Nebraska Trucker Volume 81 Issue 4 – 2019

Volume 81 Number 4 | 2019 $3.95 Value

The Official Magazine of Nebraska Trucking Association

LINDSAY DUNHAM BRINGS MILITARY LEADERSHIP TO TRUCK CENTER COMPANIES IN YORK, PAGE 16

Let’s salute the Women of Nebraska Trucking

NEBRASKA TRUCKER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 81, NUMBER 4

•

2019

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

BY KENT GRISHAM

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NTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FIRST-TIME NEBRASKA SUPERTECH COMPETITOR TOOK TOP SPOT 7 Travis McCool of RDO Truck Center, Omaha, Honored at SuperTech Spotlight on:

THE WOMEN OF NEBRASKA TRUCKING

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Kenyette Godhigh-Bell, Grand Island Express Tisha Gropp, Crete Carrier Corp.

Linda Ingram-Jasa, Ingram Tank Wash Kris Hunzeker, Nebraska State Trooper Lindsey Dunham, Truck Center Companies NTA’s Women’s Council

THANK YOU, SUPERTECH SPONSORS!

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NTA IS IN THE ZONE

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ALONG THE ROUTE

21

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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ADVERTISER RESOURCE INDEX 22

Trucking companies in Nebraska rely on a group of special women who add great value to the industry. Clockwise from top right are: Tina Gaines, FedEx Express courier; Barb Aude, NTA director of training & safety services; Jessica Miles, Hunt Transportation; Tisha Gropp, Crete Carrier; and Kristien Pacas, Crete Carrier.

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Nebraska Trucking Executive Committee CHAIRMAN SCOTT ROMANS Romans Motor Freight

Celebrating the Women of the Industry

VICE CHAIR CRYSTAL ANDERSON Donald D. Anderson, Jr. Trucking TREASURER BRENT FALGIONE Greater Omaha Express LLC CORPORATE SECRETARY TIM ASHCHOFF Crete Carrier Corporation AT-LARGE DIRECTORS TIME McCORMICK Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc. TERRY McMULLEN AIT Worldwide Logistics BOB WINTER Distribution Inc. BOB WYNNE Wynne Transportation Services, Inc. STATE VICE PRESIDENT TO ATA ERICH HELGE Seward Motor Freight Inc. ALTERNATIVE STATE VICE PRESIDENT TO ATA TREVOR AIDEN Brown Transfer Company LLC PAST CHAIR MARY DAVIE Flatbed Express BOARD OF DIRECTORS Don Adams Brett Kleier Dean Aden * Chris Klotz * Trevor Aden Tom Koenigs Steve Aherns Jean Kurtenbach * George Akerson * Heidi Loop Crystal Anderson Mike Maloney Tim Aschoff Jamie Maus Blaine Batten Terry McMullen Dennis Bauder Ron Mencl David Billings Lloyd Mettenbrink * Joanie M. Bogers Trey Mytty Kurt Brown Scott Olson Butch Brown * Tonn Ostergard * Bob Clark * Dave Parker * Eldon Dokter * Jack Peetz * Eric Downing Dick Pierson * Dwight Dunsworth * Tom Pirnie * Dave Erlandson Gene Quandt Brent Falgione Dick Reiser * Ross Faubel Greg Reitmeier * Corby Flagle Norm Riffel Hugh Fugleberg * Scott Romans Michael Galvin Ronald Romans * Norman Geiken John Sahling Rick Gomel Roger Schmidt Tom Hastings Russell Stough Mark Hauptmann Danny Tompkins ** Erich Helge Nick Vuko Mike Herre * Dave Walde Albert Hill Curt Werner Phillip Holliday Jerry Wessel Dan Hurt Bob Winter * Don Kaiser Bob Wynne Larry Kersten Rallen R. Zietner Jerry Kilthau

Nebraska is breaking new ground again as we launch our Nebraska Trucking Association Women’s Council (NTAWC). We believe it’s the first group of its kind among state trucking associations. Like most great things, it started with a shared idea among a group of driven, creative and energetic people who wanted to organize programs and activities for women in trucking and logistics. They plan to encourage other women to enter the transportation field by reaching out through education and mentorship.

