Summer 2020
The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association
ALSO INSIDE: Herman Fauss Scholarship Message from Rep. Chip LaMarca Getting Back on Track during COVID-19
TABLE of CONTENTS
4 | #ThankATrucker
By Alix Miller Florida was ahead of the curve when the novel coronavirus hit. Take a look inside the operations of FTA during the pandemic. Cover photo: Safety Management Council Secretary Laura Lamson during FTA’s #ThankATrucker event (photo by Norma Lopez Molina)
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DEPARTMENTS President’s Message
3
2020 Legislative Update
10
Herman Fauss Scholarship Winners
18
Moves and News
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FEATURES 4
#ThankATrucker
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ATRI Reports: Effects on the Trucking Industry during COVID-19
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Getting Back on Track
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A Message from Rep. Chip LaMarca
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INDUSTRY INSIDER
12
Mobilizing to Save the Future of Trucking
14
Jeffrey Dixon promoted to FHP Chief
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Managing a Fleet During Civil Unrest
22
Improving Driver Accountability
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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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KENNETH S. ARMSTRONG, PH.D. PRESIDENT AND CEO, FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
VOLUME 79, NUMBER 2 • Q2 2020 STAFF: President and CEO, Kenneth S. Armstrong ken@FLTrucking.org Vice President, Alix Miller alix@FLTrucking.org Director of Operations, Brian Nerland brian@FLTrucking.org Executive Assistant, Dot Butler dot@FLTrucking.org
PUBLISHED BY:
President’s Message UNSUNG I’m supposed to say something profound about COVID. Or tort reform. Or the 2020 elections. Or the “essentiality” of trucking…after all, “ESSENTIAL” is the theme of the 2020 Annual Conference now being held October 15-16 in Tampa. Sorry, but I’m not feeling very profound these days. We’ve been hearing the word “unsung” a lot. Actually, Americans have been doing a pretty good job of singing about unsung heroes. Deservedly, truck drivers have often been mentioned as among our unsung heroes. America owes them a debt it cannot repay.
350 E. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 www.FLTrucking.org EDITORIAL Editor: Alix Miller ADVERTISING Sales: Brian Nerland DESIGN & LAYOUT Art Director: Jeremy Ashmore © 2020 Florida Trucking Association. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of FTA. For subscription information, please contact FTA at 850-222-9900. Postmaster: Address changes to Dot Butler, 350 E. College Avenue, Tallahassee FL 32301 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the authors of the articles contained in Florida
I’d like to add a word about the “unsungest” of the unsung, however. Those are all the people who enable our truck drivers to stay on the road—from loaders to dispatchers to diesel techs to office staff. Our supplier community is in the same boat, often being an after-thought of who it takes to keep vehicles on the road. And let’s not forget about the families of drivers—who have hunkered down as care-givers with silent support back home. My guess is that you have already gone out of your way to thank these overlooked individuals…just as you have probably bent over backward to show your and our country’s appreciation to drivers. In case you haven’t, though, I encourage you to order in BBQ or sub sandwiches or some other special treat. Make a big deal over these truly unsung heroes, because what they’ve accomplished has indeed been a big deal for our citizens. Call up your training provider or your local dealer and give them a big thank you for what they’ve done to keep America moving during COVID. There’s certainly enough thanks to go around. Not only are we all “in this together,” but those of us fortunate enough to work in the trucking industry are “essential together.” Yesterday, today, tomorrow.
Truck News magazine are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Florida Trucking Association or its member companies. Printed in Florida. Please recycle where facilities exist.
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#ThankATrucker 4 | SUMMER 2020
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Safety Management Council Secretary Laura Lamson Photo by Norma Lopez Molina
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By Alix Miller Industry experts know that trucking serves as a harbinger of change—an indicator of shifts—economic, social and political. One blip on the radar screen can signal to executives and managers significant change miles down the road.
