Alabama Trucker, 2nd Quarter 2020

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Rosko Craig Rises Above Published quarterly by the Alabama Trucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Montgomery, AL 36124-2337. www.alabamatrucking.org or call 334-834-3983 EDITOR Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cindy Segrest csparks67@gmail.com PRODUCTION EDITORS Adrian Bone, Brandie Norcross CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adrian Bone, Mark Colson, Tom McLeod, Chris Spear, Daniel Thompson ADVERTISING Ford Boswell fboswell@alabamatrucking.org

ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Colson

Montgomery Transport’s Rosko Craig earns ATA’s Alabama Driver of the Year, the Association’s highest honor for a truck driver, with a blend of experience, confidence, and a passion for highway safety. It’s an eye for detail that separates a great driver from the good ones.

And when it comes to detail, Craig doesn’t miss much.

Bridge From Crisis to Recovery Since it first entered the U.S., the coronavirus has upended life across America. But through all the turmoil and uncertainty, truckers have forged ahead.

While everything around us seems turned upside down, American trucking remains one absolute and steady constant.

ATA Capital Day

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Alabama Trucking leaders visited the state’s Capital City in March to form better personal bonds with policymakers and regulatory officials for the industry’s future political action.

DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Tim Frazier DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIIP & EVENTS Brandie Norcross DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Cindy York SENIOR ADVISOR Ford Boswell COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING FELLOW Adrian Bone 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, Driscoll Colquett, Brent Cook, Chris Cooper, Bo Cross, Jerry Davis, Ranny Davis, Amy DeFee, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss, Mack Dove, Wesley Dunn, Jack Fricks, Beau Holmes, Steve Johnson, Bryan Kilpatrick, Terry Kilpatrick, Mark Knotts, Jerry Kocan, Andrew Linn, Drew Linn, Hunter Lyons, Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Bruce MacDonald, Tom McLeod, Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Tommy Neely, Butch Owens, David Padgett, Clay Palm, Kelly Robinson, Kevin Savoy, Bill Scruggs, Harold Smith, Ronnie Stephenson, Steve Stinson, Paul Storey, Harold Sumerford, Jr., Gaines Thomas, Tim Tucker, Bill Ward, Bo Watkins, Wayne Watkins, Taylor White, Keith Wise, Daniel Wright.

Alabama Fleet Safety Awards

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Faced with social distancing orders from the state with further restrictions on large gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic, ATA’s safety council took to the Internet in April to host its 2019 “Virtual” Fleet Safety Awards live on Facebook.

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E P A R T M E N T S

Chairman’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 From the President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Trucking News Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Alabama Fast Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Advertising rates are available upon request.

An Affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

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

Chairman’s Message

Thanks Alabama Trucking for a job well done A

Tom McLeod Chairman of the Board Alabama Trucking Association McLeod Software Corp.

‘At every turn, on every highway, your Alabama Trucking Association will be there championing your efforts, working tirelessly on your behalf with exceptional services and steady leadership to ensure your business keeps rolling.’

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s the coronavirus pandemic spread across the U.S. this past spring, American truckers did what they always do: They delivered the goods.

Truckers dutifully soldiered through the crisis moving millions of loads of essential goods and supplies to some of the country’s most dangerous hot spots for the COVID-19 virus. It wasn’t easy, but industry workers from the truck cab to the maintenance shop and to warehouse loading dock carried the nation through the greatest human health crisis of our lifetime and delivered faithfully, as they always have.

This time something was different. This time, the public was suddenly aware of the service and sacrifice of the nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers. How could they not notice as most of the vehicles left on the road during the quarantine were commercial trucks?

Usually under-appreciated and taken for granted, truckers suddenly found themselves in the spotlight of public gratitude alongside the likes of other essential workers such as doctors and nurses, grocery store workers, law enforcement officers, and other public officials, all of whom kept our communities safe and secure.

Truckers were treated as heroes with billboards, social media hashtags, advertising campaigns praising and thanking them for their service. There was even the occasional free lunch or cup of coffee from appreciative business owners and private citizens.

Bumper stickers, placards, and hashtags in support of the trucking industry certainly are important and appreciated, but industry leaders, politicians and policy regulators also worked behind the scenes to provide more substantial ways to make our industry safer and better as our people carried the nation through some pretty tough weeks.

Seizing on that goodwill, your Alabama Trucking Association embarked on marketing campaigns and a heavy media blitz reinforcing the message that truckers were out there risking their lives to provide the items we all need to feed and clothe our families.

ATA leaders, in conjunction with other organizations, worked to bring much-needed relief and protections for trucking businesses and their workers.

We sought policy and regulatory initiatives such as tax relief for new truck purchases as the economy ground to a halt with mandated shutdowns and quarantine orders. We pushed COVID-19 liability protections for businesses serving on the front lines. We made sure rest areas were open for truckers to safely take breaks and provided them with safety supplies and personal protective equipment. We also collaborated with regulators to temporarily lift certain regulations that hampered fleets and drivers from quickly delivering crucial supplies and goods where they were needed most.

But the job is not finished, and more can and will be done. Your Alabama Trucking Association is here to make sure your business and workers are protected, and the public doesn’t forget how essential the industry was during the pandemic — and continues to be as it leads our nation from crisis to recovery.

At every turn, on every highway, your Alabama Trucking Association will be there championing your efforts, working tirelessly on your behalf with exceptional services and steady leadership to ensure your business keeps rolling.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your Chairman of the Board this past year — it was one to remember to be sure! But I could not be prouder to be a part of such an amazing organization.

And to the thousands of great men and women who make up our industry, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Alabama Trucking. Be safe, and as always, keep calm and keep trucking.

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RISING ABOVE:

By Ford Boswell BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Rosko Craig glances back at a load of metal beams strapped and chained to a flatbed trailer and smiles. It’s not his load. It’s just a random one on the yard, but he is sizing it up because a manager has questioned if the chains are properly spaced according to regulations for load securement.

Craig flashes his signature smile, and calmly says, “Oh, it’s right.”

That leads to a quick discussion, and a call for a third opinion, but after a while, everyone agrees that they are in fact both correct: The manager is quoting company 4

policy, but Craig is referring to FMCSA requirements.

“Man, as long as I’ve been hauling flatbed,” he says, “I better know what I am doing. At least, I better know what requirements the state troopers are going to go by so I don’t get a ticket. Hauling a flatbed is harder than other (kinds of hauling) because of all the different regulations and requirements.”

It’s a passion for detail that separates a great driver from the good ones. When it comes to detail, Craig doesn’t miss much.

With 22 total years on the road (16 of that hauling flatbed), and accumulating more than 3-million safe miles, Craig, 50, A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

ATA DRIVER OF THE YEAR ROSKO CRAIG Montgomery Transport’s Rosko Craig earns ATA’s highest honor for a truck driver with a blend of experience, confidence, and a passion for highway safety.

Photo by Ford Boswell

was recently selected over dozens of other top drivers from the state as the Alabama Trucking Association’s 2019 Driver of the Year sponsored by Nextran Truck Centers.

ATA’s Fleet Safety Awards are gauged on safety performance metrics for the previous calendar year. Fleet managers submit reports and nomination letters to an independent panel of judges composed of troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), who determine the winners independently. Names and the companies they drive for are also kept from the panel so that judging is impartial.

“I think having agents from ALEA’s motor carrier safety unit makes these awards so much more special,” says ATA Vice President of Safety and Compliance Tim Frazier.

“These troopers are out in the field inspecting drivers and vehicles every day, so they know a good driver or operation when they come across one. The winners of these recognitions truly are the safest and best operators in Alabama. We’re extremely proud to honor their efforts.”

As the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., ATA was forced to cancel its annual Fleet Safety Awards Banquet back in March. Faced with ongoing social distancing orders from A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

the state with further restrictions on large gatherings amid the pandemic, ATA took to the Internet to host its 2019 “Virtual” Fleet Safety Awards live on Facebook (See story on page 14), to announce its winners.

It wasn’t the way ATA leaders wanted to announce its award winners, but Craig said finding out from his company supervisors was still pretty special. “They brought me into the office one day and had Mr. Frazier on the phone who told me I’d won Driver of the Year. Everyone was so happy for me, and they made a big deal out of it. When the trucking association did its video awards, we had a watch party here at the office — socially distancing, of course. We were all spread out in small groups in different rooms. They had steaks catered in and some of my family was here. It is a great honor.”

ATA’s Driver of the Year Award represents the best of the best in Alabama Trucking says ATA President and CEO Mark Colson.

“Truck drivers are the safest drivers on the road,” he explains, “so to get to be Driver of the Year is a mantle that you’re holding up.

(These winners) are setting an example for how to be a safe driver, how to be a leader for the company, and other people want to live up to that standard.”

Company Man Craig, who has been with MT for more than seven years, is a model driver who exemplifies professionalism in the shop, on the road and working with customers at terminals and delivery sites. He’s earned many company awards, including Driver of the Month honors and Driver of the Year in 2018.

According to his supervisors, Craig is an “old school” trucker respected by his peers, customers and coworkers, who is always willing to help others. Tapping his driving experience and skill, MT managers picked him to serve on its Driver Advisory Board, which researches, writes and implements company policy. He was recently selected by the company to test a new camera system that replaces a truck’s outside mirrors.

Another outstanding attribute, MT supervisors really appreciate is his leadership.

They say he readily shares wisdom with new drivers, takes accountability for his actions, and performs his job at the highest level no matter the circumstance. And he’s also a great spokesperson for the industry, and he regularly touts the role the industry plays in the 5

economy and its daily impact on our lives.