For me, it’s another sign that I lead a truly great organization. These new leaders are committed to the mission of the NTA by broadening its reach and strengthening its programs. They truly have that pioneering spirit for which Nebraskans are famous.

I’ve been blessed to know many women with pioneering spirits and a drive to be more and do more than traditions would dictate. My mother was such a woman. A child of the Great Depression and World War II, she would overcome those adversities and put herself through school in order to become a draftsman for the Boeing Company in Wichita. At the time, she was the only woman in the engineering section of the company who wasn’t working a clerical position. Over her 35-year career at Boeing, she would attain top secret clearances to work on classified military projects, and work on every major airplane system the company made. At her retirement, one of the managers said that every Boeing airplane currently in the air included blueprints made and signed by Pat Grisham. If you can’t tell, I’m proud to be her son.

We have powerful, pioneering women in the trucking industry in Nebraska, too. My own team at the NTA and Truck Services, Inc. is made up of women with expertise and experience in every facet of the industry. In our member companies we find women in the CEO chair, in the lead of safety departments, running critical back-office functions, under the hoods in the shops, and of course, behind the wheel.

The new Women’s Council is determined to spread the word about the opportunities our great industry holds to women and girls around the state. I encourage every one of our members to name a representative to this new Council.

And, yes, men are welcome on the Council, too.

Kent Grisham President & CEO Nebraska Trucking Association kent@nebtrucking.com

• PAST CHAIRMAN • • PAST CHAIRMAN TWICE

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Congratulations to our 2019 SuperTech Winners!

Overall Winners

Station Winners

Thanks to Our SuperTech Judges

1. Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha 2. Morgan Barnes, Truck Center Companies - Norfolk 3. Tim Blake, Truck Center Companies Columbus

Air Brakes - Morgan Barnes, Truck Center Companies - Norfolk Vehicle Inspection - Morgan Barnes, Truck Center Companies - Norfolk Electrical - Brian Klecan, NMC - Lincoln Detroit Engine - Grady Martin, Interstate Power Systems- Omaha Power Steering - Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha Shop Skills - Brian Klecan, NMC- Lincoln Tires - Brett Heitman, Werner Enterprises Louisville Precision Measurement - Geoffrey Novak, Interstate Power Systems- Omaha Cummins Engine - Tim Blake, Truck Center Companies - Columbus Drive Train - Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha

Air Brakes - Randy Polak and Jack Friesen Electrical - Andrew Schiessl and Randy Haines Detroit Engine - Nate Schreiner and Jason Capps Power Steering - Bill McKay and Tony Milenkovich Shop Skills - Matt Wagg and Corey Lang Tires - Mark St. Aubin and Mike Hanner Precision Measurement - Ian Dunn and Nolan Reed Cummins Engine - Kevin Bertsch and Karlon Knuth Drive Train - Mike Hollst and Ross Welton Vehicle Inspection - Sgt. Jay Human and Trooper Matt Adams

Rookie Winner Travis McCool, RDO Truck Center Omaha

Student Winners 1. Treston Ketelsen, Metro Community College 2. Trenton Meyer, Southeast Community College 3. Tanner Knight, Northeast Community College

Sometimes People Must Come Together for a Mission THANK YOU

Since 1954, the American Transportation Research Institute and its predecessor have been the trucking industry’s source for scientific data and analysis on the many high priority issues facing freight transportation today. If you or your company has not contributed in the past, now is the time to step up and do your part.

Step up and leave your footprint for the good of the industry.

Visit www.atri-online.org to explore your giving opportunities.

