Alabama Trucker, 2nd Quarter 2019

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Living His Dream

ATA’s Professional Truck Driver of the Year Dan Thompson is living the dream job he fell in love with when he was just a teenager. A commitment to professionalism and safety, driving step-by-step and staying in the moment have served him well in a 38-year driving career.

Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337. www.alabamatrucking.org or call 334-834-3983 PUBLISHER Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org

State trucking leaders gathered in April on Florida’s Emerald Coast to celebrate the industry’s accomplishments and plan for a brighter future.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Frank Filgo ffilgo@alabamatrucking.org CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cindy Segrest csparks67@gmail.com PRODUCTION EDITORS Jane Nixon, Brandie Norcross

David Hawk Wins TDC

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dan Shell

David Hawk soars above the competition at the Alabama Truck Driving Championships. The Birmingham-area driver bested 95 other drivers for the event’s top score and Grand Champion title.

ADVERTISING Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org PRESIDENT & CEO Frank Filgo, CAE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & MEMBER SERVICES Tim Frazier, CDS

Focus on Safety The ATA Safety and Maintenance Management Council showcased its safest fleets, drivers and fleet managers at the group’s annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet held March 25 near Birmingham, Ala.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT & EVENTS COORDINATOR Jane Nixon DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Ford Boswell MANAGER OF MEMBER RELATIONS Brandie Norcross ATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Aronhalt, Dennis Bailey, Nic Balanis, Joe Black, Gary Bond, Jack Brim, Greg Brown, Will Bruser, Billy Campbell, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church, J.J. Clemmons, Mark Coffman, Jeff Coleman, John Collier, Rodger Collins, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Chris Cooper, Jerry Davis, Ranny Davis, Amy DeFee, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Wesley Dunn, Jack Fricks, Kevin Henderson, Beau Holmes, Steve Johnson, Bryan Kilpatrick, Terry Kilpatrick, Jason King, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Drew Linn, Hunter Lyons, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Bruce MacDonald, Tom McLeod, Rollins Montgomery, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Ross Neely, Jr., Tommy Neely, Butch Owens, David Padgett, Clay Palm, Kelly Robinson, Kevin Savoy, Bill Scruggs, Ronnie Stephenson, Steve Stinson, Paul Storey, Harold Sumerford, Jr., Tim Tucker, Bill Ward, Bo Watkins, Wayne Watkins, Taylor White, David Wildberger, T.J. Willings, Keith Wise, Daniel Wright.

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ATA Shines During Convention

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President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Advertising rates are available upon request.

An Affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

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334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org 1

From the President

Goodbye and Thank You Frank Filgo, CAE President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

‘People often ask me if I’m going to miss the job. First and foremost, I will miss watching the ATA leadership shape this Association and its mission. Their support of ATA is among its best attributes.’

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cannot believe I’m writing this. It just proves that time flies when you are having fun. These past 24 years as the chief executive officer of the Alabama Trucking Association have been exciting and most gratifying.

You have probably heard me say many times that my job as ATA President is the best job ever. I sincerely believe that. Why? Because truckers are among the best people in the world and serving them and this industry has been an honor.

Most Alabama motor carriers are family run operations. I have visited many motor carriers over the years, and I’m often amazed at all the family members working various jobs within a company. At some locations, you can visit with the CEO, their brothers and sisters, grandparents, sons and daughters, in-laws, grandchildren, and on many occasions, the pet dog or cat all in one stop. That’s special.

Our members are passionate, genuine, hardworking, and dedicated to an industry that makes life better for all.

People often ask me if I’m going to miss the job. First and foremost, I will miss watching the ATA leadership shape this Association and its mission. Their support of ATA is among its best attributes.

Sponsorships of ATA’s major events contin-

ue to eclipse that of the previous year.

Attendance at ATA events is way up. Legislative victories are commonplace, and ATA’s reputation with state policymakers and regulatory officials is well established.

And, the return of investment for the membership becomes more significant each and every year.

And, of course, I will certainly miss the ATA staff. Each one has a multitude of skills and talents that successfully drive the delivery of our Association’s member services. The current ATA staff has been together since 2011, and together we have more than 103 years of service to the Association. I not only respect each of them as co-workers, but as dedicated, valued-driven individuals.

As I step aside, my most immediate responsibility is to ensure a smooth transition as the new ATA President and CEO, Mark Colson, takes charge. Mark is an exceptional young man and a talented, capable leader with a long list of achievements.

My hat is off to the ATA Search Committee for finding the perfect fit. I am confident this association has a bright future ahead.

In closing, it has been an honor to serve as your ATA President & CEO. I wish you continued success.

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A Trucker’s ATA’s Professional Truck Driver of the Year Dan Thompson is living the dream job he fell in love with when he was just a teenager.

By Dan Shell here aren’t many professions where every time you go on the clock you say a little prayer asking for a boring day at work, but that’s what Alabama Trucking Association Professional Truck Driver of the Year Dan Thompson says he does every time he gets behind the wheel. Thompson, who lives in Spanish Fort with wife, Susan, drives for FedEx Freight in Mobile.

A dedicated commitment to professionalism and safety, driving step-by-step and staying in the moment – and those daily prayers – have served Thompson well in his

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38-year driving career that features 2.6 million miles without an accident.

Thompson has earned FedEx Freight’s 25-Year Master Driver Award; he’s won his division six times and was the Grand Champion at the 2016 Alabama Truck Driving Championships. He’s also a member of the FedEx Road Team and ATA’s Road Team. So he’s gained a measure of recognition for his driving skills.

But it’s the ATA Professional Truck Driver of the Year Award, sponsored by key ATA supporter Nextran Truck Centers that’s a culmination of Thompson’s previous honors and reflects his goal of becoming a truly

professional big rig driver.

During his acceptance speech at ATA’s recent annual meeting where he received the award, Thompson thanked the Lord, Susan, his supervisors and coworkers, and all the officials and staff of ATA. “I’m extremely proud of what I do, to have the opportunity to be an ambassador for the industry and ATA, and I’m very proud to be a member of this organization,” he said.

“I cannot explain how proud I was to receive the award. It’s still sinking in,” says Thompson, who says it’s a recognition that he’s at the top of his game. Also, he says, at age 59 he has many more years to go beA LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

hind the wheel and feels like he’s really in the middle of his career.

Thompson says he drives each day with the mission that he can’t let those who are counting on him down, and that includes the public who expects him to drive safely in all conditions, plus his family, employer and co-workers. “That’s been my mission my entire career.

“I believe one of the reasons I received the award is because I truly care. I care about the people I share the road with, my employer and ATA, and how I do my job reflects back on me,” he adds.

Pro Background Thompson meets with public speaking coach Nancy Hudson in preparation for an upcoming Share the Road presentation.

A native of the Mobile area, Thompson says he can remember when he first became aware of trucking when he would occasionally spend the night at a relative’s house right on U.S. Hwy. 98. As a child, Thompson says, the sounds of the roaring truck engines passing the house at night got his imagination racing. “It was exciting to hear those motors roar, and the idea of night time travel and people going places in those big rigs just got me going,” he says.

However, hearing the big trucks was nothing compared to the day when he was

older, age 16, and an uncle who hauled drilling pipe in Louisiana stopped by the house in his truck and asked Thompson if he wanted a ride.

“I had never even been in one, and then he let me drive it down the street,” Thompson remembers. “That was (more than) 40 years ago, and that was it: I was hooked on truck driving.”

Fresh out of high school Thompson got a job on a crew boat working the oil rigs in Mobile Bay and the Gulf. On his time off,

he began working with his uncle who taught him to drive a large truck, which led to him working with his uncle the better part of two years hauling drop trailers in his spare time.

“One thing that always struck me was how every time he got out of his truck he’d wipe the headlights and the door down, and he kept the fuel tanks polished,” Thompson remembers, adding that his uncle was his first glimpse of what a truly professional driver is—and to this day he still keeps the fuel tanks shined.

Dream Grand Champion at the 2016 Alabama Truck Driving Championships and a six-time class winner, Thompson’s boisterous celebrations are well known and somewhat legendary.

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Thompson enjoys spending time with area driver’s ed students, helping them to develop into safe, responsible drivers.

“He told me that if you want to be a professional driver, you have to act like one,” Thompson says, “and I’ve remembered that all these years.”

When the Gulf Coast “oil patch” took an economic nosedive in the mid 1980s as crude oil prices went below $10/barrel, Thompson was laid off from his crew boat job, moved back to Mobile and became a driver for a forklift dealership, delivering equipment all over the Southeast.

He did that for a year, as a Class B driver, “But what I really wanted to be was a professional over-the-road driver,” he says.

In fact, soon afterward he was headed to a North American Van Lines seminar but stuck in a traffic jam on I-65 near Saraland when he noticed a sign for trucking firm Dixie Drayage. He got off the interstate, went inside and asked if they needed any drivers. He started the next day, and he’s been driving accident-free for 34 years ever since.

Thompson says another big memory is the first day he went on a ride with his trainer, a physically imposing guy who, as Thompson was leaving the lot, screamed: “Stop the truck! Stop the damn truck!” He looked directly at Thompson and said, “What are you thinking about?”

Thompson says he didn’t know what to say, thought he had already done something wrong and was about to lose his dream job before he ever really started. He mumbled something about his girlfriend.

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“Well, you better be thinking about getting out of this gate without busting a mirror” the trainer said. “And then you better be thinking about getting to that stop sign without hitting a parked car, then how wide a turn you’re gonna make, just like that, every step of the way.”

Those words still ring in Thompson’s ears every day on every haul he makes: “He really taught me how to think about driving, step by step, each step of the way,” he says.

Thompson drove for Dixie Drayage, plus

several other trucking companies in the Mobile area, then in 1999 began driving for Watkins Motor Lines, which was acquired by FedEx in 2006, and he’s been there 20 years.

“It’s not work when you love it, and that’s the main thing about my career—I love what I do,” Thompson says. He says his dream of becoming a big chrome longhaul trucker has changed, especially when he saw the effect that kind of work can have on a marriage, and he’s happy with the regional role he has with FedEx. On the flip side, Thompson says with a smile, “I probably could get home a little earlier every day, but I wash the truck at least three times a day so sometimes I’m late.”

Over The Years

Thompson has been on the Alabama Road Team since 2013.

Looking at some of the changes he’s seen in his career, Thompson says in general modern rigs are safer, much easier to drive and get much better fuel efficiency. “I remember back in the 1980s you’d get trucks with no A/C, no power steering and really tight clutches that would just wear you out,” he adds.

Thompson says he misses the gear shifting and had to get adjusted to that, but he believes the automatic transmissions wear better and allow more consistent driving across the fleet. “When you were running all manual transmissions everyone would work the clutch a little differently and I A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

don’t think clutches and transmissions lasted as long.”

