required tests at first.

The eight week CDL program at San Juan College is structured around visits to the MVD office in each of the first three weeks. Students who do not pass the required permit tests during this period are not able to continue to the “hands on” truck driving portion of the program because they cannot obtain a CDL learner’s permit. There have been dozens of people enrolled in the SJC CDL program that have had to drop out because of this and having to wait a year to take the tests again usually meant that they had to find another type of job and never returned to the program.

If this happens in a college training program where students spend days studying for these tests, it is bound to be a greater problem for people who are not enrolled in a training program.

The test limits changed around the time that Emerson’s class moved on to driving the trucks. He returned to the CDL training facility almost every day to continue studying for the tests, watching training films, using study guides and learning to use the computers. He continued to re-take the tests at the MVD office and his test scores improved each time as he began to master the material. The staff at the MVD office sort of became fans of Emerson because of his dedication to accomplishing his goal. One at a time he passed the required permit tests and finally received his CDL learner’s permit, allowing him to return to the program to learn to drive the trucks. He joined three other students in his driving group and had no trouble learning the skills required to drive the big truck and pass the driving test.

These start with the pre-trip inspection to

ensure that the truck is safe to operate. The next step is a series of backing exercises, including things like parallel parking (if you think parallel parking in your car is fun, imagine what it takes to do it in a 70’ semitruck…). The final part of the driving test is the road test which involves driving around town, shifting a non-synchronized manual transmission, turning corners, changing lanes and dealing with all of the traffic in the big truck. Emerson completed the four week driving portion of the CDL program and received excellent scores on the CDL driving test the last week of August 2014.

He received a Class A CDL with Doubles/ Triples and Tanker endorsements and plans to add the Hazmat endorsement.

After graduating from the San Juan College CDL Program, Emerson applied for a job at Three Rivers Trucking in Bloomfield, New Mexico and upon completion of the customary pre-employment road test was hired as a professional truck driver.

Faith Jacquez is the HSE Manager at Three Rivers and also one of the recruiters who

visits the students in the San Juan College CDL program. She said, “Emerson is doing very well. His attention to detail is excellent and his enthusiasm and positive attitude are wonderful.”

Emerson said, “I love this job! This is a great company to work for and I really appreciate the opportunity they have given me.” He is driving a Class B water truck right now but wants to advance to the “Transport” (Class A) water trucks and then to the “Rig-up” and heavy haul trucks.

Since the testing rule change, at least six other people have returned and completed the San Juan College CDL program.

The credit for making this significant change goes to people who are not in a position to see the positive results this has achieved. They may get some favorable feedback from the trucking industry, but they are not going to see examples like this story about Emerson if they are not directly involved in the training and testing process.

Our thanks go to State Representatives James Strickler of Farmington and Bobby Gonzales of Taos and State Senator Steve Neville of Aztec. The support of the New Mexico Trucking Association was also important, for which Johnny Johnson deserves credit.

Changes in statutes like this are seldom ever publicized. It’s important to tell Emerson’s story so that those who helped make this happen receive the recognition they deserve. It’s equally important to send the message to others who want to join this industry that a restriction has been removed and it could be possible for them to do what Emerson has done.

Maury Tiehen CDL Coordinator San Juan College – School of Energy

Founded in 1966, Western Assurance is a locally owned insurance agency located in Albuquerque, NM, and a proud member of the New Mexico Trucking Association.

We recognize that the trucking industry has specialized insurance needs which is why we work to assist in delivering a comprehensive insurance program for truckers. In addition to providing our clients with online safety and OSHA compliance resources, we are capable of providing a full line of insurance products: • Truck Liability • Physical Damage • Cargo Coverage • Bobtail Liability • General Liability

Our ultimate objective is to reduce our client’s total cost of risk through analysis, delivery of resources, and exceptional service.

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FALL 2014

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billion, with an annual salary of $43,134.

New Mexico Energy Moves Ahead

by Andrew Browning

It’s just like the good old days, Daniel Fine, an associate director of the Center for Energy Policy at the New Mexico Institute for Mining and Technology in Socorro, recently told the Albuquerque Journal.

“Déjà vu,” he said. “We’re now back in the early 1970s, which was a period of energy self-sufficiency and independence. It’s a remarkable energy revolution.”

Indeed, it is.