Photo: NASA

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First-Time Nebraska SuperTech Competitor Took Top Spot First-time Nebraska SuperTech competitor Travis McCool of RDO Truck Center in Omaha took the top spot in the Nebraska Trucking Association SuperTech competition July 18. The 24year diesel technician said he’s honored to represent Nebraska.

“The challenges were pretty tough,” McCool said. “So, I was surprised to win. It’s great.” McCool and is wife, Theresa, have two daughters, Alexandria and Genevieve.

More than 80 SuperTech competitors

registered to take the qualifying online, ASE-style test. The top 16 from the online test advanced to the hands-on skill stations final round hosted by Central Community College in Hastings July 18.

Most hands-on challenges change every year. After the competition, judges gather competitors to complement skills and provide feedback on areas for improvement.

Four students were chosen from Nebraska community colleges as well.

As the Nebraska 2019 SuperTech

winner, McCool will receive transportation and lodging to represent Nebraska at the National SuperTech competition in Raleigh, N.C. Sept. 15.

SuperTech was developed to advance career education and worker competency in transportation, distribution and logistics. Showcasing the proficiency of commercial vehicle technicians highlights the field as a career that’s important to Nebraska’s growth as a North American distribution hub.

A SUPERTECH COMPETITOR STUDIES INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DRIVE TRAIN CHALLENGE.

A SUPERTECH COMPETITOR PERFORMS THE POWER STEERING CHALLENGE.

PARTICIPANTS ENJOYED A TOUR OF THE CAR MUSEUM AT A NEARBY RACETRACK.

VOLUNTEER JUDGES JAKE FRIESEN AND RANDY POLAK

JUDGING THE INSPECTION STATION WERE SGT. JAY HUHMAN AND TROOPER MATT ADAMS.

CONTESTANTS WERE ASKED TO ANALYZE WEAR PATTERNS ON TIRES AND STATE PROBABLE CAUSES.

THANKS TO SUPERTECH SPONSORS

A SUPERTECH JUDGE JERRY HOEFER TIMES THE STATIONS.

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GRAND CHAMP TRAVIS MCCOOL, LEFT, COUNTS CERTIFICATES AND $100 BILLS.

Bosselman Boss Shop Crete Carrier Cummins Sales and Service Hunt Transportation Interstate Power Systems Inland Truck Parts & Service Midwest Peterbilt Group MHC Kenworth

Metropolitan Community College Nebraska Trucking Association Nebraska Truck Center Inc. Northeast Community College RDO Truck Center Southeast Community College Truck Center Companies Issue 4, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker

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September 25, 26, 27 in York, NE

Discover Ideas That Transform And Celebrate People Who Drive Success NTA’s 2019 Fall Conference will bring hundreds of business leaders and trucking professionals from throughout our state and beyond. Thought-provoking presentations will entertain and challenge our understanding of leadership in today’s challenging transportation landscape. Nebraska’s top drivers, dispatchers, safety leaders and more will be honored during an inspiring award ceremony. www.nebtrucking.com/fall-conference

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The Women of Nebraska Trucking

“I think there’s a lot of room for more ladies out here.”

GODHIGH-BELL: Grand Island Express understands the value of women in the workforce recruiting Kenyette Godhigh-Bell from a driver’s school in Florida.

Godhigh-Bell took an unusual path to driving. She worked as a social worker and realtor after earning her degree in business administration from Florida A&M University.

“I wasn’t satisfied with being a realtor and driving big rigs looked like a big challenge,” she said. “I’m always evaluating my career.”

Godhigh-Bell learned about truck driving from a relative. “He said lots of ladies are getting into it,” she said. “It piqued my interest. I wondered if I was cut out to work in the industry. I kept asking and studying it. I talked to people who made it feel like a more believable achievement.” nebtrucking.com

She said talking to other ladies in the industry changed her mind. She visited three truck driving schools and attended the Great American Truck Show in Dallas to get a feel of the industry.

“I hung out at the Real Women in Trucking booth,” she said. “Some of those trucking ladies have been at it for decades.