“What makes Rosko special for me is his (positive) attitude,” says R.J. Severtsgaard an MT field operations manager who was instrumental in nominating Craig for ATA’s top individual award. “Attitude is contagious in this industry, and he passes that along to others in our fleet. He always has a smile on his face and is always doing what he needs to do to make our company and this industry successful.”

Because of that, Craig also works behind the scenes with company management to showcase the industry as a great opportunity for those seeking a good-paying job with stability, benefits and autonomy.

He says passing along his knowledge and passion for trucking is a very rewarding part of his life, and he hopes to create a spark for someone to consider trucking as a career.

Dream Job A married father of three grown children, including son, Javon (29), daughter, Diamond (28), youngest son, Jamarre (23), and one grandson, Jasiah (6). Craig, or “Turk”, as he’s known to family and friends, is a dedicated family man who loves nothing more than hanging out with Jasiah. “That’s my man — my number one star,” he says.

“He means everything to me. When we’re together, I do whatever he wants to do.

Right now, fishing is his biggest thing. We go as often as we can.”

His wife, Hope, is a retail manager with the state ABC Board. They have been married for 32 years, after meeting as teenagers. “I was playing basketball with a friend, and she and her friend came walking down the sidewalk, and I stopped them to talk to her. We met up at the park later, and we’ve been going around ever since.”

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A supportive spouse is essential in this line of work, and Craig says Hope always has his back.

“I love trucking because it was a childhood dream of mine,” he says. “For all these years, it has allowed me to provide for my family...my wife, my daughter, my sons, and my grandson. They are my rock and my backbone in all this. Without their support, I couldn’t do any of this.”

Craig started driving in the mid-1990s hauling for a company based near his hometown of Harvey, Ill., but he didn’t stick with it. After only a few years, he took a job working as a machine operator making rivets in a manufacturing mill. Meanwhile, the couple started a family, and one thing led to another, and he stayed there for about 15 years working his way to the top of that operation.

But as their sons approached their teens, the couple wanted to relocate to a place where the lifestyle was a bit slower than the suburbs of South Chicago. Harvey is known for its high crime rate and gang activity, and Craig didn’t want his sons exposed or fall victim to things that were going on there.

He had some extended family who lived in South Alabama, near Mobile, and he had visited often as a child and later when he and his own family were passing through on their way to Florida. “I just loved the slower pace, the farmland, the weather,” he says. “I remember as a child when I’d visit that I just loved the smell of the dirt there. I wanted my sons to experience another way of living than what they were used to up in Illinois.”

Since there wasn’t much work down south in Silas, he decided he’d give truck driving another try. He earned his commercial driver’s license and went to work with a cousin in Mobile who was an owner-operator.

Eventually, he signed on with a flatbed operator based in Ohio with runs close to

home. He stayed with them for a while and finally ended up with his current employer.

“I was actually up here in Birmingham applying for a driving job with another carrier, but they rejected my application on a minor medical issue that had never been diagnosed by my doctor or even a problem for me,” he recalls. “Another driver there going through the process told me about Montgomery Transport. I called them and went by for an interview, and they hired me that day. That was seven years ago, and just look at what all I have done since then. Look at what the other company missed out on!”

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Craig is grateful for his job with Montgomery Transport. “I love working here,” he says. “They are great people to work with.

They want you to succeed, and they give you the tools to do it.”

‘Got the Juice’ Craig believes that success in trucking is so much more than just showing up and doing what is expected.

“For me, the keys to success in the trucking industry are safety, number one, hard A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

work and determination,” he says. “When I get up in the morning, I start my pre-trip, get out, walk around the truck, check lights, tires, brakes and the load. I make sure everything is in proper working order and the load is tight. Then I get up in the cab, check all my gauges, make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be and that all the lights on the dash are working. After that, I start my pre-trip on my Omnitracs log. I push my brake in, and my day has started.”

But that’s only part of it.

As ATA’s Colson sees it, success in trucking is also about commitment to being the

best at what you do, and a little vibe doesn’t hurt either.

“Rosko is clearly a professional driver who has lots of accomplishments,” he says. “Three million safe miles — that’s tremendous — but he’s also one of those guys who’s got the juice! He’s got the personality, but he’s also got the commitment to the small details. It’s not just driving a truck; there’s a lot more (to it). You have to know the laws and the regulations, but you also have to have the personality to fit with whatever client ... or team you’re working for. Rosko has proven that over his long career.”

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The Bridge From

America's trucking industry was crucial in responding to the coronavirus outbreak and curbing its impact, but now, as the Nation turns to recovery, truckers will remain at the forefront when called to power our economy back up.

By Chris Spear

We hear the term ‘essential’ more frequently as of late, as truckers receive high praise and widespread recognition for

S

ince it first entered the U.S., the coronavirus has

their heroism during this crisis. Americans are opening their

upended life across America. But through all the turmoil

eyes to the gravity of what essential really means. The President

and uncertainty, truckers have forged ahead. While

of the United States perhaps said it best recently, when he

everything around us seems turned upside down, American

proclaimed from the south lawn of the White House: “Thank

trucking remains one absolute, steady constant.

God for truckers.”

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Crisis to Recovery

Amen. Truckers are the difference between store shelves getting restocked and remaining empty. They’re why doctors and nurses have PPE to protect themselves while treating the sick. They’re how test kits get to the high-impact areas so local officials can mitigate the virus’ spread.

As crucial as they’ve been in responding to the outbreak and curbing its impact, truckers will be just pivotal now as we turn toward recovery. Trucks have kept rolling while the rest of the country stays locked down, and they’ll remain at the forefront when called to power our economy back up.

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I’ve been honored to be named by President Trump to his administration’s Great American Revival council, along with four National ATA member-company CEOs. This initiative is drawing on executives and experts from across the private sector to best inform decision-makers on the country’s transition from crisis to recovery. This is exactly the right approach.

“Truckers by nature are problem solvers. They don’t complain about problems—they propose concrete solutions. Rather than pointing to obstacles, they work to clear the way forward.”

This has been on full display throughout this crisis, as ATA fleets 9

and their millions of drivers have engaged decision-makers at all levels of government to receive immediate regulatory relief and remove barriers erected by ill-conceived policies that impede our ability to deliver for our customers and the American people.

That same spirit, grit and fortitude will propel our country forward, safely and swiftly, as we bridge from crisis to recovery. It’s why the President has called on us to lead the way. Truckers hold the keys to restarting America’s economic engine, and on the backs of trucks is how we’ll get from here to there.

But it’s up to policymakers in both Congress and the federal agencies to provide a stable foundation of support. The task before us is paramount, and the stakes could not be higher. The livelihoods of tens of millions of Americans hang in the balance. The center of gravity of our entire economy rests on this bridge and its underlying supports.

“Truckers by nature are problem solvers.

They don’t complain about problems, they propose concrete solutions.

Rather than pointing to obstacles, they work to clear the way forward.”

Here are three pillars we urge federal officials in Congress and the administration to consider: 1. Prioritize PPE and access to testing for truckers and supply-chain workers.

As we’ve said from Day One of this crisis: protecting the supplychain is critical. If our workforce were compromised, our ability to move goods, both regionally and nationally, would be jeopardized— with the potential to trigger major disruptions to essential supply lines.

We are coordinating closely with FMCSA as more widespread testing comes online. As more data informs where cases are trending by regions, states and localities, we can best channel federal and industry resources accordingly, and facilitate distribution of PPE to those carriers and drivers operating in higher-risk areas. As Congress considers COVID-19 assistance legislation, it should work with agencies to ensure the resources and authorities are sufficient to support these efforts.

Outside government action, we at ATA have taken the initiative.

To date, we have provided 4,000 face coverings at no cost to small and mid-size member carriers that, due to their size, are unable to purchase these supplies in bulk. We have now acquired an additional 100,000 face coverings, which are being distributed through our federation of state associations and directly to member carriers at cost. Furthermore, we have partnered with Protective Insurance to distribute 10 55-gallon drums of hand sanitizer along major freight corridors across the U.S. 10

2. Keep liquidity flowing into the market.

Truckers live by the value of hard work. They don’t seek handouts.

Bailouts to our industry do little to ensure the survival of motor carriers if there are no customers left for us to serve.

That’s why ATA has focused our advocacy efforts on ensuring there’s ample liquidity throughout the market so that small and medium-size businesses – our customers – can weather this storm and come through the other side still standing. It’s critical that Congress keep funds flowing for the Paycheck Protection Program and other small business loan programs, which millions of employers are relying on to keep their businesses afloat and employees paid.

3. Invest in infrastructure.

Underfunded roads and bridges are choking the nation’s supply lines, making it costlier and more time consuming to get goods to market. They’re costing motorists $1,600 annually in wasted gas, lost wages and vehicle damage. The typical motorist wastes 42 hours of their lives every year sitting in traffic, and the trucking industry loses 1.2 billion hours of productivity to congestion.

Absent urgent action, this will be our next big crisis – one that’s been decades in the making – because of lapsing investments, degrading roads and bridges and exploding national debt. America’s truckers, farmers, business and labor communities stand together in calling on Congress and the President to fund a comprehensive infrastructure bill this year.

No policy is more primed to reenergize the economy than this.

Infrastructure directly touches every industry, business and individual American. It the near term, it would create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs for the countless workers who have been displaced by the COVID-19 crisis. And it would provide a foundation for longterm economic growth, revitalizing are arteries of commerce for the 21st century.

With gas prices now at extreme lows, Congress is presented with a historic opportunity to pass a major economic recovery package that is fully paid for. Whereas the previous phases of COVID-19 relief legislation have sent our national debt soaring to dangerous levels, infrastructure investment can provide immediate and long-term stimulus without adding a dime to the federal deficit.

