Officers Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kevin Savoy Vice Chairman . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne Watkins Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce MacDonald Immediate Past Chairman . . . . . . .Jack Brim
ATA Board of Directors Dennis Bailey, Robert Barnett, Aubrey Baugh, Rhonda Bees, Joe Black, Gary Bond, Ray Brock, Greg Brown, Will Bruser, Mike Callahan, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church, Mark Coffman, Jeff Coleman, John Collier, Rodger Collins, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Gail Cooper, Al Cox, Jerry Davis, Ranny Davis, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Russ Elrod, Dean Flint, Jack Fricks, Terry Kilpatrick, Jason King, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Drew Linn, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Tom McLeod, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Ross Neely, Jr., Tommy Neely, George Overstreet, Butch Owens, Clay Palm, Jim Pickens, Mike Pursley, David Rouse, Bill Scruggs, Danny Smith, Harold Sorrells, Ronnie Stephenson, Paul Storey, James Suttles, Bill Ward, Scott White, David Wildberger, Skip Williams, T.J. Willings, Keith Wise.
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Fleet Safety Awards
ATA’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council recently celebrated its safest trucking firms, fleet managers, and drivers at the group’s annual safety awards banquet. This year’s big winner was Alabama Driver of the Year George Jones of Evergreen Transportation.
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For the Long Haul
Nearly 400 ATA members and guests converged at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort in Destin, Fla. in April for the Association’s 76th Annual Convention and Membership Meeting. Attendees were treated to top-notch speakers and entertainers while challenged to ponder serious questions and ideas for spurring industry growth and improvement.
ATA Staff J. Frank Filgo, CAE, President & CEO Tim Frazier, CDS, Director of Safety & Member Services Jane Nixon, Executive Assistant Lynn Thornton, Bookkeeper Ford Boswell, Director of Communications Brandie Norcross, Administrative Assistant
Back-to-Back Champ
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AAA Cooper’s Gary Nuckolls posted the highest overall combined score to win his second straight Grand Champion trophy at the Alabama Truck Driving Championships.
ATA WCSIF Staff Kimble Coaker, CEO & Fund Administrator Don Boatright, COO Todd Hager, Director of Claims Debra Calhoun, Office Manager Scott Hunter, MS, CDS, Loss Control Engineer Duane Calhoun, CDS, Loss Control Engineer Kimberly Best, Payroll/Audit Coordinator Kim Campbell, Underwriting Coordinator Katie Edwards, Accounting Specialist Kim Sims, Administrative Assistant
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E P A R T M E N T S
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337. ADVERTISING RATES: Quoted upon request.
Alabama Trucking Association
Alabama Trucking Association 334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
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From the President
TRUK PAC wins major primary elections
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Frank Filgo, CAE President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association
‘TRUK PAC endorsed candidates, having opposition in the primaries, won 80 percent of the election contests.’
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labama’s June 3rd primary elections were forecast as the pivotal contests this election year. Traditionally, decisive races are reserved for the November general election, which places Republican nominees against Democrats. This year, however, the Alabama Teachers Union (AEA) recruited candidates to run in the Republican primary – and thus created a real game changer for more established candidates. AEA’s backed candidates received more than $7 million dollars in direct and in-direct campaign contributions. Due to the competitiveness of the primary elections, ATA’s TRUK PAC made the decision to place significant resources at the frontend of the election cycle rather than wait for the general election. The objective was to win decisive primary contests, thus leaving few key election contests to be determined in November. That stated, the June 3rd primary elections resulted in major victories for probusiness/pro-truck candidates. TRUK PAC endorsed candidates, having opposition in the primaries, won 80 percent of the election contests. Financial translation: Eightycents of every dollar spent by TRUK PAC went to winning candidates. On the other hand, AEA candidates won zero state wide races, zero State Senate races, and only a handful of State House contests. The highest profile races of the primary were AEA’s challenges to Republican Senate and House leaders Del Marsh and Mike Hubbard. The teachers’ union spent an unprecedented amount of money to defeat the GOP’s top two legislators, losing
both races by 20 points. In Hubbard’s race, it is estimated that AEA spent a whopping $500 per vote! To date, TRUK PAC has endorsed candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, two Court of Civil Appeals seats, 22 (of the 35) Senate and 49 (of 105) House seats. As we progress through this election year cycle, additional candidates are to be endorsed. TRUK PAC’s objective is to win the aforementioned statewide races and a majority of the seats in the State Senate and State House. Soon, ATA members will be invited to participate in the upcoming 2014 ATA Golf Classic, scheduled for September 30 at the Robert Trent Golf Course in Prattville, Ala. Since the Classic event is the primary fundraiser for TRUK PAC, it’s important that this year’s event generate the necessary funds required to win out. This year’s Classic is once again presented by McLeod Software, a company that has sponsored the event several times before. Also, ATA Board member Will Bruser will once again serve as the Classic Chairman. Will did a fantastic job last year keeping our tournament’s fundraising efforts on record pace. I am confident he will do it again. The upshot to all this is the 2014 elections will define state government for the next four years. ATA’s intent is to ensure that the vital role of trucking is recognized by our state’s policy-makers for many years to come. We want our state leaders to fully understand and appreciate that trucking is the wheels of Alabama’s economy — and we vote.
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Honoring Alabama’s Best ATA’s Safety and Maintenance Management Council showcases the state’s safest fleets, managers and drivers at annual awards ceremony. By Ford Boswell
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he Alabama Trucking Association’s Safety & Maintenance Management Council recognized its safest trucking firms, fleet managers and professional drivers at its annual Fleet Safety Awards held in late March at the Pelham Civic Complex, near Birmingham. These awards are given annually to Association member firms and their employees for excellence in industry safety and leadership among the state’s trucking community. Candidates are measured by accident frequency scores from the previous calendar year, while individual winners are nominated by their superiors who submit packets describing a candidate’s credentials and efforts in fleet safety and/or maintenance. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges composed of employees from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Alabama Dept. of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit. Candidate submissions remain anonymous to the panel until all winners are selected.
Driver of the Year The highlight of the evening was Evergreen Transportation’s George Jones being named the Alabama Driver of the Year. The award is sponsored by Southland International Trucks. A 40-year plus professional driver, Jones earned the honor for his commitment to industry safety and professionalism. His exemplary work ethic and passion for his profession is nothing short of inspiring. In a nominating letter to the awards committee, Evergreen Safety Director Randy Watson called Jones, “a man of great faith and character, blessed with leadership abilities evident from the moment you meet him.” 4
ATA Chairman Kevin Savoy (left) stands with Driver of the Year George Jones and award sponsor Drew Linn of Southland International Trucks.
Watson stated that Jones consistently leads by example, and his commitment to excellence in all areas of his life is shown in the way he carries himself. “You see it in the way he speaks to others, and especially how he treats his co-workers and customers,” Watson wrote. “He is an example for us all.” In four decades, Jones has logged more than 4 Million miles with only one minor accident, which happened as the result of a detour by local law enforcement. But even more impressive than his attention to detail is the fact that he has been with his current employer for his entire career behind the wheel of a truck. “That’s just unheard of these days,” remarked Watson. Over time, Jones has become an industry statesman for Evergreen. He’s been an active safety trainer for the firm and was instrumental in developing the fleet’s current driver training program. He is also an active participant in the state Dept. of Public Safety’s Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) program, and is the go-to guy when troopers request a ride-along driver during operations. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
His personal life is also a source of inspiration. “As one of the founders of the Christians’ United Church in Mobile, he frequently works with the less fortunate in his area. “He is just one of those people who when you come into contact with him you will walk away feeling uplifted,” Watson said. As part of his award, Jones and wife Wanda were guests of honor at ATA’s recent Annual Convention in Destin Fla. (See coverage of that event beginning on page 8). First Runner Up for Driver of the Year was Charles G. Lawson Trucking’s Homer Kuykendall of Montgomery. Kuykendall’s outstanding career began in 1953, operating everything from a reefer to a tanker. The son of a trucker, his career path was formed early while observing his father drive big rigs. Kuykendall While accumulating more than 6 million miles in his 60-plus year career, he has remained accident free. His accolades and resume are extensive. He has participated in the Alabama Truck Driving Championships for several years, placing among the top five drivers many times. He also served as one of first members of the Alabama Road Team when it was formed back in 2001. He won the Alabama Driver of the Year in 1999, and in 2007 was tapped Second Runner Up.
