Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine - Spring 2014

Spring 2014 | Volume 21 | Issue 2 | oktrucking.org

JOHN DRIVER THURMAN OF THE YEAR PLUS FLEET SAFETY AWARDS AND SAFETY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

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-- 14 LOCATIONS -25 N. Council Oklahoma City, OK 73127 (405) 787-6711 1722 N. Van Buren Enid, OK 73703 (580) 234-7704

1018 SE 1st 1908 Chico Hwy. 500 E. Main 2423 W. Veterans Blvd.

Lawton, OK 73501 Bridgeport, TX 76426 Ada, OK 74820 Ardmore, OK 73401 (580) 354-9992 (940) 683-3558 (580) 332-5145 (580) 223-0854 410 SE 4th Street Lindsay, OK 73052 (405) 756-4416

15705 E. Skelly Dr. 4650 S. Loop 340 Tulsa, OK 74116 Robinson, TX 76706 (918) 437-8383 (254) 662-6600

5834 IH-10 East 5011 Jacksboro Hwy. Wichita Falls, TX 76302 San Antonio, TX 78219 (210) 661-8271 (940) 767-8212

5300 Lone Star Blvd.

Ft Worth TX 76106 (817) 295-0493

1917 S. Main Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 202-9946 401 S. Pioneer Elk City, OK 73644 (580) 225-7772

Editor | Shannon Helton shannonhelton@oktrucking.org Event Photography | Apryl Boyd shannonhelton@oktrucking.org Executive Director | Dan Case dancase@oktrucking.org

For over eighty years, the Oklahoma Motor Carrier (OMC) magazine has provided OTA members with important information concerning their association and the trucking industry. Each issue of the OMC features an OTA member company, and update on state and national trucking issues and highlights from OTA events. The OMC is read Celebrating 80 Years by over 3,700 people throughout the state of Oklahoma including those outside the trucking industry.

Fall 2012 | Volume 19 | Issue 4 | www.oktrucking.org

Bookkeeper | Les Hinkle leshinkle@oktrucking.org Director of Events | Rebecca Chappell rebeccachappell@oktrucking.org Chairman of Board | Jim Klepper Drivers Legal Plan Board of Directors John Allen Titsworth | Triad Transport Inc. Greg Price | United Petroleum Transports David McCorkle | McCorkle Truck Line LaVern McCorkle | McCorkle Truck Line Steve Niswander | Groendyke Transport Carmalieta Wells | Madewell & Madewell, Inc. Susan Boese | Tri Alexander Transportation, Inc. David Freymiller | Freymiller, Inc. Ken Case | Dugan Truck Line, Inc. Mike Mayer | Rush Truck Centers Kimberly Gonzalez | Hoffmeier, Inc. Robert O’Brien | Time Lines Management Jeff Jones | Kelworth Trucking Co. Adam Dye | Southwest Trailers & Equipment Dusty Runnels | Hamm & Phillips Bob Peterson | Melton Truck Lines, Inc. Bob Acker | Bruckner Truck Sales, Inc.

For advertising rates and information, please contact Shannon Helton at 405.445.1790, or visit oktrucking.org for rate sheets and additional information.

STAYCONNECTED www.Facebook.com/OKTrucking

@OKTrucking

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The Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine is produced by Shannies Art & Design, LLC and is printed by Southwestern Stationery & Bank Supply, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Motor Carrier (OMC) is published quarterly by the Oklahoma Trucking Association, 3909 N. Lindsay, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Office of Publication, Southwestern Stationary, OKC, Okla. Bulk Rate postage paid at OKC, Okla. Please address all correspondence to 3909 N. Lindsay, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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Murphy-Hoffman Company started in the trucking industry in 1975 with one location in Springfield, Missouri. Since then we have expanded throughout the central and southeastern regions of the United States with over 90 locations. We are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day in major markets with extended hours at most locations. MHC’s expertise resides in all areas of medium and heavy duty trucks, no matter the make or model. Learn why more industry professionals put their trust in MHC.

SUPPORTING YOU ACROSS AMERICA MHC Kenworth - Ardmore I-35 & US 70 W, Broadway to Interstate Ct (800) 310-5789

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MHC Truck Leasing - Oklahoma City I-35 & NE 10th St (855) 222-0805

MHC Kenworth - Tulsa US 44 & 49th West Ave (866) 789-0604

MHC Truck Leasing - Tulsa I-44 to 41st/Sheridan, E on 41st, S on 72nd Ave (866) 751-2061

New & Used Truck Sales | Parts | Service | Collision Repair | Leasing | Finance | Transport Refrigeration www.mhctruck.com

IN THIS ISSUE 10 ATA URGES OBAMA

ADMINISTRATION TO PROCEED JUDICIOUSLY WITH EMISSIONS RULE

12 DOT PROPOSES USE OF

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DRIVER OF THE YEAR: JOHN THURMAN

ELECTRONIC LOGBOOKS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, SAFETY IN COMMERCIAL BUS & TRUCK INDUSTRIES

14 ATA ENGINEERING,

EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

19 POLL SHOWS SUPPORT

FOR CUTTING INCOME TAX HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY

20 COMMISSIONERS HEAR

REPORT ON PURCELL/ LEXINGTON BRIDGE REPAIRS; $82 MILLION IN CONTRACTS AWARDED

22 HELP INC. ANNOUNCES NEW CONTRACT WITH XEROX

24 LOVE’S TRUCK TIRE CARE

EXPANDS TIRE OFFERINGS

36

FLEET SAFETY AWARDS

25 SOUTHWEST TRAILERS & EQUIPMENT RECRUIT MITCHELL BROWN

7 FROM THE EDITOR 6 FROM THE DIRECTOR 7 UPCOMING EVENTS 26 SAFETY ZONE WITH JOHN MALLORY

9 MEMBER UPDATES 54 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: HAMM & PHILLIPS SERVICE COMPANY

44

SAFETY PRO OF THE YEAR: CHRIS PAPE

30 MIDWINTER CONFERENCE 34 DONOR DINNER 44 PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS 49 MILLION MILE DRIVERS

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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Every Where.

DIRECTORDAN CASE OTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DAN CASE

This will probably be a record year for new legislators in Oklahoma, between the ones who have to leave after 12 years of service and the ones who have voluntarily given notice that they aren’t seeking office again, we will see over 25% of our legislators being replaced.

This doesn’t even count the ones who may get defeated in this falls campaign.

Unmatched Support Cummins Southern Plains, LLC is one of the largest authorized distributors of engines and power generation equipment, manufactured by Cummins Inc. We offer customers superior products, backed by reliable and trusted support.

We have built the largest support network in the industry. With ten distributor locations and a vast network of certified dealer outlets representing every major OEM, you can have peace of mind knowing that if you need us, we’re never far away.

Contact one of our representatives today, and let us put the power of Cummins to work for you.

For a location near you, call 800.306.6801 or visit us on the web at www.cummins-sp.com

Why are so many not seeking office again?