I was there to figure out if driving was for me. I do a lot of study before I make a decision. Like a roving reporter.”

Godhigh-Bell decided to sign up for Pinellas Tech School in St. Petersburg, Florida. She called the move a birthday gift to herself in October 2017.

Nearing completion of her CDL, she went back to heavy research mode.

She researched trucking businesses and sought advice through the S.H.E. Trucking Facebook Group. Godhigh-Bell was

Trucking a Great Career for Women

seeking a smaller company with a southeast U.S. run. She spoke with ten recruiters and settled on Grand Island Express.

“I’m blessed to be here,” she said. “It’s a family atmosphere. Grand Island Express doesn’t micromanage you. They are there to help with issues and they help figure out the shortest route. That takes some stress away.”

Godhigh-Bell often starts in Nebraska and takes routes going east and south towards her home.

“I think there’s a lot of room for more ladies out here,” she said.

About driving, she said she enjoys the solitude, freedom and structure. She said she likes talking with other drivers and people at her stops. She said moving refrigerated loads allows for more space at industries, where backing can be a challenge.

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The Women of Nebraska Trucking

Safety Motivates Crete Carrier’s

TISHA GROPP

Crete Carrier drivers know Tisha Gropp has their back. Gropp, along with fellow Safety Manager Robin Boring, lead a team of 36.

The department focuses on two areas: new hires and existing drivers. Gropp promotes

safety for existing drivers. She stands as the person with answers for tough questions needing resolution.

“Sometimes the calls come from people who are agitated and looking for answers,” she said. “The best thing I can do is

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Trucking-related desk jobs increased from 23% in 2016 to 23.75% by the end of 2017. communicate clearly and get us both to one of those, “ah ha” moments where we’re moving on to a good, safe direction.”

Gropp organizes corporate safety initiatives and training. She watches regulations and brings drivers to compliance.

Using data, her department seeks to improve safety on every level. She helped oversee a speed reduction program where drivers with violations saw their speed regulators down to 62 mph. “We like to be encouragers, but once in a while things like that will bring some attention to things like speeding,” she said.

Gropp said focus on pre-trip inspections has helped the company and its drivers identify things that might result in write-ups.

“I’ve never driven a truck,” she said. “But I know the rules. Drivers will ask tough questions and I never talk in a condescending manner. We’re in this together. Male or female, when you work in safety you have to have a way with people.”

Gropp said she’s fortunate to work in a large company where she’s experienced many great mentors. After 21 years, she said she’s still learning the industry.

“NTA is a great place to meet others in the industry,” Gropp said. “The Safety Management Council is a good place to learn about the smaller carriers and about the new rules we get to play by.”

Gropp, and her husband Jack, have a son, nebtrucking.com

Jack, 23 and daughter, Jaelyn, 10.

Besides communication through Gropp’s safety department, Crete leaders Tim Aschoff and Erick Kutter hold an online town hall for drivers periodically through Facebook. “Top down, Crete is really connected,” she said.

“I’m proud to be a part of it.”

“NTA is a great place to meet others in the industry,” Gropp said. “The Safety Management Council is a good place to learn about the smaller carriers and about the new rules we get to play by.”

–Tisha Gropp GROPP ORGANIZES CORPORATE SAFETY INITIATIVES AND TRAINING.

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The Women of Nebraska Trucking

HUNZEKER Nebraska State Trooper Kris Hunzeker holds 15 years of service to Nebraska and its truckers.

Working from the Nebraska City Scales, Hunzeker inspects, weighs and facilitates calls for service.

Hunzeker is a certified Part A, B and Hazardous Materials inspector as well as holds Level 6 and Post-Crash certifications.

She helps instruct the post-crash course and has competed at the Nebraska Inspector Championships for several year. She has won the state competition and competed at the North American Inspector’s Championships in 2017 and 2018.

“I’m passionate about truck safety,” she said. “I think we need to get more women more involved in all aspects of it.”