The debt tonnage we’re dropping at the feet of our children and grandchildren is unconscionable, and we risk this becoming COVID19 lasting impact for decades to come. We can deny it that legacy, and jumpstart our economy, by starting with infrastructure.

The transition from crisis to recovery will not happen overnight.

It’ll happen in stages, staggered by region and driven by data. But just as we’ve been through every phase of this national crisis, ATA and our members are now in a position to shape this outcome. As Congress considers its next move, it’d be wise to follow trucking’s lead.

Chris Spear is President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. Visit his organization at www.truckline.org.

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Photo by Adrian Bone

ATA Capital Day: Advancing Trucking’s Agenda Alabama trucking leaders visited the state’s Capital City to form better relationships with policymakers and regulatory officials for future political action.

By Adrian Bone

Attendees visiting with Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Everyone enjoys getting the opportunity to meet the leaders of their respective communities. By meeting and knowing leaders, people can begin the initiative of change. This was the case for several Alabama trucking industry leaders back in March when the Alabama Trucking Association held its Capital Leadership Day. The event provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to hear from officials at all three branches of state government.

It gave insight as to how the lobbying and political process takes place. It also gave the opportunity for these leaders to begin building meaningful relationships with their respective legislators. When ATA has a bill or A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

agenda that needs to be pushed it is great for members to know their leaders. It always starts locally.

The attendees were Will Bruser of Truckworx, Jerry Kocan of Four Star Freightliner, Andrew Petrofsky of J & M Tank Lines, Joe Black of McGriff Tire Co., Jim Jenkins of Vulcan Construction Materials, Joshua Moore of Vulcan Construction Materials, Todd Hager of ATA Comp Fund, Barry McGriff of McGriff Tire Co., Collins White of Alabama Motor Express, Wayne Watkins of Watkins Trucking Co., and Mark Colson, Tim Frazier and Brandie Norcross of ATA. Colson believes the event is critical for truckers because it ensures that policymakers are hearing directly from Alabama truckers as they are the industry that moves our economy.

This event started at the Business Council of Alabama’s Legislative Reception. This gave attendees the opportunity to not only learn who their respective representatives are but also the opportunity to connect with them to showcase why trucking is so important to the state’s economy.

The following day only added to the momentum, as the group met with Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Supreme Court Justices Will Sellers, Jay Mitchell, Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon and Governor Ivey’s Chief of Staff Jo Bonner.

Colson said, “We went to first give thanks to leadership.

Thanking them for the support of the Rebuild Alabama Plan, which is still having an effect on state transportation funding and policy, and the continual support of the trucking industry.”

Another benefit of the event was the involvement of leaders from a cross-section of the trucking industry. For instance, ATA Comp Fund’s Todd Hager, who leads one of the industry’s strongest workers’ compensation selfinsurance funds, said the experience for him was twofold: First, it signified the growing relationship with ATA and the ATA Comp Fund as a unified front for bolstering ATA Capital Day attendees, left to right, bottom row: Barry McGriff, Will Bruser and Andrew Petroftrucking’s position in the state political arena; and second, sky. Back row, from left: Joshua Moore, Collins White, Joe Black, Todd Hager, Jerry Kocan, Jim Jenkins it gave him a deeper understanding of the state political and Tim Frazier. process so he can better represent the interests of Fund members and the industry at large.

He added that he learned that the trucking industry has an “It was a wonderful experience overall,” he said. ”It was exciting excellent reputation among government leaders. “We have to to meet and hear from state leaders. One of the best parts, though, constantly remind them of things that are occurring so that change was being able to explain some of the hardships trucking companies will occur,” he said. are having in the state.”

McGriff Tire’s Joe Black had a similar experience. He said anytime industry stakeholders are exposed to government leaders, it creates an opportunity for unification. “It gave me a little insight into how things work in Montgomery, and seeing the behind the scenes of the legislators’ and governor’s offices,” he said.

He also added that ATA is in great hands for representation in Montgomery. “Mark is highly respected among leaders in Montgomery,” he said. “His stature and experience allow us to voice our needs and show how important our industry is for the state.”

Colson said the event is going to happen annually, and other ATA leaders will have the opportunity to participate. “The next legislative event for ATA will be in Washington in December.”

Attendees hear from Attorney General Steve Marshall along with ALEA’s Capt. Brent McElvaine.

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Adrian Bone is a marketing and communications fellow at the Alabama Trucking Association. He may be reached at abone@alabamatrucking.org.

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Focused on

ATA celebrates the trucking industry’s best and safest fleets

By Ford Boswell

F

aced with strict social distancing orders from the state with further restrictions on large gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Alabama Trucking Association took to the Internet to host its 2019 “Virtual” Fleet Safety Awards live on Facebook, Thursday, April 30.

Hosted by ATA Vice President of Safety and Compliance Tim Frazier, dozens of Alabama’s top fleets, managers and employees were tapped for awards and recognition celebrating the industry’s dedication to highway and workplace safety.

Held each spring, ATA’s awards follow the American Trucking Associations’ criteria for fleet safety recognition and are judged by an independent panel of experts from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency who pore over complex safety stats and parameters based on miles operated within the state.

All safety information is pulled from the previous calendar year, in this case, 2019 — which is why ATA refers to the “2019 awards”. Also, ATA officials note that nominees’ names and locations are kept from judges.

Award sponsors include Carrier Transicold South, McGriff Tire Co., Nextran Truck Centers, Southland Transportation Group and Vertical Alliance Group.

“I want to express our Association’s gratitude to those sponsors,” said Frazier. “They stuck with us during this stressful time. This Association is so blessed to have an engaged and supportive allied sector. These business leaders understand the importance of recognizing those who invest time, finances and effort in fleet and driver safety measures. Safety investments make our industry stronger and present a better public image, which places us in the best possible position to serve Alabama’s economy safely and efficiently.”

ATA President Mark Colson praised the winners’ commitment to operating professionally, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

“What a time to honor excellence in the trucking industry,” Colson said. “The men and women in our business are shining during very challenging circumstances. From the White House to the farmhouse, there is an acute awareness of the important role trucking plays in our daily lives. We are so proud of these individuals and the companies recognized in this year’s Fleet Safety Awards. Through crisis or Christmas, truckers keep America moving forward!”

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Driver of the Year Several individuals from ATA members fleets received awards for their experience and work in trucking but the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Driver of the Year Award which went to Silas, Ala.’s Rosko Craig of Montgomery Transport, LLC. The Driver of the Year award is sponsored by Nextran Truck Centers.

Craig has logged 3 million accident-free miles in a career spanning two decades. In the seven years that he’s worked at Montgomery Transport, he’s earned many awards from his company, including Driver of the Month honors and Driver of the Year in 2018.

According to his supervisors, Craig is an “old school” trucker respected by his peers, customers and company managers, who’s always willing to help. Tapping into his leadership skills, Montgomery Transport managers picked him to serve on its Driver Advisory Board, which researches and writes company policy. He was recently selected by the company to test a new camera system that replaces a truck’s outside mirrors.

His supervisors add that he readily shares wisdom, takes accountability for his actions, and performs his job at the highest level no matter the circumstance. He’s also a great spokesperson for the industry. He regularly shares the role the trucking industry plays in the economy, and its daily impact on our lives. He says passing along his knowledge and passion for trucking is a very rewarding part of his life, and he hopes to create a spark for someone to consider trucking as a career choice.

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Fleet Safety

and individuals during a ‘virtual’ awards program.

“We’re only as good as our people, and our drivers are the absolute background of this business,” said Montgomery Transport CEO Rollins Montgomery. “Rosko consistently proves he is in an elite status of professional drivers. His willingness to be part of any operation or project that comes his way makes him an integral part of our company family.”

The Driver of the Year Runner Up was Lawrence Twitty of Blair Logistics, who has been a professional driver for more than 13 years logging nearly 2-million safe miles with no accidents or claims. He has been with his current company for more than a decade.

Safety Professional

Outside of his duties with his company, Frazier has been involved with ATA’s Safety and Maintenance Management Council (SMMC) extensively for years, serving in several official roles, including Chairman of the SMMC Birmingham Chapter. He received his CDS certification from the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) in 2009 and maintains current status.

He also serves on the SMMC steering committee and the group’s Alabama Truck Driving Championship Committee, specifically tasked with course creation.

Safety Pro Runner Up is Trussville, Ala. resident Scott Hackleman of P&S Transportation. Company officials say Hackleman is a valuable asset to his company. “(Scott) seamlessly navigated a number of large milestones and acquisitions in the growth of our company during the past few years,” said P&S Vice President of Safety Johnathan Marshall. “He was invaluable and instrumental as we navigated a company-wide transition from paper logs to an electronic logging system.”

Maintenance Professional

Another big winner was Safety Professional of the Year Matt Frazier, Vice President of Safety for Montgomery Transport. Matt, a third-generation trucker who also is the son of ATA’s Tim Frazier, has been a fixture in the state’s trucking industry for more than 20 years. The award’s sponsor is Southland Transportation Group.

Upon completing a degree in criminal justice, he worked for a safety compliance consulting firm where he cut his teeth in fleet safety compliance with regard to FMCSA regulations. He followed that with a stint at American Proteins of Hanceville working in its safety department and eventually becoming the safety director there.

He successfully led the company to become one of the state’s safest carriers.

He joined Montgomery Transport in 2011 as one of three founding employees. Under his guidance and supervision, the company has grown from ten trucks to more than several hundred, and the organization has spun off various other company entities that Frazier helps manage. During this tremendous growth, the company has won more than 20 fleet safety awards from ATA and other organizations.