The Butterfly Effect. So while Americans kept going about their business in January, barely aware of a mysterious new virus coming out of China, the trucking industry took note. And started preparing. The average American wasn’t yet cognizant of the impact on the global supply chain as Chinese manufacturers began shutting down and production slowed—there was still enough product making its way across the ocean and into our ports. The effects were being slowly felt by the container sector and future import orders. Only a matter of time. Most still didn’t notice the Diamond Princess, headed back to Yokohama, Japan, in mid-February, when a former passenger had tested positive and resulted in what the New York Times called, “a floating epidemiological disaster.” Subsequent reports from the CDC notified the public that passengers on 28 U.S. cruises may have been exposed to the coronavirus between February and March. By this point however, the trucking industry had already mobilized. As early as February, trucking companies had suspended non-essential travel to events and business meetings for employees across the country. Distribution centers and yards were shut down to vendors and third-party visitors, thereby reducing the risk of viral transmission and keeping drivers healthy and on the road. FTA’s SuperTech competition was cancelled—neither member companies nor FTA was willing to take the risk—the supply chain needed to be protected. The supply chain, however, at this point was already feeling the strain— Americans glued to the increasingly concerning nightly reports began to worry. While daily lives had not yet
changed—people were still going to work, attending concerts, enjoying a night out for dinner at restaurants, distribution sites were starting to show an increase in demand for consumable products. Floridians, no stranger to emergency situations, began to purchase more and more items in bulk—food, paper products, even fuel. Shortages started to be felt. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the virus (officially to be known as COVID-19) as a pandemic. American Trucking Associations sent out strategies for employers with resources from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). FTA launched its coronavirus landing page, to aggregate any pertinent information to assist members. President Trump declared a national emergency on March 13, with many governors, including Ron DeSantis, following suit.
On this day, everything changed. Many non-essential businesses shut down; Florida public schools closed; spring break vacations got cancelled as people hunkered down at home. Lines of people showed up outside stores, stockpiling consumable items and creating increased panic. You can say a lot about Florida. The population, varied and diverse, is described (kindly) as eccentric; an outlier. On social media, we’ve got “Florida Man,” the archetype of our residents infamous for making the news with bizarre and often sordid stories.
And Florida has hurricanes. Over the past few years, Floridians have faced several major hurricanes that have ravaged the land, left people with nothing. The state is no stranger to natural disasters—state agencies, government leadership and the private sector have response efforts down to a science. When Trump and DeSantis issued the Emergency Declaration and Emergency Order, respectively, we were ready to go. Within mere minutes, FTA was on the phone and in near constant contact
with our partners at Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV); Florida Highway Patrol (FHP); Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT); and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Emergency Road Use Permits were issued to relieve the size and weight restrictions for divisible loads transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies and commodities. USDOT provided regulatory relief for drivers providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief for medical supplies, sanitation materials such as disinfectants, masks, gloves, materials to establish and manage temporary housing and isolation facilities, and food for emergency restocking of stores. If a silver lining can be found with the issuance of emergency orders in Florida, it is that the trucking industry has become, regrettably, used to them. The procedures and protocols set forth for hurricanes and tornados served us well during the first few weeks of the pandemic. With the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) opening the Emergency Operations Center, conference calls (three times a week) were set up. FTA participated in calls for Emergency Support Function (ESF) #18, Business, Industry and Economic Stabilization along with entities such as Visit Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Florida Petroleum Council. Phone calls and emails were fast and furious during March and April. The same open channels between FTA and state leadership during hurricanes were promptly renewed. Conference calls and email guidance came at all times of day, seven days a week. When a member company had a question— we were able to get an answer, often within minutes. Governor Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day “safer-at-home” executive order on April 1. Thanks to prior communication between DEM and industry associations such as FTA, essential services were clear and followed the Department of
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Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce Guidance. Other states issuing similar orders spent days getting clarification—but Florida, thanks to early preparation and experience, was ahead of the curve. Dozens more emergency orders, announcements, waivers and guidance were communicated to the trucking industry during this time. Checkpoints entering Florida from “hot spots” showing community spread were established on I-10 East and I-95 South. Florida Turnpike closed restaurants as a precautionary measure; other states shut down entire rest areas, preventing truck drivers from finding a safe place to sleep, eat or clean up. Hundreds of calls were logged between the trucking industry and leadership, including Interim Administrator of FMCSA Jim Mullen; Secretary of Transportation Kevin Thibault; CFO Jimmy Patronis; Rep. Chip LaMarca; and the usual suspects (FHP Chief Jeff Dixon, Bureau Chief
of DHSMV Jay Levenstein; DEM’s Debbie Bass; Jeff Sanderson at FMCSA). FTA was featured in dozens of state and national TV channels, journals and newspapers and issued our own Frequently Asked Questions documents to clarify all information. Webinars began—Zoom became the law of the land—other industries and associations began requesting FTA’s participation in meetings. From Associated Industries of Florida to the Chamber, CareerSource, FDOT, and Florida Petroleum and Marketing Association—the voice of trucking was heard loud and clear. On April 16, the ATA America’s Road Team tractor-trailer slowly rumbled down the streets of Washington, DC, headed for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Standing alongside trucks from FedEx, UPS and DHL on the front lawn of the White House, President Trump joined USDOT Secretary Elaine Chao and members of the trucking industry, to emphatically, “THANK GOD FOR TRUCKERS!”