Safety Professional Another Charles G. Lawson employee Debbie Henderson took big honors at this year’s awards, earning Alabama Safety Professional of the Year. The award is sponsored by Nextran Truck Center. Henderson and Lawson consistently produce some of the best drivers in the state. In fact, the previous two Alabama Drivers of the Year, Recordo Jackson and Larry Thomas, are Henderson both Lawson drivers. As head of fleet safety for Lawson, Henderson is responsible for employee training, driver management and pre-hire screening for more than 150 drivers spread among three terminals. She has worked in fleet safety management for nearly 25 years – the last 10 with Lawson. She was named ATA’s top fleet safety professional in 1998 and has been among the finalist several times, including her last second runner up spot in 2011. “I’m very proud of these awards,” she told Alabama Trucker in 2011. “Being a woman in fleet safety can be a challenge, especially back when I started in the field, but there are more great women working in the field than ever. For me, this job is about having great drivers. I just try to treat our guys with respect and professionalism. I never tell a driver to do something, I tend to ask politely. But having great drivers starts at the hiring process, and we seek to hire great people to begin with. I’ve always heard when it comes to drivers, you hire your problems.” Henderson never dreamed she would make a career of fleet safety, and recalls being more or less pushed into the field by a previous employer. Over time she learned that she enjoys the work, and despite the long and occasionally sporadic hours, she couldn’t see herself working in another capacity. “I worked at a leasing company before I came here where my former boss just kind of threw me in there,” Henderson explains. “I A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
started doing tags and permits, ordering parts. A lot of it I suppose I learned on the job, but I’ve also been so lucky to have help from a lot of great folks along the way,” she says. “I learned a lot over the years working with great people like Judy Van Luchen (former state director for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration); Pat Patterson and Gene Vonderau (former safety director for the Association); and insurance reps and fleet safety experts from Great West Casualty. Those folks have made me a better safety professional, and make my job here easier to manage.” Her main focus now is ensuring Lawson drivers adhere to all safety requirements and guidelines, and to also make sure they deliver our customer’s goods and supplies to proper specs. With regard to recruitment, finding drivers who can handle the extra attention required to pull food grade tankers can be a challenge, she admits. “I can usually take a driver who has experience pulling a dry box and place him on our reefer fleet almost immediately,” she explains. But the transition to tankers is much more involved, not only from a driving aspect, but also in our responsibilities in meeting our customer’s very specific requirements for the various food grade products. There are the obvious learning curves with regard to safely pulling a tanker—for instance, the rollover ratio is so much higher for that type of trailer, but for us, there are also the certain needs of our customers, such as specific temperatures for items like vegetable oil.” ATA Director of Safety & Member Services Tim Frazier says that Henderson knows here stuff, but it’s her attention to detail that sets her apart. “Last year her company went through a buyout with a lot transition and change,” he explains. “She handled all that beautifully, and in the process even managed to improve the fleet’s safety score. Quite honestly, that made a huge impression on the judges.” Safety Pro Runner Up is James Ransom of Boyd Bros. Transportation in Clayton, Ala. Ransom is a veteran to this industry and no stranger to the Association or its Fleet Safety Awards, having been named ATA’s top safety pro three times before Ransom (1999, 2004 and 2008). He started with Boyd in the early 1980s when they were operating 75 trucks—today the company has grown to a fleet of more than 750 trucks. Ransom is responsible for the regulatory guidance and compliance of the entire fleet. More recently he has worked to implement a driver training simulator at Boyd that provides prospective drivers with real-world experience and training. This system was even utilized by the University of Alabama’s University Transportation Center for Alabama (UTCA) to conduct extensive studies regarding distracted driving amongst professional drivers. Ransom has also served in many capacities for the SMMC, including chairman for the Birmingham and Wiregrass chapters and Alabama Truck Driving Championships Chairman in 2002. At the national level, he has served on various committees for the American Trucking Association’s Safety Management Council, and currently as Chairman of its Awards and Recognition committee. For his efforts, he received National ATA’s Safety Professional of the Year in 2009.
Maintenance Professional This year’s top maintenance professional, Chuck Talbot of Evergreen Transportation, has more than 40 years of experience in fleet maintenance. He manages a fleet composed of 172 trucks and more 5
than 300 trailers. He plays an integral role in the maintenance program of his company and assists in making decisions on equipment purchased. The award is sponsored by Birmingham Freightliner. Evergreen is one of the first trucking fleets in the state to embrace compressed natural gas (CNG) equipped vehicles. As a key leader in that tran- Bonner sition, Talbot’s extensive knowledge of Class 8 trucks has allowed them to be successful in this endeavor. Likewise, as a long-time member of the SMMC, having served in numerous leadership roles, Talbot is often referred to when extensive maintenance questions arise. “With his extensive background and training he has under his belt, he is definitely a valuable resource to his company and for our Association,” ATA Safety Director Frazier says.
Fleet Manager Two years ago, Birmingham-based P&S Transportation expanded its operation with a new terminal in West Alabama, near Mobile.
The company installed this year’s Fleet Manager of the Year Barry Bonner to oversee the daily schedules of nearly 75 drivers. His company credits his ability to manage such a large driver board to his commitment in developing personal relationships with those drivers. Bonner learned early in his career that without great drivers, success in the trucking business is just not possible. In turn, his attention to the needs of drivers consistently Talbot ranks P&S among the lowest in driver turnover. His supervisors state that Bonner sets the example for operations people when it comes to promoting safety, adding that he has an excellent understanding of the technology his company has embraced regarding vehicle and driver safety. His understanding of the systems in place and his personal relationships with the drivers allows him to contribute to the reduced accident rate for his company. Meanwhile, Bonner has done all this while pursuing a degree in accounting at the University of South Alabama. The Fleet Manager of the Year award is sponsored by York Financial Services.
Fleet Awards: ATA honors safest fleets General Commodities Linehaul Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place: Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. General Commodities Linehaul 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place: Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. (Van) 2nd Place: Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. 3rd Place: Montgomery Transport, LLC General Commodities Linehaul 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: B & G Supply Co., Inc. 2nd Place: Blair Logistics, LLC 3rd Place: Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. (FB) General Commodities Linehaul 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place: B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place: Boyd Bro’s Transportation, Inc. 3rd Place: WTI Transport General Commodities Linehaul over 10 Million Miles 1st Place: Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place: Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC 3rd Place: FedEx Freight, Inc. General Commodities Local under 1 Million Miles 1st Place: Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place: B&G Supply Company, Inc. 3rd Place: B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. General Commodities Local 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place: RM Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place: ABF Freight System, Inc. 3rd Place: Evergreen Transport, LLC General Commodities Local 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: FedEx Freight, Inc. 2nd Place: AAA Cooper Transportation 3rd Place: Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. General Commodities Local Over 5 Million Miles 1st Place: Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc.
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General Commodities Combined 0 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place: Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place: Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. (FB) 3rd Place: J&D Burgess, Inc. General Commodities Combined 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place: B&G Supply Co., Inc. 2nd Place: B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. 3rd Place: ABF Freight System, Inc. General Commodities Combined over 10 Million Miles 1st Place: Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place: FedEx Freight, Inc. 3rd Place: AAA Cooper Transportation Tank Truck 1st Place: Charles G. Lawson Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place: Action Resources, Inc. 3rd Place: J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Hazardous Materials 1st Place: Georgia Tank Lines, LLC 2nd Place: Barnett Transportation, Inc. Miscellaneous Category 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place: Massey Hauling Co., Inc. Miscellaneous Category Over 10 Million Miles 1st Place: FedEx Ground Package System Household Goods 1st Place: Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. Private Carrier Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place: Golden Flake Snack Foods, Inc. Private Carrier Over 5 Million Miles 1st Place: American Proteins, Inc. President’s Award B&G Supply Co., Inc. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
ATA 2014 ANNUAL CONVENTION & MEETING Focused on a Brighter Future By Ford Boswell
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ith the industry firing on all cylinders in recovery mode, the Alabama Trucking Association held its annual meeting in April at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort, touting a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to improve trucking’s public image as a leader among Alabama business community. The tone of this year’s event was indeed quite different from the previous year when the Association celebrated 75 years of service to the industry, looking back at its accomplishments and milestones from nearly eight decades. This time around the group focused on the next 75 years of trucking with an eye toward spurring growth and improvement while showcasing all the industry has to offer. The event drew 397 attendees representing more than 127 trucking related firms. Sponsorships totaled $219,650 – a little less than $500 off from last year’s record total. Conversely, the event earned $130,290 in registration fees, eclipsing the previous year’s totals by more than $700. “The financial key to the success of every convention is found with the support of the ATA Board of Directors and the membership in general,” said Convention Chairman Wayne Watkins of Watkins Trucking Co. in Birmingham. “The Association has many dedicated members who continuously support and attend events year after year. We are grateful to all who supported our convention this year.”
Speakers & Presentations With compelling and inspiring presentations from expert demographer Ken Gronbach; former professional baseball pitcher Jim Morris; and American Trucking Associations Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Jeff Mason, the three-day meeting focused mainly on lifting the industry’s profile to attract a younger workforce as the baby
boomer generation prepares to retire. The impending exodus from the industry of a workforce composed of those born between 1946 and 1964 has many experts concerned that a lack of qualified drivers, service technicians and fleet managers will hamstring the industry as capacity continues to grow. Gronbach’s presentation focused heavily on these looming changes in the workforce and how business owners can profit from the sweeping demographic shifts that will take shape over the coming decade. Building on the idea that the industry has to do more to protect itself from special interests groups and seek ways to attract a younger generation to the industry Mason’s presentation introduced his organization’s Trucking Moves American Forward public awareness campaign. It’s mission is to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy, and to build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry. An attendee favorite was former major league baseball pitcher Jim Morris, who in his late 30s became a major league pitcher for the Florida Marlins. His story was made into a major motion picture from Disney in 2002. Morris described his early years in Texas, how he became one of the oldest players to play pro baseball, and delivered an inspiring presentation about overcoming obstacles and staying true to one’s self and maintaining a positive outlook even when others may not share your vision.