She said a woman taking a job in her

Sees Bright Future for Women in State Patrol Carrier Enforcement

NEBRASKA STATE TROOPER KRIS HUNZEKER

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field is not typical but she takes pride in her job and wants to show other women they can be successful too. Hunzeker also has helped update and edit the Nebraska Truck Information Guide given to the general public as a guide to laws surrounding Commercial Motor Vehicles and Farm Vehicles.

She also works on the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) committee is a CPR/ First Aid/AED Instructor, Fit tester and member of the inaugural Nebraska Truckers Association’s Women’s Council.

Hunzeker and her husband, Wes, have a son, Cooper, who she said is a, “blondheaded, unafraid, ball of fire.”

She has worked at the Nebraska City scales since 2015 and was at the North Platte scales from 2004-2015.

Hunzeker was a caseworker for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services from 2002-2003 and holds a BA in Education from the University of NebraskaKearney where she was an honor student and member of the Rodeo Club. She also has served as a leader and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up 39.2% of the 17 million people in management positions in 2015.

“I’m passionate about truck safety,” she said. “I think we need to get more women more involved in all aspects of it.”

– Kris Hunzeker

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The Women of Nebraska Trucking

INGRAM TANK WASH

Brings Unique Service to Regional Industries The heart of a business sits with its leaders. Ingram Tank Wash and Jasa Trucking thrive thanks to owner Linda Ingram-Jasa who helped found her businesses with late husband Rick.

“When you have good people, you can have success,” said Ingram-Jasa.

The Ingram Tank Wash team has achieved more than eight injury-free years. The record’s impressive as Ingram Tank Wash cleaned 8,887 tankers last year with only two units returned for a re-wash. The shop was built for easy washing, sanitation and safety. Heated floors ensure solid footing for employees.

Ingram Tank Wash, situated in Blair, is among a slew of agricultural businesses requiring regular tank washes. The state-ofthe-art facility runs 24 hours-a-day with eight employees. They wash 20-40 tanks per day.

Crews understand food-grade requirements and operate one of the only Kosher-certified tank washes in the area. A rabbi from St. Louis visits regularly to inspect the operation.

Service Manager David Tuttle has worked for Ingram Truck Wash since 2005.

“Jasa Trucking started this washing operation because they were going all over the place to wash their own tanks,” Tuttle said.

“We kept having to reject the washes because they weren’t done right. All that re-work takes time and take trailers off the road.”

Ingram Tank Wash sprays water heated to 190 degrees inside each tank for about 15 minutes. A high-powered spinner is lowered from the top so no entry is required. The computer-regulated system is state-of-the-art and customized per customer requirements and product. Some trucks return for a wash after 12 loads. Others are washed

immediately after one load.

Ingram Tank Wash also instituted quality checks long before they were required.

They perform 3M, detergent and protein tests to ensure an effective wash. An inline, redundant, thermometer provides another check for temperature control.

“We just keep adding to business,” Ingram said. “We have some capacity left, but I’ve been checking out what it would take to expand.”

Linda has kept Ingram Tank Wash and Jasa Trucking a family business. Her nephew John, serves as vice president. Linda started the company with her husband in 1997 after working as a special education teacher. Jasa Trucking has 100 drivers, 45 of which are owner-operators. Her companies are sponsoring the NTA Women’s Council Launch Reception at the NTA Fall Conference Sept. 25 in York.

FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT, ADAM JOHNSON INSTALLS A HIGH-TECH SPRAYER INTO A TANK TRAILER. SCOTT EXSTROM SPRAYS AN OUTLET BOX. SERVICE MANAGER DAVID TUTTLE CHECKS COMPUTERIZED CONTROLS.

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“When you have good people, you can have success.” –Linda Ingram-Jasa

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MILITARY LEADER LINDSAY DUNHAM

Says Performance Demonstrates Legitimacy As a youngster, she was inspired by NASCAR pit crews and loved her small engine class at Gravette High School in Arkansas.