Several of the Democrats have grown tired of not being involved in the process. They have become such a small minority in the House, that their voices just aren’t heard. On the Senate side, the Democrats are becoming a smaller minority and this fall does not look great for them. It looks as though they could lose several more seats.

I have talked to several of the Republicans who have decided not to seek office again. They feel as though they have accomplished a lot in the last few years, several have careers outside of the Capitol and feel now is the time to further their careers.

We will be active in educating the new members of our legislature. With so many coming on board, I am sure we will host a welcoming party for them. I hope to get to know as many as possible and tell them the story of trucking in Oklahoma and across this great country.

UPCOMINGEVENTS TMC TECHNICIAN TRAINING Mon, April 21, 2014 in Tulsa Tue, April 22, 2014 in OKC

Homer Hogg of Truck Service Technical Training Manager from Travel Centers of America will be speaking about: “Six Minutes or Less to Better Cranking System Troubleshooting.” Please bring a digital volt-ohmmeter for handson troubleshooting practice.

2014 SUPERTECH COMPETITION Fri, May 9, 2014

Could you be Oklahoma’s 2014 SuperTech Champion?

Held at Francis Tuttle Technology Center at 7301 W. Reno, Oklahoma City. Registration fee is $25 for technicians and $10 for students.

STATE TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP May 30-31

This two day event puts each contestant through their paces with the challenges of a written exam, personal interview, pre-trip inspection and a skills course. After the competition is over we celebrate the accomplishments of these fine drivers at our awards banquet. Winners of each class go on to compete in the ATA National Truck Driving Championship. Please contact the TDC chairman, Emory Mills, with any questions you may have.

SUMMER SHOOT-OUT GOLF TOURNAMENT Thu, June 12, 2014

Held at the Oak Tree Country Club Registration beginning at 8:00am with registration and Shotgun Start at 8:30am.

More information coming soon.

NATMI: CDS & CSS CERTIFICATION August 4-8, 2014

Taking the courses is the first step toward earning a credential that will help you become a more competent professional, earn industry recognition and credibility in court testimony.

OTA 82ND ANNUAL CONVENTION September 24-25, 2014

Save the Date! The OTA 82nd Annual Convention will be at the Choctaw Casino on September 24-25. We will have a new format with the Convention Classic golf tournament Wednesday before the Welcome Party.

For the most up-to-date event information, please visit oktrucking.org/events or contact Rebecca Chappell at 405.525.9488 or by email at rebeccachappell@oktrucking.org.

EDITOR

SHANNON HELTON

Spring is in the air and as Oklahomans, we’re used to some stormy weather.

Dan’s efforts at the Capitol are more important than ever. We’re going to expect quite the turnover in the legislature, but before that happens, we have to make it through this session. The OTA has done a great job of working through this session with progress in reducing the MVR fees again, after the exponential hike we suffered a few years prior.

Call on your representatives, participate in the 149 Club, and make sure your issues are heard this session.

A bright light in the ever-changing Springtime is the Annual Fleet Safety Awards and Professional Driver awards. Safety and duty are two of the most important values in this industry. The annual Safety Awards banquet is the place to see the best of the best. Forget the Oscars, these are the real celebrities. Take our Driver of the Year, John Thurman. He has served in our country’s military and continues with that same dedication in his life as a driver. Or our Safety Professional of the Year, Chris Pape, who has taken charge and shows his dedication for Safety every day in his job, as well as his volunteer efforts with the OSMC and other organizations.

While we may have some unpredictable times ahead, it’s good to know that we have a common goal, and a common livelihood. That keeps us weathering the storm.

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MEMBER UPDATES New OTA Private Carrier

New Alternate Member

DMI INTERNATIONAL

UNITED PETROLEUM TRANSPORTS

Rod Davis roddavis@dmiinternational.com Phone: (918) 438-2213 Fax: (918) 234-9376 15150 E. Pine Street Tulsa, OK 74116 www.dmiinternational.com Services Provided: We provide pipeline construction equipment to our customers.

Joe Nation jnation@otl-upt.com Phone: (405) 670-8929 Fax: (405) 670-8996 4312 South Georgia Place Oklahoma City, OK 73129 www.otl-upt.com Services Provided: Transporters of petroleum products and petro chemicals in bulk.

New OTA Private Carrier

DOT FOODS

Jim Robertson jim.robertson@dotfoods.com Phone: (580) 224-4506 Fax: (217) 773-4158 3411 Cypert Way Ardmore, OK 73401 www.dotfoods.com Services Provided: Food distributor.

New OTA Mobilized Machinery Member New OSMC Member

STONE TRUCKING COMPANY

Serena Howard serena.howard@stonetrucking.com Phone: (918) 321-2911 Fax: (918) 446-6186 P. O. Box 700 Kiefer, OK 74041 www.stonetrucking.com Services Provided: Interstate Heavy Haul Transport, Logistic services into and out of Canada & Mexico, Oil field equipment, Oversize.

New OTA Allied Member

TLS, LLC

Tony Sharp tls196@yahoo.com Phone: (918) 775-1196 466710 East 1070 Road Sallisaw, OK 74955 Services Provided: DOT Consulting Services.

SERVING OKLAHOMA TRUCKERS’ INSURANCE NEEDS FOR OVER 50 YEARS

(405) 236-4677 (800) 259-6122 Terri Ferrell David Ferrell Jeremy Hoegger representing

CRAWFORD PHILLIPS, INC. Stock Yards • Oklahoma City Specializing in Truck Insurance Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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TRUCKING TIDBITS

ATA URGES OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO PROCEED JUDICIOUSLY WITH EMISSIONS RULE ATA

The American Trucking Associations, while supporting the goal of improved fuel efficiency of large trucks, pressed the Obama Administration to proceed cautiously with the setting of new standards.

“We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the President and his administration in 2011 when the historic first fuel efficiency standards were set for heavy-duty vehicles,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “As we begin this new round of standards, ATA hopes the administration will set forth a path that is both based on the best science and research available and economically achievable.”

“Trucking is a very diverse industry,” said ATA Chairman Phil Byrd, president of Bulldog Hiway Express, Charleston, S.C. “and as such, whatever standards the administration sets should reflect that diversity and whatever tests are devised should accurately reflect what drivers face on the roads every day.”

In 2008, ATA released a series of sustainability recommendations including a national speed limit of 65 miles per hour, increased participation in SmartWay for fuel efficiency, improving truck productivity and reductions in idling. In 2011, ATA supported the historic first round of fuel efficiency standards.

At its most recent Executive Committee meeting, ATA drafted a set of guiding principles for evaluating future emissions standards. Those principles included items like harmonization with existing California Air Resources Board rules, economic and scientific feasibility and a recognition of trucking’s diversity in the use of equipment.

“Fuel is one of our industry’s largest expenses, so it makes sense that as an industry we would support proposals to use less of it,” Graves said. “However, we should make sure that new rules don’t conflict with safety or other environmental regulations, nor should they force specific types of technology onto the market before they are fully tested and ready.”