Thompson says he loves new technology, and ELD systems are one of the best developments he’s seen: “We used to have to do all this by hand,” he says of the electronic data recorders. “It used to take up most of my Sundays just to fill out paperwork.” He also really likes central tire inflation systems that he believes have taken the hassle out of all but the worst flats.

Concerning the ongoing driver shortage and ways to alleviate it, Thompson says he can see how an 18-year-old, “properly trained by someone who truly cares” can take on some driving duties.

On related issues, Thompson says he doesn’t like the idea of allowing Mexican drivers—traditionally restricted to border states—to take on longer hauls into the U.S., nor does he believe autonomous, “driverless” vehicles are far enough along in development to move any significant amount of cargo any time soon.

Giving Back In his spare time, Thompson is a captain of ATA’s Road Team, and he’s made plenty of visits to high schools to talk to young drivers about general driving safety, things to look for when on the road and how to safely share the road with big rigs. Over the years he’s made presentations to thousands of students.

Thompson says he truly enjoys talking with youngsters about staying safe on the road. “I believe God points you where you need to be, and I’ve never gone through one of my presentations and talks without knowing I’m helping these kids to be safer on the road.”

As the awards show, Thompson is not your typical big rig driver. But what most don’t know is he’s also an avid and very good chess player, who’s coached the chess team at Spanish Fort High School (and worked with other chess teams in the area) for 17 years.

“It’s another one of my passions,” he says, adding that he plays chess every day (and confesses he was online playing chess when ATA was trying to track him down for this interview). Just like his work with the road team, the chess involvement is another way for him to help young people.

Considering chess is such a game of strategy, does his passion for the game have any influence on the way he approaches driving?

Thompson says there are two key chess concepts that he tries to follow when drivA LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

DAN THOMPSON Alabama Truck Driver of the Year

Want to see more of what drives Dan Thompson to greatness?

Check out a video about his passion for truck driving at our Vimeo page.

Just type the following URL into your browser: https://vimeo.com/340471481 ing as well: The king must always have an escape square to move to if conditions and protection fall apart. Also, don’t make a move until you know how your opponent will react.

Behind the wheel, he says, he always seeks to maintain a safe space in traffic.

“The truck always has to have an escape square,” he says. Also, aggressive moves lead to bad decisions on the chess board and the highway as well. “Don’t be aggressive on either,” Thompson says.

There’s more than 2.5 million miles from Thompson’s relatives’ old house on Highway 98 to his job with FedEx now, and the

child who dreamed of big rigs and going places after hearing those engines roar has made his dreams come true beyond his wildest imagination.

“The reason I do what I do every day is because I love trucking. I have been in love with trucking since I was 16,” Thompson said in a video shot for the award ceremony.

“It’s been the most exciting job I’ve ever had, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

It’s always fun seeing someone make their dreams come true. In the case of Dan Thompson’s dream, ATA, Alabama’s schoolchildren, and the industry overall are in better shape because of it.

Thompson says he’s proud to be an ambassador for the trucking industry. “I believe God points you where you need to be, and I’ve never gone through one of my presentations and talks without knowing I’m helping these kids to be safer on the road.”

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ATA SHINES AT CONVENTION State trucking leaders gather on Florida’s Emerald Coast to celebrate accomplishments and plan for a brighter future.

By Ford Boswell Photos by Paul Beezley DESTIN, Fla.—The Alabama Trucking Association gathered here in April for the group’s 81st Annual Convention and Meeting, attracting more than 520 attendees and guests representing 160 industry related firms for three days of networking, fellowship and professional development to move the state’s trucking industry forward.

Held April 25-27 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla., the event drew its largest attendance on 8

record, and according to Convention Chairman Tom McLeod, President of the Birmingham-based McLeod Software, the meeting also grew in terms of member participation with $363,740 in sponsorship money raised — more than $88,000 over last year’s meeting’s totals.

The meeting’s agenda packed a stellar lineup of speakers and entertainment, headlined

by New York Times best-selling author and comedian Andy Andrews; a variety of networking and entertainment activities; presentations from ATA and ATA Comp Fund officials; and capped with a private performance of the Eagles’ classic album, Hotel Califor-

nia, by Black Jacket Symphony.

But even with a stellar lineup and record attendance, the event held a tinge of bitter sweetness as it was ATA’s last under current President and CEO Frank Filgo who retires in July. A special presentation for Filgo was made during Friday’s Business Meeting that included testimonials from friends, coworkers and colleagues who celebrated his 24 years at the helm of ATA and offered well wishes for a long and happy retirement.

As per custom, the meeting delivered its regular dose of pomp and tradition with recognition of leaders and other honorees while establishing a path forward for the A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

Tom McLeod delivered a timely presentation on cybersecurity and protecting business networks from online attacks.

Association’s mission to improve Alabama’s business climate.

“Planning for this weekend is a lengthy process, but I’ve enjoyed serving this great Association and its goal of making its annual meeting a topnotch event.” McLeod said.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible support of our ATA membership. I know we say this every year, but this one topped all other meetings for sponsorship and attendance. It keeps getting better.”

McLeod also praised his Convention Finance Committee, which was chaired by Kevin Savoy of Greenbush Logistics, and included committee members Joe Black of McGriff Tire Co.; Jack Brim of B.R. Williams Trucking; Will Bruser of Truckworx Kenworth; J.J. Clemmons of Summerford Truck Line; John Collier of Transport Trailer Center; Brent Cook of Action Truck Center; Chris Cooper of Boyd Bros.

Transportation; Hunter Lyons of Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; and Wayne Watkins of Watkins Trucking Co. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

Frank Filgo receives a standing ovation during a tribute to his 24 years at ATA. Filgo retires later this summer, ending a 40year career in association management.

Keynote Speaker Andy Andrews delivers his address during Friday’s Business Meeting.

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“The key to the success of each Convention is directly linked to its sponsorships and registration fees,” ATA Chairman of the Board Fenn Church said. “Mr. McLeod has been very supportive of our Association through the years. His commitment to this organization both financially and through his service to the industry as a thought leader in cybersecurity and logistics software is immeasurable. He and his committee did an exceptional job planning for this week. It has been the most successful one that I have seen in my two decades of being involved with ATA.” Church added this Association is very blessed for the support of its members at all marquee events, but its annual convention always seems to deliver strong support.

“Our members fully support this event, and the reviews of the programs, presenters, and the overall meeting experience were very positive,” he said. “I am grateful for the support of our many sponsors, convention committee, the ATA staff, and everyone who attended. An event of this magnitude is certainly a group effort.”

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MEETING HIGHLIGHTS ATA’s Convention was packed with informative meetings, exciting events, and several entertainment offerings, allowing attendees to network with the best business leaders the industry has to offer. The agenda focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for trucking as it seeks to address issues such as the critical growing demand and for talented and safe truck drivers. On a more local level, ATA officials showcased its mission and accomplishments from the previous year.

Opening the meeting, was Tom McLeod whose timely presentation, “Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Trucking Business”, provided insights on how organizations can take appropriate measures to protect vital information from online attack.

McLeod gave alarming examples how in recent years cybercriminals have brought some the world’s top organizations to their knees with well-orchestrated attacks that placed millions of individuals at risk – and driving home the point that “if it can hap-

pen to them, it can happen to your business, too.”

Following that was Andy Andrews, who has been hailed by the New York Times as “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America.”

Andrews is an internationally known presenter and author who consults the nation’s most successful organizations, and as a prolific writer, he’s penned several NYT bestsellers including, “The Traveler’s Gift” and “The Noticer”, and his current best seller, “The Little Things”, which has been translated into more than 40 languages, inspiring millions of readers worldwide. Executives from the world’s top organizations – including four U.S. presidents – regularly turn to him as a trusted resource for unlocking extraordinary results.

The ATA Comp Fund made its presence known throughout the weekend hosting various events and activities for its clients. It also held an open hospitality suite Friday evening for all attendees with an impressive offering of heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. During a Saturday morning busiA LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

ATA Chairman of the Board Fenn Church addresses guests during a dinner honoring his stint as ATA’s top elected official.

ness session, the Fund also showcased its financials for the previous year and detailed its plans for future growth and member benefits.

Longtime ATA events director Jane Nixon was recognized for 45 years of service to ATA.

CHAIRMAN’S DINNER Capping the meeting was a Saturday evening dinner and reception honoring current Chairman of the Board Fenn Church whose term ends June 30. Church has been an engaged active leader who has brought fresh ideas to improve ATA’s standing as the preeminent voice of trucking in Alabama.

His term realized increased participation and support from ATA members for important events and projects; successful political initiatives during last fall’s state elections; and a legislative session where Association lobbying officials scored wins for infrastructure funding and lower age restrictions for intrastate truck drivers. These efforts gained influence with legislators and the state’s business lobby to ensure that trucking’s mission is well represented in Montgomery.

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ATA Comp Fund CEO and Fund Administrator Kimble Coaker, left, accepts his H. Chester Webb Award from last year’s recipient Greg Brown.

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His agenda also included initiatives to bolster ATA member services, increase involvement in Association events and special projects – especially among trucking firms; and to fortify and improve the industry’s public image for economic development and workforce recruitment, and to promote industry safety and professionalism.

Throughout his tenure, Chairman Church has remained engaged and involved – as much as any who’ve served before him.

He’s proven time and again that when he pledged to lead the Association, he was promising to protect and promote Alabama’s trucking industry at all cost, showing that he isn’t afraid to work hard for what he believes.

“Fenn has been one of the hardest working, engaged Chairmen we have ever had – which is exactly who we needed at this juncture,” said ATA president Frank Filgo.

“We are so grateful for his dedication to this Association.”

Meanwhile, Alabama Driver of the Year Daniel Thompson of FedEx Freight was honored for a 30-year driving career that’s logged 3.6 million miles and counting.

Thompson was recently selected by the ATA Safety and Maintenance Management Council for his commitment to industry safety and professionalism in an amazing driving career (Read more about Thomp-

From cybersecurity to ‘Wild Thing”: Tom McLeod brought down the house with his stunning cameo appearance during LavaLamp’s Friday night set.

son on page 4).

And the highlight of the evening was the announcement of ATA Comp Fund CEO and Fund Administrator Kimble Coaker as this year’s H. Chester Webb Award recipient, the Association’s highest honor for a member of Alabama’s trucking community.

Last year’s winner B.R. Williams Trucking President Greg Brown made the announcement (Read more on Coaker’s award on page 31).

ATA’s convention returns to the Hilton Sandestin, April 23-25, 2020. For more information visit www.alabamatrucking.org.

Capping the weekend was the Black Jacket Symphony’s double set of the Eagles’ best hits, including a full performance of the group’s classic album, Hotel California.

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A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

Action Resources Aon Transportation and Logistics Practice AssuredPartners Assured Partners of Alabama dba Turner & Hamrick Baggett Transportation Co.