Diesel technicians working 91 Bravo Unit for the U.S. Army looked up to their leader Lindsay Dunham, diesel technician at Truck Center Companies in York.

Dunham served six years in the military repairing everything from forklifts and trucks to massive intermodal cranes.

“I never had a lot of trouble as a lady in the Army,” she said. “It doesn’t take long to show everyone how you perform as a diesel tech. I’d always encourage my team and say, ‘If I can do it, so can you.’”

Dunham served in the Army as a sergeant and team leader from 2009 to 2015. She oversaw a team of five soldiers in Tacoma, Washington and served in 16 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 4, 2019

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The Women of Nebraska Trucking

South Korea for a year.

As a youngster, she was inspired by NASCAR pit crews and loved her small engine class at Gravette High School in Arkansas.

She learned industrial truck maintenance at a base in Aberdeen, Maryland and earned more education at a Wyotech-Laramie technical school.

“Every day is different in this job,” she said. “The technology is changing really fast. We’re carrying around a laptop half the day.”

Recently, Dunham has been asked to diagnose trucks for the shop. She said she’s learned tricks along with way and watches her co-workers for tips.

“I like small towns, so York Truck Center Companies was a great place for me,” she said.

Dunham particularly enjoys working fuel pumps and clutches.

“I NEVER HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE AS A LADY IN THE ARMY. IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG TO SHOW EVERYONE HOW YOU PERFORM. I’D ALWAYS ENCOURAGE MY TEAM AND SAY, ‘IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU.’ ” —LINDSAY DUNHAM, DIESEL TECHNICIAN, TRUCK CENTER COMPANIES, YORK

Of the more than 3 million truckers in the United States, it is estimated more than 200,000 are women. That figure represents a fifty percent increase since 2005. nebtrucking.com

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The Women of Nebraska Trucking

NTA WOMEN’S COUNCIL

Plans Big Impact

The first official event for the NTA Women’s Council will take place at the Fall Conference Sept. 25 in York with a launch reception starting at 7 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center.

Leaders will reconvene on Friday, Sept. 27 for their first annual meeting to elect council chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

The NTA Women’s Council plans to organize programs and activities focusing on all aspects of promoting and supporting careers in the trucking and greater transportation fields specifically to women. Such programs and activities are meant to benefit the member companies of the Nebraska Trucking Association by increasing the number of women entering

We SEE, Support, Educate & Empower a young generation of women to consider the trucking industry as a career.” the field and retaining women in the field by expanding their roles and capabilities.

According to the Council’s charter, any individual employed by a Nebraska Trucking Association member company may become a Council member upon payment of annual NTAWC $50 dues.

Honorary memberships may be extended

to individuals outside of the association who share a compelling interest in expanding the roles and opportunities for women in transportation.

The Council will elect its officers annually for one-year terms. The Council chair serves on NTA Board of Directors during his or her term of office. The chair is responsible for delivering an annual report on council achievements to the board of directors.

Core activities • SEE: Support, Educate & Empower a young generation of women to consider the trucking industry as a career.

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18 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 4, 2019

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industry topics, career development, personal development, and other topics to NTA members and related audiences; • Provide educational and outreach programs to audiences of women of all ages related to career opportunities in the trucking and wider transportation industries; • Provide recognition programs for successful Council members in a variety of career positions within the trucking and transportation industries; and • Cultivate programs and events that will serve the Council’s mission of supporting, empowering and educating women in trucking and transportation.

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Issue 4, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 19

NTA is in the Zone Interactions with the Nebraska Trucking Association are changing thanks to new association software being implemented to enhance communication, make forms easier and to provide an overall easier experience to members who seek to learn about NTA news or sign up for events.

The association is building its membership and event framework around a web-based platform called GrowthZone.

Nebraska is one of about a dozen state trucking associations to utilize the platform.