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Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

THE PREMIER, NATIONWIDE DESTINATION FOR COMMERCIAL TIRES AND SERVICES HAS NEW LOCATIONS IN OKLAHOMA.

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TRUCKING TIDBITS

DOT PROPOSES USE OF ELECTRONIC LOGBOOKS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, SAFETY IN COMMERCIAL BUS & TRUCK INDUSTRIES FMCA

his State of the Union address,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “By leveraging innovative technology with Electronic Logging Devices, we have the opportunity to save lives and boost efficiency for both motor carriers and safety inspectors.”

The proposed rule will ultimately reduce hours-of-service violations by making it more difficult for drivers to misrepresent their time on logbooks and avoid detection by FMCSA and law enforcement personnel. Analysis shows it will also help reduce crashes by fatigued drivers and prevent approximately 20 fatalities and 434 injuries each year for an annual safety benefit of $394.8 million.

“By implementing Electronic Logging Devices, we will advance our mission to increase safety and prevent fatigued drivers from getting behind the wheel,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “With broad support from safety advocates, carriers and members of Congress, we are committed to achieving this important step in the commercial bus and truck industries.”

The Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which was sent to the Federal Register to publish on March 12, supersedes a prior 2011 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to electronic on-board recorders. It includes provisions to: Respect driver privacy by ensuring that ELD records continue to reside with the motor carriers and drivers. Electronic logs will continue to only be made available to FMCSA personnel or law enforcement during roadside inspections, compliance reviews and post-crash investigations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a proposal to require interstate commercial truck and bus companies to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in their vehicles to improve compliance with the safety rules that govern the number of hours a driver can work.

The proposed rulemaking would significantly reduce the paperwork burden associated with hours-of-service recordkeeping for interstate truck and bus drivers – the largest in the federal government following tax-related filings – and improve the quality of logbook data.

“Today's proposal will improve safety while helping businesses by cutting unnecessary paperwork - exactly the type of government streamlining President Obama called for in 12

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

Impaired driving, including fatigue, was listed as a factor in more than 12 percent of the 129,120 total crashes that involved large trucks or buses in 2012.

TRUCKING TIDBITS Protect drivers from harassment through an explicit prohibition on harassment by a motor carrier owner towards a driver using information from an ELD. It will also establish a procedure for filing a harassment complaint and creates a maximum civil penalty of up to $11,000 for a motor carrier that engages in harassment of a driver that leads to an hours-of-service violation or the driver operating a vehicle when they are so fatigued or ill it compromises safety. The proposal will also ensure that drivers continue to have access to their own records and require ELDs to include a mute function to protect against disruptions during sleeper berth periods.

Increase efficiency for law enforcement personnel and inspectors who review driver logbooks by making it more difficult for a driver to cheat when submitting their records of duty status and ensuring the electronic logs can be displayed and reviewed electronically, or printed, with potential violations flagged.

In developing the updated proposal, FMCSA relied on input from its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee, feedback from two public listening sessions and comments filed during an extended period following the 2011 proposed rule. The proposal also incorporates the mandates included in the most recent transportation bill, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, and other statutes.

TRUCKING TIDBITS

ATA ENGINEERING, EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATE Ted Scott, ATA

Stability Control Systems In August of 2013, because there seems to be a delay in developing the final rule, ATA wrote to the NHTSA Administrator and again recommended adopting a rule that established a minimum standard on roll stability. NHTSA now reports that they expect to issue a final rule in July 2014.

Two types of Stability Control Systems exist in today’s market, stability control for tractor roll (RSC) and electronic stability control (ESC) for roll and yaw (loss of directional control) of tractors. Additionally, ESC is available on some semi-trailers. These systems actively reduce the tractors throttle and apply its brakes to decelerate the vehicle if a high rollover risk or instability threshold is detected. For several years both NHTSA and FMCSA have been examining the performance of these systems. Studies done by both agencies have concluded that ESC and RSC would reduce rollover and loss-of-control crashes. The National Transportation Safety Board in a report that investigated a cargo tank crash recommended that FMCSA mandate RSC on all cargo tank trailers, and that NHTSA begin a rulemaking to develop standards for ESC on all trucks over 10,000 pounds.

In May 2012, NHTSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 136 to require electronic stability control (ESC) systems on NEW truck tractors and certain buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 26,000 pounds. Comments were due to NHTSA by August 21, 2012.

Speed Governors (Limiters) It is ATA’s understanding that a joint NRPM between NHTSA and FMCSA on a mandate for speed governors in class 7 & 8 trucks will be issued June 2014. ATA looks forward to supporting a proposed rule.

ATA petitioned NHTSA to require the manufacturers install 14

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

a speed limiting device in vehicles with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds and that the device be set at not more than 65 mph.

From conversation with NHTSA representatives there are a couple of concerns that NHSTA believes must be addressed.

First is the issue of states rights, the establishment of a federal maximum speed limit setting for tractors may be considered the usurping of authority generally considered the purview of the State and an infringement of that purview by the federal government may not acceptable too many State governments.

Additionally, if the federal truck speed limit is lower than the State limit, it is likely that the enforcement community under the direction of the State Attorney General will be told to only enforce the posted speed limit.

Recently the National Transportation Safety Board made recommendations to NHTSA to develop performance standards for advanced speed-limiting technology, such as variable speed limiters and intelligent speed adaptation devices, for heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and motor coaches. After establishing performance standards for advanced speed-limiting technology for heavy commercial vehicles, require that all newly manufactured heavy vehicles be equipped with such devices.

Advanced speed-limiting technology and intelligent speed adaption devices would know the posted speed limit and limit vehicle speed to those limits.

This recommendation if implemented would remove the need for a 65 mph cap. It may also eliminate the need for traffic cops.

An alternative option brought up in conversation by NHTSA is what they call a soft top with time limits. This means that

TRUCKING TIDBITS the cap could be exceeded but only for a limited amount of time in a specified period.

The Soft Top option removes some of the State Rights concern mentioned earlier. It would also remove some of the safety concerns brought about by rural turtle races and long convoys of trucks on the highway.

In February 2006, ATA adopted a new safety policy calling for all new Class 7 and 8 trucks to have their top speed electronically limited to no more than 68 mph at the time of manufacture. The goal of this initiative is to assure that that the safety and environmental benefits of setting a maximum governed truck speed are realized across the trucking industry, and by the motoring public. ATA filed in October 2006 a petition with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to initiate a rulemaking to implement the adopted policy.

DOT issued in January 2007 a Notice in the Federal Register seeking additional information on this issue in order to make an informed decision on these petitions. In response, ATA filed comprehensive comments. In October 2008, ATA’s safety task force recommended and the Board passed a policy change supporting mandatory speed governing at no more than 65 mph for all large trucks manufactured since 1992. On January 3, 2011 NHTSA granted petitions of ATA and the Road Safe America (RSA) Coalition to establish a safety standard to require devices that would limit the speed of certain heavy trucks.