New Mexico ranked sixth nationwide in crude oil production in 2013, excluding federal offshore areas. Likewise, in 2012, the state’s market production of natural gas accounted for 4.8% of the nation’s marketed natural gas production.

These two figures demonstrate how New Mexico is an important piece of the country’s energy portfolio.

Just ask its neighbors. Electricity generated in the state, nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, benefits consumers outside New Mexico, particularly in Texas, Arizona, California, and Utah. Those states – and the rest of the nation – will benefit even more in the years to come. That’s because oil production within the state is projected to grow 18 to 20% this year after climbing 17% last year, the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division reports.

The economic effects ripple across the state. The New Mexico Tax Research Institute reports about $1.7 billion of the state’s $3.8 billion general fund in fiscal year 2013 – roughly 45% - came from oil and gas revenues. In addition, $207 million of the state’s $218 million used for 769 capital expenditure projects – think 20

schools and parks, for instance – came from oil and gas production.

Statewide, oil and gas revenues are worth approximately $16 billion and provide the state with hundreds of millions of dollars in interest every year to run state government, the Albuquerque Business First reports.

In that story, economic developer Mark Lautman, owner of Lautman Economic Architecture explains what the industry means to state residents and businesses.

“If you look at what New Mexico’s tax burden would be without the permanent funds, we would look like California and without the advantages of their economic advantages,” he said.

Furthermore, the Mancos Shale, in the northwestern section of New Mexico, might be the next big shale play. That’s where Canada-based Encana Corp. will spend $350 million by year’s end to run two to four rigs to drill up to 50 wells on 176,000-leased shale acres.

An effort is underway to form new policies and strategies that will promote continued energy development growth. Launched in 2013 by the state’s Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, the initiative will highlight the state’s energy-related industries as mega job creators and longterm economic contributors – all of which are undeniably true.

New Mexico’s trucking sector has also benefited from the energy boom. Energy development helped the sector provide 33,630 jobs – or one out of 18 in the state – in 2012, the New Mexico Trucking Association says. Total trucking industry wages paid in New Mexico that year exceeded $1.5

The development of shale energy resources is reigniting economies and stirring job growth. It has helped put people back to work and aided in increasing revenue. It has helped construct new schools, renovate the parks our children play in, and fund the hiring of more law enforcement officers.

The state of New Mexico is an ideal example of how the nation’s energy renaissance is changing Americans’ lives for the better.

Consumer Energy Alliance - As the “Voice of the Energy Consumer,” CEA’s mission is to nurture and guide substantive dialogue between energy consumers and energy providers, as well as to successfully advocate at the grassroots and grass tops level in support of a balanced U.S. energy policy.

By bringing together consumers, manufacturers, retirees, transportation, agriculture groups, small business, academia and labor, CEA functions as an extension of your advocacy network, cultivating and enabling consumers to serve as an active, third-party voice in support of domestic energy production and a balanced energy policy for America. Since its inception in 2006, CEA has played a pivotal role in transforming the energy debate to better focus on the impact to the consumer and the positive economic and energy security benefits that derive from a thoughtful, balanced energy policy.

CEA welcomes New Mexico Trucking Association as its newest member!

Behind the Lights

by Jimmy K. Glascock, Deputy Chief New Mexico State Police / Motor Transportation Division

Increasing highway safety and achieving a substantial reduction in auto related fatalities are goals that have dominated my 21 years in state law enforcement. State law enforcement personnel and truck drivers spend a significant portion of their professional lives on the highway and realize safety precautions save lives. Every day that I return home to my family, I am thankful, as every other driver should be. At the same time, there are those who unexpectedly and all too soon have a day that is life-changing due to a motor vehicle crash. At the end of the day, we agree that safe roads, safe vehicles, and safety conscious drivers are crucial in reducing crashes, saving money and saving lives.

I graduated from the 53rd New Mexico State Police Recruit School in June 1993.

My patrol experience includes Interstates 40 and 25, and numerous US and state highways. I currently serve as the Deputy Chief over the Motor Transportation Division, which is primarily responsible for commercial motor vehicle safety and enforcement. I am very grateful for my wife and three children who have been with me throughout my career. As a parent of two teenagers who are about to start driving,

I’m gaining a deeper sense of respect and urgency for improving safety on our highways and lowering fatality rates.