“We’ve done big things with a relatively out-of-date system,” said Kent Grisham, NTA president and CEO. “It won’t take long for members to see improvements in nearly every aspect of their association, from dues payments to event notices.”

Each member company and individual

will be able to control their own “hub” of information which will clearly show upcoming events, account balance, a membership directory and other resources.

to-date so others can successfully connect with you. Then explore the site and have fun taking advantage of special members only access.

Search the directory listing – Your

Watch for an Email to Start MembersOnly Benefits Through the NTA You’ll start by making sure your contact profile is complete and update-

contact information and our other members are available in the “membersonly” hub.

Personalized member listing page – Included in the directory is your own information page on the website which can include a description area, location, logo, photos and contact details based on your membership level.

Resources – Being part of our association includes access to key sites, documents and other information to help you thrive in our community. Check out the resource area to learn more.

Events – Advertise your upcoming events to other members and/or on our public site. Login to create your event page and submit to us for review/approval. Also, check out and register for upcoming events on our calendar.

Career Center – Create a posting for any job openings you have available - gain visibility and help recruit new employees.

Hot Deals – Add an online coupon to share on our site and attract users to your business. Take advantage of deals offered by other members too!

News – Share exciting and important information with our community.

Enter your news item to be added to our site.

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Along the Route News & tips from Nebraska Trucker advertisers

Brake-Related Violations Could Stop You in Your Tracks Last year, 14 percent of commercial vehicles inspected during CVSA’s Brake Safety Week were placed out of service for critical brake-related violations. This year, the brake safety initiative is set for the week of Sept.

15. Reduce your downtime and avoid being placed out-of-service with regular brake maintenance and inspections.

Maintaining a clean air system is essential to the performance and safety of any air brake system. Vital components like air seals, brake valves and brake chamber diaphragms are susceptible to damage if an air system is contaminated by moisture. Damaged seals can cause air leaks, which will put you out-of-

service during an inspection. Drain your air tanks daily to ensure a clean air system.

Conduct effective visual inspections

frequently, keeping an eye out for problems such as loose hoses and leaks. Check foundation drum brakes for lining cracks, oilsaturated linings or broken cam brackets. If your vehicle is equipped with air disc brakes, check the rotors for cracks or grooving and make sure the caliper is sliding freely. Check your brake stroke to ensure it’s within proper limits and routinely grease your slack to keep the automatic slack adjusters working smoothly and in proper adjustment.

Stop into a participating TA Truck Service Sept. 1 through Sept. 15 and get a FREE mid-trip inspection to help you hit the road with confidence.

LAUNCH RECEPTION 7-9 P.M. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25TH

Holthus Convention Center York, Nebraska The Chairman’s Reception at the NTA Fall Conference will highlight the association’s inclusion of the first-ever NTA Women’s Council. Join NTA executives, staff and woment of our industry for a reception, snacks and a talk by Robyn Mitchell, author of a series of books highlighting her years as an open-road sandhauler.

Robyn Mitchell left the comforts of teaching in a classroom to explore the open road in an 18-wheel sandhauler. Her experiences and time on the road birthed Mother Trucker, a series of suspenseful thrillers based on the trouble and happiness Shelby Mathews—a well-educated, gorgeous blonde, wife, and mother of three grown men—finds while trucking.

Robyn will talk life on the road, parenting, writing and everything in between.

nebtrucking.com

Issue 4, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 21

2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 8–14 NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK September 25, 26, 27 in York, NE DISCOVER IDEAS THAT TRANSFORM AND CELEBRATE PEOPLE WHO DRIVE SUCCESS NTA’s 2019 Fall Conference will bring hundreds of business leaders and trucking professionals from throughout our state and beyond. Thought-provoking presentations will entertain and challenge our understanding of leadership in today’s challenging transportation landscape. Nebraska’s top drivers, dispatchers, safety leaders and more will be honored during an inspiring award ceremony. www.nebtrucking.com/fall-conference