In 2013 the US DOT decided that the NRPM for Speed Limiters should be done jointly by NHTSA and FMCSA in an effort to ensure tampering and security were appropriately accounted for.

ATA is encouraging NHTSA and FMCSA to keep the rule simple, mandate a tamper resistant speed governor with a maximum setting of 65 mph.

Truck Cab Crashworthiness Standards In July Congressed passed and the President signed MAP 21 the Highway Bill. In it is a provision requiring NHTSA to conduct research on truck cab crashworthiness. The legislative language is shown below; SEC. 32201. CRASHWORTHINESS STANDARDS; (a) IN GENERAL. —Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive analysis on the need for crashworthiness standards on property carrying commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds involved in interstate commerce, including an evaluation of the need for roof strength, pillar strength, air bags, and other occupant protections standards, and frontal and back wall standards.

NHTSA has contracted with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute to conduct this research.

UMTRI is establishing an Advisory Group to advise it on its research effort, ATA will be part of that Advisory Group and the ATA TAG will assist. ATA expects to see the result of the research in the Spring of 2014.

Driver/Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) FMCSA Issued a NRPM in August 2013 proposing the elimination of the requirement for motor carriers to retain DVIR inspection reports when the driver has not found any vehicle defects or deficiencies. The rulemaking would remove a significant information collection burden without adversely impacting safety. The value of the time saved by eliminating the paperwork burden associated with the filing of no-defect DVIRs is more than $1 billion per year. ATA commented to the docket supporting the proposal.

TMC has recently completed a survey of its members on the issue. The results of the survey are. · 450 surveys sent, 59 responses · 69.6% support elimination of the No Defect report · 10.7% support keeping it · 19.6% uncertain · 35.7% would continue to keep the report as company policy · 33.9% would not · 30.4% are uncertain FMCSA is expected to issue a final rule in November 2014. (continued on the next page)

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(b) REPORT. —Not later than 90 days after completing the comprehensive analysis under subsection (a), the Secretary shall report the results of the analysis and any recommendations to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House Representatives.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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TRUCKING TIDBITS Connected Vehicles In February NHTSA made a decision to move forward on developing standard for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications on light vehicles. This means we can expect to see a similar decision for medium and heavy trucks by summer of 2015.

Connected Vehicles also called Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) is the wireless exchange of data among vehicles and infrastructure traveling in the same vicinity. The exchange of data offers opportunities for crash and congestion reductions.

The vision for V2V is that each vehicle on the roadway (automobiles, buses, trucks, and motorcycles) will be able to communicate with other vehicles, and that the data and communications will support a new generation of active safety applications and systems.

The TAG, TMC and ITLC have been asked by the ATA Technology and Engineering Policy Committee to develop Technical Guidance on Connected Vehicles for ATA’s possible policy development.

Under-inflated Truck Tires At the September TMC meeting the S2 Tire and Wheels Study Group having been unable to determine a simple process for enforcement to uniformly determine when a truck tire is under-inflated recommended that ATA petition for removal of the FMCSR language that is use to require enforcement officers to check for under-inflated tires. On January 24, 2014 ATA submitted a petition to do that.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) originally asked for TMC to do this work and ATA has asked them to support the petition. CVSA members will consider the ATA request at its meeting in April.

Since 2002, the USDOT has been conducting research with automotive manufacturers in order to assess the feasibility of developing effective crash avoidance systems that utilize vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Engineering prototypes have been developed and demonstrated with applications that address the critical crash scenarios which are: Emergency Brake Light Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Intersection Movement Assist, Blind Spot and Lane Change Warning, Do not pass Warning, and Control Loss Warning.

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STATE MATTERS

POLL SHOWS SUPPORT FOR CUTTING INCOME TAX HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY Oklahoma Policy Institute

A new poll shows that over the last year, support for cutting Oklahoma’s personal income tax has dropped significantly among voters statewide, and less than half now support the plan to reduce the state’s top rate.

Support drops even further when voters learn of the disparity in the size of the cuts across income groups.

Very large majorities oppose cutting funding for state services such as education, public safety, and health care to pay for tax cuts.

“These results show a growing disconnect between elected officials and Oklahoma voters on this issue,” said David Blatt, Executive Director of Oklahoma Policy Institute, which commissioned the poll. “The more voters learn about the tax cut proposals, the less popular they become.”

Less than half of all voters now support the proposal to reduce Oklahoma’s top personal income tax rate (46% support/31% oppose). This 15 point margin in favor of the plan is dramatically smaller than the net 27 point margin in an April 2013 survey (52% support/25% oppose).

Opposition to the plan doubles once voters learn that over 40 percent of Oklahomans will not receive a tax cut at all, the average reduction for middle-income families would be 29 dollars, and the largest tax cuts would go to the wealthiest one percent of Oklahoma households. Just 29% still support the plan when they learn how it would affect Oklahomans at different income levels, with 61% opposed.

Voters are most opposed to the tax cut plan when they learn Oklahoma will collect 120 million dollars less in tax revenues to fund state services, such as education, public safety and health care. After learning about the revenue losses, 66% of all voters oppose the plan, with just 29% continuing to support it. Majorities of Democrats (78%), Independents (72%), and Republicans (54%) said they are opposed after hearing this information. Even majorities of self-described conservatives (53%) and conservative Democrats (67%) opposed the plan.

Surveyed voters said they believe education and job training trump income tax cuts as drivers of the economy. When asked which was more important to create economic growth in Oklahoma, 74% of voters favored education and job training, with just 17% favoring lower income tax rates.

“Public opinion matches what we are hearing from Oklahoma economists and the business community,” said Blatt. “If we’re looking to grow the economy for everyone, restoring funding for education is a much better investment than tax cuts.”

The poll was conducted by Global Strategy Group, a leading national public opinion firm whose clients include elected officials across all levels of government, major non-profit institutions, and Fortune 500 companies. They surveyed 610 registered voters in Oklahoma between March 3-6. The margin of error in the poll is +/- 4.0%. Additional poll results are available at http://bit.ly/okpoll2014.

STATE MATTERS

COMMISSIONERS HEAR REPORT ON PURCELL/LEXINGTON BRIDGE REPAIRS; $82 MILLION IN CONTRACTS AWARDED Oklahoma Department of Transportation

weigh and inspection stations.

Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s March 10 meeting include a report on ongoing emergency repair work at the Purcell/Lexington bridge, introduction of the leader of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s newly-organized Facilities Management Division and approval of contracts for a major I-40 interchange project in Weatherford, highway widening in Norman and replacement of structurally deficient bridges in Grant and McIntosh counties.

Commissioners received a detailed report on the ongoing emergency repair work at the Purcell/Lexington bridge on US-77/SH-39 that was closed in late January. As additional cracks continue to be discovered in bridge beams, ODOT engineers, upon recommendations from expert consultants, have determined the bridge will remain closed to all traffic until all cracked areas have been reinforced at 264 locations by specially-manufactured brackets, which is estimated to be in June.