Recognitions & Entertainment Several members were honored throughout the weekend starting with Tom McLeod of McLeod Software for his firm’s support of the ATA Golf Classic. McLeod Software has been a strong supporter of the Association for more than a decade and has been very supportive of the annual ATA Golf Classic, a political
fundraiser that generates funds for state and local political elections. Also honored was last year’s Classic Chairman Will Bruser of Truckworx Kenworth, who with the support of his committee raised nearly $200,000—the most in the event’s history. Saturday evening’s Chairman’s Dinner in honor of ATA Chairman Kevin Savoy of Greenbush Logistics also held a host of presentations and top-notch entertainment. Current Alabama Driver of the Year, Evergreen Transportation’s George Jones was introduced. A 40-year plus professional driver, Jones earned the honor for his commitment to industry safety and professionalism. His exemplary work ethic and passion for his profession is nothing short of inspiring. In a nominating letter to the awards committee, Evergreen Safety Director Randy Watson called Jones, “a man of great faith and character, blessed with leadership abilities evident from the moment you meet him.” Another special presentation honored longtime ATA employee Jane Nixon for 40 years of service to the Association. In a surprise announcement, Savoy called Nixon to the stage during the Chairman’s Dinner. “Jane is our longest serving staff member, and she has always been one of our Association’s most dedicated employees,” Savoy told convention attendees.
Webb Award The Association also honored Boyd Bros. Transportation CEO Gail Cooper for lifetime achievement and service to the trucking industry. The Association presented Cooper with its H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service, an annual award given to members of the Association for their work to improve the trucking industry, as well as their service to the Association, and to the communities where they live and work. It is the highest honor for an ATA member. Cooper’s contributions to trucking are many. For nearly 30 years she has worked for the family trucking business, becoming its CEO in 2000 and guiding it to become one of the most successful and respected trucking firms in the country. In 2010, she was elected as the Association’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. She is the first and only woman 10
to hold the office in the Association’s 76-year history. According to ATA president and CEO Frank Filgo, Cooper bolstered the Association’s stature as one of the state’s leading highway and driver safety advocates by investing in proven initiatives administered by state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (or TACT) program; the Federal Motor Carrier Administration’s safety monitoring program Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA); and federal and state lawmakers’ efforts to enact across-the-board bans on texting while driving by commercial and non-commercial drivers. “She offered the perfect blend of tradition and innovation to guide us through some pretty rough times,” Filgo said. “She led with grace and conviction and was an outstanding representative for the state’s trucking industry. She was the perfect person for the time.” Her father, the late Dempsey Boyd, was co-founder of Boyd Bros. and a trucking institution, having supported the industry and the Association for more than 40 years. He also served as its Chairman in 1983 and would later go on to receive the Webb Award in 1987.
Star Performance Wrapping the Association’s 76th Annual Convention was a special solo performance from Richie McDonald, lead singer and songwriter for one of country music’s preeminent groups, Lonestar. McDonald has long been one of music’s most accomplished and wide-ranging talents. Recognized as one of country’s best singers, he has been the face and voice for Lonestar for more than 20 years. A polished and engaging entertainer, he is among the industry‘s most successful songwriters, penning some of the era’s most memorable songs and earned a mantle full of awards and nominations McDonald sat front-and-center, only a few feet from the audience. He sang his songs with only his acoustic guitar or a piano. He told stories about his family, his career, the inspiration for many of the songs he performed. It was a wonderful cap to a great Convention. Next year’s convention is set for April 23-25, 2015 and will again be held at the Hilton Sandestin. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
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By Ford Boswell PELHAM, Ala.— eteran driver Gary Nuckolls posted the highest overall combined score of 364 points, earning the right to lift the Grand Champion trophy at the Alabama Trucking Association’s Truck Driving Championships held here June 6 at the Pelham Civic Complex. It was the AAA Cooper driver’s second straight Grand Champion title. A former Alabama Truck Driver of the
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Year (2004) and class winner at numerous Alabama TDCs, Nuckolls won the 4-Axle Van class by 73 points, edging his closest class winner by 33 points. He even improved his overall high score from the previous year by more than 30 points. “He has been one of the more consistently dominant TDC competitors of the last decade or so,” said ATA Director of Safety Tim Frazier, who oversees the tournament. “He wins or places in the top three nearly every year. We even have requests from Continued on page 20
TDC Chairman Johnathan Marshall (left) presents the Grand Champion trophy to Gary Nuckolls. 16
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Tony Johnson, Step Van
Mike Manzella, 5-axle
Mike Umphrey, 3-axle
Rusty Holmes, Tanker
Steve Brannen, Sleeper
Mark Knight, Twins
Steve Pressley, Flatbed
Glenn Murks, Straight
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other competitors asking which class he is going to be in so they can move to another one.” He and the rest of the class winners will represent the state at the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championships set for August 12-16 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Other class winners were Mike Manzella of Wal-Mart Transportation, Five-Axle; Mike Umphrey of Conway Freight, Inspection High Scorer Patrick Bright Rookie of the Year James Sharpe Three Axle; Rusty Holmes of and driving record and must remain acciUPS Freight, Tank Trailer; Steve Brannen of dent-free (regardless of fault) for one year to Wal-Mart Transportation, Sleeper Berth; be eligible to compete. Most of them win Stephen Pressley of AAA Cooper, Flatbed; company contests to qualify for the state Glenn Murks of Wal-Mart Transportation, competition. Straight Truck; Mark Knight of AAA CoopOther honors were given to Rookie of er, Twins; and Tony Johnson of UPS the Year Straight Class contestant James Freight, Step Van. Sharpe of Buddy Moore Transportation The annual event, sponsored by ATA’s who scored a combined 227 point; Patrick Safety and Maintenance Management Bright of Wal-Mart Transportation who Council (SMMC), attracted nearly 100 posted the highest score (40 out of 50) on drivers representing more than a dozen Asthe pre-trip inspection portion of the comsociation member firms, and approximatepetition; and Ladies SUV Champ Cindy ly 300 onlookers who spent the day Cosper. grilling, watching the festivities, and cheerThe event raised an estimated $24,000, ing competitors. which came from corporate sponsorships Alabama TDC contestants are chosen by and contestant entry fees. After expenses, their individual employers for their safety
Ladies SUV Champ Cindy Cosper
proceeds benefit the SMMC’s diesel technician education program that awards cash scholarships to deserving students at various state community colleges. “Once again, the support from our member firms, either through the donation of funds or equipment and even just sending drivers to compete is crucial to the success of this event,” said TDC Chairman Johnathan Marshall of P&S Transportation. Frazier added that “this year we didn’t quite have the number of contestants we usually have due to the freight being so strong and some of our smaller carriers simply couldn’t spare their drivers, but we are extremely grateful for those who could support our event.”
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Four Star Freightliner JP Transportation Safety Consulting Southern Auto Glass
BRONZE SPONSORS B&G Supply Co. Steel City Welding & Repair
2014 ALABAMA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS Safety • Professionalism • Knowledge • Skill 20
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and I wasn’t expecting to go this far,” he said. “I felt confident going into it and confident in my answers. In this program, we learn theory in the classroom for about an hour, and then it is hands-on in the shop. We work as a team and we all try to help teach someone something each day. We want to see each of us go out and get good jobs.” Cote said his interest in diesel and heavy equipment mechanics stems from his first truck at the age of 16. “I got the truck and stayed in the mud, so it was constantly broken. I found I had a knack to work on it,” he said. Now he is preparing for national competition this summer, and said the experience is opening doors for him and other students. “There are a lot of companies that look at you, and I got a job offer from Caterpillar even before the competition started,” he said.
Diesel gold for two LBWCC students Two students from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Opp proved they have the knowledge and skills to take the top spots in diesel and heavy equipment mechanics during the recent SkillsUSA state competition in Birmingham. Now heading to national competition are Ben Cote of Daphne, 18, and Andrew Driver of Rose Hill, 16, after winning the gold award in postsecondary and high school competitions, respectively. Each scored the highest in their division on the three components of competition: a written test, hands-on demonstration, and job interview. In the hands-on demonstration, contestants cycle through 14 stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, power train systems including chassis, LBWCC Diesel Tech program director Eddie Spann (left) with star stutransmissions and carriers. Contestdents Andrew Driver and Ben Cote ants also demonstrate skills in hydraulic systems, vehicle inspections, fundaDriver, who is an incoming senior at mental failure analysis, brake systems, air-conSouthern Pines Christian Academy, said ditioning systems and general shop skills. choosing the diesel and heavy equipment me“This year’s event had the most competichanics program was a right fit for him. tors ever for the diesel skills competition,” “I’ve always loved to take stuff apart and said Eddie Spann, LBWCC diesel technolosee how things work,” he said. “God has giftgy program instructor. “It was held at ed me with this ability and I want to serve Thompson Caterpillar in Birmingham.” Him in everything I do. I’m good at it, so this Spann said Driver, a dual enrollment stuis the field I need to be in.” dent, faced 19 competitors in the high He said his strong point is transmissions school competition, including last year’s and he got a perfect score for putting the gold medal winner. main shaft gears together in under a minute. “He beat the gold medal and the one Driver serves his fellow classmates as class who placed fourteenth in the nation last chaplain and conducts weekly devotionals. As year,” he said, adding that Driver will comhe prepares for national competition, he said plete LBWCC’s program before graduating he is excited and a little nervous. from high school. “Everyone here has our backs. They push “Ben is in his second semester in the prous to keep learning so we could get to this gram and beat one of the most outstanding point, and I am thankful for my classmates,” diesel students in the state who had actually said Driver. worked in the career field over three years,” “I also thank my parents, Jay and Robyn said Spann. Driver, for how they raised me, and my “What they know came from everyday exchurch family for their prayers and support.” periences in the diesel program. We only preDriver’s future plans include attending Troy pared for the competition for two weeks. University, getting experience in the field, and They have a good shot at the nationals.” ultimately to become a diesel instructor. Cote, in his second semester at LBWCC, The Alabama Trucking Association and said winning is a dream come true. its Safety & Maintenance Management “This is my first year in the competition Council have been financial supporters of 22
LBW Diesel Tech program for more than a decade. ATA supports many other state technical schools with scholarships and equipment donations.