Baldwin Transfer Co., Inc. Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak BMO – Transportation Finance Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Capital Volvo Trucks Carlisle Medical Coleman World-Wide Moving

Complete Tire & Service Comdata Corporation Continental Tire Dunn Building Co., LLC Empire Truck Sales, LLC Equipment Solutions, LLC Evergreen Transport, LLC

Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. Great Dane Trailers Mack Trucks, Inc. Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. McGriff Insurance Services McGriff, Seibels, & Williams, Inc. Meritor, Inc.

Michelin North America Omnitracs, LLC Ox Bodies PACCAR Parts Palomar Insurance Corp.

People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.

Perdido Trucking Service, LLC

Pilot Flying J Pitts Media Porter Billing Services, LLC ProBilling and Funding Serv Regions Financial Renasant Bank Ross Neely Systems, Inc.

C vice

Rushing Enterprises, Inc. Service One Transport Shell Lubricants Shoreline Transportation, LLC Thompson Carriers, Inc. Transport Trailer Center Vertical Alliance Group

W. H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC Warren Averett, LLC Wells Fargo Equipment Finance Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. WTI Transport Yokohama Tire Corp.

Avondale Trucking ErgoScience Fuller Warehouse & Gin, Inc. Highland Technical Services J P Transportation Safety Consulting

Johnstone Adams LLC Long Lewis Truck and Tractor Orbcomm PR Companies

High-Flying Hawk Wins Alabama TDC FedEx Freight’s David Hawk soars above the competition at the Alabama Truck Driving Championships.

Article and photos by Ford Boswell

PELHAM, Ala. – David Hawk, a FedEx Freight truck driver from Gardendale, Ala., posted the overall highest combined score to earn the Grand Champion Award at the Alabama Trucking Association’s Truck Driving Championships held here Friday, May 31, at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Lewis (5-axle)

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Salter (4-axle)

Hawk (3-axle)

Moore (Step Van)

Lockhart (Tanker)

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The Alabama TDC Grand Champion ATA’s annual driver competition showners from nine categories are announced at Award is sponsored by Southland Transcases professional truck drivers’ skill and an awards dinner later that evening. The portation Group. commitment to workplace and highway three highest scorers from each class receive Hawk, who easily won the 3-axle class, safety, but it also serves as a qualifier for the plaques and prizes, and special awards are outscored 95 other Alabama-based truck American Trucking Associations’ National given to the event’s top rookie and highest drivers from more than a dozen trucking Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Chamscorer for the vehicle defects inspection. firms competing at the annual event, which pionships scheduled for later this summer Other class winners with Hawk were is produced by ATA’s Safety & Maintenance in Pittsburgh, Pa. Robert Moore of FedEx Freight (Step Van Management Council (SMMC), Class); Kenneth Lockhart, FedEx a subgroup of the Association Freight (Tanker Class ); Rodney composed of fleet safety manCosper of UPS Freight (Flatbed agers and fleet vehicle mainteClass); Mark Knight of AAA nance supervisors.

Cooper Transportation (Twins The 52-year-old truck driver Class); Charlie Salter of FedEx has more than 34 years of proFreight (4-axle Class); William fessional driving experience with Brandon, FedEx Freight nearly 2 million safe miles. He (Straight Class); and Gary Nuckcurrently drives for FedEx’s terolls of AAA Cooper Transportaminal in Bessemer, Ala. tion (Sleeper Berth Class); Hawk’s victory led a parade of Alphonso Lewis of YRC Freight five winners from FedEx Freight.

(5-axle Class).

AAA Cooper Transportation had Meanwhile, Philip Arthur of two winning drivers, and UPS AAA Cooper Transportation Freight and YRC Freight one posted the highest score in the each.

Vehicle Defects portion of the This year’s course raised a few contest, and Gregg Luther of eyebrows from veteran TDC AAA Cooper Transportation competitors for its tighter layout earned the award for the highest and reverse orientation from prescoring Rookie. vious years, flowing from top to To qualify for the state combottom (or turning left instead petition, contestants must be of the usual right). TDC officials employed by an ATA member said the changes were a nod to company and have had no accithe National Competition’s dents for the previous 12 course layout, which is usually months. Some competitors are held at indoor facilities with handpicked by their supervisors smaller floor plans. for overall experience, skill and Last year’s Grand Champ, and work ethic, while others win nine-time Alabama TDC class company competitions. winner, Mark Knight of AAA SMMC officials said this Grand Champion David Hawk lifts his award during the 2019 TDC Awards Banquet.

Cooper Transportation said it year’s event attracted more drivwas the toughest course he’s seen ers than in recent years, but since the contest moved to Pelham several Competitors are scored on a written spectators and attendance numbers for the years ago. exam covering driver safety and industry awards ceremony have grown tremendously.

“That was a really difficult course,” he best practices; a pre-trip vehicle defect inOfficials said the event this year drew about said as he walked to the podium to accept spection; and a vehicle obstacle course 500 spectators, contestants, volunteers and his first-place plaque for the Twins Class. “I where contestants navigate a truck and trailofficials, and the awards dinner banquet wasn’t very confident about winning this er through a series of obstacle stations. drew nearly 350 guests — a near capacity one. It was just so tight out there. It was so At the end of the competition, contestcrowd and an event attendance record. hard to line the truck up.” ants’ cumulative scores are ranked, and win“Our event keeps getting better and more

Nuckolls (Sleeper)

Knight (Twins)

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Cosper (Flatbed)

Brandon (Straight)

Arthur (Defects)

Luther (Rookie)

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polished,” said ATA Director of Safety & Member Services Tim Frazier. “Our safety council and the TDC committee do an outstanding job planning and executing this event. We received incredible sponsorship support this year – more than we have in a long time. I think that’s a testament to the quality of the event.

“We are grateful for all the volunteers and sponsors. Without their support, we couldn’t pull off an event of this magnitude – and the drivers really appreciate the effort.”

Winners will now turn their sights to the 2019 National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championships set for August 1417 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. Through the years, Alabama’s team has enjoyed several class winners at Nationals and even one Grand Champion – YRC’s Al Lewis in 2007.

“We’ve had a good amount of success at Nationals before, but it’s not easy to win there,” Frazier said. “Each one of our class members has been to Nationals at least once, so we are bringing a very talented group. I know they will be ready.”

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The Alabama Trucking Association thanks these businesses for their support of the Alabama Truck Driving Championships.

MAJOR SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Birmingham Freightliner P&S Transportation Palomar Insurance TCW, Inc.

FedEx Freight Pitts Media

ErgoScience FLX Systems JP Transportation Safety Consulting

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

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SMMC FLEET SAFETY AWARDS

Spotlight on Safety ATA safety council showcases the state’s best fleets and individuals for safety and operations excellence.

Article and photos by Ford Boswell PELHAM, Ala. – The Alabama Trucking Association Safety and Maintenance Management Council showcased its safest fleets, drivers and fleet managers at the group’s annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet held here March 25.

The event, co-sponsored by Carrier Transicold South, McGriff Tire Co., Nextran Truck Center, Southland Transportation Group and Vertical Alliance, recognizes fleets for the lowest accident rates for miles travelled within Alabama. Fleet managers, drivers and other employees of ATA member firms were also recognized for career excellence and professionalism. Likewise, the ATA Comp Fund showcased its best clients with awards in several categories (See sidebar on page 27).

According to ATA Director of Safety Tim Frazier, to ensure fairness and transparency, winners were chosen by an independent panel of fleet safety experts from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit, while ATA Comp Fund engineers pick winners based on a client’s safety record and adherence to 24

the Fund’s policy safety program.

“Our awards promote safety and professionalism at all levels of the industry,” said Frazier. “ATA places safety at the very top of its priorities, and our members do the same. It has been a tenet of our mission for more than 80 years, and the winners of these awards have gone far beyond what’s required of them by state and federal regulation. These companies and individuals care tremendously about this Association, the motoring public, and the communities where they live and work. Each has helped to ensure workplace and public safety for betterment of Alabama and beyond.”

Driver of the Year The highlight of the evening was the announcement of FedEx Freight veteran truck driver Dan Thompson as the Alabama Trucking Association Professional Truck Driver of the Year, sponsored by Nextran Truck Center.

With an impressive 38-year career, Thompson has logged more than 3 million miles without an accident. In that time, he’s earned A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

several awards and accolades, including FedEx Freight’s 25-year master driver award, was named to its President’s Safety Team, and currently serves on FedEx’s Road Team (Read more about him on page 4) Thompson is also a member of the Alabama Trucking Association’s Road Team, speaking to hundreds of students each year about road safety and how to drive safely near large trucks. He’s competed at Alabama Truck Driving Championships 13 times, winning his division six times and won the Grand Champion trophy in 2016.

Away from his truck, Dan enjoys running, hiking and kayakThompson ing, but his true passion is chess, volunteering as a chess coach at several schools in his area for more than 17 years.

Thompson said each time he logs into his truck he thinks about what is at stake. “The public is counting on me to drive safely under any condition or circumstance; my family is counting on me to return home safely each evening, and my employer and co-workers are counting on me to protect their image,” he said. “I cannot let any of them down – that’s been my mission my entire career.”

And for his career choice as a truck driver Thompson said very few people can truly say they love what they do for a living, “but as a professional driver I can say without hesitation I have lived a dream come true. I am extremely proud of what I do and especially proud to be an ambassador for the trucking industry”.

Driver of the Year First Runner-up was William Brown of Blair Logistics in Birmingham who’s logged more than 2 million safe miles in 31 years as a professional truck driver. Brown has been with Blair Logistics for more than 11 years, receiving several safe driving awards and was recently tapped the fleet’s 2018 Driver of the Year.

Fleet Manager Alabama Fleet Manager of the Year Vance Stevens of Vulcraft Carrier Corp. is a 21-year veteran of fleet management specializing in shipping, safety and dispatch.

Stevens started out in his early 30s loading trucks in the shipping department and worked his way through the ranks gaining valuable experience and operations knowhow. According to him, the lessons he learned from all those areas of the operation now enable him to provide the knowledge and experience needed to supervise a fleet of 130-plus drivers.

But that’s only part of the job.

Stevens Many of his current responsibilities include creating monthly shipping reports, scheduling deliveries, A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

oversize permitting, negotiating rates, and keying driver payroll.

Along with these duties he provides safety and compliance training and supervision for the fleet.

In their nomination letter for Stevens, company officials commended his character, integrity and work ethic. They especially noted that he is a favorite of company drivers because of the respect and courtesy he shows them daily.

“Those words really mean a lot to me,” he says. “It is just so honoring and humbling to be chosen. I try very hard to accommodate everyone I work with. I always try to look out for our drivers, and I want to make sure I meet their needs and wishes for miles and off time against the needs of our customers. A lot of times, my job is finding that sweet spot to keep everyone happy. A lot of life in general is planning, and my job is no different. The trick is to know how to best react when things unexpectedly change or don’t go the way you planned. My biggest challenge is finding a balance in all of that.”