“We know we must reopen this bridge as quickly as possible, but public safety is always ODOT’s number one priority,” Executive Director Mike Patterson said. “It would not be safe to reopen the bridge to any traffic until all of the affected areas have been addressed.”

The agency’s new Facilities Management Division Manager, Rick Johnson, was introduced to the commission. As leader of the newly-organized division, Johnson will oversee the design, construction and maintenance of the agency’s buildings statewide, including maintenance facilities, construction residencies, field division offices and port of entry 20

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

The commission approved a contract with a $16.7 million base bid and potential early completion incentives for construction of a new eastbound I-40 off-ramp to Washington St. in Weatherford. Additionally, the Washington St. bridge over I-40 will be reconstructed and seven miles of interstate will be resurfaced. Commissioners approved a contract with a $9.6 million base bid with potential early completion incentives for reconstruction and widening of more than one mile of SH-9 beginning near 24th Ave. S.E. in Norman. This is one of several projects in ODOT’s Eight-year Construction Work Plan to eventually widen SH-9 to four lanes between Norman and Tecumseh.

They also awarded a $6.6 million contract for replacement of structurally deficient bridges on US-81 north of Medford in Grant County and a nearly $5.9 million contract to replace the structurally deficient SH-9 bridge over the Union Pacific railroad near Eufaula in McIntosh County.

In all, commissioners awarded 29 contracts totaling more than $82 million to improve bridges, highways, interstates and roads in 23 counties.

Contracts were awarded for projects in Atoka, Bryan, Cimarron, Cleveland, Custer, Delaware, Dewey, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Kingfisher, Kiowa, McIntosh, Marshall, Mayes, Murray, Nowata, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Rogers and Texas counties.

The eight-member panel, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction every month.

The panel’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7 at 11 a.m. in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building in Oklahoma City. Before a project is awarded, ODOT researches, plans and designs the work to be done.

Contracts are bid competitively, with the commission selecting the winning firm. Typically, work begins several weeks or months after contracts are awarded. Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.okladot.state.ok.us.

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MEMBER NEWS

HELP INC. ANNOUNCES NEW CONTRACT WITH XEROX in 15 different states through the PrePass Plus system, with expansion of the service to several new facilities to be announced soon.

HELP Inc. (HELP) the non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to motor carrier safety and efficiency, has again selected Xerox as its vendor partner for technology solutions, site operations and customer service for PrePass – its advanced Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) technology – and other truck safety and commercial enforcement tools.

HELP and the Commercial Vehicle Operations Division acquired by Xerox in 2009 have partnered in the transportation field for nearly two decades.

PrePass is North America’s largest truck safety e-screening and pre-clearance network, with more than 300 operational sites in 31 states and several new sites in various stages of planning and construction. PrePass reached an enrollment milestone of 461,974 qualified trucks from nearly 37,000 fleets by the end of 2013, making it the largest deployment of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology in the U.S. today.

"With an abundance of technology choices and vendors available today, HELP's board of directors voted overwhelmingly to renew its contractual arrangement with Xerox," said Karen Rasmussen, HELP's president and CEO. "The board and I have complete confidence in Xerox’s technology leadership and superior customer service, both for our current offerings and in the years ahead."

"Xerox values its relationship with HELP Inc., the oldest, most successful transportation public-private partnership in North America," said Rich Bastan, group president, Americas Commercial and State Government Transportation for Xerox. "The new agreement allows both organizations to continue our tradition of providing innovative, world-class technology tools to enable HELP's state agency partners and motor carrier customers to operate more efficiently."

PrePass saves the trucking industry time, fuel and money, enabling qualified motor carriers to electronically comply with state and federal safety, weight, and credential requirements by eliminating the need to stop at equipped weigh stations. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in the 16 years that HELP has been collecting bypass data, PrePass has also reduced truck emissions by 507,326 metric tons.

HELP and Xerox also offer electronic pre-payment of truck tolls on 78 different toll roads, turnpikes, tunnels and bridges 22

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

About HELP Inc. Visionary trucking company executives, enforcement agencies and state departments of transportation founded HELP as a non-profit in 1993 to improve highway safety and efficiency. HELP ensures its initiatives benefit both public and private sectors through safety policies developed by a Board of Directors comprised of an equal number of public officials and commercial vehicle operators from each member state. HELP provides each state with control over its bypass criteria to accommodate each jurisdiction’s unique needs, staffing and enforcement priorities. In addition to PrePass and PrePass Plus, HELP also offers the e-screening system 360SmartView and other technology solutions. HELP's investment of more than $400 million has sped the deployment of intelligent transportation systems and has improved safety, air quality and highway preservation. For additional information, visit www.helpinc. us.

About Xerox Since the invention of Xerography 75 years ago, the people of Xerox (NYSE: XRX) have helped businesses simplify the way work gets done. Today, we are the global leader in business process and document management, helping people be more efficient so they can focus on their real business.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., more than 140,000 Xerox employees serve clients in 160 countries, providing business services, printing equipment and software for commercial and government organizations. Learn more at www.xerox. com.

SAFETY IS OUR PASSION

WE VALUE THE SAFETY OF YOUR COMPANY AND YOUR DRIVERS We give you tools to reduce crashes and save lives. Our safety professionals are there to consult with you on your company’s safety program which includes assisting you with your regularly scheduled educational seminars, keeping you informed on the latest safety and risk management techniques and regulatory changes in the trucking industry.

We understand your business. Since trucking is all we do, we know the importance of keeping your trucks moving safely. Our ValueDriven® Company program, which includes modules on safe driving, health, leadership, and operations, is designed to easily help you create and maintain a safety culture within your organization.

We help keep you moving. We provide your drivers with techniques to improve the overall driving experience with tips on staying alert, eating right, proper lifting, and getting enough exercise.

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MEMBER NEWS

LOVE’S TRUCK TIRE CARE EXPANDS TIRE OFFERINGS Love’s Travel Stops (Love’s) has consistently remained a top choice for professional truck drivers because of its commitment to customer service and its adherence to offer a variety of products. Love’s Truck Tire Care centers recently provided more diversity by adding tire brand offerings Goodyear and Continental. The additions provide professional drivers with a well-rounded tire selection.

“We are pleased to announce the expansion of these reliable and proven products,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman. “The lifeblood of a driver is being on the road, and we believe it’s our responsibility to offer the best range of products and services to get them back on the road quickly, safely and with proven products.”

Love’s also offers Bridgestone, Firestone, Aeolus, Michelin, Michelin Retreat Technologies, BF Goodrich and Yokohama.

Top-notch service will also be available to professional drivers in more parts of the country as the number of locations offering light mechanical services is expected to more than double this year. Of the more than 180 Love’s Truck Tire Care locations, light mechanical services are currently offered at nearly 70. Love’s also operates two tire care centers with full-service maintenance. Expanding light mechanical locations means drivers can count on quality service and professionalism for electrical repairs, belts and hoses, fleet and DOT inspections, brake repairs and more.

“We’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response since light mechanical services were introduced in 2012. We’re fortunate to be in the position to expand and give truck drivers easy access to services that are imperative to their livelihoods,” said Love.