HEY THERE, MEMBER.
WELCOME TO FTA! 6 | SUMMER 2020
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The pandemic is nowhere near over—and we don’t know what the future holds. But if anything is clear, the image of trucking and the understanding of the vital role professional truck drivers play in America’s daily life have been widely acknowledged and honored. In the words of President Trump: “At a time of widespread shutdowns, truck drivers form the lifeblood of our economy — and the absolute lifeblood. For days, and sometimes weeks on end, truck drivers leave their homes and deliver supplies that American families need and count on during this national crisis and at all other times. They’re always there. Their routes connect every farm, hospital, manufacturer, business, and community in the country. In the war against the virus, American truckers are the foot soldiers who are really carrying us to victory. And they are. They’ve done an incredible job.” We couldn’t agree more.
Florida Transportation Builders' Association Floridians for Better Transportation Florida Forestry Association Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association AMCAN Freight Lines Florida DEF Reliance Partners Wabash National Mutual of America TVC Pro-Driver TGH Urgent Care Powered by Fast Track Supreme, A Wabash National Company 925 Partners Insurance Agency Orion & Associates Trucking Solutions LockNClimb One Digital Health Realm Health AngelTrax HKA Enterprises
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Photos courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation
FTA #ThankATrucker Event To recognize the commitment and work of professional commercial motor vehicle drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, FTA’s Safety Management Council, chaired by Cary Watkins, FDOT and FHP partnered to provide free lunches to these essential workers on May 7. Meals were sponsored by FTA, Chick-fil-A, Publix Super Markets, and Walmart Transportation. “FDOT is proud to support Florida’s truck drivers who have continued to work tirelessly during the fight against COVID-19,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin Thibault. “These individuals are on the front lines each day providing vital goods to Floridians during this unprecedented time – keeping shelves stocked, medicine delivered, and supplies directed to those most in need. Their selflessness is inspiring, and the department is committed to
continuing to support their needs as they serve others.” During the event, the group had 500 meals on-hand for truck drivers at the Southbound I-75 Rest Area near Ocala at Mile Marker 346 in Marion County. “We are always proud of what our member companies and their drivers do every day of the year,” said Ken Armstrong. “Their patriotism and pride in the profession shine brightly during this time, as all Floridians become more aware of the vital role these men and women play in our daily lives. We thank FDOT for joining us today to recognize their work.” “Our truck drivers are on the front line every day delivering much-needed supplies to our communities, and we greatly appreciate their dedication and professionalism,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding.
“We are privileged to partner with the Safety Management Council Executive Committee, Florida Trucking Association, and the Florida Department of Transportation in support of our truck drivers, and it’s our honor to participate in this special recognition to them for the outstanding job they do every day.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that commercial truck drivers are the backbone of this country; always driving our economy forward,” said SMC Chair and Vice President/ General Manager of Big C Freight Cary Watkins. “We’re holding this event to thank these professionals, who are always there for Floridians and all Americans, 24/7—no matter the challenges they are faced with.” Florida Trucking Association thanks everyone who volunteered to spend the afternoon with us.