During my state law enforcement career, I’ve had countless contacts on the side of the road with truck drivers, most of which have been positive. I’ve spent many winter days on snow-packed highways working to ensure safe traffic flow and assisting drivers to get back on the road. One of the most interesting truck crashes I handled involved a car hauler that veered off the road, down a steep embankment, and collided with an arroyo wall, which almost totaled the truck and every new car on the trailer. As a narcotics agent, I’ve investigated a tractor trailer that had boot prints all over the front wall of the trailer, not the floor, which led to the surprising discovery of approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana. I am aware of cases where our police officers pulled a driver and co-driver from their burning trucks, as well as an incident where a truck driver rescued one of my fellow officer’s who was pinned between two cars while chasing a suspect in a stolen car. While I believe the enforcement aspect of our job is imperative, I also have a special respect for individuals who drive commercial motor vehicles.

I receive notifications on a weekly basis

when our department investigates a fatal crash. Deaths from driving under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances are tragic and disappointing. The most common underlying factors generally include driver inattention, fatigue, speed combined with steering over-correction, and ejections from not being properly restrained by a seatbelt or child safety seat.

If we can find solutions to significantly improve seatbelt and child safety seat usage, lessen fatigued driving, and avoid driver inattention, the decrease in accidents and fatalities would be overwhelmingly positive.

Nationally, 40 of the 99 law enforcement officer deaths in th line of duty this year are auto related, which is up 5% from last year.

Unfortunately, since I began this article, that number includes a Rio Rancho, New Mexico Police Officer who lost his life in an automobile accident. As a results of this and other police-involved vehicle accidents, NMDPS is providing additional training to support safer police driving practices.

NMDPS is working closely with the trucking industry and the New Mexico Trucking Association to improve the quality of our roads and highways. In March 2015, NMDPS will launch Pro-Miles, a web-based system which will provide companies and drivers an efficient alternative for obtaining permits on-line. Together we are evaluating regulations which will allow the trucking industry to operate more proficiently and establishing laws that improve safety. I fully believe that the combined efforts of the trucking industry and law enforcement will improve highway safety and ultimately save lives.

In closing, I extend my appreciation on behalf of those police officers who made it home to be with their families because someone in a truck stopped to help them in a desperate time of need. I also thank you in advance, because I know there are many times that a trucker will be the one making a call for help or the first one on a scene that will save a life. May you and your families have a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season.

FALL 2014

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Operating in southeast New Mexico and west Texas. The current Holly Transportation fleet consists of over 80 power units and nearly 100 trailers. HollyFrontier Corporation (NYSE: HFC) is among the largest independent petroleum refiners in the United States with operations throughout the mid-continent, southwestern and Rocky Mountain regions.

• Transportation of crude oil

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CALENDAR Upcoming Industry News and Events!

2014

December 1 Safety Management Council Meeting 24-25 Christmas – NMTA Offices Closed 31 New Years Eve – NMTA Offices Closed

2015

january 1 New Years Day – NMTA Offices Closed 7 Safety Management Council Meeting 19 Operation Safe Driver 2014, CVSA 20 New Mexico Legislation Session Begins

february 4 Safety Management Council Meeting 14 Thanksgiving - NMTA offices Closed 15 ATA Executive Meeting - Nashville, TN 16 President’s Day 17 ATA TTE - Nashville, TN

march 3 SCRA Meeting – Atlanta, GA 4 Safety Management Council Meeting 5-6 SCRA Meeting – Atlanta, GA 21 New Mexico Legislation Ends

april 5 Easter Sunday 10 Mothers Day 30 NMTA Golf Tournament

May 1 2 17 25

NMTA Business Meeting TDC / NMTA Banquet ATA Leadership Meeting – Scottsdale, AZ Memorial Day

Visit www.nmtrucking.org for more events throughout the Southwest!

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SMC Bulletin

As the Holidays approach…Let’s get everyone home safely!

By Lori Harris Failure to adjust to adverse driving conditions plays a part in a many accidents. One frequently encountered condition is reduced traction which can include rain, snow, ice, slush, and gravel. Drivers should not only develop the skills and judgment necessary to keep their own vehicle safely under control, they should also try to anticipate and be prepared to compensate for errors other drivers make during such poor driving conditions.

We hope the following information helps to ensure that you are home to enjoy the Holidays!