FMCSA announces changes to reporting of adjudicated citations The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that beginning August 23, 2014, motor carriers and drivers will be able to request the removal of roadside inspection violations from agency data systems to more accurately reflect outcomes of judicial proceedings. The updated policy will enable carriers and drivers to request, through the DataQs system the removal of violations that were previously uploaded into FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System by state enforcement agencies when a driver is found not guilty or if a violation is dismissed in court. FMCSA systems will continue to retain and display violations that result in a conviction or payment of fine. Persons who plead to or are convicted of a lesser charge will also have that information reflected. The changes are part of the agency’s continued effort to improve the quality and uniformity of violation data that is accessible across FMCSA systems to sharpen the focus on unsafe carriers and drivers. FMCSA considered more than 100 public comments before finalizing the updated policy, which has wide support within the commercial motor vehicle industry. For more information, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov. DOE’s ‘SuperTruck’ program to meet fuel efficiency goals The research and development project sponsored by the Department of Energy known as “SuperTruck” is on track to meet the goal of 10-plus miles-per-gallon average tractor-trailer fuel economy, according to a new report. The report by the International Council on Clean Transportation found the four groups working on the project are on schedule to meet the goal of a 50 percent increase in overall tractor-trailer freight efficiency and a 20 percent increase in engine efficiency. “It’s still early in the game, and the main point is how the various teams are finding unique pathways for dramatic efficiency gains,” Nic Lutsey, ICCT’s heavy-duty vehicle program director said in a statement. “Among the findings, the Cummins-Peterbilt team seems to have really demonstrated the importance of emerging new engine technologies toward achieving the engine and full-vehicle goals,” Lutsey said. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
The teams led by Cummins and Daimler met the 50 percent freight efficiency goal in 2013, and the Cummins team already had achieved a more than 20 percent gain in engine efficiency, according to the report. The study found that the program has helped vet particular advanced technologies, such as waste-heat recovery systems, new transmissions and ultra-aerodynamic tractor-trailers, helping those new technologies get closer to commercialization.
Medical Registry requirement now in effect Despite calls from the American Trucking Associations and other advocacy groups, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proceeded with their plan to require all truck drivers seeking medical certification or recertification to do so using a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Following similar requests from the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Agricultural Retailers Association, ATA asked FMCSA for a short, reasonable delay of registry implementation (six months). Of chief concern is the insufficient number of medical examiners available to meet expected driver demand. Drivers who live in rural, underserved areas may
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experience additional challenges as they look for nearby certified medical examiners. In some cases, drivers may be required to travel long distances at considerable cost. Some drivers may also see higher than usual prices too, as a result of the limited supply of medical examiners. “The American Trucking Associations supports the registry as a way to ensure medical examiners serving the industry have a broad understanding of the challenges truck drivers face every day,” said Dave Osiecki, Executive Vice President and Chief of National Advocacy. “It is unfortunate, however, that FMCSA declined to take a more pragmatic approach to ensuring the registry was sufficiently populated by granting ATA’s request for a reasonable, short delay.” Motor carriers must verify compliance with this rule prior to dispatching a newly certified driver by matching the national registry ID listed on the driver’s medical examiner’s certificate (i.e. med card) to the Federal database. To do this, motor carriers are to go to FMCSA’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners web page where they can search for the examiner using this number. To be listed on the registry, a medical examiner must attend an approved training class designed to highlight the unique health
concerns of truck drivers and must pass a test confirming comprehension. Medical examiners can find more information on how to be certified on FMCSA’s website.
FMCSA changes truck-trailer weight definition According to a report from Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has changed the definition of weight in single-unit trucks towing a trailer. The final rule’s intent is to better clarify how law enforcement determines if a driver of a particular configuration must have a commercial driver license (CDL). It comes in response to a petition from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which represents enforcement officers who have found it difficult to determine the status of these rigs. The change concerns the relationship between “gross combination weight rating” and “commercial motor vehicle.” It says enforcement officials can determine the GCWR from the certification label on the power unit. If that information is not on the label, the GCWR can be determined by adding the gross vehicle weights on the labels of both units. If the methods produce different numbers, the higher number will apply.
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April truckload shipments rise Truckload carriers’ freight volumes accelerated in April, rising 4.6 percent compared with last year, and recorded a sequential improvement of 3.7 percent, which was a twoyear high, American Trucking Associations reported. ATA’s monthly report reflected gains for dry van carriers with $30 million or more in revenue as well as a 10.8 percent yearover-year rise in tank truck freight and 2.5 percent for flatbed freight, both on a sequential basis. Bob Costello, ATA’s senior economist, attributed the gain to an improving economy.
“Dry van was good,” he told Transport Topics on June 4. “I am most pleased about that because that reflects the broadest part of the economy, and that trucking sector had not been performing very well.” “There was a nice gain, but we are still not back to where we were in November,” Costello said, referring to a month when tonnage and load levels peaked. Other truckload sectors showed a mix of performance. Shipments rose 10.8 percent on a month-to-month basis and 4.8 percent year-over-year for tank trucks, whose volume has been buoyed by energy exploration.
Support builds for fuel-tax increase to pay for transportation According to a report by David Tanner of Land Line, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, DConn., plans to introduce a bill that would increase federal fuel taxes by 12 cents over the next two years to pay for transportation, and his announcement immediately drew support from AAA. Murphy announced his plan during a recent news conference about the need to repair and replace aging and obsolete infrastructure. Murphy’s proposal calls for a 6-cent increase in 2015 and a 6-cent increase in 2016. Land Line also reported that AAA endorsed the proposal, and released results of a survey that demonstrates public willingness to pay a bit more at the pump to benefit transportation. “We continue to hear from members of Congress – and we have for years – that the gas tax is a non-starter, that it’s politically impossible. I think that this poll really helps to illustrate that some of that is not borne out by the numbers,” AAA Director of Federal Relations Avery Ash told “Land Line Now” in June. Two-thirds of the more than 2,000 respondents to the AAA survey said taxes on gasoline and diesel were appropriate for funding transportation, and 52 percent of respondents said they’d be willing to pay more at the pump to improve the system. AAA also says nearly three times as many people would likely vote for a member of Congress who supports increased spending for transportation than would be less likely. “All the way down the line, every time the question is asked, ‘how are we going to fund our transportation system?’ The answer that keeps coming back is the gas tax,”Ash said. “It’s the most proven, it’s the most efficient, and it’s the most elegant solution to getting this done in the short term. … Nobody wants to pay more, but people are willing to pay more if they understand the money that’s being raised is being spent on projects that benefit them, that increase mobility and increase safety.” The average motorist pays about $95 a year in federal taxes at the pump based on the gasoline tax of 18.4 cents per gallon. Truckers, on the other hand, spend considerably more. The OOIDA Foundation estimates that an owner-operator who buys 20,000 gallons of fuel a year pays about $4,880 in diesel taxes based on the rate of 24.4 cents per gallon. Some members of Congress have floated fuel-tax proposals in recent years, but they haven’t stuck. Murphy has not formally introduced his bill, but was quoted as saying new money for transportation is not going to fall from the trees.
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“Tank truck was gangbusters,” Costello said. “After three surprisingly cruddy months due to weather, they snapped back in April. They have been the real stars of the trucking industry over the past few years.” Flatbed loads improved on a year-overyear basis for the first time this year, Costello said. Refrigerated freight was 4.1 percent higher compared with last April and down 2.5 percent from March, reflecting a seasonal move, the ATA official said. Small truckload fleets, with annual revenue below $30 million, did not fare as well and continued a trend of weakening business. They lost 2.1 percent of volume from March and 5.6 percent when measured against April of last year. The report also noted improving trends in the smaller less-than-truckload category with a 0.3 percent sequential improvement and an 8.9 percent year-over-year rise. Truckload is about eight times larger than LTL by revenue. Multiple sources, including carriers, load board operators, the Federal Reserve and analysts also reported improving conditions.