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Secretary Kevin Thibault giving a television interview
Trucking in and on the air By mid-March, it was becoming clear to FTA, and Americans all across the country, how much work truck drivers were doing to sustain businesses, the medical community and families as they worked tirelessly to replenish much-needed supplies and food. People stalked big-box stores and grocers alike, waiting for a professional commercial vehicle driver to enter the loading zone, with trailers filled with items that were flying off the shelves at a pace far faster than mere weeks ago. As heroes on our roads, filled with patriotism and dedication to their companies and the American public, FTA knew it would be an opportune time to remind all Floridians of the day-in-day-out work our professional truck drivers do—pandemic or not. Enter Ann Rose, Senior Account Executive at Clear Channel Outdoor. Ann graciously agreed to draft three different digital billboards for FTA’s approval and send them to six major media markets, (almost 150 billboard locations) for a month—at no charge to FTA—as just a “small” way to thank truck drivers and lift their spirits as they passed by. The final product and results were nothing short of amazing. Thank you
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to Ann and Clear Channel Outdoor for your generosity and support during this time. Media Markets: Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa Number of Times Played: 456,072 Total Impressions: 10,038,953 Speaking of FTA in and on the air… in April, Jeffrey Worthington of I Heart Media reached out to FTA with a spec radio ad, thanking the trucking industry on behalf of Florida Trucking Association. Quickly approved, this commercial spot ran in media markets throughout Florida—again, at no charge to FTA—so all motorists would hear about the pride the industry has for professional truck drivers and Floridians would recognize the importance of that truck driving next to them on our roads. We appreciate the opportunity to work with I Heart Media and their creative idea. Media Markets: 110 Florida radio stations, on Florida News Network Played: Throughout April 13 through May 3 Impressions: Reached 3.54 million Floridians and generated more than 7.1 impressions
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How FTA members have been helping during the pandemic SmartDrive has provided a weekly drawing, “$100 Gift Card for “Everyday Heroes in Transportation” for fleets to nominate their drivers for heroic efforts during the pandemic. TenStreet is offering onboarding tools free to clients and their drivers for 90 days. TREAD has released digital signoff and contactless ticketing features to create safer and more efficient workplace environments for clients; switched to remote onboarding both for new clients and new employees; helped short haul companies moving construction materials comply with Florida state protocols for COVID-19; and produced content about jobsite safety to help the industry. Landstar President and CEO Jim Gattoni announced that Landstar’s 2020 All-Star Truck Giveaway will take place on July 8 via Zoom. Landstar announced on March 19 an effort to support its independent owner-operators on the front lines hauling freight during the pandemic. If a Landstar BCO tests positive for coronavirus or is under mandatory quarantine, he or she will be provided $1,000 per week for up to two weeks.
COVER STORY: #ThankATrucker <
Lytx put together a fun coloring book for members who are juggling children while working/staying home, which is available on their website. Members are encouraged to download. Uber Technologies launched a Thank a Trucker campaign to thank those drivers on the front line; partnered with Feeding America as part of the Move What Matters campaign. Uber Freight is proud to help organizations like FarmLink during this crisis. Through the use of Uber Freightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shipper platform, FarmLink has been able to quickly deliver loads in locations across the US, furthering its mission to get food to communities in need. Taylor and Associates put together a COVID-19 webpage for guidance and legal resources, as well as offering webinars on the subject. Infinit-I Workforce Solutions is allowing custom content to be uploaded to their system and be immediately sent to the entire workforce. They have helped hundreds of clients increase
communications with their overthe-road fleets and are offering a 30-day complimentary trial. Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation held a summer fundraiser for the Faith Neighborhood Center in Groveland for non-perishable items, hygiene products, toilet paper for those who are struggling to afford items due to school being closed and people losing their jobs. Whitney Transport has been making about 7,000 deliveries a week, despite the economic slowdown, which risked the health and safety of their employees, Chris Whitney worked with a vendor to begin contactless delivery, using a smart device to see the dump trucks rolling to their sites. When the driver dumps the load, the customer gets a notice and signs off electronically. The driver and customer donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to meet. Four Star Freightliner is now offering on-site disinfecting services for free to customers who are at one of their seven location for repairs.
Employees have been trained to perform disinfection and sanitization procedures recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. When trucks arrive for service, an employee wearing protective gear uses a fogger to spray the truck with a botanical antimicrobial cleaner (BAC) with Noroxycdiff. Areas sprayed include places the drivers touch like the handles, seats and steering wheel. The disinfectant is then put through the air conditioning unit. This same service is performed before the truck is released back to the customers. The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete, and it is keeping service shop workers and customers healthy. Four Star Freightliner also provides this disinfecting service for free to first responders who bring their ambulance or fire truck to any location. OneBeacon produced a video as a means of supporting truckers and giving back to these essential workers.
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2020
legislative update On behalf of Florida Trucking Association, the Legislature addressed a few key issues that passed and became law under the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis.
By Chris Dudley With an early start date this year (January 14th), the Florida Legislature was able to complete their work and adjourn Sine Die without the suspension due to COVID-19 so many legislatures imposed around the country due to the pandemic. By March 19th, the Florida Legislature had passed a bold $93 billion state budget and only 210 of the 3,518 bills that were filed.