Maintenance Checks:

• Tire treads wear and tire pressure.

• Availability of tire chains when needed.

• Windshield wiper and washer condition.

• Mirror system.

• Proper functioning of all lighting circuits, Headlight beam aim. Including emergency flashers Guide to the Use of Tire Chains:

• Carry the required number and type of chains for each state you travel in.**

• Confirm that your tire chains are the proper size for the tires on your vehicle.

• Find the safest place possible to chain up or remove chains.

• Install chains on properly inflated tires. Don’t reduce tire pressure.

• Install chains as snugly as possible, then drive a short distance and recheck tightness.

• Correct use of all fasteners, and rubber straps, will keep chains tight, and extra links from flailing.

• Even with chains properly installed, do not exceed a prudent and safe speed on the roadway.

• Never use tire chains for anything but their intended purpose, increasing traction.

Driving Tips:

• Increase following distance enough to avoid a rear-end collision if other driver brakes hard.

• Use moderation in judging safe speed.

• To maintain a safe stopping distance, slow down, but not so much that you become a hazard to drivers behind.

• Apply brakes gently and steer without jerky movements.

• Beware when running empty or bobtailing. Lightly loaded wheels lock up easily during braking and this induces jackknifing.

• Beware of traveling to too slowly on slick, banked curves. The vehicle might slide sideways into opposing traffic or off the road. **New Mexico Law: The use of tire chains of reasonable proportions when required for safety because of snow, ice or other slippery condition.

1. Tire chains of reasonable proportions.

2. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.

3. Studded tires are authorized.

The New Mexico Trucking Association Safety Management Council wishes you Happy Holidays and Prosperous New Year.

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Join New Mexico NMTA is the voice of the commercial truck and bus operators in New Mexico. We represent our member carriers in legislative and regulatory matters before local, state and the Federal government. We work to ensure laws and regulations affecting our industry are fair and balanced. We also educate our members regarding laws and regulations. NMTA also promote safe operations and good business practices to ensure our members remain a healthy and viable part of the New Mexico economy.

Why Join?

The NMTA offers a wide variety of benefits for companies involved it the trucking industry. These include, current information affecting the industry, networking with other industry companies, safety and education, business forums, group offerings and more. In addition, the NMTA uses their voice to protect the core interest of our member companies in the legislative and regulatory arenas. your nMTA • Acts as the advocacy leader for highway transportation with the state • Serves as an information Clearinghouse.

• Conducts seminars on topics ranging from risk management to hazardous materials • Offers a full line of safety and compliance products • Sponsors Annual Truck Driving Championships nMTA - Mission Statement “To be recognized as the leader in the New Mexico Trucking Community by promoting a safe, efficient and profitable Industry while ensuring sound transportation policy and representation.”

For details on Membership and online registration go to www.nmtrucking.org Please contact: Johnny R. Johnson at (505) 553-4048 for more information

FALL 2014

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ADVERTISING INDEX

Who’s supporting the Trucking Industry in the State!

Rush Truck Center......Inside Front Cover

Pro Drivers........................................... 17

Meritor Drive Force..............................26

Danlar Towing.........................................3

San Juan Community College...............27

Western Assurance................................19

Wells Fargo.............................................7

Cummins Rocky Mountain.................... 8

TRSC....................................................23

Purcell Tire..............................................8

Albuquerque Freightliner........................5

CT Power................................................4

Wallwork Financial...............................23

Morgan Corporation..............................23

Quality Trailers.....................................26

Holly Transport........................................5

JJ Keller................................................23

AVI Risk Management.................Back Cover

2nd To None Fleet Services..................23

NMTA Membership..............................25

Great West Casualty Insurance.............22

NMTA 2015 TDC / Yearly Event..........10 (Truck Driving Championship)

Albuquerque, NM – I-40, Exit 149

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Get In Front of The Trucking Industry!

Advertise in the New Mexico Trucking Magazine

New Mexico • Support the New Mexico Trucking Association • Advertise and market your companies service or products

• Reach key decision makers in the trucking industry each quarter • Build a brand name in the Industry For more information about advertising and marketing in the New Mexico Trucking Magazine, or to receive a media guide, please contact:

Ryan Davis phone:505-407-2151 email: rdavis@rjfive.com FALL 2014

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