Industry report confirms trucking as dominant freight mode American Trucking Associations has released its latest edition of American Trucking Trends, the annual almanac of trucking and freight transportation, which confirms the industry’s role as the primary mover of freight in the United States. “This report shows once again what a critical role trucking plays in the U.S. economy,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “Trucking continues to move the most, and most valuable, freight in the United States despite the challenges of congestion, regulations and crumbling infrastructure. “It is fitting this report is being released at the start of Infrastructure Week,” Graves added. “Our industry’s growth in the face of continued road and bridge deterioration has been amazing, but it is time for our elected leaders to do their part to insure that the highways we use to move America’s goods safely and efficiently are in good condition.” A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
Among the findings in American Trucking Trends: 1) trucks moved 69.1 percent of all domestic freight tonnage, up from 68.5 percent the previous year; 2) the industry also collected 81.2 percent of all freight revenue, up from 80.7 percent in 2012; 3) trucks move the majority of all NAFTA trade, hauling 55.4 percent of all trade with Canada and 65.4 percent of all trade with Mexico; 4) trucking employed more than 7 million people in 2013; and 5) the industry paid $37.8 billion in state and federal highway user fees. “Trends is an annual almanac, a snapshot, of what the trucking industry, and really what the freight economy, looks like,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “These numbers tell us what is happening in trucking and that’s important for industry leaders, suppliers and policymakers.”
Former DOT chief LaHood calls U.S. infrastructure ‘one big pothole’ Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood told attendees of the ALK Technology Summit in Princeton, N.J., that while the U.S. is “the greatest country in the world [our] transportation and infrastructure is a big mess.”
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State to create tax tribunal By legislation (HB 105) signed into law by Governor Bentley last session, and effective October 1 this year, Alabama will finally get an independent tax tribunal to hear tax appeals. Alabama is one of the last states to have such an independent agency. The new body will have jurisdiction over decisions of the state department of revenue and those of local governments on their sales taxes, unless a locality opts out. Many localities in Alabama employ their own sales tax auditors or use contract auditors, and this has evidently resulted in conflicting practices and interpretations of the law. The first chief judge of the tribunal is expected to be current chief administrative law judge Bill Thompson, whose decisions are highly regarded. The legislation also adds to taxpayers’ procedural protections under the state’s taxpayer bill of rights. LaHood served as theSecretary of Transportation from 2009 to 2013, the only Republican in President Barack Obama’s cabinet.
While the severe winter of 2013-2014 didn’t do much to help the already poor state of the U.S. road infrastructure, LaHood primarily blamed lawmakers who believe they have been “elected to vote against everything,” he said. “There’s not the same level of vision in Congress today.” He noted that the U.S. Interstate system, which was built during the post-World War II boom years, was among the best in the world and a job creator. “It you build it, it creates jobs,” he said. “When you build roadways, you create an economic engine and that’s what infrastructure is about.” LaHood, who became a professional colleague and then a friend of then U.S. Senator Obama, has spent 35 years in public service, including as a congressman from the state of Illinois. On top of his declaration that the U.S. infrastructure is in dire shape, LaHood had an even more dire warning for the ALK Technology Summit attendees. The Highway Trust Fund, which is financed by fuel taxes at the pump, is set to expire, and will effectively cut the lifeblood to the U.S. Interstate infrastructure. He went on to predict that with the November bi-elections looming, Congress will most likely finance the Highway Trust Fund Continued on page 26
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from the General fund, calling the idea “a disaster.” In spite of his dire warnings, LaHood did have a remedy for the issue, and it was sitting in the room in front of him. “Everyone has a representative in Congress and two senators. You need to start talking,” he said. “You need to educate lawmakers about technology in transportation. We need your help. We need to elect people who want to continue to solve problems and move the country forward.” More specifically, he said that the fuel tax needs to be renewed for another six years and indexed, as it was in the 1980s during the Reagan Administration, to account for inflation. LaHood noted that this fuel tax was proposed and passed in the 1980s. “Infrastructure has always been a bi-partisan issue,” he said. While LaHood’s speech included dire warnings, he sees greatness in the country still and left the audience with a kind of challenge. “Every generation in America has left a legacy for the next generation. What are we
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going to leave? What are you going to do for your kids and grandkids?” he asked rhetorically.
Trucking adds 1,500 jobs Trucking accounted for 1,500 of the 217,000 jobs added in May, and the U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.3 percent, the Labor Department reported. The job increase was above economists’ forecasts of 215,000, Bloomberg News reported. The transportation and warehousing sector, which includes trucking, added 16,400 positions in May. The 217,000 rise followed a 282,000 gain in April. “It’s in line with where we ultimately think the pace of job growth will be this year,” said Michelle Girard, chief U.S. economist at RBS Securities. The figure is “consistent with an economy that is growing between 2 percent and 2.5 percent.” Manufacturing added 10,000 jobs, following an increase of 4,000 in March. Construction companies added 6,000 workers, after a 34,000 rise in March. The increase in payrolls put total employment beyond its peak of 138.4 million reached in January 2008, one month after the start of the deepest recession since
World War II, Bloomberg reported. “It’s taken an extremely long period of time to gain back all of those jobs, much longer than any other cycle,” said Tom Porcelli, chief U.S. economist at RBC Capital Markets. “It really drives home how painfully slow the process has been.”
Coleman World Group assists with relief effort During the first week of June, Coleman World Group assisted area members of the United Methodist Church with their collection of relief kits. The collection drive coincided with the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference and all items were donated in support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a worldwide organization that is dedicated to addressing issues related to human suffering around the globe. It is the fifth year that Coleman World Group has assisted with this supply drive. During the collection process area churches were able to gather approximately 2,900 relief kits. UMCOR encourages the donations of different types of essential goods that will assist with providing the following basic needs to struggling communiContinued on page 28
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ALLiEd nEWs Four Star Freightliner adds to staff Chuck Cole has been hired by Four Star Freightliner as brand manager to represent its Western Star line of trucks. Cole has more than 35 years of sales experience and has spent the last seven years in the trucking industry. He will be working out of the Montgomery, Ala. office and covering Four Star Freightliner’s area of responsibility which includes Alabama, Georgia and the Florida panhandle. “I’m looking forward to a long relationship with Four Star Freightliner and growing the Western Star brand,” said Cole. “I love the challenge of a Chuck Cole new venture and building new relationships.” Cole brings a wealth of knowledge from a competitor brand that Western Star will be competing against. “We decided the time was right to separate the Western Star and Freightliner brands as they have overlapping products and we need to really focus on both products in the marketplace,” said David Turner, New Truck Manager. “This will allow Chuck the opportunity to become an expert with the Western Star brand and he will represent it well.” Chuck can be reached by phone at 205542-7112 or by email at chuckc@fourstar freightliner.com Four Star Freightliner also hired Byron Wise as a new and used truck sales representative covering its lower Alabama territory and beyond. He will be based from Four Star’s Dothan branch. Four Star officials say Wise bring more than a decade of industrial and construction sales experience to complement an eager and outgoing personality that will deliver outstanding sales and service to current and fuByron Wise ture Four Star customers. New Truck Manager David Turner is confident that Wise will put his sales and customer skills to work immediately. “Byron had outside sales experience and an outgoing personality and that fits well with truck sales,” said Turner. Wise can be reached by phone at 334-790-6557 or by email at byronwise@fourstarfreightliner.com.
Rick Hunter joins Transportation Safety Services Transportation Safety Services has added Rick Hunter to its team as a OSHA and workplace safety expert. “Unlike other current TSS experts, Rick’s expertise is in workplace safety, as it relates to transportation, manufacturing and warehousing,” said TSS president Lane VanIngen. “Rick brings 35 years of experience as a professional safety and loss control engineer, most recently as the Director of Loss Control and Safety for the Alabama Trucking Association Worker’s Compensation Fund. During his time with the Fund, he directed all loss control activities, including management of all of the fund’s loss control engineers.” Hunter worked as a senior loss control engineer for Southern Risk Services/McGriff, Seibel‘s and Williams handling liability and workman’s compensation accounts. Hunter also served as the safety, health and compliance engineer for Russell Corp. for more than 20 years, where he was responsible for accident prevention and OSHA compliance.
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ties: bedding, birthing, cleaning, health, layette, sewing, and school kits. The kits provide essential supplies to areas around the globe that face drastic needs. After all items were collected in Montgomery, Coleman World Group transported these supplies to the headquarters for UMCOR’s relief supply operations in Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. Each year, more than 2,000 volunteers prepare about $4 million in supplies for shipment from the Baldwin campus.