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The 2020-21 state budget provides for full funding of the FDOT five-year work program at $9.3 billion. In addition, the budget appropriates an additional $1.3 million to the Florida Highway Patrol to add eight (8) more full-time FHP Troopers to the First Coast Expressway in Northeast Florida. The budget also provides $181 million in economic development tools for the Governor, including the continuation of Visit Florida, Space Florida and Enterprise Florida. These funds also include key economic development tools used by the Governor to retain and attract new business to Florida, such as educational training program
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incentives and the Job Growth Fund used to support public infrastructure and workforce training. Senate Bill 7018 passed the Legislature and was approved by the Governor on June 9th. The law requires the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to plan, design, and construct staging areas for emergency response on the turnpike system. These areas are for the staging of emergency supplies, equipment, and personnel to facilitate the prompt provision of emergency assistance to the public in response to a declared state of emergency. The staging areas, however, are also permitted to be used for commercial vehicle parking during non-emergency periods to facilitate the statewide need for new truck parking on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interstate system to facilitate compliance with hours of service requirements. Priority for the location of the staging
areas is smaller population areas within the counties identified in the three new Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance. House Bill 969, also approved by the Governor on June 9th, expands on the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance legislation from 2019 and provides that the Department of Transportation may use up to $5 million annually from the funds transferred to Florida Turnpike Enterprise to the Multiuse Corridors of Regional Economic Significance program for projects that assist in the development of broadband infrastructure within or adjacent to a multiuse corridor. There were also a number of key FTA issues that were debated but did not pass during the 2020 regular legislative session. House Bill 903 and Senate Bill 1328 were proposals to provide an
alternative method for licensed drivers to pay fines and fees without the fear of a suspension of their driver’s license. Early in session, FTA Vice President Alix Miller participated in an industry press conference on the 4th floor of the Capitol to support the passage of the legislation. Under the proposal, licensed drivers who owe fines and fees can enter into a payment plan with the county Clerk of Court for repayment and continue to keep their driver’s license valid for work. Finally, and most importantly on the list of unfinished business, is the tort reform effort by FTA and the entire business community. A number of key proposals would have had a big impact on the legal climate in Florida. For the first time in many years, a series of bill were filed to address a number of tort concerns from the business community. Bills were filed to provide greater
clarity and accuracy in determining the cost of medical services, to limit the ability for judges to add a contingency fee multiplier to the plaintiff attorney fees, to provide notice before a bad faith claim could be pursued against an insurance company, and to restrict the ability of plaintiff lawyers from using corporate and private financiers to fund litigation costs. However, none of these proposals passed the Florida Legislature in 2020. Chris Dudley is a partner at The Southern Group. Ed. Note: Governor DeSantis’ vetoes the week of June 29 reduced some of the funding mentioned in this article. Florida’s budget has taken a COVID-19 hit, and the Governor responded accordingly.
THE UNIFIED VOICE OF TRUCKING: FUELED BY THE FTA-PAC 2020 is a big year, politically. Be a part of our efforts to promote the priorities of the trucking industry. Call the FTA office at 850-222-9900 to support the Association PAC. SUMMER 2020 | 11 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
ATRI Reports: COVID-19 Impacts on the Trucking Industry In March, American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) and the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA) collaborated on a trucking industry survey to better understand the impact of COVID-19. Questions ranged from economic impacts on fleets to the consistently challenging aspects of trucking (congestion, parking, detention times, etc.). The survey was disseminated to approximately 100,000 people in the organizations’ databases—5,073 individuals responded. A majority of those who responded (77 percent) were truck drivers with established careers in the industry, with more than 81 percent having more than 11 years of experience, and 13 percent of respondents represented fleet executives, operations and safety personnel. While there were certainly some expectations to the results of the survey, there were some surprises as well—the unintended consequences of a critical and essential industry moving freight amidst a national emergency and shelter-in-place orders across the country. Panic-buying and a shift from working in offices to telecommuting,
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both long-haul international containers decreasing as well as essential consumer goods being stored and shipped from more localized warehouses. Impacts on fleets of fewer than five trucks were most pronounced—approximately one in four reporting their trip length was “much lower.”