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ATA’s Maintenance Professional of the Year E.J. Waters of Evergreen Forest Products in Evergreen, Ala. is a legend among heavy-duty equipment maintenance circles. With nearly 50 years of experience, he’s known as one of the industry’s most technically trained maintenance professionals. The award is sponsored by Carrier Transicold South.

Waters has received various certifications in many areas to include, brake inspection and rebuilds, transmission and driveline, hazard communication, injury prevention, and forklift operation, to name a few. He won Freightliner’s national skills competition three of the four years he competed.

According to his company managers, Waters has dedicated his en15

Focused on Fleet Safety

tire career to ensuring every piece of equipment in his charge is maintained to the safest operational standards possible. They add that he shepherds his shop employees as if they are part of his family. He teaches safety issues and concerns to each associate in a manner that they understand and respect.

Fleet Manager

Fleet Safety Winners

The following companies are ATA’s safest fleet for miles operated in Alabama in 2019. Congratulations to each of them.

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 Company, Inc. Household Goods 1st Place - Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. 2nd Place - Motivated Movers Heavy Haulers Category 1st Place - RM Logistics, Inc. Private Carrier Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place - Golden Flake Snack Foods, Inc.

P&S Transportation driver manager supervisor Andy Overstreet was named ATA’s Fleet Manager of the Year sponsored by Vertical Alliance Group.

Overstreet manages eight driver supervisors and the daily activities of 235 drivers. These duties include yard checks for securement quality, orientation participation, retention maintenance, productivity and on-time delivery. While managing these daily functions, he is continually monitoring to make sure the employees and company are protected and successful.

“He has a great relationship with all his management team, drivers, and peers, and he’s a great asset to our company,” said P&S’s Marshall. “He manages his group with the message that safety is and will always remain the number one priority. He understands the role safety has in making employees, the company, and the industry successful.”

President’s Award LB3, LLC of Wedowee, Ala. earned the 2019 ATA President’s Award as ATA’s safest overall fleet for miles driven by a company’s drivers within the state of Alabama. The award is sponsored by McGriff Tire & Service. Owned and operated by Brad and Valerie Lindley, LB3 hauls general freight, meat, refrigerated food and paper products. The company operated in 2019 with no accidents across 477,586 in-state miles.

Private Carrier 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place - Publix Super Markets, Inc. Private Carrier Over 5 Million Miles 1st Place - River Valley Ingredients General Commodities Local Under 100,000 Miles 1st Place - Blair Logistics, LLC General Commodities Local under 1 Million Miles 1st Place - BR Williams Trucking, Inc. 2nd Place - New South Express, Inc. 3rd Place - Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc. General Commodities Local 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place - Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place - Greenbush Logistics, Inc. 3rd 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 1 Million Miles 1st Place - LB3, LLC 2nd Place - Greenbush Logistics, Inc. 3rd Place - Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc. Continued on page 18

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Focused on Fleet Safety

General Commodities Linehaul 1 to 3 Million Miles 1st Place - DT Freight, LLC 2nd Place - Benny Whitehead, Inc. 3rd Place - Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. General Commodities Linehaul 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place - Wright Transportation, Inc. 2nd Place - Brown Trucking, Co. 3rd Place - Shelton Trucking, LLC General Commodities Linehaul 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place - P&S Transportation, Inc. 2nd Place - Blair Logistics, LLC 3rd Place - BR Williams Trucking, Inc.

Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc. DT Freight, LLC FedEx Freight, Inc. Georgia Tank Lines, LLC Greenbush Logistics, Inc. J&M Tank Lines, Inc. LB3, LLC Montgomery Transport, LLC P&S Transportation, Inc. Publix Super Markets, Inc. Red Mountain Transportation, LLC River Valley Ingredients Shelton Trucking, LLC Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. TCW, Inc.

General Commodities Linehaul over 10 Million Miles 1st Place - Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC. 3rd Place - AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc. General Commodities Combined Under 1 Million Miles 1st Place - Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place - New South Express, Inc. General Commodities Combined 3 to 5 Million Miles 1st Place - Greenbush Logistics, Inc. 2nd Place - Montgomery Transport, LLC General Commodities Combined 5 to 10 Million Miles 1st Place - Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. 2nd Place - P&S Transportation, Inc. 3rd Place - Wright Transportation, Inc. General Commodities Combined over 10 Million Miles 1st Place - Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. 2nd Place - AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc. 3rd Place - FedEx Freight, Inc.

ATA Comp Fund Awards The ATA Comp Fund also announced during the program. The Fund’s winners were selected based on “a willingness to instill a culture of safety, a commitment to implement the group’s Risk Management model and overall loss ratio.” Fund Director of Risk Management Don Anchors announced the awards.

Safety Excellence Award Heritage Freight Warehousing & Logistics Small Fleet Safety Award John Ray Enterprises

Safety Improvement Awards The following companies each improved their overall safety ratio in 2019. Congratulations to all.

AAA Cooper Transportation, Inc. Benny Whitehead, Inc. Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. Blair Logistics, LLC Boyd Bros. Transportation, Inc. BR Williams Trucking, Inc. Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. 18

Medium Fleet Safety Award Grace Logistics Large Fleet Safety Award Wilmar Trucking Allied Services Safety Award Transport Trailer Center Moving & Storage Services Safety Award Changing Spaces Moving A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights

Different Paths, Same Highway Daniel Thompson Alabama Road Team Captain

‘Whether it’s comforting an accident victim’s family or keeping a close eye out for people who make our interstates less safe, Alabama troopers are our highway heroes.’

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I

believe that it’s every father’s dream that his son follows in their footsteps. Well, my son, Paul, didn’t exactly follow mine, but we still managed to end up on the same highway.

For those of you who don’t know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Daniel Thompson, I am a current Road Team Captain for the Alabama Trucking Association and a line haul driver for FedEx Freight.

I am also humbled to say that I was the 2018 Driver of the Year as selected by the ATA, which, I’ll add is the most prestigious award that an Alabama-based truck driver can receive.

Highway Heroes: Paul, left, and Daniel Thompson It is certainly a career highlight for me!

Ever since Paul was born, I always thought he would be a trucker, or at least I hoped he would. I have made a very good living as a professional driver, and it seemed a natural choice.

Sometimes, though, God has plans for us that we don’t understand. It was on Christmas day in Paul’s fourth year of life that I felt his path in life was chosen. Santa Claus gave him a police badge and hat with a vinyl police jacket. That was it! From then on, everything revolved around being a policeman. Catching the bad guys and saving the day.

Time flies by, and twenty plus years later, equipped with a bachelor’s degree and two masters, Paul had to do a ride-along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for a criminal justice project.

It proved to be another sign I feel directed him on his way.

Paul came home, and over a cup of coffee, informed his mom, Susan, and me that he was not going to be a lawyer as we had assumed, but instead, he was going to be a police officer. As any mother and father would do, we supported his decision even though we clearly knew what a potentially dangerous job it is.

Over the next couple of years, I had the opportunity to swing into Tuscaloosa with my big rig and take my mandatory lunch break. I’d call Paul to see if he had time to grab a cup of coffee. If he wasn’t busy, he would pull in behind me with blue lights flashing. I often wondered what people passing by thought when they saw a policeman and a trucker walking towards each other A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS only to see the policeman and trucker embrace each other in a hug. That’s just not something you see every day. Another six years flew by and Paul decided to try to get a position with the elite Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Alabama state troopers are a special breed.

They are trained and molded to work mostly by themselves without access to a quick backup. The highway can be a dangerous place where things happen fast. An Alabama state trooper must be ready to be in command and is expected to be a leader in every situation whether at a minor accident scene or a major disruption on Alabama’s highways.

Oftentimes, they are the first to show up and the last to leave a situation. Whether it’s comforting an accident victim’s family or keeping a close eye out for people who make our interstates less safe, troopers are our highway heroes.

So, after an intense seven-week boot camp that not only tested his mind, but also his body, Paul graduated from ALEA’s State Trooper Academy last November as part of Class 2019-C. He then completed six more weeks of field training and was recently promoted to full status ALEA trooper. He brought skills and training he acquired while at the Tuscaloosa Police Dept. and is currently serving in Troop C assigned to Tuscaloosa County.

He also serves on the Tuscaloosa Highway Patrol Post’s Traffic Homicide Unit as an investigator.

He’s also an expert in DUI enforcement, having been qualified as a Drug Recognition Expert along with just 70 other police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and troopers in the entire state of Alabama.

To say the least, his mom and I are very proud of our son even though he didn’t follow in my footsteps. As I stated earlier, I do believe God points us into the direction that he needs us. Whether he needed me to haul freight accident-free across Alabama for 39 years, or he wanted Paul to protect motorists and truckers as an trooper, our paths in life are chosen. I couldn’t be more pleased.

The next time you see a state trooper pulling over a trucker on I-20/59 near Tuscaloosa, remember Alabama’s Move Over Law. If it’s safe to do so, please move over one lane or decrease your speed if you can’t move over! It just might be my son pulling me over for a hug!

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FMCSA’s new HOS final rule effective September 29 Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued its long-awaited final rule for revisions to hours of service (HOS) regulations for commercial drivers. The agency’s intent is to provide greater flexibility for drivers subject to those rules without adversely affecting safety.

Key revisions include 1) expanding the short-haul exception to 150 air-miles and allowing a 14-hour work shift to take place as part of the exception; 2) expanding the driving window during adverse driving conditions by up to an additional 2 hours; 3) requiring a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an onduty/not driving period to qualify as the required break; and 4) modifying the sleeper berth exception to allow a driver to meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement by spending at least 7, rather than at least 8 hours of that period in the berth and a minimum off-duty period of at least two hours spent inside or outside of the berth, provided the two periods total at least 10 hours, and that neither qualifying period counts against the 14-hour driving window.