FMCSA proposes electronic logging devices for nearly all trucks The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a revised proposal to mandate that electronic logging devices be installed in interstate commercial trucks and buses. The agency says the requirement will better enforce hours-of-service rules, reduce paperwork burdens on carriers and ensure that drivers are not harassed. The new proposal supplements the agency’s February 2011 proposal. According to Transport Topics, FMCSA stopped work on that requirement in 2012 after a federal court ruled that a previous regulation mandating the devices for some carriers did not properly prevent the ELDs from being used to harass drivers. “Today’s proposal will improve safety while helping businesses by cutting unnecessary paperwork — exactly the type of government streamlining President Obama called for in his State of the Union address,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement. “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 proposal addresses new technical specifications for ELDs, mandates ELDs for drivers currently using record of duty status, clarifies hours-of-service supporting document requirements and outlines procedural and technical provisions aimed at ensuring that ELDs are not used to harass vehicle operators. “By implementing electronic logging devices, we will advance our mission to increase safety and prevent fatigued drivers from getting behind the wheel,” FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said in the statement. “With broad support from safety adA LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
vocates, carriers and members of Congress, we are committed to achieving this important step in the commercial bus and truck industries.” In an effort to allay drivers’ and motor carriers’ fears, FMCSA said in its statement that the rule protects privacy because electronic logs would only be available to law enforcement or FMCSA during roadside inspections, compliance reviews and postcrash investigations. “American Trucking Associations supports FMCSA’s efforts to mandate these devices in commercial vehicles as a way to improve safety and compliance in the trucking industry and to level the playing field with thousands for fleets that have already voluntarily moved to this technology,” ATA President Bill Graves said. The rule would come with a new prohibition on carriers harassing drivers, which could carry an $11,000 fine. Carriers must allow drivers access to their logs, and the devices must be able to be muted when drivers sleep. FMCSA estimated the mandate would save 20 lives and prevent 434 injuries each year, with a net benefit to the country of $394.8 million annually. “Impaired driving, including fatigue, was listed as a factor in more than 12 percent of the 129,120 total
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crashes that involved large trucks or buses in 2012,” the agency said. FMCSA will soon publish the proposal in the Federal Register, starting a 60-day period during which the public can comment on it. The agency will then consider the comments before making the rule final. As proposed, the mandate would take effect two years after FMCSA makes it final. Carriers and drivers using compliance electronic logs will be allowed to continue using them for two more years after the rule takes effect.
FMCSA to deactivate outdated DOT numbers The American Trucking Associations reports that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration began deactivating the U.S. DOT numbers of motor carriers who have failed to update their MCS-150 registration information, as part of the biennial update requirement. The requirement, part of the Unified Registration System process, is an effort by FMCSA to maintain more accurate information on motor carriers subject to FMCSA’s jurisdiction. In November 2013, FMCSA notified by email and via warning
letters those required to update their registration information by January 2014 that they would be deactivated beginning in March. Motor carriers, freight forwarders, and brokers who do not fulfill their biennial update requirement on time can face penalties of up to $1,000 per day with a maximum of $10,000 total in addition to having their operating authority deactivated. FMCSA will continue to deactivate U.S. DOT numbers for those who fail to update their MCS-150 forms within two months of their assigned biennial update deadline. Motor carriers can reference 49 C.F.R. 390.19(b) to determine their biennial update deadline. Motor carrier registration updates can be completed online.
Cargo theft loss jumps 38.5 percent despite fewer thefts In the first quarter of 2014 a total of 206 full-truckload cargo theft incidents in the United States were recorded, according to a new report from logistics security services provider FreightWatch International. The average loss value per was $207,982. Compared with the first quarter of 2013, this represent a 4.9 percent deContinued on page 30
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crease in volume, but is a 38.5 percent increase in loss value, “indicating the continued persistence and increasing sophistication of organized cargo criminals,” the company said. Food/drinks was again the product type most often stolen in the quarter, accounting for 21 percent of all incidents. Home/garden took the second place spot from typical runner-up, electronics, recording 15 percent of thefts, mainly consisting of appliances, furniture and home decor. The electronics industry experienced 13 percent of thefts, primarily of televisions and computer components. While the average loss value across all incidents was $207,982, the average losses in specific product types varied widely. In this quarter, the clothing/shoes category had the highest loss value, at $943,699. California once again claimed the top spot with 27 percent of the total thefts. Florida’s had 20 percent of all incidents, while Georgia supplanted Texas, which is normally in a battle for second place with Florida, with 11.2 percent of all thefts. Close behind, Texas logged 10.7 percent of
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the total. Illinois, sustaining the elevated numbers seen in 2013, placed fifth with 7.3 percent of all thefts. The top five states combined accounted for more than 76 percent of all national cargo thefts. Unsecured parking, experienced 122 thefts during the first quarter, primarily at truck stops, was the location targeted most often by cargo thieves when a location was recorded. Warehouse/distribution centers narrowly surpassed secured parking locations, with 12 thefts to secured parking’s 11 incidents. Following usual trends, incidents involving theft of trailer/container, 176 in all, were most common during the first quarter, accounting for 85 percent of all thefts. Theft from trailer/container comprised 10 thefts in this quarter and was the second most prevalent theft type. Deceptive pickups, down from last year’s numbers, still came in third with nine incidents, a 57 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. “Although there were many more reports of carriers with compromised identity than usual, indicating that this theft type is still on the rise, FreightWatch is committed to the integrity of our data and only records confirmed theft instances,” the company said.
Alabama’s STAR ID program effective Dec. 1 Beginning Dec. 1, federal security authorities like the TSA at airports or guards at federally secured buildings will look for a new type of identification. It’s a driver’s license called a STAR ID. STAR stands for “Secure, Trusted and Reliable.” According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, it’s now part of a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards, and was developed to fight terrorism and reduce fraud. According DPS officials, the program is a result of Congress passing the REAL-ID Act of 2005. To fly in the domestic U.S. you must have either a STAR ID or a government-issued passport as of December 1, 2014. This is for anyone born after Dec. 1, 1964. Those born before that date will have until December 1, 2017 to secure a new STAR I.D. How do you get a STAR ID? Even though it will replace your driver’s license once you get one, it’s not as simple as renewing it at your county courthouse. It’s a brand new license, so you’ll have to visit the driver’s license office in your county. For more information visit DPS website dps.alabama.gov.
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“Trucking’s Voice in Alabama”
PO Box 242337 • Montgomery, AL 36124-2337 • Phone: (334)834-3983 • Fax: (334)262-6504
Application For Membership DIVISION Motor Carriers: ❑ Domiciled In Alabama ❑ All other For-Hire ❑ Household Movers ❑ Private Carriers
Allied Industry: ❑ Local and State Suppliers ❑ Nat’l Concerns, small items ❑ Nat’l Concerns, major items
Your Dues Amount: $ __________________ (see schedule on reverse) Firm Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (PO Box) ____________________________________(Street)__________________________________________________ City __________________________________________State __________________________ Zip ________________________ Telephone: __________________________________Fax ______________________________800/ __________________________ Email address: ________________________________________Website Address: __________________________________________ Type of Business: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Official Representative : __________________________________________________Title: __________________________________ Alternate Representative: __________________________________________________Title: __________________________________ Signed: ______________________________________Date: ____________Referred by:____________________________________
CONTRIBUTIONS OR GIFTS TO THE ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, INC., ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. HOWEVER, THEY MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ORDINARY AND NECESSARY BUSINESS EXPENSES.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY CODE # _________________ Freq_____________________
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Dues Amt ________________
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MAG __________________
400 ____________________
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AL Sen___________________
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Schedule of Membership Dues A. Motor Carriers Domiciled in Alabama 1) Gross Annual Revenue Under and not over 1,000,000 and not over 5,000,000 and not over 10,000,000 and not over 15,000,000
$999,999 4,999,999 9,999,999 14,999,999 19,999,999
Annual Dues $500 600 900 1,200 1,500
2) Gross Annual Revenue 20,000,000 and not over 25,000,000 and not over 30,000,000 and not over 35,000,000 and not over 40,000,000 and over
$24,999,999 29,999,999 34,999,999 39,999,999
Annual Dues $1,800 2,100 2,400 2,700 3,000
B. All Other For-Hire and Private Carriers Schedule based on miles traveled in Alabama From 0 500,001 1,000,001 2,000,001 3,000,001 4,000,001 5,000,001 6,000,001 7,000,001 8,000,001 9,000,001
To 500,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 8,000,000 9,000,000 10,000,000
Annual $200 250 360 510 640 750 870 960 1,040 1,150 1,250
From 10,000,001 11,000,001 12,000,001 13,000,001 14,000,001 15,000,001 16,000,001 17,000,001 18,000,001 19,000,001 20,000,001
To 11,000,000 12,000,000 13,000,000 14,000,000 15,000,000 16,000,000 17,000,000 18,000,000 19,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000
Annual $1,320 1,410 1,495 1,575 1,650 1,720 1,795 1,865 1,950 2,030 2,500
C. Allied Industry – Annual Dues • Local and State Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 • National Concerns (distributors or manufactuers of accessories, parts and small equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400 • National Concerns (distributors or manufacturers of major equipment, integrated product lines, leasing companies and companies marketing statewide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600 D. Household Movers Based on intrastate revenue only - includes tariff participation 1) Gross Annual Revenue Not Over 100,001 and not over 150,001 and not over 200,000 and not over
$100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000
Annual Dues $420 480 540 660
2) Gross Annual Revenue 250,001 and not over 300,001 and not over 400,001 and not over
Annual Dues $780 $300,000 900 400,000 1,200 500,000
Payment Schedule (Dues payable in advance) Below $500...................................................................Annually $500 - $1,200 ......................................................Semi-Annually
Above $1,200 ................................................................Monthly
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT – The amount of dues paid by individual members of the Alabama Trucking Association is confidential information and is not subject to publication. Dues information can only be released by ATA to the principal representative of the member in question, and requests by other persons or parties will not be honored. Members are strongly urged to honor this privacy statement and to not share their confidential dues information with other ATA members or the general public. 32
A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014
2014 ATA Buyer’s Guide We make every effort to ensure this list is correct. For changes or corrections to your company’s listing, contact Jane Nixon at jnixon@alabamatrucking.org.