The Alabama Fleet Manager of the Year award is sponsored by Vertical Alliance Group.

Safety Professional Vulcraft Carrier Corp. Safety and Compliance Coordinator Avery Baine has worked in trucking for more than 20 years, first as a truck driver who successfully logged over 900,000 safe driving miles and then as a driver trainer for then employer, ABC Transportation in EuBaine faula, Ala., where he worked for 19 years.

As his career progressed, he became interested in operations and safety compliance and shifted his career path toward the management side. He first moved into dispatch becoming more involved in daily functions of the operation, and eventually moved into ABC’s safety department, which he led for several years training and working under his mentor, Al Lott, himself a former ATA Safety Pro of the Year.

After Lott’s retirement a few years ago, Baine took the reins of the fleet and begin implementing a more modernized vision for the company’s safety efforts. In only a couple of years, he successfully modernized and restructured ABC’s hiring process and led the company’s efforts to transition the fleet to electronic management systems for more effective and efficient safety, training and vehicle maintenance recordkeeping.

As many fleet managers do, Baine has always worn many hats for his employer, keeping him extremely busy, but he still finds the time to volunteer and contribute to the efforts of the ATA SMMC, serving the group in many capacities, including a stint as Chairman of the Wiregrass Chapter.

Last September, he accepted his current position with Vulcraft heading up fleet safety compliance for the 130 drivers who base from the company’s Fort Payne, Ala. facility. He made an immediate impact on operations, and according to his supervisors, he has 25

demonstrated the determination to always put forth his best effort whether it concerns work, family, community, and the industry. His nomination letter states that he’s “a great ambassador for our company and industry based on his passion and commitment. He is a great example for everyone as a community leader as he is involved in various civic organizations such as World of Works and the Boy Scouts.”

After earning the runner up spot for this award the past two years in a row, Baine says he has at last finally reached one of his ultimate goals as a safety professional. “The culture here is so geared for the well being and safety of every employee, whether it’s my teammates in the plant or one of our drivers,” he says. “We place safety at the top of our priorities. My job is to help ensure that our folks return home safely to their family after every trip or at the end of each shift. I take that mission seriously. It means so much to me to receive some validation from this award for the work we do when it comes to job safety. We are family here, and we really do try to take care of each other and the customers we serve.”

Safety Professional of the Year First Runner Up is Deborah Trickey of Shelton Trucking, LLC. The award is sponsored by Southland Transportation Group.

Alabama’s Safest Fleets President’s Award sponsored by McGriff Tire Co. (ATA’s safest overall fleet) Dolphin Line, Inc. Hazardous Materials 1st Place Georgia Tank Lines, LLC Tank Truck 1st Place J & M Tank Lines, 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, Inc. Household Goods 1st Place Motivated Movers 2nd Place Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. Heavy Haulers Category 1st Place Scott Bridge Co., Inc. Private Carrier Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place Golden Flake Snack Foods, Inc. 2nd Place New South Express, Inc. 3rd Place Scott Bridge Co., Inc. Private Carrier Over 5 Million Miles 1st Place River Valley Ingredients General Commodities Local Under 100,000 Miles 1st Place Montgomery Transport, LLC 2nd Place RCA Trucking, LLC 26

Maintenance Professional Like many in his field, Maintenance Professional of the Year Duke Monroe of Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc. in Birmingham, Ala. is a talented problem solver. He’s always had a knack for working on machines and figuring out what makes them work and how to fix them when they break. As a teenager, for fun he repaired motorcycles, go karts and other small engines for his friends and neighbors, and eventually blended that passion and ability into a career by his early 20s.

In an eclectic career spanning 40-plus years, Monroe has worked on everything from stock cars to heavy mining equipment, farming equipment, and all types of commercial vehicles.

Since joining Church Transportation in 2010, Monroe has personally overseen the preventive maintenance and general care of every piece of equipment. And over the years, he has become a trusted supervisor and mentor for a team of about five technicians.

According to company President Fenn Church, Monroe’s ability to adapt to new technology and his training capabilities continue to assist in moving the company forward. Likewise, his decisionmaking skills allow it to operate much more efficiently, adjusting to

General Commodities Local under 1 Million Miles 1st Place Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place BR Williams Trucking, Inc. 3rd Place Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc. General Commodities Local 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place Greenbush Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place ABF Freight System, Inc. General Commodities Local 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc. General Commodities Local 5-10 Million Miles 1st Place Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. 2nd Place FedEx Freight, Inc. General Commodities Linehaul Under 100,000 Miles 1st Place National Strategic Transport, LLC General Commodities Linehaul Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. 2nd Place Greenbush Logistics, Inc. 3rd Place RCA Trucking, LLC General Commodities Linehaul 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place R M Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place DT Freight, LLC 3rd Place Benny Whitehead, Inc. General Commodities Linehaul 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place Wright Transportation, Inc. 2nd Place Shelton Trucking, LLC 3rd Place Montgomery Transport, LLC

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changes with little disruption to operations.

“Case in point,” Church explains, “(Over the last decade) Duke has led our fleet’s transition to longer running, more fuel-efficient trucks and trailers, which has allowed us to reduce purchasing costs tremendously along with gaining more than 8 MPGs.” Along with that, fully embracing newer technology has allowed the company to lower its idle time to less than 7 percent. Church says these tweaks earned the fleet a commendation from the National Alternative Fuel Consortium (NAFC) for excellence and a recent invitation for company officials to present their data and results at the NAFC’s national convention.

“The whole time we moved forward with this project, Duke offered our management team valuable advice and guidance,” says Vice President of Operations Gene Sweeny. “He is the personification of a true professional. He’s

Monroe

General Commodities Linehaul 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place P&S Transportation, Inc. 2nd Place BR Williams Trucking, Inc. 3rd Place Blair Logistics, LLC General Commodities Linehaul over 10 Million Miles 1st Place Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place FedEx Freight, Inc. 3rd Place Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC General Commodities Combined Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place RCA Trucking, LLC General Commodities Combined 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place Dolphin Line, Inc. 2nd Place Greenbush Logistics, Inc. 3rd Place Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc. General Commodities Combined 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place Montgomery Transport, LLC 2nd Place Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc. 3rd Place Watkins Trucking Co., Inc. General Commodities Combined 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place ABF Freight 2nd Place P&S Transportation, Inc. 3rd Place BR Williams Trucking, Inc. General Commodities Combined over 10 Million Miles 1st Place FedEx Freight, Inc. 2nd Place Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 3rd Place AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc.

also a forward thinker who embraces new technology without fear or trepidation. His knowledge and skill are one of the main reasons our fleet has operated in such an efficient and safe manner. He’s absolutely invaluable to our company’s profitability.”

A man of few words, Monroe says he was stunned when learned he won the award.

“That’s not something I think about,” he says.

“I strive to run a solid maintenance program and give my (techs) a clearer vision of our role in this business. The work we do is critical to safety and operations on the road.”

He adds that truck technology has changed significantly in his 40 years in the business. “It can be a challenge to keep up, but most of these changes have increased our ability to run safely and more efficiently – and that’s our biggest goal in the shop.”

The award is sponsored by Carrier Transicold South.

ATA Comp Fund Awards The Alabama Trucking Association Workers’ Compensation Fund (ATA Comp Fund) showcased its safest members for workplace safety and OSHA-related compliance. Winners are chosen by fund safety engineers using parameters and performance numbers for OSHA compliance and accident prevention based upon its safety program. For more information on the fund, please visit atacompfund.org.

Safety Excellence Award (ATA Comp Fund’s top overall fleet) P&S Transportation Moving, Storage and Delivery Admiral Movers Allied Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Small Fleet LB3 Trucking Medium Fleet J&P Trucking Large Fleet McElroy Truck Lines

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SAFETY & MAINTENANCE The Dollars and Sense of Tire & Wheel Balancing Fleets leave millions of dollars on the table every year by not balancing their tires and wheels. Poor tire and wheel balance can result in uneven tire wear that prematurely consigns tires to the scrap pile. Unbalanced tire and wheels are also responsible for increased wear and tear on other vehicle components and ride complaints from drivers. It can also have a negative effect on fuel economy.

But it’s a simple problem to fix, yet many fleets do not fully exploit its advantages.

Many fleets have simply given up on it because traditional balancing methods do not deliver benefits they expect.

Traditional spin balancing of a tire and rim addresses the condition of the assembly only at that moment in time. It does nothing to address the changing condition of the tire as it wears, nor does it address the condition of the wheel hub or brake drum.

Those are all parts of the rotating assembly at the end of the axle and need to be balanced as a single unit.

Fleets may also be getting bad advice from their tire salespeople, who suggest that balancing is unnecessary due to the high manufacturing standards of modern tires. While it may be accurate to say that modern manufacturing processes and tolerances are such that irregularities are largely eliminated in top of the line Tier 1 and Tier 2 tires, it may not apply to lower quality Tier 3 tires, and it certainly won’t apply to the cheap off-shore imports now flooding the North American commercial tire market.

It’s Not Just Tires There are many reasons for the rotating mass at the end of an axle to be imperfectly balanced, including poor attention to detail during installation. Installers should verify that the GG ring on the tire (a raised circumferential ring located close to the bead 28

of the tire) is centered on the full 360-degree sweep of the wheel. Failure to verify this can result in a condition known as non-centric mounting, where the rotation of the tire tread around a central axis point will be egg-shaped.

Similarly, when the wheel is fastened to the hub, it should sit evenly on all four hub pilot pads. If the pilot pads are worn, a similar non-concentric condition can result, but this can be prevented with the use of stud centering sleeves. Installers should check the radial runout of the tire by placing an object as close to the tread face as possible and spinning the wheel. Any variation in the gap between the marker and the tread as the wheel rotates indicates non-concentric mounting, so the entire tire/wheel assembly should be remounted and properly centered.

While there are many causes of irregular tire wear, from nonconcentric mounting to poor vehicle alignment resulting in cupping/scalloping/wavy wear, spot wear and flatspotting, the result is the same: quantities of rubber are scrubbed off the tire over time. A typical deep-tread tire will lose about 30 pounds of tread rubber from the time it’s new until it’s removed at 4/32 of an inch of tread depth. Irregular wear changes the shape of the tire and by extension, the balance of the entire wheel-end assembly. This is where internal wheel balancing products such as balancing beads can help.

Balancing Solution Unlike fixed wheel weights, balancing beads move freely inside the tire, repositioning themselves to where they are needed to offset the uneven weight distribution of worn tread. The tire/wheel is kept in balance regardless of the condition of the tread. While the beads will not prevent wear caused by external factors such as mis-alignment, they will

mitigate additional wear resulting from imbalance as tread rubber is scrubbed away. This is especially beneficial with tires that have been repositioned to drive or trailer positions to run out prior to retreading.