FMCSA published its final rule in the Federal Register on Monday, June 1, which locks in the Final Rule to take effect after 120 days.

Therefore, this final rule is effective September 29, 2020.

Petitions for Reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted to the FMCSA Administrator no later than July 1, 2020. Visit fmcsa.dot.gov for more information.

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WH Thomas Oil Co. Clanton, AL 205-755-2610 Decatur, AL 256-351-0744

www.thomasoil.com

Think of us as your lubrication experts for the long haul.

As your Chevron Distributor, we do more than just offer high quality motor oils, transmission fluids and gear lubricants for your fleet. We provide effective lubrication solutions that can reduce your operating costs and improve your bottom line.

Whether it’s performing an oil analysis, helping with inventory management or any other service, we’re always ready to help minimize downtime, extend maintenance intervals and the life of your engines so your entire business is always in high gear.

And that’s good for your bottom line

News FMCSA extends emergency declaration for COVID-19 relief but limits exempted items On June 5, the FMCSA issued an extension of Emergency Declaration through July 14, 2020 — or “until the revocation of the Providentially declared COVID-19 national emergency, whichever is sooner.”

The extension of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID19 and is limited to transportation of: l Livestock and livestock feed; l Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19; and l Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand

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sanitizer, soap and disinfectants.

Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.

FMCSA has concluded that there is no longer a need for emergency relief with respect to the other categories of supplies, equipment, and persons covered by the May 13 extension and expansion of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002, and those categories are therefore no longer covered.

FMCSA will use remote compliance reviews during COVID crisis The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is turning to remote safety compliance reviews because of COVID-19 health risks and restrictions. In a guidance release issued May 20, the agency said its officers will conduct compliance reviews under 49 CFR part 385 leveraging all available technology to access information and records to limit exposure risk for the regulated community and safety investigators.

“Because of travel restrictions, social distancing, and other advisories associated

with the COVID-19 public health emergency, and the desire to limit exposure risk to the regulated community and safety investigators, FMCSA will conduct compliance reviews of motor carriers and assign safety ratings even if those compliance reviews do not include an on-site component,” the agency said.

FMCSA has determined that because safety investigators are able to follow all of the procedures in 49 CFR part 385 without physically visiting the motor carrier’s business premise, compliance reviews that do not include an on-site component will limit exposure risk to COVID-19, consistent with current regulations, without compromising FMCSA’s safety mission.

The agency will use the same standards otherwise applicable to assign safety ratings following a compliance review even if no onsite review activities have taken place and will continue to apply the procedures in 49 CFR part 385, including the Safety Fitness Rating Methodology (SFRM) in Appendix B, prior to assigning a safety rating.

This guidance does not apply to compliance reviews conducted under 49 CFR part 385, subpart B. Motor carriers may access and transmit their information through a portal directly with FMCSA and upload documents in a

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secure environment. Many motor carriers maintain their records electronically and prefer to submit the records directly, from the electronic application where they are stored.

Motor carriers may also fax or email documents to FMCSA if they so choose, or if they cannot access the portal. FMCSA may also use email and telephone and video calls as a substitute for in-person interaction with motor carrier officials during the compliance review or to review the findings of the compliance review with company officials during the closeout.

The guidance is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the revocation of the Presidentially declared COVID19 national emergency.

National ATA still maintaining its COVID-19 info hub website The COVID-19 pandemic has been a rapidly evolving situation with ramifications for the economy, interstate commerce and America’s trucking industry.

There has been a lot of information for industry stakeholders to digest to ensure their employees are safe and their operation is compliant. For that reason, the American Trucking Associations has developed its

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

COVID-19 Update Hub for important information regarding the trucking industry and its relief efforts during the ongoing health crisis.

ATA’s COVID-19 Hub is available at https://www.trucking.org/COVID19. The page will be updated regularly with information and guidance provided by government officials and other stakeholders involved in response efforts.

Keep in mind, as businesses begin to reopen this summer, the situation remains highly fluid and subject to shifting developments. Accordingly, National ATA officials will strive to date-stamp all new information as it comes online.

FMCSA extends emergency declaration, narrows requirements for COVID-19 relief The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently announced the extension of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 effective June 15 through July 14, 2020.

The extension provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID19 and is now limited only to the

transportation of the following items: livestock and livestock feed; medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19; and supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants.

To clarify, the direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.

FMCSA has concluded that there is no longer a need for emergency relief with respect to the other categories of supplies, equipment, and persons covered by the May 13 extension and expansion of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002, and those categories are therefore no longer covered. For more information, please visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Feds issue 90-day waiver on preemployment drug screens amid COVID-19 delays In recent weeks, as businesses began reopening following widespread shutdowns Continued on page 26

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ATA Comp Fund updates stash of online workplace safety videos

News amid the coronavirus pandemic, trucking fleets have struggled to bring back furloughed drivers or hire new ones due to limited pre-employment drug testing availability.

In response, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted a temporary waiver from certain pre-employment drug screens applicable to employers of drivers subject to 49 CFR part 382.

This action responds to President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13924, Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery, issued on May 19, 2020, related to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

FMCSA officials acknowledged that the problem has not been that drivers could not pass a test, but rather they couldn’t get access to one. ATA VP of Safety and Compliance Tim Frazier said, “This waiver will help our truckers get back to work faster.”

The FMCSA says it finds that the

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Back in 2018, the ATA Comp Fund’s YouTube channel was established, and its risk management team is constantly updating its stash of custom safety videos, produced with the help of actual Fund members. Videos are short, relatable, relevant and job-specific, including topics such as fifth-wheel pin puller; proper stretching for truck drivers; entering and exiting the truck; load securement and tarping techniques; shop safety; and general fleet safety policy tips and procedure.

The Fund also provides subscriptions to vendors such as WebNet Online Training, Safety Source, and the National Safety Council at no additional cost to its members.

Fund officials encourage members to utilize these resources as supplements to orientations and periodic training.

If you are not already set up and using these educational tools, contact the Fund at 334-834-7911. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Fund’s YouTube channel. granting of this waiver is in the public interest because it will facilitate the efficient return of furloughed commercial motor vehicle drivers to the workforce, allowing them to resume critical transportation

functions performed by passenger and property motor carriers. In addition, this waiver will reduce the regulatory burden on employers and furloughed drivers subject to the pre-employment testing requirement.

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

From the President

From COVID-19 to equality of opportunity, it is time for trucking to lead

T Mark Colson President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association

“If you can’t fly then run, if can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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ruckers are leaders, plain and simple. All of the 3.5 million individuals working in our business across America know this, and following trucking’s response to COVID-19, Americans are now more aware than ever of the strong and courageous leadership provided by truckers.

In hard times and good times, crisis or Christmas, truckers deliver the goods for America safely and efficiently. We have proven ourselves to be the cavalry of America’s economy through many challenges such as 9/11, hurricanes, and pandemics.

As COVID-19 and the emergency shutdowns in response to it still lingers, the trucking economy hangs in uncertainty. Yet, America is facing another major challenge: racial equality and justice. This is not a new challenge. It has been present since the founding of our great nation.

Along the way, there have been astounding tragedies and triumphant progress, but there is still much road to cover.

Individuals, businesses and industries are struggling to find the best route to be part of a proactive solution. Let’s be honest, it is a sensitive subject rife with pitfalls, especially given the social media culture that exists today. But at the core is a diverse landscape where understanding, communication, opportunity and love can bridge many divides.

For these reasons, the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.

Alabama Trucking will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and private sectors to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner for this important initiative, Alabama Trucking will also actively create local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.

The trucking industry and the people in it have an immense opportunity and obligation to positively influence equality and take an actionable stand against social injustice and racism. Taking action comes in many forms: changing practices, making sacrifices and listening to understand. Hundreds of thousands of Black Americans proudly work in the trucking industry and now is the time for action.

This national initiative will build on the work already undertaken by Alabama Trucking to fight injustice and abuse exemplified in its partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking, which has rescued thousands of human trafficking victims and brought justice to their abusers.

U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark drove the message home, “The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees. We are proud to partner with the Alabama Trucking Association on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”

As COVID-19 struck America, it was with immense pride that I saw our trucks rolling up and down the road as beacons of hope for Americans who could rest assured that emergency relief goods were getting safely to their destination, and they could continue to access the goods they needed to maintain their daily lives. I pray that we will be able to look back on this pivotal time in our nation’s history and know that truckers once again chose to lead.

“If you can’t fly then run, if can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

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

Adrian Bone joins ATA as communications and marketing fellow

The Alabama Trucking Association is proud to introduce Adrian Bone of New Market, Ala. as its new marketing and communications fellow for summer 2020.

Adrian is a recent graduate from Troy University Adrian Bone with a degree in economics where he served on the Sorrell College of Business Advisory Board and was a Senator with the school’s SGA. Active in his community, he is a regular volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club, coaching football and softball and spearheaded a charity kickball tournament called Kick Out Cancer with all proceeds going to Russell Hill Cancer Foundation. He is an accomplished photographer and operates a photography business in his spare time.

He will assist the ATA staff with various projects mainly supporting the Association’s marketing and communications efforts. We’re honored to have Adrian helping us this summer, and we look forward to using his many talents while we seek ways to help him grow professionally.

Southland Transportation taps Andrew Linn as its new president Southland Transportation Group has announced the promotion of Andrew Linn as its new President effective June 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, his father and company founder Drew Linn will continue with the organization as CEO. Andrew Linn “I am excited to announce this promotion,” Drew said in a statement. “Andrew is passionate about this industry, and we will see great things under his leadership. I’ve seen him embrace complex circumstances and turn them into wonderful opportunities. Andrew is well respected within our organization and throughout the industry.”