Love’s is also reinvesting in its existing truck tire care centers. Immediate plans call for expanding many current shops to include additional warehouse space. The expanded facilities will also give professional drivers waiting on services a comfortable place to rest. All newly constructed tire shops will feature attached and enclosed bays, more room and increased amenities.

Love’s roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The improved Love’s Truck Tire Care dispatch center can send a Love’s certified technician to a driver’s location to help in emergency situations. More information about Love’s Truck Tire Care centers and roadside service can be found at http://www. loves.com or 1-800-OKLOVES. Founded in 1964 by Tom Love, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and remains entirely family-owned and operated. With more than 310 locations and 180 Love’s Truck Tire Care centers in 39 states, Love’s approximate growth rate is 20 stores per year. Love’s is currently ranked No. 9 on Forbes Magazine’s annual listing of America’s Largest Private Companies. To learn more, go to http://www.loves.com, Facebook or follow @LovesTravelStops on Twitter.

24

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

MEMBER NEWS

SOUTHWEST TRAILERS & EQUIPMENT RECRUIT MITCHELL BROWN Southwest Trailers & Equipment would like to announce the addition of Mitchell Brown to their trailer sales staff in Oklahoma City. Mitchell will be covering southern Oklahoma as part of his territory for new & used trailer sales. He is the son of the late Dale Brown of Dale Brown Inc., and will graduate from the University of Central Oklahoma this spring with a degree in Business Management.

Specializing in Battery Removal and Recycling Members of OTA since 1988

Madewell & Madewell, Inc., since 1953 405.399.2201 • Jones, OK Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

25

TlYory al FEn M oh SwAith J E

N

ZO

SPEEDING AND THE CONSEQUENCES Officer, “Did you realize you were speeding?” Driver, “Yes sir, but this load was going to be late and I had to hurry to get it there on time.” In the trucking industry we all have we heard this statement numerous times.

Speeding is definitely a problem that can have serious consequences. The trucking industry doesn’t have adequate training criteria on the market that will define all the consequences or repercussions it creates. And a Driver can have his CDL revoked.

A driver receives a failed DOT with speeding noted in the comments and the Officer does not issue a ticket. Since it was just a warning the driver believes that he was lucky and now doesn’t have anything to worry about and it doesn’t count against me. Most speeding violations happen when the speed limit changes due to a construction zone or coming down from highway speeds into a city street speed.

Chances of a crash go up to 40% at 1 to 10 over and 67% at 15 over but that’s not all. There are insurance implications, cancellation, high risk, or exclusion from your insurance company.

Also fines by the states for speeding are reckless driving.

Fuel consumption is a big factor when speeds get above 55 mph. The fuel costs alone can increase up to 2.5 mpg. Don’t forget extra maintenance cost for wear and tear. Just the brakes and tire wear is about 15%.

When an accident occurs and the driver was only 5 mph over the speed limit it causes a collision that could be the difference of a near miss or the fatality accident that was 20 mph over the speed limit could have been just a minor fender bender.

Speeding is a choice. Something you can control. What can we do to change this? Knowledge is power and with education to drivers and the trucking industry together that explains the whole story this is where the OSMC can help training and instruction with having a whole safety group to get knowledge from.

26

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Winter 2014

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LEFT David McCorkle (McCorkle Truck Line), Dan Case (OTA), and David Schneider (Schneider Law Offices)

MIDWINTER CONFERENCE February 26 | Oklahoma City Waterford Marriott Things have been more hectic than usual in terms of regulatory issues in the trucing industry this year. That’s why the 2014 Midwinter Conference took the theme of “Regulatory Tsunami.”

The conference was sponsored by Oklahoma City Freightliner • Western Star, Tulsa Freightliner • Western Star, Bruckner Truck Sales, Inc., Hamm & Phillips Serivce Company, Rush Truck Center, and T&W Tire.

The event was held at the Waterford Marriott in Oklahoma City on February 26. This year was a change from previous years, in which the normally two-day conference was condensed into one day this year.

Breakfast was sponsored by CorVel Corporation, Great West Casualty Company, Help Inc., and Melton Truck Lines, Inc., and Lunch sponsors included: Drivers Legal Plan, Environmental Management, Glass Trucking, Goodyear Commercial Tire &

Service Centers, Great West Casualty Company, Madewell & Madewell, Inc., McCorkle Truck Lines, Inc., Mondics Insurance Group, Inc., and Southwest Trailers & Equipment.

The Break sponsors were: Cline Wood Agency, Great West Casualty Company, Help, Inc., Melton Truck Lines, Inc., and Triad Transport.

Attendees were given the opportunity to learn about important issues to the industry. Speakers and topics included: LEFT Steven Ralston (Freymiller), Janet Case, Steve Niswander (Groendyke Transport), and Benton Landers (ATA)

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Driver Retention presented by Kelly Anderson of Impact Training Solutions, Inc., Interoperability of Highways presented by Karen Rasmussen of Help Inc., Workers’ Comp Reform Updates presented

by Chuck Dicker of Mondics Insurance Group and Jeff Black of Bonham & Howard Law Firm, as well as updates from the FMCSA, TMC, OSMC, an Oklahoma Economic Forecast by Rep. Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Jackson, and an ATA Legislative Update presented by Dave Osiecki of ATA. After the speakers and updates, a Legislative Reception was held at the Waterford Marriott. This reception provided attendees with an opportunity to network and to meet state legislators and representatives.

ABOVE Midwinter Conference Attendees enjoy the Legislative Reception at the Waterford Marriott in Oklahoma City

The day concluded with the Annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet that took place at the Jim Thorpe Association & Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

R

egulatory Tsu

nami

ABOVE Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal Plan), Brad Klepper (Drivers Legal Plan), Chip Land (Drivers Legal Plan), and Mike Stone (Beaver Express).

BELOW Oklahoma Corporation Commission Vice Chairman Patrice Douglas, speaks to attendees from Hamm & Phillips during the Legislative Reception.

Donor Dinner Each year, the OTA celebrates its top donors from the prior year at the Annual Donor Dinner Celebration. The OTA is extremely grateful for its members, and thanks go to all of the members who have contributed to the successes of the OTA throughout the year. Whether you have an advertisement in the OMC or Annual Directory, of if you are a Grand Sponsor of one of our events throughout the year, your contributions are essential to our cause.

LaVern McCorkle (McCorkle Truck Lines), Adam and Jennifer Dye (Southwest Trailers and Equipment).

Karen Rasmussen (Help, Inc.) gives the keynote address during the annual Donor Dinner.

Dieter Patraw (Southern Tire Mart) and Fred Bucklin

RUSH TRUCK CENTER Michael Mayer and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

OKLAHOMA CITY FREIGHTLINER • WESTERN STAR & TULSA FREIGHTLINER • WESTERN STAR

GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY Scott Sullins and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

BRUCKNER TRUCK SALES INC. Ken Davis, OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal), and Bob Acker.