Since the balancing material is reusable, it can be put back into the tire when it is remounted so that the tire will continue to run in a balanced condition. This promotes longer tread and casing life, smoother operation and improved fuel economy.

Yes, tire and wheel balancing can improve fuel economy through reduced rolling resistance. It takes extra energy to roll an unbalanced tire, or 18 of them, and that energy comes straight from your fuel tank. It has now been proven in two separate SAE J1321 fuel economy tests, one conducted by Auburn University, the other by the PIT Group. The results of both tests showed the use of balancing beads in all wheel positions increased fuel efficiency by 2.2 percent. It takes a 20 percent reduction in rolling resistance to improve fuel economy 2.2 percent.

Just think of what that extra wear is doing to your tires and equipment.

But beware, while other balancing products, including externally mounted rings and internal compounds, may claim an improvement in fuel economy only Counteract has the accredited test data to substantiate its claims.

Going beyond the performance benefits of adaptive balancing products, the product is environmentally inert (unlike lead tire weights, which are now banned in several North American jurisdictions), and it will not damage the inside of the tire or void tire warranties. It is unaffected by moisture, will not clump inside the tire, nor will it clog tire valves.

Fleets accustomed to seeing few longterm benefits to traditional spin-balancing will see reduced irregular tire wear and an improvement in tire life when using an internal balancing compound.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is provided by Counteract Balancing Beads, which regularly advertises in Alabama Trucker. The opinions and claims expressed in the above article are not necessarily those of Alabama Trucker or the Alabama Trucking Association.

For more information visit counteract balancing.com.

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MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS Four Star Freightliner breaks ground on new Valley location Four Star Freightliner, Inc. broke ground recently on a new facility in Valley, Ala., marking the start of new construction of Four Star’s permanent home at 1051 Four Star Drive, located on Exit 77, just off I-85.

It will be the Montgomery-based dealership’s seventh location, the third in Alabama. The new, permanent location is scheduled to be completed later this year.

Representatives from Four Star, Chambers County Development Authority, City of Valley, and the community participated in a groundbreaking ceremony held May 22.

Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan said his business could not have asked for more supportive partners than the City of Valley, especially Mayor Riley and Chris Busby with the Chambers County Development Authority.

“Because of its location and the fantastic people who wanted us there, we decided it was the ideal place to open Four Star’s next location,” said Kocan. “It provides a perfect location to serve our customers in Auburn and Columbus plus suppliers for Hyundai, Kia and other businesses along I-85”.

While construction is underway, Four Star is now operating out of a temporary facility at 3644 55th St. in Valley, which is also off Exit 77.

The Valley service department is headed

From left are Scott Dixon (Four Star Operations Manager), Debra Riley (Chambers County Commissioner), Daniel Lindsey (Four Star Attorney), Jerry Kocan (Four Star Owner/Dealer Principal), Leonard Riley (Mayor, City of Valley), Nancy Kocan (Four Star), Samantha Kocan (Four Star), Scott Coleson (Four Star Controller), and Bobby Williams (Chambers County Development Authority President).

by a trained, certified diesel technician and the staff includes a road truck technician whose primary job is to provide mobile maintenance. He will be available not only for emergency roadside assistance, but a variety of on-site warranty repairs.

The more than $4 million investment at the new Valley location will initially create 15 jobs and could allow for more in the fu-

ture. Customers can expect the same quality service and support they currently receive from Four Star’s six other locations because Four Star is moving experienced, trained individuals to the Valley dealership.

“This is a great example of government and private industry working together to provide support for customers and jobs for residents,” Kocan said.

ATA Safety & Maintenance Council holds Spring Roadside Inspections The Birmingham Chapter of the ATA Safety and Maintenance Management Council hosted its Spring Roadside Inspection in April at the I-59 westbound rest area near Tuscaloosa. About two dozen ATA members joined forces with several state troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit performing Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections on about 40 commercial vehicles and drivers. The SMMC holds several of these inspections a year at various locations across the state. All ATA members are welcome and encouraged to participate. For more information, contact ATA Director of Safety Tim Frazier at 334-834-3983 or visit www.alabamatrucking.org

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ROUNDUP T RU C K I N G I N D U S T RY

ATA taps Mark Colson as its next President and CEO The Alabama Trucking Association has selected Mark Colson to be its next President and CEO. Colson started his tenure with ATA as President-Elect June 1 and will assume full responsibilities and duties as President on August 1, 2019.

“On behalf of the Alabama Trucking Association, I am excited to welcome Mark Colson to our organization,” said Church

Mark Colson

Transportation and Logistics President Fenn Church, who currently serves as the ATA Chairman of the Board. “Mark’s passion, energy and vision will serve this Association well as we prepare for the many challenges that lie ahead for trucking. Mark is an energetic leader who can build coalitions to get results and inspire those around him to do great things to push Alabama’s vibrant economy forward. We look forward to his leadership and this exciting new chapter for the Alabama Trucking Association.”

Over the past decade, Colson has served in multiple senior roles for BCA, including 30

senior vice president for governmental affairs, chief of staff, and recently serving as interim president during an executive transition.

He also ran one of the largest political action committees in Alabama for four years leading the effort to elect pro-business candidates to state office. During his tenure, new fundraising goals were achieved, and the PAC’s win-rate exceeded 95 percent.

His experience also includes working with Alabama’s local chambers of commerce in every corner of the state to promote probusiness initiatives such as infrastructure, economic development and workforce development.

“The growth and success that ATA has experienced is remarkable and directly attributed to the tremendous efforts of the staff, the members, and the volunteer leaders,” said Colson. “I’m excited to work with all of these talented individuals to continue this legacy of success and take ATA to the next level.”

Colson replaces longtime ATA CEO Frank Filgo who retires in July after 24 years of service. “Having served the Association for so long, I know that this is the best job ever,” said Filgo. “As my tenure at ATA comes to an end, I look forward to helping Mark make a smooth transition in leadership. This Association has made an excellent choice for its future.”

ATA Executive Search Committee Chairman Reid Dove of AAA Cooper Transportation said ATA is delighted to usher in a new era of leadership with Colson.

“Mark’s knowledge and experience in our state from a legislative and business standpoint will be a great asset to existing and future ATA members,” Dove said. “We are eager to begin working with Mark and the outstanding ATA staff to tackle the many

important issues facing our industry. I’d also like to commend Frank’s exemplary and noble leadership all these years. His hard work and dedication allow Mark to join our team with a great deal of momentum.”

Colson is a native of Chilton County where he grew up working for his family’s tire business. He is a graduate of Huntingdon College where he serves as a member of the Huntingdon College Board of Trustees and was recently inducted into the Huntingdon Athletics Hall of Fame (football).

He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Troy University.

Colson, his wife Cody, and their daughter reside in Montgomery and are members of First United Methodist Church.

Alabama Legislature approves measure to lower CDL age restrictions By a vote of 24-0, the Alabama Senate approved a bill in May allowing 18-year-old drivers to legally operate a combination commercial vehicle of 26,000 lbs. or more within Alabama state lines only.

Alabama had been one of only two states that restricts Intrastate Commerce to drivers 21 years or older carrying a Class A commercial driver’s license.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dexter Grimsley, R-Abbeville, is expected to create thousands of new jobs and will allow Alabama businesses that rely on trucks to move their goods or equipment to better compete with surrounding states that do not have the same age restrictions. Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, carried the companion bill in the Senate. The House previously had passed the bill by a vote of 96-1.

All new drivers must meet safety training and testing guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and drivers under the age of 21 may not operate a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous material.

The Alabama Trucking Association, along with the Business Council of Alabama; Alabama Beverage Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Retail Association, Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives, Alabama’s chapter of A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

ATA Comp Fund CEO Kimble Coaker wins H. Chester Webb Award The Alabama Trucking Association has awarded ATA Comp Fund CEO and Fund Administrator Kimble Coaker with its 2019 H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service, a distinction that recognizes trucking professionals for service and leadership to the state’s trucking industry.

Coaker received the honor at the Association’s 81st Annual Convention and Meeting held April 25-27, 2019 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla. When he started with the Fund in 1995, it had $2 million annually in written contributions; today, it has more than $70 million, encompassing 41 states with $97 million of dividends returned to Fund members and accumulating assets of $160 million.

Under his leadership, the Fund has contributed more than $8.8 million to the Alabama Trucking Association in royalty fees, while providing thousands of Alabama business owners with stable workers’ compensation coverage for their employees.

According to ATA President and CEO Frank Filgo, the Association owes much of its own success to the Fund. “Kimble’s contributions to this Association and AlKimble Coaker abama’s business community are so the National Federation of Independent Business, and Manufacture Alabama praised the members of the Alabama Legislature for the passage of legislation and for its ability to create jobs and relieve an acute shortage of professional truck drivers, which has long hampered growth and competitiveness for Alabama’s manufacturing and transportation industry.

“This legislation is a win-win for motor carriers, shippers and consumers,” said Alabama Trucking Association President Frank Filgo. “The ongoing truck driver shortage, now estimated to be more than 60,000 nationally, is a burden to the economy. With the passage of this bill, additional drivers will help advance long-term, sustainable profitability for Alabama motor carriers and suppliers. This Association is grateful to the Alabama Legislature for passing this important measure and to the coalition of state business organizations led by the Business Council of Alabama and others for showing such widespread support for the bill.”

Business Council of Alabama President Katie Britt called the legislation a workforce development bill that will provide more employment opportunities for young Alabamians.

“This commonsense legislation will open A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

many,” Filgo said. “He and his staff have built the best and most respected workers’ comp self-insurance funds in the nation and have helped lower operational costs for thousands of trucking businesses.”

During the award presentation, 2018 Webb Award recipient Greg Brown, President of B.R. Williams Trucking, described how Coaker’s views about workers’ compensation were shaped by his own family’s struggles after his brother, Stewart, was injured in an industrial accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

“Watching his (family) deal with the emotional, physical and financial trauma of that accident greatly impacted him, affording him personal insight into the importance of workers’ compensation,” said Brown. “His experience shaped his desire to improve workers’ compensation from both the employer and the employee’s perspectives.”

A native of Monroeville, Ala., Coaker is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Accounting and earned his CPA distinction in 1992. He serves on the Board of Directors for Rotary, Project Share, Trucking Association Insurance Council, and the Self-Insurance Institute of America, currently serving as that organization’s CFO.

the door of opportunity for young adults who are looking to find a good paying job, and at the same time, it addresses a dire need for Alabama businesses that rely on trucks to move their products,” Britt said.

“I applaud Rep. Grimsley and Sen. Chesteen for their leadership in this effort.”

Other members of Alabama’s business community also showed support for the bill’s passage.