Andrew, who steps up to his new role from 32

company vice president, will now lead daily operations for the dealership’s five locations across Alabama.

“Our passion here at Southland is providing exceptional products and services for our customers,” Andrew said. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve taken meaningful steps that will allow us to continue to serve their needs in so many ways. The energy level here is at an all-time high, and our entire staff is committed and ready to go work for our customers. We’re all very excited about the future.”

A native of Tuscaloosa, Andrew graduated from the University of Alabama in 2007 and later began his career with Navistar Inc., the parent company and manufacturer of International Trucks and IC Buses. As a vocational sales manager, Andrew specialized in government and municipal applications in the midwestern U.S., where he excelled and gained experience with the OEM. After putting in three years with Navistar, he returned to Alabama in 2011 to join the family business.

Andrew is a graduate of the American Truck Dealer Academy and a board member of the Alabama Trucking Association. He resides in Homewood with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children.

ATA joins national initiative to address inequality of opportunity The Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) announced June 5 that it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.

ATA will join the U.S. Chamber’s national town hall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and private sectors to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner for this important initiative, ATA will also actively create local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.

“The trucking industry and the people in it, have an immense opportunity and obligation to positively influence equality and take an actionable stand against social injustice and racism,” said Alabama Trucking Association President and CEO Mark Colson.

“Taking action comes in many forms: changing practices, making sacrifices, and listening

to understand. Hundreds of thousands of Black Americans proudly work in the trucking industry and now is the time for action.”

This national initiative will build on the work already undertaken by ATA to fight injustice and abuse exemplified in the partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking, which has rescued thousands of human trafficking victims and brought justice to their abusers.

“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with the Alabama Trucking Association on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”

ATA cancels 2020 Convention, announces plans for fall event to celebrate the industry Alabama Trucking Association officials made it official last month that it would be unable to reschedule its 2020 Annual Convention due to the COVID-19 emergency orders from the federal government and the state of Florida, and the ongoing health crisis and its economic and logistical impacts.

ATA officials had held onto hope to reschedule the event this summer or fall and had even worked out a tentative arrangement with the Hilton Sandestin for dates in July or November.

“However, considering the uncertainty with government emergency orders, health risks, coupled with market uncertainty following a lengthy shutdown of the Nation’s economy, we believe it’s best to not reschedule the convention in 2020 and move forward with an alternative celebration of the amazing job the trucking industry has done in keeping our Nation going during these difficult times,” stated ATA Chairman Tom McLeod in a recent email to members.

“We are currently working on a celebration dinner to coincide with the 2020 ATA Golf Classic set for September 22 at the Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill Course in Prattville,” he added. “While we have not finalized details for this, tentatively, the celebration dinner will be held at the Prattville Marriott on A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

September 21, the evening before the Golf Classic. I promise you that it will be an outstanding celebration — one that you will not want to miss.”

Meanwhile, McLeod added that amid this crisis, “ATA has championed the industry’s heroic efforts by securing regulatory and legislative relief; providing personal protective equipment for trucking employees and drivers; and elevating our industry’s image through targeted media campaigns to remind the public that the industry is still working hard to provide the items we all need to provide and care for our families.”

If you have questions about the 2020 Convention and/or the proposed September dinner event, contact Brandie Norcross at 334-834-3983.

Business leaders continue the push for coronavirus liability shield

American businesses are working hard to take measures to protect their employees and customers amid the COVID-19 crisis, however, the risk of opportunistic lawsuits poses a significant barrier in their ability to bounce back from the economic crisis. As businesses start to reopen, employers simply want to know that if they take reasonable steps to follow public health guidelines, they will be protected against needless lawsuits.

More than 200 diverse trade associations and other groups have called for Congress to provide temporary and targeted liability relief legislation. There is broad public support as well as strong support across the political spectrum for liability protections, and a consensus is emerging on this issue.

“During times of past crises, Congress has passed liability protections on a bipartisan basis, and must do so again,” said Harold Kim, President, U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. “The U.S. Chamber and the Institute for Legal Reform are leading this coalition to urge lawmakers to protect businesses against the acute economic threat of lawsuits.”

Here in Alabama, the State Legislature was unable to take up a measure to provide protection due to the shortened 2020 A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

Legislative Session, but on May 8th, Gov. Kay Ivey issued an executive order that offers protection for businesses, health care providers, universities, public institutions of higher education, and their employees, officers and agents from unwarranted legal liability stemming from COVID-19.

ATA applauds Gov. Ivey’s executive order to protect businesses from COVID-19 litigation The Alabama Trucking Association praised Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s May 8th executive order that offers protection for businesses, health care providers, universities, public institutions of higher education, and their employees, officers and agents from unwarranted legal liability stemming from COVID-19.

ATA President and CEO Mark Colson said the measure is needed to protect businesses as state government officials begin to restart the state’s economy.

“Truckers remain on the front lines of the crisis response,” Colson said, “and we will be on the front lines of the economic recovery, as well. But to do so, trucking, as well as all businesses, need protection from frivolous lawsuits. We commend the governor for her courage to take this crucial step to ensure businesses can continue to drive Alabama’s economy without the fear of a frivolous lawsuit.”

However, Colson added, looking long term it is just as essential that the legislature eventually passes civil liability protections for businesses and their employees.

“I look forward to working with the Legislature and other business organizations to achieve that,” he said Legal experts say the order curtails potential liability of businesses resulting from COVID-19 transmissions as well as from the impacts of a business’s response to the public health emergency. These limitations take the form of certain immunities from liability and place caps on damages.

That means a “business, health care provider or other covered entity shall not be liable for the death or injury to persons or for damage to property in any way arising from any act or omission related to, or in connection with, COVID-19 transmission or a covered COVID-19 response activity unless a claimant shows by clear and convincing evidence that the alleged death, injury or damage was caused by an entity’s wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct.”

The governor added, however, that her proclamation in no way shields businesses from liability for serious misconduct. “If

someone knowingly abuses the public during a time of crisis, they should be held accountable and prosecuted as such,” she said.

Congress expands Paycheck Protection Program Congress has taken action to remove some of the restrictions surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which make the program more flexible and enhance its appeal to businesses seeking federal loans. In June, the Senate passed the PPP Flexibility Act, and the House passed it by a vote of 417-1. These tallies show the high level of bipartisan support behind improving PPP in both chambers.

A short summary of changes: l The legislation extends the duration of PPP loans to 24 weeks from eight weeks l Extends the deadline to rehire workers to Dec. 31 to qualify for loan forgiveness.

However, the forgivable amount must be determined without regard to a reduction in the number of employees if the recipient is (1) unable to rehire former employees and is unable to hire similarly qualified employees, or (2) unable to return to the same level of business activity due to compliance with federal requirements or guidance related to COVID-19. l The bill reduces the level of Paycheck Protection Program funds that must be used for payroll to 60 percent from 75 percent for full loan forgiveness.

Recipients who do not apply for forgiveness shall have 10 months from the program’s expiration to begin making payments.

The bill also eliminates a provision that makes a paycheck protection loan recipient who has such indebtedness forgiven ineligible to defer payroll tax payments.

The minimum maturity of the payback will now be five years instead of two.

The legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk. If signed into law, the program may see an increased level of applications. As of this week, roughly $510 billion of the $660 billion authorized by Congress has been lent, and nearly 4.5 million loans have been issued.

For more info on PPP, including how to apply, visit www.trucking.org/COVID19/ business-assistance

Trucking groups provide hand sanitizer and PPE to drivers As professional truck drivers continue serving on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis, the American Trucking Associations has Continued on page 34 33

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

partnered with Protective Insurance Co. to expand the availability and supply of hand sanitizer to truckers along major U.S. freight corridors.

National ATA and ABF Freight have procured more than 500 gallons of hand sanitizer produced by Hotel Tango Distillery in Arlington, Va. The sanitizer will be distributed in 55gallon drums to locations in eight states, including Alabama. Truck drivers will be able to refill their personal supplies at no cost.

“Protecting America’s truck drivers and ensuring they can stay safe and healthy while on the road, is paramount,” said National ATA President Chris Spears. “While we continue to work with federal agencies on the strategic distribution of PPE, we’re also taking our own initiative — partnering with industry allies — to build supply networks for drivers to tap into.”

ABF Freight’s Ronald Hicks (left) of Birmingham delivers a supply of sanitizer to the Alabama Dept. of Transportation's I-20 Scale House in Heflin, Ala. ALDOT's Steve Clay accepts the delivery on behalf of the state.

Sanitizer is available at Alabama State Scale House on I-20 near Heflin, Ala. Tuckers will also have access to refills at the following additional locations: Colorado—Travel Centers of America, 5101 Quebec St., Commerce City, Colo.

Indiana—Stoops Freightliner-Quality Trailer, 1851 West, Thompson Rd., Indianapolis, Ind. Iowa—Iowa 80 Truckstop Fuel Center, 390 W Iowa 80 Rd., Walcott, Iowa Ohio—Jet Express, 4518 Webster St., Dayton, Ohio Pennsylvania—Sideling Hill Rest Stop, Pa. Turnpike Milepost 172.4 East & West Bound, Waterfall, Penn.

New Jersey—Molly Pitcher Rest Area, Exit 8A NJ Turnpike Texas—Loves Travel Center #719, 1610 Cotton Gin Rd., Troy, Tex.; Flying J #726, I20, Exit 472, 7425 Bonnie View Rd., Dallas, Tex. 34

ATA study shows driver pay increased in 2019 The American Trucking Associations released the latest version of the association’s Driver Compensation Study, which showed average driver pay, including bonuses, rose nearly $6,000 in 2019 since the last study in 2017.