Fred Bucklin and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

UPS

HELP INC.

Danny Smith and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

Dan Case (OTA), Karen Rasmussen, and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

HAMM & PHILLIPS SERVICE COMPANY

TRIAD TRANSPORT INC.

Dusty Runnels and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

T&W TIRE Kane Russell and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

John Allen Titsworth and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

MELTON TRUCK LINES Angie Buchanan and and OTA Chairman Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal).

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

35

PHOTOS BY APRYL BOYD

2013 FLEET SAFETY AWARDS

Only the best. These individuals and companies devote their lives to safety and bettering the image of trucking. For one night, we are able to celebrate and reward their efforts in Oklahoma.

T

he annual fleet safety awards recognize the best companies in Oklahoma trucking.

OTA members must apply for consideration in the awards, and each company is placed into a specific route and mileage category with their peers.

If they choose, companies may also submit a separate application for consideration for the grand trophy award, where a panel of judges from the law enforcement and federal motor carrier safety administration choose from the winners of the classes. The grand trophy winner is awarded with the prized “crystal truck,” one of the highest honors in the industry.

The awards are hosted by the Oklahoma Trucking Association and Oklahoma Safety Management Council. The Fleet Safety Awards, including the Grand Trophy Award are donated by Great West Casualty Company.

Dave Osiecki, Executive Vice President & Chief of National Advocacy at ATA, gives the keynote address at the Fleet Safety Awards Banquet.

This year’s Fleet Safety Awards Banquet was sponsored by the American Trucking Associations, Pilot Logistics Services, and UPS. The Safety Awards Banquet program was sponsored by Beaver Express Service, LLC, Central Tech, Compliance Concepts of Oklahoma, Drivers Legal Plan, Groendyke Transport, Inc., J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc., Kelworth Trucking Co., and LuGreg Trucking, LLC. Additional photos of the event can be viewed on our Facebook page.

Scott Sullins (Great West Casualty) awaits to award another winner while Steve Niswander (Groendyke Transport, Inc) announces the winners.

Leslie Tallent, Sabrina Beebe, Scott Sullins (Great West Casualty), and Dusty Runnels are presented with the Grand Trophy award for Hamm & Phillips Service Company.

OTA Chairman, Jim Klepper of Drivers Legal Plan, introduces the evening’s guests at the annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet.

SECOND PLACE: NILES TRANSPORTATION, INC.

FIRST PLACE: FTC TRANSPORTATION, INC.

IRREGULAR UNDER 1 MILLION MILES

SECOND PLACE: D&M CARRIERS LLC DBA FREYMILLER

FIRST PLACE: TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

THIRD PLACE: GLASS TI LLC

38

IRREGULAR 1-5 MILLION MILES

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

SECOND PLACE: HAMM & PHILLIPS SERVICE COMPANY, INC.

FIRST PLACE: ABF FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC.

THIRD PLACE: JOHN CHRISTNER TRUCKING

IRREGULAR OVER 5 MILLION MILES

FIRST PLACE: AAA COOPER TRANSPORTATION

REGULAR 1-5 MILLION MILES Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

39

SECOND PLACE: BEAVER EXPRESS SERVICE, LLC

FIRST PLACE: UPS (UNITED PARCEL SERVICE)

REGULAR OVER 5 MILLION MILES

FIRST PLACE: HOFFMEIER, INC.

PETROLEUM UNDER 1 MILLION MILES 40

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

FIRST PLACE: COFFEYVILLE RESOURCES CRUDE TRANSPORTATION

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SECOND PLACE: LUGREG TRUCKING, LLC

FIRST PLACE: TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

MISCELLANEOUS 1-5 MILLION MILES

THIRD PLACE: BIG MAC TANKS TRUCKS LLC

SECOND PLACE: FEDEX GROUND PACKAGE SYSTEM, INC.

FIRST PLACE: GROENDYKE TRANSPORT, INC.

MISCELLANEOUS OVER 5 MILLION MILES 42

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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SAFETY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

by Ronnie Helton

Drive and determination is what it takes to keep freight moving safely along Oklahoma's highways and byways. Every year, a group of previous Safety Professional of the Year award-recipients selects who has demonstrated the greatest commitment to fleet safety. In 2013, his forerunners decided that Chris Pape did it best.

For the past three years, Pape has been heavily involved in the Oklahoma Truck Driving Championships. In 2012, with his co-chair unable to attend, he still managed to single-handedly coordinate the activities of this large event. Similarly in 2013, he successfully chaired this event even with the added interruption of a tornado. His leadership ensured that the event still took place even with the venue losing power due to the storm.

44

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

In August 2013, he was promoted to Director of Safety and Training for Groendyke Transport. In a company that is a six-time Heil trophy winner for best overall safety record and program in the country, the job title is recognition in and of itself. In his current duties with Groendyke, he heads daily safety issues including accidents and product incidents while working closely with senior staff.

Pape has been a member of the Oklahoma Safety Management Council for the past five years, and is currently 1st Vice Chairman of the council.

THOMAS DAVIS

PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS

TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

Oklahoma Professional Drivers are selected by a panel of judges in the law enforcement and regulatory fields. They select the 12 of the best nominations from OTA member companies. From these twelve, one driver is then selected Davis has been driving for 36 years and has accumulated with the highest honor of Oklahoma Driver of the Year. over 1.8 million miles. He is married to wife Connie, and was the 2013 Triad Transport ”Driver of the Year.”

Not pictured are the following:

RICHARD BUTTS

DAVID REPASSY

Butts has been driving for 14.5 years and for over 560,000 miles. He has three children.

TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

BOB DOSSING

TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC. Dossing has been driving for 12 years and driven over 700,000 miles. He is married to wife Denise. He began his career as a musician in 1987. He played the drums for the heavy metal group Overkill, having many records and awards under the stage name Sid Falck.

Repassy has been driving for 13 years and driven over 441,000 miles. He is married to wife Misty and has six children.

HENRY HOWELL TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

JAMES DEWEY TAYLOR TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

Howell has been driving for 33 years and accumulated over Taylor has been driving for 12 years and driven 200,000 4.3 million miles. He is married to wife Mildred and has five miles. He is married to Michelle and they have nine children. children.

He also enjoys singing and playing guitar.

46

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

FREDRICK ROBATCEK

MIKE FRIEND

FTC TRANSPORTATION

TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

Robatcek has been driving for 38 years and over 2 million miles. He helped deliver a baby at a Denny’s Restaurant in Texarkana, Arkansas. Friend has been driving for 23 years and for over 320,000 miles. He is married to wife Leah and has two children.

PAMELA FREEMAN

JOHN THURMAN

JOHN CHRISTNER TRUCKING

UNITED PETROLEUM TRANSPORTS

Freeman has been driving for 20 years and accumulated over Thurman has been driving for nearly 30 years and accumulated 2.5 million miles. She is married to husband Tom and they 1.85 million miles. He is married to wife Lucretia and has two have three children. children.