“Alabama’s beverage industry relies heavily upon able CDL drivers to deliver our products to customers across the state,” said Alabama Beverage Association Executive Director Virginia Banister. “The shortage of these drivers continues to be a challenge to our business, and we are hopeful that this new law will create a pathway to qualify more drivers and broaden the pool of eligible hires for some very good paying jobs in the state of Alabama.”

“Our country is facing a severe shortage of truckers,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “This impacts the ability of farmers and forest landowners to get equipment and supplies in a timely manner as well as market their products.

This legislation is a step in the right direction and will benefit all families, businesses and industries.”

“This legislation will give highly trained utility workers who don’t meet an arbitrary age requirement to be able to perform vital services on our electric grid,” said Sean Strickler, vice president of public affairs for Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. “Alabama’s electric cooperatives strive to keep the power on all the time but unfortunately in rare instances it goes out and this legislation will get it restored even faster than we do now.”

“One of the greatest challenges facing Alabama’s small businesses today is finding qualified workers,” said Rosemary Elebash, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business. “This legislation is going to help small businesses fill critical jobs and create new opportunities for young adults just entering the workforce. It’s a win-win.”

“The shortage of truck drivers has become increasingly challenging for manufacturers,” said Manufacture Alabama President George Clark. “It costs manufacturers a lot of money every time a shipment of raw materials is not delivered and every time a product does not leave the plant on time. This is a commonsense measure that is good for industry in Alabama.”

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ROUNDUP T RU C K I N G I N D U S T RY

ATA Announces Support of Gov. Ivey’s Infrastructure Funding Plan

By Ford Boswell The Alabama Trucking Association applauds Gov. Kay Ivey’s recent signing into law a measure that increases the state’s fuel tax by 10 cents to pay for infrastructure improvements.

Gov. Ivey’s Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan seeks to raise the state’s fuel tax with an index designed to coincide with rising costs of maintaining and building roads and bridges. The tax increase will be phased in over three years and could generate an additional $320 million earmarked solely for transportation funding. Alabama currently imposes a flat excise tax of 18 cents-per-gallon on gas and 19 cents-per-gallon on diesel without adjusting for inflation and other construction and maintenance costs.

“Adequate funding is imperative to fixing our many roads and bridges that are in dire need of repair,” Gov. Ivey said at recent press conference. “By increasing our investment in infrastructure, we are also making an investment in public safety, economic development, and the prosperity of our state.”

The Alabama Trucking Association has long advocated for an increase in fuel taxes to improve Alabama’s roadways, and according to ATA leaders, that commitment still stands.

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Alabama’s Rebuild Act Summary The governor’s office recently released the following Rebuild Alabama Act summary: New Revenue l 6 Cents, Effective October 1, 2019 l 2 Cents, Effective October 1, 2020 l 2 Cents, Effective October 1, 2021 Distribution of New Revenue l State – 66.67 percent l Counties – 25 percent l Municipalities – 8.33 percent Use of New Revenue l ALDOT, Counties, and Municipalities cannot use the new revenue for: Salaries or other compensation that are not direct project costs, purchase or maintenance of equipment, or building structures or buildings that are not installed as part of a road or bridge project. l ALDOT, Counties, and Municipalities can only use the new revenue for: Maintenance or construction of roads and bridges, match funds for federal road or bridge projects, or the payment of “Alabama ranks dead last in its support of infrastructure funding compared to other Southeastern states,” said ATA Chairman of the Board Fenn Church. “The last time we adjusted the state’s fuel tax was in 1992 — and based on inflation alone, it would take an additional 14 cents to have the same purchasing power as in 1992.

When you add fuel economy to the equation, it would require an

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any debt, subject to certain limits in the Act, associated with road or bridge projects. l All new revenue paid to ALDOT and separately to counties and municipalities shall be deposited into a separate fund. l ALDOT’s proceeds flow to the Rebuild Alabama Fund that will be audited annually and ALDOT will annually report to the Joint Transportation Committee itemized specific projects. l County and municipality proceeds shall also be audited and reported by the Examiners of Public Accounts.

Index l Beginning June 1, 2023, and every other year thereafter: l The Department of Revenue will calculate the National Highway Construction Cost Index (NHCCI) issued by the US Federal Highway Association for the current year compared against the previous year. l Cannot increase OR decrease by more than 1 cent.

Electric/Hybrid Fees l $250 license and registration fee on elective vehicles (EVs), $125 on hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). l Distribution of the first $150 on EVs, and first $75 on increase of 22 cents. We applaud Gov. Ivey for having the courage and vision to introduce this important infrastructure funding plan.”

Though earlier attempts to increase the state’s fuel tax have fallen short, Church said this year’s effort holds promise.

“A well-coordinated effort by the Governor and the leadership of both legislative chambers is now in play,” he said. “ATA fully supports

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HEVs, shall be distributed 66.67 percent to the state, 25 percent to the counties, and 8.33 percent to municipalities. l Remainder shall be deposited in the Rebuild Alabama Fund to support the Electric Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program until 2% of the total vehicle registrations in AL are EVs and HEVs. Port Funding l Up to $10,200,000 annually will be distributed to finance the improvement of the ship channel providing access to the facilities of the Alabama State Docks. l Such funds to service bond indebtedness not to exceed $150,000,000. Will terminate at the earlier of June 1, 2035 or when the debt is repaid.

TOTAL COST OF BILL TO AVERAGE ALABAMA DRIVER: $55 a year, $4.58 a month (Source: Alabama Transportation Institute based on 12,000 annual miles and 22MPG)

their commitment to moving Alabama forward. Charged with moving freight safely, on-time and efficiently, Alabama truckers know there is a cost of doing nothing. If we continue kicking the can on road funding, we will pay for it in weakened economic competitiveness, diminished economic productivity, increased vehicle maintenance and operating costs, and impaired access to education, employment and healthcare.”

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ROUNDUP T RU C K I N G I N D U S T RY

FMCSA seeks public comment on autonomous vehicle regs

Trucking industry stakeholders can now comment on two pre-rules from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation regarding the regulatory path to integrating autonomous trucks and cars onto public roads.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both published advance notices of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, looking for public comment about regulations that may need to be amended, revised or eliminated to allow the introduction of autonomous vehicles to U.S. highways.

The agency is asking for feedback on topics regarding autonomous trucks, such as do federal regulations require a human driver; are CDL endorsements for automated driving system (ADS) operators; hours rules for ADS operators; medical qualifications; distracted driving and monitoring, and the like.

Those interested can comment at https:// www.regulations.gov/comment?D=FMCSA2018-0037-0131

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Federal program helps vets, reservists find trucking jobs The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has launched a program to help vets and reservists find jobs in the trucking industry.

Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it’s now accepting applications for a pilot program permitting 18-20-year-olds who possess the military equivalent of a CDL to operate trucks in interstate commerce.

During the pilot, which is slated to run for up to three years, the safety records of

these drivers will be compared to those of a control group of drivers. FMCSA hopes the program will attract at least 200 participants under 21 years of age, as well as 200 control drivers, to ensure a statistically valid sample. The agency anticipates it will need upwards of 70 motor carriers to hire participant drivers for the study.

Carriers interested in participating should complete this application and submit it to Under21Pilot@dot.gov. For more information, visit this FMCSA webpage at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

R.E. Garrison’s new truck wrap raises awareness for mental health R.E. Garrison Trucking has done it again with another gorgeous theme truck. This time raising awareness for mental health issues. Lonestar Truck Group of Texarkana, Tex. designed and applied the wrap on this 2019 Freightliner Cascadia. The new theme was inspired by the recent death of Steven K. Griffith, father of company President and coowner Wyles Griffith and father-inlaw of company Executive VicePresident and co-owner Donovon Lovell, who was murdered at the hands of mentally unstable man in July 2017. The Cullman-based carrier has previously commissioned trucks with graphics and themes honoring military veterans and law enforcement officers.

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M EMBER N EWS Southland rebrands to better reflect business focus Southland International Trucks, Inc., originally established as Tuscaloosa Truck & Equipment in 1976, has rebranded under a new name and logo.

The 43-year-old company, which consists of six locations, will move forward as Southland Transportation Group.

According to President Drew Linn, the name change was necessary to better represent the multitude of products and services provided by Southland, from the broadest range of trucks in the industry to offerings of advanced telematic diagnostics.

“We’ve grown significantly in terms of products and services that we offer, so we felt the name change was needed to remind our customers and our associates what we provide,” said Vice President Andrew Linn.

“We’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing all of our departments together, unified to exceed customer expectations.”

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The transition will not only affect the name of the company, but it will also cultivate a new identity for the organization. Inspired by the virtues of quality, value, trust and service, as well as the road itself, an “S” in the shape of a shield creates the company’s new logo.

“I love the fact that it’s bold. If you look carefully at the logo, it actually shows a road coming together, which is what we did as a company,” Andrew Linn said. “We came together to provide a one-stopshop for our customers to make it easy, simple and fun to do business with.”

Drew Linn said this was a natural step forward for the company.

Since 1986, Southland International Trucks, Inc., has served the state of Alabama and beyond. Now, Southland offers the newest from International Truck; IC Bus; and Wabash, Benson, and Transcraft trailers, along with parts, service, rental and leasing from Southland Idealease.

“It’s very exciting not only for our customers, but also for our team members,” Drew Linn said. “You don’t just get a truck or trailer when you come to us. You get all the services that go with the transportation business.”

Thomas Locklin joins Palomar Insurance sales team

Locklin

Palomar Insurance announces the addition of Thomas Locklin to their expanding sales team as a Vice President, specializing in the trucking and transportation industries.

Prior to joining Palomar, Locklin served the transportation industry for seven years as an insurance underwriter for a national carrier and transportation risk management advisor. “Thomas’s in-depth knowledge of the insurance and risk management needs of the transportation industry will help our

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clients manage their risks and solutions as well as shaping our insurance products to best meet their needs,” said Lane Milam, Palomar Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Locklin graduated from The University of Alabama in 2012 with a degree in Finance with an emphasis in Insurance and Risk Management. Thomas also has his TRS (Transportation Risk Specialist) designation. He lives in Birmingham, Ala. with his wife Amy and newborn son, Miller.

For questions about long-haul, shorthaul, flatbed and other commercial transportation insurance coverage, call Locklin at 205-263-5107 or email thomasl@ palomarins.com.

Four Star Freightliner awards scholarships to high school seniors Two high school seniors have been awarded scholarships in memory of Four Star Freightliner employee Zachary Sizemore. This is the third year for the Zachary Sizemore Memorial Scholarship Program.

Sizemore, 32, lost his cancer battle in 2016. “He loved his job and we loved him”, Four Star Freightliner Dealer Principal Jerry Kocan said as he remembered Zack. “He

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019

Sizemore

put his whole heart and soul into his job and being a great teammate.”

Sizemore was resilient and had a strong will to simply live. His perseverance is the spirit Four Star hopes to pass along to the next generation.