Trucking challenges
thereby spreading out the workforce from concentrated office buildings to homes (urban to suburban) immediately strained the supply chain. But, thanks to technological advances and the stellar work of logistics specialists, the trucking industry proved to be nimble and adjusted based on real-time needs. Trip lengths decreased dramatically during the beginning of the pandemic. While eight percent reported their typical trips before the pandemic were considered “local” at less than 100 miles, the figure more than doubled, with the longest two trip categories (5001000+ miles) decreased by more than 13 percent. ATRI and OOIDA ascertained that this was a result of
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Companies and drivers alike bemoan the pervasive challenges to the industry: congested roads, detention times and truck parking. The pandemic had a direct effect on all three. Even before the survey was sent out to the public, ATRI noticed a significant shift in driving efficiency. GPS data showed that, at typical freight hot spots and bottlenecks across the country, average truck travel speeds were as much as 25 miles per hour higher than before pandemic-related shutdowns. Nearly 90 percent of the respondents noticed much shorter delays due to traffic congestion as shelter-in-place orders caused commuters to work from home. There were some contradictory reports related to truck parking issues compared to before the pandemic. A top concern (particularly in Florida), 42 percent of respondents indicated
that finding parking was “about the same,” and 44 percent reported that it was “somewhat harder” or “much harder” to find. This almost equal response on either side of the spectrum can be explained by driving routes. Local drivers indicated almost no change to their ability to find parking, while inter-regional and long-haul drivers reported an increased difficulty. Additionally, larger fleets (251-1000 power units) reported the most difficulty in finding parking while owner-operators and small fleets less—suggesting they have more creative parking options than larger fleets. Detention times unsurprisingly increased during the beginning of the pandemic. With Americans making a run on consumable goods (paper products, food, medicine), the industry found itself perpetually trying to catch up with demand. A 2018 OOIDA study showed that drivers spent an average of between 11 and 20 hours per week in detention time. ATRI’s similar survey in 2019 reported 70 percent of drivers experienced a 27.4 percent increase in delays of six hours or more between 2014 and 2018. The OOIDA-ATRI survey shows that the pandemic only exacerbated this issue: 34 percent indicated loading and unloading times had increased, and only 12 percent reported decreased detention time.
Freight levels Understandably, industry sectors had markedly different experiences during the beginning of the pandemic. Truckload, the sector which represents consumer goods and medical supplies, experienced “somewhat higher” to “much higher” freight volume, whereas specialized fleets reported “much lower” freight volumes. Smaller fleets (fewer than five power units) were hit especially hard, as were owner-operators,
who rely on the spot market, which declined 38 percent between March and April of 2020. Large fleets (1000 power units) indicated relatively no change to volume. Refrigerated commodities increased in demand and 5-axle trailers volumes were “much higher”, followed by dry vans and longer combination trailers. 5-axle flatbeds had the highest percentage of respondents (38 percent) report much lower freight volumes. These results follow buying trends across the country, as well as the shutdown of nonessential travel and work.
Will the industry rebound? The survey also sought to take the economic temperature of the trucking industry—both now and how respondents felt about several months from now. About 41 percent believe that freight volumes would
stay about the same over the next two months, however 45 percent believe they will be much worse in the same amount of time. ATRI developed a “Truck Activity Index” which converts truck GPS data to an activity metric. The results indicate an increase in trucking activity from February through March, while slowly decreasing in April.
Lessons learned The survey found that the majority of owner-operators and trucking firms (45 percent) did not have any formal disaster plan in place prior to the pandemic, whereas large fleets (70 percent) do. This is likely due to resources. As the pandemic continues, fleets, both large and small, will no doubt be adjusting their processes and protocols to improve efficiency while protecting employees and the public.
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MOBILIZING TO SAVE THE FUTURE OF TRUCKING IN FLORIDA A Blueprint and Call to Action by Florida Trucking Association As this decade begins, we must acknowledge that trucking is at a crossroads. The five vectors shown are creating a dynamic that will either shape trucking’s future or allow trucking to shape its own— and Florida’s—future. This drama is not going to play out over a decade: it’s going to play out over a few short months and years. If we do not act immediately, intelligently, and together, then forces will act upon us in a way we cannot imagine and will definitely not welcome.
have never been at a higher pitch than during the COVID crisis. For every one of those services to our members, however, we see dozens of obstacles looming as their world does everything but return to normal. Hope exists, however. The popularity and recognition that has been showered on the trucking industry during the last several months is as unprecedented as the crisis itself. We must leverage this powerful positive public image now!