The Baxter Agency (334) 678-5900 www.baxteragency.com
Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have taking an active role in supportBB & T Insurance Services ing Alabama’s trucking industry by becoming members of the Association. We ask that each time you (912) 201-4706 plan a purchase that you consult this guide and give ATA members the opportunity to gain your business. Benton & Parker Insurance Services These companies proudly support your association and deserve your support, as well. ADVERTISING/PUBLISHING Randall-Reilly Business Media & Information (205) 349-2990 www.rrpub.com The Trucking Summit (917) 502-0139 www.truckingsummit.com BUS SALES & SERVICE Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Transportation South, Inc. (205) 663-2287 www.thebuscenter.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. (334) 693-3318 www.rushingenterprises.com
Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (903) 792-3866 www.lmstrucking.com
Paccar Parts/Kenworth (205) 679-7925 www.kenworth.com
ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Mid-South, LLC (901) 488-8033 www.cumminsmidsouth.com
Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net
Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com EQUIPMENT LEASING Eagle Equipment Leasing LLC (205) 999-5410 H.E.C. Leasing, LLC (615) 471-9300 www.hecleasing.com KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC (205) 515-1478 www.kllm.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net
COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS CarrierWeb LLC (770) 289-8005 www.carrierweb.com
Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com
Fleetmatics (727) 674-2838 www.fleetmatics.com
Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com
J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com
Transport Enterprise Leasing LLC (423) 463-3390 www.transportenterpriseleasing.com
Omnitracs, Inc. (770) 232-9541 www.omnitracs.com
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING BigBee Steel (256) 383-7322 www.bigbee.com
PeopleNet (407) 593-2188 www.peoplenetonline.com Rand McNally (501) 835-1585 www.randmcnally.com SmartDrive Systems (858) 225-5550 www.smartdrive.net DRIVER STAFFING TransForce, Inc. (205) 916-0259 www.transforce.com Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-5855 www.transportationsupport.com EDUCATION & TRAINING J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 945-8550 www.jptsc.com Transportation Safety Services (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com Trucking Partners, LLC (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com USA Driver-s, Inc. (205) 661-0712 www.usadrivers.com
Star Truck Parts (205) 324-4681 Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-MobileMontgomery (205) 591-2424 www.midstatetk.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 www.wwwilliams.com ESTATE AND BUSINESS PLANNING Christian & Small LLP (205) 795-6588 www.csattorneys.com FINANCIAL SERVICES BancorpSouth Equipment Finance (205) 422-7111 www.bxsequipmentfinance.com Comdata (615) 376-6824 www.comdata.com Electronic Funds Source LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com Freight Capital (800) 775-0391 www.freightcapital.com
Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing (334) 398-1410 GE Capital www.roadranger.com (770) 960-6307 www.ge.com Phillips Industries (706) 202-5348 People’s Capital & Leasing Corp. www.phillipsind.com (205) 856-9354 www.peoples.com EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Dana People’s United Equipment (734) 516-8032 Finance Corp. www.dana.com (205) 664-9374 www.financialfederal.com Delco Remy PNC Financial Services Group (205) 515-7330 (251) 441-7286 www.pnc.com Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 Renasant Bank www.dothantarp.com (334) 301-5955 www.renasantbank.com GFA, Alabama (205) 481-1090 ServisFirst Bank www.gfany.net (205) 949-3433 www.servisfirstbank.com Imperial Supplies LLC (800) 558-2808 Wells Fargo Equipment Finance www.imperialsupplies.com (314) 374-2165 www.wellsfargo.com Kinedyne Corp. (334) 365-2919 INSURANCE www.kinedyne.com American Claims Service, Inc. (205) 669-1177 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems 334/798-0080 Aon Risk Solutions www.arvinmeritor.com (501) 374-9300 www.aon.com Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. (205) 323-2877 Aronov Insurance, Inc. www.metrotrailer.net (205) 414-9575 www.aronovinsurance.com NAPA Auto Parts (205) 510-2900
(770) 536-8340 www.bentonandparker.com
Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com Cottingham and Butler (563) 587-5521 www.cottinghambutler.com Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc. (770) 729-8160 www.custard.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 670-6573 www.gwccnet.com Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695 Interstate Motor Carriers/Capacity Agency, LLC (251) 490-3190 Johnson-Locklin & Associates (205) 980-8008 www.johnson-locklin.com J.R. Prewitt & Associates, Inc. (205) 397-5118 www.jrprewitt.com The Kennion Group, Inc. (205) 969-1155 www.kennion.com Liberty Mutual Group (804) 380-5169 www.libertymutual,com Liberty Truck Insurance (205) 352-2598
York Risk Services Group (205) 581-9283 www.yorkrsg.com Zurich (704) 506-1951 www.zurichna.com/zdu MEDICAL/DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES Alabama Specialty Clinic (256) 736-1460 www.ascoccupationalhealth.com Carlisle Medical, Inc. (251) 344-7988 www.carlislemedical.com Employers Drug Program Mgmt., Inc. (205) 326-3100 www.edpm.com ErgoScience, Inc. (205) 879-6447 www.ergoscience.com J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5450 www.bhs-inc.com PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Clean Energy Fuels (423) 341-1779 Corridor Clean Fuels, LLC (256) 894-0098 Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511 GAIN Clean Fuel – Div. of US Oil (804) 291-7892 www.gainfuel.com Green Buffalo Fuel (716) 768-0611
Jack Green Oil Co., Inc. Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency, Inc. (256) 831-1038 (251) 473-4600 Kimbro Oil Company www.lyonfrycaden.com (615) 320-7484 www.kimbrooil.com Marvin Johnson & Associates, Inc. (812) 372-0841 Major Oil Company, Inc. www.mjai.com (334) 263-9070 www.unitedfoodandfuel.com McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc. (205) 252-9871 Pivotal LNG www.mcgriff.com (404) 783-3550 www.pivotallng.com Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 392-3800 Slidell Oil www.joemorten.com (334) 262-7301 www.slidelloil.com S. S. Nesbitt (205) 262-2620 The McPherson Companies, Inc. www.ssnesbitt.com (888) 802-7500 www.mcphersonoil.com Palomar Insurance Corp. (334) 270-0105 Trillium CNG www.palomarinsurance.com (678) 358-1365 www.trilliumcng.com Regions Insurance, Inc. (501) 661-4880 W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. www.regions.com (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com Regions Insurance (334) 808-9441 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES www.regionsinsurance.com Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. Reliance Partners, Inc. (334) 834-6640 (877) 668-1704 www.aldridgeborden.com www.reliancepartners.com Trans Con Assurance, LTD (205) 978-7070 Turner & Hamrick L.L.C. (334) 566-7665 www.turnerhamrick.com
Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (205) 250-5091 www.adamsandreese.com
(as of 06/18/2014) Austill, Lewis & Pipkin, P.C. (205) 870-3767 www.maplaw.com Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. (205) 328-0480 www.bakerdonelson.com Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. 334-387-7680 www.ball-ball.com Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson, P.C. (205) 822-2006 www.carrallison.com Christian & Small, LLP (205) 795-6588 www.csattorneys.com DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com Ferguson, Frost & Dodson, LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffdlaw.com Fisher & Phillips, LLP (404) 231-1400 www.laborlawyers.com Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedman-lawyers.com Hand Arendall LLC (251) 432-5511 www.handarendall.com James M. Sizemore, Jr. (256) 409-1985 McDowell Knight Roedder & , LLC (251) 432-5300 www.mcdowellknight.com Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow & Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000 www.starneslaw.com Webster, Henry, Lyons, White, Bradwell & Black, P.C. (334) 264-9472 www.websterhenry.com Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC (251) 694-1700 www.ziemanspeegle.com Other Services: Ahern & Associates LTD (602) 242-1030 www.ahern-LTD.com Alaplex Management, Inc./APLS, LLC (205) 871-0230 BancorpSouth Insurance Services (334) 272-1200 www.bxsi.com C & C Graphics (256) 727-5049 Delta Distributors, LLC (334) 222-3671 Direct Chassislink (704) 571-5408 www.chassislink.com Drivewyze (780) 461-3355 www.drivewyze.com
George L. Edwards & Associates (334) 745-5166
Carroll Truck Repair, Inc. (205) 983-3375
Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com
Nextran Truck Corporation (205) 841-4450 www.nextrancorp.com
Help, Inc. Provider of PrePass (931) 520-7170 www.prepass.com
Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 www.childersburg-truck.com
Equipment Logistics, Inc. (256) 739-9280
J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com
Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com
Fontaine Fifth Wheel NA (205) 421-4300 www.fifthwheel.com
Peterbilt Motors Co. (615) 208-1800 www.peterbilt.com
Jeffers Trucking, Inc. (205) 808-1112
Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc. (334) 687-0391
Great Dane Trailers (205) 324-3491 www.greatdanetrailers.com
JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.com
H & M Trailer Repair, Inc. (334) 262-0692
McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455 Power South Energy Cooperative (334) 427-3207 www.powersouth.com Preferred Risk Services (334) 836-0358 www.premployerinc.com Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 664-2000 www.specenviro.com Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com TMW Systems, Inc. (216) 831-6606 www.tmwsystems.com Todd & Sons (334) 794-0111 Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc (205) 226-5500 www.tlsincorp.com Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000 Transportation Compliance Services, USA (228) 872-7160 www.dottrucksafety.com Transportation Safety Services (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com TripPak SERVICES & ACS Advertising (801) 349-2433 www.acsexpeditedsolutions.com Trucking Partners, LLC (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com Real Estate: Mary Lou’s Team RE/MAX, Inc. (205) 566-5911 www.marylousteam.com Repairs: Big Moe Spring & Alignment of B’ham, Inc. (205) 780-0290 Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 birminghamframeandalignment.com Carl Carson Truck Center, Inc. (205) 592-9966 www.carlcarson.com Carrier Transicold South (404) 968-3130 www.ctsouth.com
Lazzari Truck Repair, Inc. (251) 626-5121 www.lazzaritruckrepair.com Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc. (205) 323-2877 www.metrotrailer.net Rowe Management Corp. (205) 486-9235 www.rowemachinery.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 www.wwwilliams.com TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS Best One Tire & Service (615) 207-9079 www.bestonetire.com
Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc. (251) 438-5521 www.gulfcity.com Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. (251) 476-2744 www.gulfcoasttruck.com R C Trailer Sales & Service Co., Inc. (205) 680-0924 www.rctrailersales.net Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com Tennessee Valley Recycling LLC (256) 353-6351 www.tvrllc.com Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573 www.transporttc.com Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC (334) 794-7345 www.utilityalabama.com
Peterbilt of Montgomery & Birmingham LLC (800) 264-4555 www.peterbilttruckcenters.com Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.com Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com Thompson/Caterpillar (205) 849-4365 www.thompsontractor.com Truckworx Kenworth — Birmingham (205) 326-6170 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Dothan (334) 712-4900 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Montgomery (334) 263-3101 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Mobile (251) 957-4000 www.TRUCKWORX.com
Michelin North America (864) 201-6177 www.michelintruck.com
Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS (256) 308-0162 www.TRUCKWORX.com Action Truck Center (334) 794-8505 Truckworx Kenworth – Thomasville www.actiontruckcenter.com (334) 636-4380 www.TRUCKWORX.com Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695 Truckworx Kenworth – Tuscaloosa www.birminghamfreightliner.com (205) 752-2886 www.TRUCKWORX.com Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer (334) 262-8856 Volvo Trucks North America www.capitalvolvo.com (336) 393-2975 www.volvotrucks.volvo.com Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 Ward International Trucks, LLC www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com Daimler Trucks NA LLC (404) 368-6860 TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERS www.freightlinertrucks.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 Eagle Equipment Leasing LLC www.taylorandmartin.com (205) 999-5410
Snider Fleet Solutions (404) 361-0130 www.snidertire.com
Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com
Tire Centers, LLC (205) 252-3150 www.tirecenters.com
Fleetco, Inc. (615) 256-0600 www.fleetco.net
Oasis Travel Center, LLC (251) 960-1148
Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (256) 878-0211 www.wilkstire.com
Four Star Freightliner (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) www.fourstarfreightliner.com
Pilot Flying J Centers (865) 207-3219 www.pilotflyingj.com
Yokohama Tire Corp. (317) 385-2611 www.yokohamatire.com
Long Lewis Western Star (205) 428-6241 www.longlewistrucks.com
TRAILER DEALERS/ MANUFACTURERS C & C Trailers, Inc. (334) 897-2202
Mack Trucks, Inc. (678) 201-4770 www.macktrucks.com
TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers (404) 231-4142 www.tatravelcenters.com
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (770) 317-5777 www.trucktires.com Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. (334) 376-0178 Columbus Tire Co., Inc. (706) 321-8133 www.columbustireco.com McGriff Tire Co. (256) 739-0710 www.mcgrifftire.com McGriff Treading Co., Inc. (256) 734-4298 www.mcgriffindustries.com
Dorsey Trailer (334) 897-2525 www.dorseytrailer.net
Navistar (813) 382-3113 www.internationaldelivers.com Neely Coble Co. (256) 350-1630 www.neelycoble.com
TRUCKSTOPS Love’s Travel Stops, Inc. (405) 202-4451 www.loves.com
VEHICLE LEASING Southland International Trucks, Inc. (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com
ATA
nEW mEmbERs & EvEnTs
New Members (as of 06-16-2014) Adams and Reese LLP 1901 6th Ave. North, Suite 3000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 250-5091 Mr. Stephen Walsh Big L Trucking P. O. Box 675 Snead, AL 35952 (205) 466-5878 Mr. Chad Underwood Boaz Foods, Inc P. O. Box 706 Boaz, AL 35957 (256) 593-4533 Mr. Jason Wilder BR Distribution Company 2283 Steele Station Road Rainbow City, AL 35906 (225) 241-2615 Mr. James Robinson Brannon Golden, LLC P. O. Box 1288 Troy, AL 36081 (334) 770-0182 Mr. Brannon Golden
Brookhill, LLC 2206 Brookhill Rd Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 714-9263 Mr. Alan Love
Dove Transportation, LLC P. O. Box 127 Lincoln, AL 35096 (205) 763-2977 Mr. Thomas M. Canada
L. C. Trucking Inc 607 Freedom Road Hayneville, AL 36040 (334) 875-1563 Mr. Lester Welch
SmartDrive Systems 9276 Scranton Rd #500 San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 225-5550 Mr. Kelley Overton
C & C Graphics 112 4th Street SW Cullman, AL 35055 (256) 727-5049 Mr. Scottie Stevens
Freight Commander Inc P. O. Box 2201 Muscle Shoals, AL 35662 (256) 702-4285 Ms. Cindy Walker
LDC, Inc 3634 Lingo Rd Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 983-4015 Ms. Grace Maloy
Tinsley Trucking, LLC 3160 Hwy 205 Albertville, AL 35950 (256) 996-2239 Mr. Gary Tinsley
C. U. Trucking, LLC 255 Moman Rd Horton, AL 35980 (205) 446-0101 Mr. Chad Underwood
Golden Carriers, LLC P. O. Box 503 Troy, AL 36081 (334) 566-4902 Mr. Jimmy Golden
M & S Farms 112 Morgan Street Opp, AL 36467 (334) 493-3068 Mr. Harold Sorrells
Todd & Sons P.O. Box 5546 Dothan, AL 36302 (334) 794-0111 Mr. William Todd
Dana 45 Arrow Pointe Youngsville, NC 27596 (734) 516-8032 Mr. Tom Hammond
J. R. Prewitt & Associates, Inc. 2146 Highland Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 397-5118 Ms. Linda Tilley
Petrey, W. L. Wholesale 3150 Tine Ave Montgomery, AL 36108 (334) 265-0964 Ms. Frances Wyrosdick
Trillium CNG 1671 Hemingway Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30043 (678) 358-1365 Ms. April Dents
Pivotal LNG 1874 Ramblers Inn Rd Jefferson, GA 30549 (404) 783-3550 Mr. David Jaskolski
USA Energy Co LLC 9002 Energy Lane Northport, AL 35476 (205) 758-0822 Mr. Daylen Stoutin, COO
Delco Remy 940 Mountain Branch Dr Birmingham, AL 35226 (205) 515-7330 Mr. Britt Caple
L & L Van Lines Inc. 816 Hwy 41 South Forsyth, GA 31029 (479) 994-1324 Ms. Vicky Washburn
A ADVERTISER Alabama Trucker (AT), the official publication of the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA), is an award-winning trade publication highlighting the Association's activities while documenting the business environment of the day. AT is published quarterly and distributed to more than 2,500 trucking executives, regulatory officials, and political figures. Want to reach decision makers at more than 1,500 Alabama-based trucking firms? Consider this: Advertising in AT reaches the most concentrated readership of trucking professionals in the state. Our rates are affordable, but on top of that, your helping ATA send positive messages about one of the state's largest employers.
Contact Ford Boswell at fboswell@alabamatrucking.org or 877-277-TRUK (8785) For More Information 36
D V E R T I S I N G
PG. NO.
I
N D E X
PH. NO.
ATA WCSIF BC (334) 834-7911 The Baxter Agency 26 (800) 873-8494 Bell & Co. 27 (501) 753-9700 Carrier Transicold South 33 (205) 328-7278 Great West Casualty Co. 25 (800) 228-8053 Greenbush Logistics 27 (877) 585-4749 Infiniti-i 21 (205) 585-3895 International Trucks IFC (800) 844-4102 Ira Phillips 11 (800) 673-6256 Johnson Locklin 30 (251) 947-3015 J.J. Keller IBC (888) 473-4638 ext. 7892 JP Transportation Safety Consulting 11 (205) 329-8183 Nextran Truck Center 7 (800) 292-8685 Palomar Insurance 29 (800) 489-0105 Regions Insurance 21 (800) 807-1412 Thompson Cat 14-15 (205) 849-4288 Truckworx Kenworth 3 (800) 444-6170 Turner & Hamrick 23 (888) 385-0186 WH Thomas Oil Co. 18-19 (205) 755-2610
WEB ADDRESS www.atacompfund.org www.baxteragency.com bellandcompany.net www.trucktrailer.carrier.com www.gwccnet.com www.greenbushlogistics.com Ahicks0604@bellsouth.net www.navistar.com www.iraphillips.com www.johnson-locklin.com www.jjkellermobile.com www.jptsc.com www.nextrancorp.com www.palomarins.com www.regionsinsurance.com www.thompsontractor.com www.truckworx.com www.turnerhamrick.com www.thomasoil.com
A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2014