The two recipients are children of Four Star employees: Steven Allen Oliver, Jr., Son of Damita Oliver, Four Star Freightliner Payroll Manager: Steven is currently a senior at Northview High School Oliver

in Dothan, Ala. He plans to attend Wallace Community College in Dothan where he will study automotive technology.

Abbie Mathews, Daughter of Cindy Mathews, Four Star Freightliner Service Manager: Abbie is a senior at Northside Methodist Academy in Dothan, Ala. She plans to attend Wallace Community College and Troy University in Dothan with plans of becoming a history teacher.

Each student will receive a one-time $1,000 award. A total of $8,000 has been awarded so far in memory.

Mathews

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PO Box 242337 • Montgomery, AL 36124 • Phone: (334) 834-3983 • Fax: (334) 262-6504

Application For Membership Motor Carrier: ___

Private: ___

Household Goods: ___

Allied Industry: ___

Your Dues Amount: $ __________________ (please fill in by using dues chart) Firm Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (Box)________________________________(Street) ____________________________________________ City, State & Zip: ________________________________________________________________________________ DOT Number: ______________________________________ Number of Trucks: __________________ __________ Telephone: (______) ____________________ Fax (______) ____________________ 800/ ______________________ Website Address:

________________________________________________________________________________

Type of Business: ________________________________________________________________________________ Official Representative : ________________________________Title: ______________________________________ Email address:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Alternate Representative: ________________________________Title: ______________________________________ Email address:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ________________________________Date: ________Referred by: ________________________________ CONTRIBUTIONS OR GIFTS TO THE ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, INC., ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. HOWEVER, A PORTION OF YOUR DUES ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ORDINARY AND NECESSARY BUSINESS EXPENSES.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY CODE # _________________ Date _________________________

Mbr Type ____________________

Nxt Bill Date __________________

Check # ______________________

Dues Cat _____________________

AL Sen ______________________

Dues Amt ____________________

Freq _________________________

AL Hse ______________________

Mbr Class ____________________

Exp Date _____________________

CG Dist ______________________

MAG ______ MC ______ GC ______ YR ______ LTR/PLQ ______ RSL ______ BC ______

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Schedule of Membership Dues (Effective July 1, 2017)

A. For-Hire Motor Carriers (Membership dues are based on truck count; maximum of $4,000) $500 plus $20 per truck

B. Private Carriers (Schedule based on miles traveled in Alabama) $300 ..............................for up to 1 million miles $600 ..............................for 1,000,000 up to 4 million miles $900 ..............................for 4,000,001 up to 7 million miles $1,200 ...........................for 7,000,001 up to 10 million miles $1,500 ...........................for 10,000,001 up to 13 million miles $1,800 ...........................for 13,000,001 miles up to 16 million miles $2,100 ...........................for 16,000,001 up to 19 million miles $2,400 ...........................for 19,000,000 up to 21 million miles $2,800 ...........................for 21,000,000 up to 24 million miles $3,100 ...........................for over 24 million miles

C. Household Goods Carriers (Schedule based on intrastate revenue only) $420 ..............................for under $100,000 $480 ..............................for $100,001 up to $150,000 $540 ..............................for $150,000 up to $200,000 $660 ..............................for $201,001 up to $250,000 $780 ..............................for $250,001 up to $300,000 $900 ..............................for $300,001 up to $400,000 $1,200 ...........................for $400,001 and over

D. Allied Industry (Those who service and equip the trucking industry) $600 annually

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.

2019 ATA Buyer’s Guide

We make every effort to ensure this list is correct. For changes or corrections to your company’s listing, contact

Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have taken an active role in supporting Alabama’s trucking industry by becoming members of the Association. We ask that each time you plan a purchase that you consult this guide and give ATA members the opportunity to gain your business. These companies proudly support your association and deserve your support, as well.

ADVERTISING/PUBLISHING Randall-Reilly (205) 349-2990 www.randallreilly.com AUTO DEALER (SERVICE OR REPAIR) Faucett Motors of Boaz, Inc. (256) 593-7162 BUS SALES & SERVICE Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Transportation South, Inc. (205) 663-2287 www.thebuscenter.com

EQUIPMENT LEASING CB Repair & Trailer Maintenance, Inc. (205) 338-0943

Crestmark Bank 615-620-3509 www.crestmark.com

KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC (205) 515-1478 www.equipmentsolution.com

Electronic Funds Source, LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com

Metro Trailer Rental (205) 985-8701 www.metrotrailer.com

First Tennessee Bank (615) 734-6046

Premier Trailer Leasing (205) 680-3184 Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net

Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com

CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. (334) 693-3318 www.rushingenterprises.com

Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com

COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Omnitracs, LLC (615) 594-7565 www.omnitracs.com Orbcomm, Inc. (703) 433-7763 www.orbcomm.com Peloton Technology (650) 395-7356 www.peloton-tech.com SmartDrive Systems (858) 225-5551 www.smartdrive.net Trimble Transportation (407) 347-5121 www.mobility.trimble.com

DRIVER STAFFING ProDrivers (334) 391-2715 www.prodrivers.com TransForce, Inc. (205) 916-0259 www.transforce.com Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com

EDUCATION & TRAINING J.J. Keller & Associates, 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 USA Driver-s, Inc. (205) 661-0712 www.usadrivers.com Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (205) 585-3895 www.infinitiworkforce.com

ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Sales & Service (901) 488-8033 www.salesandservice.cummins.com

Trailer Sales of Tennessee A Fleet Equipment Co. (615) 259-3301 www.trailersalesoftennessee.com

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING Daehan Solution Alabama, LLC (334) 301-3498

IBERIABANK (251) 345-9676 www.IBERIABANK.com

Cottingham and Butler (563) 587-5521 www.cottinghambutler.com Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. (901) 274-5424 www.farrisevans.com Great West Casualty Co. (865) 392-3752 www.gwccnet.com Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695 www.hudgensinsurance.com Hudson Insurance Company (317) 810-2038 www.hudsoninsgroup.com

Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5433 www.safetyfirstdrugtesting.com Workforce QA dba EDPM (205) 326-3100 www.edpm.com

NON-PETROLEUM FUEL PRODUCTS GAIN Clean Fuel – Div. of US Oil (804) 291-7892 www.gainfuel.com Pivotal LNG (404) 783-3550 www.pivotallng.com

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511

National Bank of Commerce (205) 422-7111

JH Berry Risk Services, LLC (205) 208-1238 www.jhbrisk.com

People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.

(205) 856-9354 www.peoples.com

Liberty Mutual Group (804) 380-5169 www.libertymutual,com

People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.

(205) 664-9374 www.puefc.com

Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance (251) 473-4600 www.lyonfrycaden.com

PNC Bank N.A. (205) 421-2764 www.pnc.com

McGriff Insurance Services (334) 674-9810 www.mcgriffinsurance.com

Myers Oil Company, Inc. (954) 938-7211

ProBilling and Funding Service (256) 736-4349 www.probfs.com

McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc. (205) 583-9641 www.mcgriff.com

RelaDyne (205) 384-3422 www.reladyne.com

Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 392-3844 www.joemorten.com

Shell Oil Products US (601) 529-7244 www.shell.com

One Beacon (609) 613-0010 www.onebeacontransportation.com

The McPherson Companies (205) 661-4400 www.mcphersonoil.com

Palomar Insurance Corp.

(334) 270-0105 www.palomarinsurance.com

W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com

PR Companies (334) 836-1377 www.partnerwiththeexperts.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com

Progress Bank Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing (205) 527-5692 www.myprogressbank.com (334) 398-1410 www.roadranger.com Renasant Bank EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES (334) 301-5955 www.renasantbank.com Allison Transmission, Inc. (678) 367-7011 Santander Bank. N.A. www.allisontransmission.com (205) 414-7554 www.santanderbank.com Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 ServisFirst Bank www.dothantarp.com (205) 949-3433 www.servisfirstbank.com Imperial Supplies LLC (920) 490-6707 Signature Financial, LLC www.imperialsupplies.com (423) 290-9986 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Trucking Partners, LLC 334/798-0080 Sales Agency & Factoring www.arvinmeritor.com (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com Paccar Parts/Kenworth (206) 898-5541 Trustmark Bank www.paccarparts.com (205) 995-4615 www.trpparts.com www.trustmark.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. Wells Fargo Equipment Finance (251) 653-4716 (314) 374-2165 www.southerntruck.net www.wellsfargo.com Star Truck Parts INSURANCE (205) 324-4681 Aon Risk Solutions Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-Mobile- (501) 374-9300 www.aon.com/transportation Montgomery-Chattanooga (205) 591-2424 Aronov Insurance, Inc. www.midstatetk.com (205) 414-9575 www.aronovinsurance.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 AssuredPartners of Alabama (334) 279-6083 (205) 823-2300 www.wwwilliams.com www.assuredpartners.com FINANCIAL SERVICES BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc. BMO Transportation Finance (334) 386-3317 (770) 960-6307 www.bxsi.com www.BMOTF.com Comdata 615-376-6917 www.comdata.com

The Baxter Agency (334) 678-6800 www.baxteragency.com

Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (704) 731-0031 www.commercialcreditgroup.com

Benton & Parker Insurance Services (770) 536-8340 www.bentonandparker.com

Corporate Financial Services, LLC (334) 215-4499 www.cfs401k.com

Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com

Regions Insurance, Inc. (501) 661-4880 www.regions.com Reliance Partners, LLC (877) 668-1704 www.reliancepartners.com Trans Con Assurance, LTD (205) 978-7070 www.transconassurance.com TransRisk, LLC (334) 403-4114 www.transriskllc.com Turner & Hamrick L.L.C. (334) 566-7665 www.turnerhamrick.com York Risk Services Group (205) 581-9488 www.yorkrsg.com

MEDICAL/DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES Alabama Specialty Clinic (256) 736-1460 www.ascoccupationalhealth.com Carlisle Medical, Inc. (251) 344-7988 www.carlislemedical.com ErgoScience, Inc. (205) 879-6447 www.ergoscience.com J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

Jack Green Oil Co., Inc. (256) 831-1038 Kimbro Oil Company (615) 320-7484 www.kimbrooil.com Major Oil Company, Inc. (334) 263-9070 www.unitedfoodandfuel.com

Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Parker, Gill, Eisen & Stevenson, P.C. (334) 387-9813 www.pgescpa.com Warren Averett (256) 739-0312 www.warrenaverett.com

Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (251) 650-0861 www.adamsandreese.com Austill, Lewis & Pipkin, P.C. (205) 870-3767 www.maplaw.com Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. (205) 572-1462 www.bakerdonelson.com Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A. 334-387-7680 www.ball-ball.com Burr-Forman LLP (205) 458-3393 www.burr.com Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson, P.C. (251) 626-9340 www.carrallison.com DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com

(Current as of 6-3-19)

Jane Nixon at jnixon@alabamatrucking.org.