“These results show that fleets did exactly what we would expect them to in the face of a tightening market for drivers—they raised pay and increased benefits in order to attract talent,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.

According to the survey, which was based on data from 2019, the average pay for truckload national, irregular route solo van drivers was roughly $58,000, up $6,000 from 2017.

“We saw large carriers hire more entry-level drivers in 2019, including drivers directly from driver training school, which lowered the average pay for these carriers, but they did not reduce pay rates. It was just a different driver experience pool,” Costello said.

Fleets responding to the survey also reported offering significant benefit packages in order to attract drivers including paid leave, insurance, meals and other incidentals and retirement plans. For example, more than 90 percent of truckload carriers, less-than-truckload carriers and private fleets surveyed offered drivers paid leave and health insurance.

“What these figures show is that being a truck driver can be a path to a middle-class lifestyle for millions of Americans,” Costello said. “With the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis not yet fully clear, we can say that a career in trucking could be a wellpaying solution for some of the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs so far this year.”

Trucking leaders ask Congress to suspend federal excise tax on equipment Dozens of business organizations and policymakers sent a joint letter to Congress in April asking for a suspension of the 12 percent federal excise tax (FET) on the purchase of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers until the end of 2021.

The letter argues the suspension of the FET would spur sales of newer cleaner trucks, which would retain jobs in the trucking sector and help rebuild our economy.

The letter cited dire predictions of truck and equipment sales declines in 2020 by 50 percent due to the pandemic. In March, alone, Class 8 truck orders dropped by 52

percent compared to last year. Additionally, as a result of government-ordered closures, truck manufacturing plants and truck dealers have either suspended or scaled back operations.

“To jumpstart the economy after the pandemic, a suspension of the burdensome FET, which increases the cost of new heavyduty trucks and trailers by $22,000 on average, would immediately spark the purchase of heavy-duty trucks and trailers,” the letter states. “In turn, this would help save or bring back the livelihoods of the 7.8 million Americans employed in jobs related to trucking.”

The letter also stated that in addition to saving jobs, a suspension of the FET would spur sales of today’s cleaner and safer heavyduty trucks and trailers by making them more affordable during this difficult economic time.

“Over the past two decades, the trucking industry has made strong environmental gains, and today’s heavy-duty trucks are cleaner than ever before,” it states. “Cleaner fuel and engines utilizing advanced technologies have combined to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 97 percent and particulate matter emissions by 98 percent. Since 2010, more fuel-efficient diesel trucks have saved 101 million barrels of crude oil and reduced CO2 emissions by 43 million tons.”

The American Trucking Associations is a member of the coalition that issued the letter, and its President Chris Spear told Transport Topics back in April that trucking businesses have been greatly affected by the economic shutdown.

“Truckers aren’t looking for a bailout as they keep America moving during these challenging times and prepare for our eventual recovery,” he said, “but a tax holiday on the antiquated federal excise tax would be good medicine to help with liquidity and to stimulate the purchase of newer, safer trucks and trailers.”

The coalition’s letter offered that another benefit of the suspension of the tax would also encourage the sale of newer trucks, which have the latest safety technologies that help reduce roadway crashes and related injuries and fatalities. During this crisis, the nation has been more dependent than ever on trucks for the delivery of goods and critical medical supplies, yet the average age of a truck on the road today is almost 10 years old.

“We believe the suspension of the FET can help both in keeping the nation well supplied and in rebuilding America’s vital trucking industry and related employment,” the letter states.

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

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 ______

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020

35

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.

2020 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 Pitts Media (205) 792-1280 www.pittsmedia.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 Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Rushing Enterprises, Inc. (334) 693-3318 www.rushingenterprises.com COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICS J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com Netradyne (833) 476-9663 www.netradyne.com Omnitracs, LLC (615) 594-7565 www.omnitracs.com Orbcomm, Inc. (703) 433-7763 www.orbcomm.com SmartDrive Systems (858) 225-5551 www.smartdrive.net Trimble Transportation (407) 347-5121 www.mobility.trimble.com

ENGINE MANUFACTURERS Cummins Sales & Service (901) 488-8033 www.salesandservice.cummins.com EQUIPMENT LEASING CB Repair & Trailer Maintenance, Inc. (205) 338-0943 KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC (205) 515-1478 www.equipmentsolution.com Metro Trailer Rental (205) 985-8701 www.metrotrailer.com Premier Trailer Leasing (205) 680-3184 www.premiertrailerleasing.com Reliable Trailer Sales, Inc. DBA Storage Trailers of Alabama (205) 808-0042 www.storagetrailersal.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Southland Transportation Group (205) 942-6226 www.southlandtrucks.com Star Leasing Co. (205) 763-1280 www.starleasing.com

Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. (205) 585-3895 www.infinitiworkforce.com

Commercial Credit Group, Inc. (704) 731-0031 www.commercialcreditgroup.com Corcentric (856) 406-3745 www.corcentric.com Corporate Financial Services, LLC (334) 215-4499 www.cfs401k.com Crestmark Bank 615-620-3509 www.crestmark.com Electronic Funds Source, LLC (615) 777-4619 www.efsllc.com FirstBank (256) 970-1618 www.firstbankonline.com

Hancock Whitney Bank (251) 665-1667 www.hancockwhitney.com

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING Daehan Solution Alabama, LLC (334) 301-3498 Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing (334) 398-1410 www.roadranger.com

EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIES Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc. (800) 844-8277 www.dothantarp.com

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems 334/798-0080 www.arvinmeritor.com

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

Comdata (615) 376-6917 www.comdata.com

Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC (205) 277-6190 www.vactruckrental.com

Transportation Support, Inc. (205) 833-6336 www.transportationsupport.com

JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC (205) 329-8182 (205) 945-8550 www.jptsc.com

CenterState Bank (205) 422-7111

First Horizon Bank (615) 734-6046 www.firsthorizon.com

Imperial Supplies LLC (920) 490-6707 www.imperialsupplies.com

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

BMO Transportation Finance (770) 960-6307 www.BMOTF.com

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

DRIVER STAFFING TransForce, Inc. (205) 916-0259 www.transforce.com

EDUCATION & TRAINING Central Alabama Community College (256) 215-4301 www.cacc.edu

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of America Merrill Lynch (205) 298-7467 www.fa.ml.com/RPM

Paccar Parts/Kenworth (206) 898-5541 www.paccarparts.com www.trpparts.com Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc. (251) 653-4716 www.southerntruck.net Star Truck Parts (205) 324-4681 Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-MobileMontgomery-Chattanooga (205) 591-2424 www.midstatetk.com W.W. Williams (205) 252-9025 (334) 279-6083 www.wwwilliams.com

IBERIABANK (251) 345-9676 www.IBERIABANK.com People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.

(205) 856-9354 www.peoples.com

Aronov Insurance, Inc. (205) 414-9575 www.aronovinsurance.com

ErgoScience, Inc. (205) 879-6447 www.ergoscience.com

BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc. (334) 386-3317 www.bxsi.com

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

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

Safety First-Div. of Behavioral Health Systems (205) 443-5433 www.safetyfirstdrugtesting.com

Benton & Parker Insurance Services (770) 536-8340 www.bentonandparker.com Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc. (205) 822-7577 www.caribouins.com Cottingham and Butler (563) 587-5521 www.cottinghambutler.com Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. (901) 274-5424 www.farrisevans.com

NON-PETROLEUM FUEL PRODUCTS Pivotal LNG (404) 783-3550 www.pivotallng.com PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Citgo Petroleum Corporation (941) 981-2588 www.citgolubes.com Davison Fuels & Oil (251) 544-4511 www.davisonoil.com

Great West Casualty Co. (865) 392-3752 www.gwccnet.com

Jack Green Oil Co., Inc. (256) 831-1038

Hudgens Insurance, Inc. (334) 289-2695 www.hudgensinsurance.com

Major Oil Company, Inc. (334) 263-9070 www.unitedfoodandfuel.com

Hudson Insurance Company (317) 810-2038 www.hudsoninsgroup.com

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

Liberty Mutual Group (804) 380-5169 www.libertymutual,com Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance (251) 473-4600 www.lyonfrycaden.com McGriff Insurance Services (334) 674-9810 www.mcgriffinsurance.com McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc. (205) 583-9641 www.mcgriff.com Joe Morten & Sons, Inc. (865) 392-3844 www.joemorten.com

Palomar Insurance Corp.

(334) 270-0105 People’s United Equipment Finance Corp. www.palomarinsurance.com (205) 664-9374 www.puefc.com PR Companies (334) 836-1377 PNC Bank N.A. www.partnerwiththeexperts.com (205) 421-2764 www.pnc.com Reliance Group, LLC (205) 504-4841 ProBilling and Funding Service www.reliancegroupins.com (256) 736-4349 www.probfs.com Reliance Partners, LLC (877) 668-1704 Progress Bank www.reliancepartners.com (205) 527-5692 www.myprogressbank.com TransRisk, LLC (334) 403-4114 Renasant Bank www.transriskllc.com (334) 301-5955 www.renasantbank.com True North Companies (319) 364-5193 ServisFirst Bank www.truenorthcompanies (205) 949-3433 www.servisfirstbank.com Turner & Hamrick L.L.C. (334) 566-7665 Trustmark Bank www.turnerhamrick.com (205) 995-4615 www.trustmark.com York Risk Services Group (205) 581-9488 Wells Fargo Equipment Finance www.yorkrsg.com (314) 374-2165 www.wellsfargo.com MEDICAL/DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES INSURANCE Alabama Specialty Clinic Aon Risk Solutions (256) 736-1460 (501) 374-9300 www.ascoccupationalhealth.com www.aon.com/transportation Carlisle Medical, Inc. (251) 344-7988 www.carlislemedical.com

RelaDyne (205) 384-3422 www.reladyne.com Shell Oil Products US (601) 529-7244 www.shell.com W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc. (205) 755-2610 www.whthomasoil.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Accounting Firms: Aldridge, Borden & Co. (334) 834-6640 www.aldridgeborden.com Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (317) 580-2068 www.ksmcpa.com Warren Averett (256) 739-0312 www.warrenaverett.com

Attorneys: Adams and Reese LLP (251) 650-0861 www.adamsandreese.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 Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophette, LLP (205) 252-9321 www.constangy.com DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C. (251) 433-1577 www.delmar-law.com Ferguson, Frost, Moore & Young LLP (205) 879-8722 www.ffmylaw.com Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C. (205) 278-7000 www.friedman-lawyers.com

(Current as of 6-4-20)

Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org.