COVID-19
INSURANCE
Nothing has exposed the national reliance on transportation, specifically trucking, like the pandemic. President Trump summarized the national sentiment: “Thank God for truckers!”
The most fearsome moment facing trucking companies today is “the renewal.”
A weakened trucking industry is now as unimaginable as a weakened healthcare industry. A recent St. Pete Times statewide poll shows truckers only a fraction behind doctors, nurses, and first responders in approval rating on how they have helped the public during this pandemic. While our employees have placed themselves in danger for the good of our citizens, now it is the trucking companies themselves (both forhire and private fleets) which are at the crossroads … facing regulation, manpower needs, a turbulent insurance market, and aggressive trial attorneys. FTA’s problem-solving for and communications with its members 14 | SUMMER 2020
We have come to a day when insurers no longer choose to cover Florida’s trucking companies, penalize companies that run significant miles in our state, or feel justified in quoting rates that would have been laughable 5-10 years ago. Truth be told, insurance companies are far from getting rich on their trucking clients. Losses have climbed rapidly for insurers since 2011. They are staring down the barrel of nuclear verdicts just the same as trucking companies are. The difference is that one such 8-figure verdict is not going to put an insurance company out of business. But most trucking companies won’t survive it. Which is better—having the jury foreman read the bad news or dying by the thousand cuts of underwriting, rate increases, and rising deductibles?
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Floridians, whether legislators or consumers, must understand that the outcome of this crisis will affect our entire economy. Departing insurers and rising premiums can have only one result. The price of consumer goods, food, construction supplies, online purchases, and support for the tourism machine that keeps our taxes low is inevitably going to increase— and not just by a little bit. Where is the tipping point at which Florida suddenly becomes too expensive a place to live or do business because the cost of living is rising? Solving the trucking insurance quandary in Florida must be a statewide policy goal.
TORT REFORM Incredibly, somehow a state that is near the top in almost every measure of quality of life, infrastructure, climate, business achievement, government efficiency, and desirability manages to have one of the worst five litigation environments in the nation. We deserve our reputation as a “judicial hellhole.” You need only listen to radio ads or drive past a few billboards to get the overwhelming verdict on which industry the trial attorneys have targeted. At long last, recent Supreme Court appointees have created a balanced and constitutionally sensible high court. We have taken advantage of that by filing a brief in favor of a Florida rule change that would make the summary judgment standard
COVID and our industry’s incredibly generous response to it have given us a window of opportunity to tell our tort reform story. But it will still require funding and a collective battle.
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE The 2018 election gave us Governor DeSantis—or more accurately, we helped earn Governor DeSantis by working hard and giving campaign support to get him elected. Imagine the regulatory, legislative, insurance, and judicial environment we would be facing had 17,000 people voted the other way. That’s the population of Groveland. We would certainly not have had three new conservative Supreme Court justices named. Our involvement in the two cases mentioned above would have been dead in the water. Potential legislative fixes on accuracy in damages or the contingency fee multiplier or litigation financing would be facing a certain death from the Governor’s veto pen. The importance of elections in both 2020 and 2022 cannot be overstated if you are in the trucking business. The presidential election this year is
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“Insurance is killing us.” Florida’s economy depends on a Solution.
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Legislatively, our ground zero is accuracy in damages. The primary reason for inflated claims, unnecessary settlements, and outlandish verdicts is that the trial bar works with plaintiffs to create false and misleading records of their medical and physical damages. Other FTA legislative priorities are the limiting of outside financing of lawsuits and restricting contingency fee multipliers only to cases where they are truly merited.
INSURANCE
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more fair to defendants. Recently we also notified the Court that we had an interest in a case that would give appellate courts the ability to throw out obviously improper rulings by lower courts.
Everything we are is at risk.
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crucial. If possible, the gubernatorial election in 2022 is even more important for Florida truckers. It is extremely difficult to gain back the Governor’s mansion once an election is lost. Looking at the last 50 years… there has been a Republican governor from 1998-2022. From 1970-1998, we had Democrat governors, with the exception of one term. That office obviously goes in cycles that are difficult to ignore and difficult to reverse. Every Florida election is decided by a halfpercentage point. Our businesses are absolutely at risk. Meaningful tort reform is difficult enough to achieve with a probusiness person sitting in the Governor’s chair. Imagine getting to our goals with someone else sitting there.
l
Our level of statewide and national influence has never been better.
l
The degree and success of collaboration with others is at a high point.
l
The financial and organizational stability of FTA is the best it has been for decades.