Ferguson, Frost, Moore & Young LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffmylaw.com Fisher & Phillips, LLP (404) 231-1400 www.fisherphillips.com Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedman-lawyers.com Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (251) 432-5511 www.handarendall.com Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, P.C. (334) 834-7600 www.hillhillcarter.com James M. Sizemore, Jr. (334) 215-9330 Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow, Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com Speegle, Hoffman, Holman & Holifield, LLC (251) 694-1700 www.speeglehoffman.com Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000 www.starneslaw.com

Other Services: ACTS/Anytime Consulting Transportation Services (334) 405-4971 Allstate Beverage (251) 476-9600 Ext. 1231 Ancra Cargo (800) 233-5138 www.ancracargo.com C Cross Logistics, LLC (205) 759-1818 Corporate Billing, LLC (256) 584-3600 www.corpbill.com

Motor Carrier Safety Consulting (205) 871-4455

Mann Automotive Diesel, Inc. (334) 792-0456 www.mannautomotivediesel.com

Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. (251) 476-2744 www.gulfcoasttruck.com

SelecTrucks of Alabama (205) 322-6695 www.selectrucksofalabama.com

North American Commercial Vehicle Show (773) 796-4250 www.nacvshow.com

Rowe Management Corp.

(205) 486-9235 www.rowemachinery.com

R C Trailer Sales & Service Co., Inc. (205) 680-0924 www.rctrailersales.net

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com

Porter Billing Services LLC (205) 397-4079 www.porterbillingservices.com

Southern Truck Center, Inc. (205) 226-0880 www.southerntruckcenter.com

Southeast Trailer Mart, Inc. (404) 361-6411 www.stmtrailers.com

Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com

Power South Energy Cooperative (334) 427-3207 www.powersouth.com

Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com

Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com

Trojan Industries, Inc. dba Lyncoach Truck Bodies (334) 566-4330 www.lyncoach.com

PR Companies (334) 836-1377 www.partnerwiththeexperts.com

W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 www.wwwilliams.com

Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com

QuikQ LLC (678) 591-4675 www.quikq.com

Transport Trailer Center TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS (334) 299-3573 Best One Tire & Service www.transporttc.com (615) 244-9611 www.bestonetire.com Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC (334) 794-7345 Bridgestone Commercial Solutions www.utilityalabama.com (205) 514-8341 www.commercial.bridgestone.com TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. Action Truck Center (334) 376-0178 (334) 794-8505 www.actiontruckcenter.com Columbus Tire Company dba Complete Tire and Service Alabama Freightliner (706) 321-8133 (205) 322-6695 www.columbustireco.com www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Soar Payments LLC (888) 225-9405 https://www.soarpay.com/movingcompany-merchant-account/ Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 664-2000 www.specenviro.com Swift Supply, Inc. (251) 929-9399 www.swiftsupply.com Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc. (866) 245-3918 www.tax2290.com Team One Logistics (770) 232-9902 www.teamonelogistics.com TMW Systems, Inc. (440) 721-2260 www.tmwsystems.com Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc (205) 226-5500 www.tlsincorp.com Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC (205) 788-4000

Continental Tire North America (662) 549-7570 www.continental-truck.com

Birmingham Freightliner (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (708) 557-3406 www.goodyeartrucktires.com

Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer (334) 262-8856 www.capitalvolvo.com

McGriff Tire Co. (256) 739-0710 www.mcgrifftire.com

Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com

McGriff Treading Co., Inc. (256) 734-4298 www.mcgriffindustries.com

Daimler Trucks NA LLC (803) 554-4831 www.freightliner.com

Michelin North America (859) 661-0855 www.michelintruck.com

Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com

Drivewyze (780) 461-3355 www.drivewyze.com

Transportation Compliance Services, USA (228) 872-7160 www.dottrucksafety.com

Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc. (256) 878-0211 www.wilkstire.com

Fitzgerald Peterbilt (205) 379-8300 www.fitzgeraldpeterbilt.com

HELP, Inc. Provider of PrePass (931) 520-7170 www.prepass.com

Transportation Safety Services (251) 661-9700 www.transportationsafetyservices.com

Snider Fleet Solutions (336) 691-5499 www.sniderfleet.com

Four Star Freightliner (334) 263-1085 (Montgomery) www.fourstarfreightliner.com

J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

Trucking Partners, LLC Sales Agency & Factoring (256) 737-8788 www.truckingpartners.com

Yokohama Tire Corp.

(317) 385-2611 www.yokohamatire.com

Long Lewis Western Star (205) 428-0161 www.longlewistrucks.com

TRAILER DEALERS/ MANUFACTURERS C & C Trailers, Inc. (334) 897-2202

Mack Trucks, Inc. (678) 201-4770 www.macktrucks.com

JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.com Lytx DriveCam, Inc. (858) 430-4000 www.lytx.com M & N Transport, Inc. (256) 657-5161 Max Coating, Inc. (205) 849-2737 www.maxcoating.com MCG Workforce (251) 652-5244 www.mcgworkforce.com McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com Metro PictureWorks, Inc. (205) 252-0304 www.metropictureworks.com

Repairs: Big Moe Spring & Alignment of B’ham, Inc. (205) 780-0290 www.bigmoespring.com Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 birminghamframeandalignment.com Carrier Transicold South (404) 968-3130 www.ctsouth.com Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 www.childersburg-truck.com Coffman International Trucks (334) 794-4111 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc. (334) 689-8586 Lazzari Truck Repair, Inc. (251) 626-5121 www.lazzaritruckrepair.com

Dorsey Trailer, LLC (334) 897-2525 www.dorseytrailer.net Empire Truck Sales, LLC (601) 939-1000 www.empiretruck.com Fleetco, Inc. (615) 256-0600 www.fleetco.net Fontaine Fifth Wheel NA (205) 421-4300 www.fifthwheel.com Great Dane (205) 324-3491 www.greatdane.com Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc. (251) 438-5521 www.gulfcity.com

Navistar (813) 382-3113 www.internationaldelivers.com Neely Coble Co. (256) 350-1630 www.neelycoble.com Nextran Truck Centers (205) 841-4450 www.nextrancorp.com Performance Peterbilt of West Florida (850) 352-9901 www.performancepeterbilt.com Peterbilt Motors Company (615) 208-1800 www.peterbilt.com Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.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 Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville (256) 308-0162 www.TRUCKWORX.com Truckworx Kenworth – Thomasville (334) 636-4380 www.TRUCKWORX.com Volvo Trucks North America (336) 508-4950 www.volvotrucks.volvo.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com Wholesale Equipment Sales, Inc. (256) 423-5990 www.wholesaleequipmentsales.com

TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERS Insurance Auto Auction, Inc. (478) 319-8574 www.iaai.com Jeff Martin Auctioneers, Inc. (601) 450-6200 www.jeffmartinauctioneers.com Taylor & Martin, Inc. (662) 262-4613 www.taylorandmartin.com

TRUCKSTOPS Love’s Travel Stops, Inc. (405) 202-4451 www.loves.com Oasis Travel Center, LLC (251) 960-1122 Pilot Flying J Centers (865) 207-3874 www.pilotflyingj.com TravelCenters of America/ Petro Shopping Centers (678) 591-4675 www.Ta-Petro.com

VEHICLE LEASING Penske Truck Leasing (757) 603-2853 www.gopenske.com Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

ATA

NEW MEMBERS & EVENTS

New Members (as of 6-7-19) B&G Equipment and Supply 2748 Mary Taylor Road Birmingham, AL 35210 205-423-7035 Kelly Tortorice

Gulf Winds International, Inc. 1308 Woodland Ave. Mobile, AL 36532 251-263-5006 Rodney Brennan

R.D. Green Trucking, Inc. 170 Franklin Smith Road Moulton, AL 35650 256-974-4120 Raymond Green

Whitfield Trucking, Inc. P.O. Box 13097 Eight Mile, AL 36613 251-457-1443 Darold Whitfield

DMT Trucking, LLC 1927 1st Ave North, Suite 701 Birmingham, AL 35203 205-788-4000 Brian Barze

M&N Transport, Inc. 1441 County Road 125 Henagar, AL 35978 256-657-6151 Nancy Graham

Silver Eagle Transportation, Inc. P.O. Box 518 Scottsboro, AL 35768 256-259-3020 Larry Durham

Wholesale Equipment Sales, Inc. 42 Sayreton Drive Birmingham, AL 35207 256-423-5190 William Conquest

Free State Trucking, LLC 64 Co. Road 3729 Addison, AL 35540 256-747-4561 Wes McCain

MGT, Inc. P.O. Box 159 Henagar, AL 35978 256-657-5161 Debra Graham

Triple Crown Moving 911 Robin Drive Mount Olive, AL 35117 205-370-0898 Hunter Farris

Wohali Inc. 13405 Court Street Moulton, AL 35650 256-443-0948 Jeffrey Rutherford

Events ATA Board of Directors’ Meeting + Officer Installation June 25, 2019 Montgomery, Ala.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 8-14, 2019 Nationwide

American Trucking Associations Management Conference + Exhibition October 5-9, 2019 San Diego, Calif.

National Truck Driving + Step Van Driving Championships August 14-17, 2019 Pittsburgh, Pa.

ATA Golf Classic September 24, 2019 Prattville, Ala.

SMMC Christmas Celebration + Officer Installation December 9, 2019 Pelham, Ala.

A

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

44

D V E R T I S I N G

I

N D E X

ADVERTISER

PG. NO.

PH. NO.

ATA WCSIF

BC

(334) 834-7911

www.atacompfund.org

The Baxter Agency

33

(800) 873-8494

www.baxteragency.com

Birmingham Freightliner

IBC

(205) 322-6695

www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Carrier Transicold South

21

(205) 328-7278

www.ctsouth.com

Counteract

32

(800) 572-8952

www.counteractbalancing.com

Great West Casualty

15

(800) 228-8053

www.gwccnet.com

International Trucks

IFC

(800) 844-4102

www.navistar.com

J.J. Keller

38

(888) 473-4638 ext. 7892

McGriff Insurance

34

(334) 674-9803

www.McGriffInsurance.com

Nextran Truck Center

13

(800) 292-8685

www.nextrancorp.com

Palomar Insurance

36

(800) 489-0105

www.palomarins.com

R.E. Garrison

20

(800) 643-3472

www.regarrison.com

Snider Fleet Solutions

3

(800) 528-2840

www.SniderFleet.com

Southland Transportation Group

35

(205) 254-1821 southlandtransportationgroup.com

Truckworx Kenworth

14

(800) 444-6170

www.truckworx.com

Turner & Hamrick

37

(888) 385-0186

www.turnerhamrick.com

22-23

(205) 755-2610

www.thomasoil.com

WH Thomas Oil Co.

WEB ADDRESS

www.jjkellermobile.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2019