RALPH LEROY ”ROY” THOMPSON TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

CHARLES C. WHISENHUNT JOHN CHRISTNER TRUCKING

Thompson has been driving for over 33 years and accumulated Whisenhunt has been driving for 19 years all together, 8 with over 1.2 million miles. He is married to wife Wanda and has John Christner Trucking. He has accumulated almost 1 million one child. miles. He is married to wife Linda and has two children.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

47

Southern Tire Mart

OKLAHOMA CITY 405-­‐943-­‐8341 24/7 SERVICE 1-­‐877-­‐786-­‐8473 WWW.STMTIRES.COM

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MILLION MILE DRIVERS This year there were 23 one million mile drivers, and four two million mile drivers. That’s over 31 million safe miles! These drivers are dedicated to safety and have driven these miles without an accident.

To give a little bit of perspective to that number, NASA’s Deep Impact spacecraft snapped this photo of the Earth and moon 31 million miles away in 2008. It took Deep Impact over three years of constant travel to reach that distance, which is a third of the distance to Mars.

NASA

ONE MILLION MILE DRIVERS

PILOT LOGISTICS SERVICES

LLOYD PACK

JOHN CHRISTNER TRUCKING LLC

TRIAD TRANSPORT, INC.

MICHAEL BOYKIN NELSON CHRISTOPHER BRYAN JASON CARON MICHAEL “TRAVIS” HOLDER ANTHONY “TONY” MEYER GARRY PACE TERRENCE “TERRY” REDDING CURT SOARD EARL ZEIMER

DWAYNE IRVIN MITCHELL

GLASS TI LLC

MILTON BROWN JR. JOHNY F HAWKINS CAL SPAULDING

UNITED PETROLEUM TRANSPORTS, INC.

DANNY MULLINS UPS

JIM AMMERMAN JIM HEIL RON WATTS

TWO MILLION MILE DRIVERS ABF FREIGHT SYSTEM, INC.

GARLAND WOODS

GROENDYKE TRANSPORT, INC.

MELTON TRUCK LINES

JAMES O. RYEL

TOM ARNOLD

MCCORKLE TRUCK LINE, INC.

PILOT LOGISTICS SERVICES

RANDEL J HACKBARTH

WAYNE SPEIGHTS

MELTON TRUCK LINES

UPS

RICHARD “MIKE” SIMPSON DAVID TAYLOR DONALD VASBINDER JR.

HAROLD YORK

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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JOHN THURMAN

DRIVER OF THE YEAR

by Ronnie Helton

When the selection the annual Driver of the Year recipient is made, it is with careful reflection of the merits of past honorees that guide them. These merits not only include obtainment of safe driving miles, but also considers the contributions of the individual to his or her community. The previous year's winner always leaves some pretty big shoes to fill. It's often difficult to decide not only who can fit those shoes, but also who has striven to stretch them. With these things in mind, the association has the great privilege to honor John Thurman of United Petroleum Transports as the 2013 Driver of the Year.

Thurman holds this honor not just for his over 30 years of driving, or his 75,000 annual driving miles, or for his 1.85 million safe driving miles with zero preventable accidents.

It is for all of these things, plus a shining commitment to community that he carries from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. He is a proud former Marine, with the honor of serving his country with boots on the ground through numerous deployments, including a recent deployment to 50

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

Afghanistan in 2011. He continues on in this commitment to country with his involvement with the Young Marines organization, where he mentors several youth, including his own son. Additionally, he is a standing member of the Marine Corps League.

In his position at United Petroleum Transports, he is ever marching toward improvement through cross-training in all of the products that its Tulsa office transports, including gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, caustics, lubes, and crude oil.

This ever-ready mentality makes him a valuable asset in hauling any number of products at any time. This constant pursuit of excellence has given him the honor of functioning in a leadership capacity to mentor less-experienced drivers.

Given his excellence in character, professionalism, and work ethic, UPT recently honored him as the company's Professional Driver of the Year.

Thurman shares his life with wife Lucretia and sons T'kye and John Jr. in Tulsa, OK.

Delivering specializeD insurance programs since 1977.

Owner Operators/Fleets 888.888.3093

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With 52 ProDrivers’ Service and Recruitment Centers around the nation, we have a deep understanding of our clients’ business and their expectations.

We meet the needs of both our drivers and clients! ProDrivers recruits and retains skilled D.O.T. qualified Class A&B drivers.

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ADVERTISING INDEX American Transfer & Storage

15 MHC Kenworth

ATC Freightliner

28 Midwest Decals

AON Risk Services Bell & Company

Bruckner’s Truck Sales Burnett Insurance Central Tech Cline Wood

Crawford-Phillips, Inc.

Cummins Southern Plains

21 Midlands Management

4

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9

41 ProDrivers 52 18 Rush Truck Centers

56

10 Southern Tire Mart

48

17 Shannies Art & Design 13 Southwest Trailers & Equipment 9 Summit Truck Group 6 T&W Tire

22 51

8 2

Drivers Legal Plan

52 United Petroleum Transports

21

Environmental Management

24 Utility Tri-State, Inc.

45

Eide Bailly

Frontier International

Great West Casualty Company Inland Truck Parts

43 UPS 32 55 Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems 23

11

16

Insurica 51 International Trucking Consultants

33

Mack Truck Sales of Tulsa, Inc.

15

J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Madewell & Madewell, Inc. Madewell & Madewell, Inc.

27 25 25

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? It’s a great way to support your association and get the word out about your business!

You can reach over 5,000 industry professionals each quarter by advertising in the Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine.

For more information or a current media kit, please visit http://www.oktrucking.org. or contact Shannon Helton at (405) 445-1790 or by email at shannonhelton@oktrucking.org.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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Member Spotlight Hamm & Phillips Service Company

Founded: 1966 (Incorporated in 1968) Headquarters: Enid, Oklahoma Owners: Subsidiary of Complete Production Services - Fluid

Management, owned by Superior Energy Services How did it all begin?

The company was started with a single forty barrel bobtail truck in 1966 and opened under the name “Harold Hamm Tank Truck Service.”

Since 1968 the company’s growth has been constant and steady. Growth continued through the oil “bust” in the 1980’s, mainly because of a sound conservative business practice, and the growth continues. Hamm & Phillips services Oklahoma, Texas Panhandle, SW Kansas, and the tri-state area of North and South Dakota and Montana.

What do you think sets you apart from other carriers?

Service. We have the best service in the industry. We’re also very spread out throughout Oklahoma. We also have locations in Western North Dakota. We’re versatile and can do all types of jobs, big and small.

What issue is the most important to your company right now?

People are the most important asset. Making sure you have people though, it’s always an issue, even when you’re down in business. Without people you don’t have anything. There’s an aging workforce and recruitment is necessary. We’ve worked on recruiting people in smaller towns, farm workers, but it’s still hard.

What do you think the greatest benefit from being an OTA member is?

Being able to meet people and share ideas. The networking. It’s also a good group for lobbying and we have a great leader in Dan. He knows how things work, and make sure that our needs are heard and met.

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Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2014

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