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (251) 432-5511 www.handarendall.com

Rowe Management Corp.

(205) 486-9235 www.rowemachinery.com

Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc. (251) 438-5521 www.gulfcity.com

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

Hill, Hill, Carter, Franco, Cole & Black, P.C. PrePass (334) 834-7600 (931) 520-7170 www.hillhillcarter.com www.prepass.com

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

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

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

Porterfield, Harper, Mills, Motlow, Ireland PA (205) 980-5000 www.phm-law.com

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

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

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

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

SET Logistics, Inc. (205) 849-6309 www.setlogistics.net

Thompson Tractor Company (205) 244-7812 www.thompsontractor.com

Reliable Trailer Sales, Inc. DBA Storage Trailers of Alabama (205) 808-0042 www.storagetrailersal.com

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

Soar Payments LLC (888) 225-9405 https://www.soarpay.com/movingcompany-merchant-account/

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

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

Truckworx Kenworth - Birmingham (205) 326-6170 www.TRUCKWORX.com

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

Truckworx Kenworth – Dothan (334) 712-4900 www.TRUCKWORX.com

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

Truckworx Kenworth – Montgomery (334) 263-3101 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Transport Trailer Center (334) 299-3573 www.transporttc.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Mobile (251) 957-4000 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC (334) 794-7345 www.utilityalabama.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville (256) 308-0162 www.TRUCKWORX.com

Speegle, Hoffman, Holman & Holifield, LLC (251) 694-1700 www.speeglehoffman.com Starnes Davis Florie LLP (205) 868-6000 www.starneslaw.com

Other Services: Allstate Beverage (251) 476-9600 Ext. 1231 AMG Driver Recruitment (256) 683-4499 www.amgdriverrecruitment.com Ancra Cargo (800) 233-5138 www.ancracargo.com AngelTrax (334) 692-4600 www.angeltrax.com C Cross Logistics, LLC (205) 759-1818 Corporate Billing, LLC (256) 584-3600 www.corpbill.com Enterprise Holdings, Inc. (205) 823-4599 www.enterpriseholdings.com Drivewyze (780) 461-3355 www.drivewyze.com J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (920) 722-2848 www.jjkellerservices.com

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

Southern Mississippi Trading LLC (601) 671-3211 www.smtmiss.com 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 Transportation Compliance Services, USA (228) 872-7160 www.dottrucksafety.com

JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC Transportation Safety Services (205) 329-8182 (251) 661-9700 (205) 329-8183 www.transportationsafetyservices.com www.jptsc.com Vomela Specialty Company Lytx DriveCam, Inc. (651) 228-2200 (858) 430-4000 www.Vomela.com www.lytx.com Repairs: M & N Transport, Inc. Big Moe Spring & Alignment of (256) 657-5161 B’ham, Inc. (205) 780-0290 Max Coating, Inc. www.bigmoespring.com (205) 849-2737 www.maxcoating.com Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC (205) 322-4844 MCG Workforce birminghamframeandalignment.com (251) 652-5244 www.mcgworkforce.com Carrier Transicold South (404) 968-3130 McLeod Software www.ctsouth.com (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com Childersburg Truck Service, Inc. (256) 378-3101 Motor Carrier Safety Consulting www.childersburg-truck.com (205) 871-4455 Coffman International Trucks Pitts Media (334) 794-4111 (205) 792-1280 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com www.pittsmedia.com Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc. PM Environmental, Inc. (334) 689-8586 (205) 986-0270 www.pmenv.com Lazzari Truck Repair, Inc. (251) 626-5121 Porter Billing Services LLC www.lazzaritruckrepair.com (205) 397-4079 www.porterbillingservices.com Mann Automotive Diesel, Inc. (334) 792-0456 Power South Energy Cooperative www.mannautomotivediesel.com (334) 427-3207 www.powersouth.com

TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERS Best One Tire & Service (615) 244-9611 www.bestonetire.com Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (205) 514-8341 www.commercial.bridgestone.com Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc. (334) 376-0178 Columbus Tire Company dba Complete Tire and Service (706) 321-8133 www.columbustireco.com

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

Truckworx Kenworth – Thomasville TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERS (334) 636-4380 Action Truck Center www.TRUCKWORX.com (334) 794-8505 www.actiontruckcenter.com Volvo Trucks North America (336) 508-4950 Alabama Freightliner www.volvotrucks.volvo.com (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 Birmingham Freightliner www.wardintltrucks.com (205) 322-6695 www.birminghamfreightliner.com Wholesale Equipment Sales, Inc. (256) 423-5990 Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer www.wholesaleequipmentsales.com (334) 262-8856 www.capitalvolvo.com TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERS Coffman International Trucks Taylor & Martin, Inc. (334) 794-4111 (662) 262-4613 www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com www.taylorandmartin.com

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

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

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

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

Southern Tire Mart (251) 457-9915 www.stmtires.com

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

Yokohama Tire Corp.

(317) 385-2611 www.yokohamatire.com

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

Continental Tire North America (662) 549-7570 www.continental-truck.com Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (708) 557-3406 www.goodyeartrucktires.com McGriff Tire Co. (256) 739-0710 www.mcgrifftire.com McGriff Treading Co., Inc. (256) 734-4298 www.mcgriffindustries.com

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

Long Lewis Western Star (205) 428-0161 www.longlewistrucks.com Mack Trucks, Inc. (678) 201-4770 www.macktrucks.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 Rush Truck Center-Mobile (251) 459-7300 www.rushofmobile.com Ryder Vehicle Sales LLC (205) 492-2428 www.usedtrucks.ryder.com

TRUCKSTOPS Love’s Travel Stops, Inc. (405) 202-4451 www.loves.com 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 Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC (205) 277-6190 www.vactruckrental.com Ward International Trucks, LLC (251) 433-5616 www.wardintltrucks.com

ATA

NEW MEMBERS & EVENTS

New Members (as of 6-11-20) College Hunks Moving Junk and Moving Pelham, Ala. James Moore

Hanks Towing Inc. Lincoln, Ala. Dan Eanes

Kirkland Wrecker Service LLC Pelham, Ala. Robert Kirkland

Wise Guys Moving LLC Opelika, Ala. Antoine Harvis

Here 2 There LLC Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tristan Tave

Move Gurus LLC Calera, Ala. Leif Milliron

Wigley Trucking LLC Ft. Payne, Ala. Daniel Garrard

JLT Services LLC Jasper, Ala. David Norman

Norman Trucking LLC Marion, Ala. David Norman

Zippy Shell of Birmingham Birmingham, Ala. Jarrod Hart

John Aycock Trucking Russellville, Ala. John Aycock

PM Environmental Inc. Hoover, Ala. Trey Noland

Please note: Due to restrictions on large gatherings caused by the coronavirus pandemic, event locations and dates are subject to change. Please contact Brandie Norcross at bnorcross@alabama trucking.org or visit www. alabamatrucking.org for updates and changes.

SMMC HOS Rule Update Webinar June 30, 2020 Online only

SMMC Combined Chapter Meeting September 16, 2020 TBA

American Trucking Associations MC&E October 24-28, 2020 Denver, Colo.

SMMC Legal Seminar & Mock Trial August 20, 2020 TBA

Alabama Trucking Heroes Dinner September 21, 2020 TBA

Washington Fly In December 1-2, 2020 Washington, D.C.

ATA Board Meeting & Officer Installation June 23, 2020 Online only

Nation Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 13, 2020 Nationwide

ATA Golf Classic September 22, 2020 Prattville, Ala.

Enterprise State Community College/Ozark Campus Ozark, Ala. Kemmie Williams Gooch Trucking Co. Inc. Blairsville, Ga. Kris Gooch

Events

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

SMMC Christmas Celebration December 14, 2020 Pelham, Ala.

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

28

(800) 873-8494

www.baxteragency.com

IBC

(205) 322-6695

www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Great West Casualty

27

(800) 228-8053

www.gwccnet.com

International Trucks

IFC

(800) 844-4102

www.navistar.com

McGriff Insurance

24

(334) 674-9803

www.McGriffInsurance.com

Nextran Truck Center

17

(800) 292-8685

www.nextrancorp.com

Palomar Insurance

11

(800) 489-0105

www.palomarins.com

R.E. Garrison

28

(800) 643-3472

www.regarrison.com

Southern Tire Mart

19

(877) STM-TIRE

Southland Transportation Group

25

(205) 254-1821 southlandtransportationgroup.com

Truckworx Kenworth

3

(800) 444-6170

www.truckworx.com

Turner & Hamrick

26

(888) 385-0186

www.turnerhamrick.com

22-23

(205) 755-2610

www.thomasoil.com

Birmingham Freightliner

WH Thomas Oil Co.

WEB ADDRESS

STMTires.com

A LABAMA T RUCKER • 2 ND Q UARTER 2020