ADVERTISER RESOURCE INDEX Allied Oil & Tire .............................................13 American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) ................................................6 American Trucking Associations’ MC&E ........Inside back cover

Nebraska Trucker is owned by Truck Services, Inc. and is published bimonthly by Matthews Publishing Group. For additional copies, to order reprints and individual articles or to become a subscriber, contact April Tilden at 402.476.8502 ext. 105.

publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake Matthews Published Group, LLC jennifer@mattewspublishing.com

Bauer Built Tire.............................................11

creative director Fran Sherman fransherman@sbcglobal.net

Brehmer Manufacturing Inc. .....................16

graphic designer Barbara Negron barbnegron@gmail.com

Great West Casualty Co. ............ Back cover HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass .................12 HUB International Insurance .....................20

photographers Thomas Grady Kaylie Sirek contributing writers Steve Brawner Renee Miller Jennifer Barnett Reed John Schultz Todd Traub

Interstate PowerSystems ...........................15 Joe Morton & Son Insurance ....................16 RDO Truck Centers...........Inside front cover TA/Petro ...........................................................4 Taylor & Martin.............................................17 Truck Center Companies.............................10 Western Pathology Consultants, Inc. (WPCI) ............................................................20

www.nebtrucking.com President & CEO Kent Grisham kent@nebtrucking.com Finance & Accounting Coordinator Becky Tejral becky@nebtrucking.com Director Operations & Communication David Zelnio dave@nebtrucking.com Executive Assistant April Tilden atilden@nebtrucking.com Director Safety & Training Services Barb Aude baude@nebtrucking.com

This edition of Nebraska Trucker was made possible with the support of these corporate advertisers. They support the trucking industry by enabling Nebraska Trucking Association to provide this publication to its members, prospective members, elected officials and the business community at large. They deserve your consideration and patronage when making your corporate purchasing decisions. Thank you!

PLEASE VISIT NEBTRUCKING.COM TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF NEBRASKA TRUCKER WITH LIVE LINKS TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES. 22 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 4, 2019

Nebraska Trucking Association is a statewide trade association for commercial truck and bus operators and affiliated businesses. It is a not-for-profit association governed by a board of directors elected annually. Nebraska Trucking is an affiliate of the American Trucking Association (ATA). ATA serves and represents the trucking industry on a national level, influencing federal and state government actions, advancing positive trucking industry image, providing education programs and industry research, and promoting highway safety and security.

For more information, contact Nebraska Trucking Association: 1701 K Street Lincoln, NE 68501 Phone 402.476.8504 Fax: 402.476.8570 nebtrucking.com

nebtrucking.com

Join 3,000 of trucking’s top decision-makers to: Get the Latest Pulse in Trucking Influence Regulatory Policy and Legislative Issues Discover New Innovations in the Exhibit Hall

Network and Exchange Ideas Celebrate Industry Victories and Enjoy Entertainment by Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Evening at the Annual Reception & Banquet

For more information and to register, visit:

http://mce.trucking.org nebtrucking.com

Premier sponsor of MCE 2019

Issue 4, 2019 - Nebraska Trucker 23

Values Drive Performance Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence

800.228.8602

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We understand you are in business to make a profit. Our Value-Driven® Company modules can help you reduce losses and increase profits by focusing on influencing employee behavior, changing culture, improving communication, and managing risk successfully.

We believe it is everyone’s job to do what they can to prevent losses. We have developed a variety of training tools to help get all employees involved in safety. From seminars and webinars to Self-Service e-Tools and FAQs, we have solutions to fit your operations.

We see “Critical Crashes” as a risk to your company. Our Value-Driven® Driving program focuses on helping drivers do what they can to prevent these types of accidents: rear-end, loss of control, lane change, and run under. All of our driver training programs are FREE to our insureds and can be accessed 24/7 on Great West’s Online Learning Library.

GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY – No matter where the road takes you, you will discover that at Great West, The Difference is Service®.

24 Nebraska Trucker - Issue 4, 2019

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