While membership growth has been dramatic over the last several years, the strength of influence and engagement that goes with a booming membership is still lacking. Membership growth must continue to increase in order to demonstrate to policy makers and partners that we are a force to be reckoned with. Similarly, current and expanded membership must offer financial resources. FTA needs funds…
FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
To build our PAC into a powerful election machine;
The good news is that FTA is working from a position of strength.
To go toe to toe in the fight for public opinion and image;
› MOBILIZING (continued on page 16)
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› MOBILIZING (continued) To go to court and have the legal tools to have our voice heard; To have influence on the national stage when appropriate—Florida is important; FTA needs to be the same. No one would argue that the trucking industry doesn’t need a statewide association as its advocate, protector, educator, and problem solver. The only question is the degree of influence our members expect the Association to wield. The COVID, Insurance, Tort Reform, and Political issues described earlier cannot be addressed by trucking companies separately. The task is impossible. Whether we have the will and persistence as a combined, powerful unit through FTA is a critically important question.
THE CROSSROADS The interaction of these five vectors points to trucking in Florida standing at the crossroads at this very moment. Failure to recognize and act on that fact can have life-or-death impacts. We do not have the luxury of getting just one or two of these five issues right—we have to get them ALL right. Thankfully, they are connected—making progress on one helps make progress on the others. But the opposite it true too. When we fail to make progress on one, we lose ground on the others.
This moment in time at which we find ourselves offers so many tipping points. It’s easy to see tort reform falling one way or the other with the Supreme Court decision coming this year for sure and the 2021 legislature being primed on accuracy
in damages. It’s easy to see the political winds blowing one way or the other in Florida. It’s easy to see the industry being able to capitalize, or not, on the popularity that our courage during COVID has brought. If ever there were a “we are all in this together” moment, this is it. This paper does not describe realities for only Florida-based trucking companies, nor even for trucking companies in general. If you haul freight in Florida or have someone hauling freight for you or provide services to those companies, the future we create in the coming few years will change everything in Florida. The future of trucking in Florida depends on you and your decisions. To continue this dialogue or to swing into action, contact Ken Armstrong.
Getting Back on Track By Oswaldo (Ozzie) Flores With much of America’s trucking operations being grounded for the past several months during the COVID-19 outbreak, fleet managers (as well as the rest of the nation) are chomping at the bit to get back to work. But what does that look like in a world where trucks have been sitting idle for 90 days or more? A trucking fleet is designed to be used, and the fleet management software systems that have been installed to ensure efficiency, compliance, maintenance and safety are built to mainly monitor a fleet that is in motion – not one that’s been grounded. As we break out of our forced economic slowdown, fleets need to move forward with a fresh outlook and new set of compliance standards. This re-deployment of a stale fleet cannot be figured out “on the fly.” Too 16 | SUMMER 2020
much can go wrong on the road – that is, if the trucks even get that far. If vehicles are down for even a little longer than usual, mechanical issues can seep in. Just like having wear and tear from the road, trucks can have wear and tear from sitting in a lot. With that in mind, here are three key strategies to getting your fleet back on track:
1. Bring Your Fleet Online After sitting dormant for an extended period, each truck will be prone to a host of mechanical problems. Before deployment, schedule a mobile or in-house mechanic to approve the vehicles, leaving enough time to properly inspect for road readiness. If you are unable to have a technician do so, plan to have vehicles scheduled for inspection by your regular shop to review the following: l Tires: Gauge the pressure of all tires before deployment. Air can leak out while trucks sit because the pressure builds at fixed
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points on the tire. Keep portable air compressors handy in the vehicle yard. l Batteries: Test the condition of each one and their respective charge capacities. Make sure to have readily available jump-starters on hand. l Fuel: Check fuel levels and, if possible, the condition of the fuel. After several months, it’s easy to lose track of who topped off and who didn’t. l Brakes: Make sure all brakes are fully functional before going back on the road. Even if they haven’t been used, brake pads can deteriorate over time and brake calipers can freeze up from non-use. l Suspension: Closely inspect all steering components to ensure the vehicle is handling properly. Short test drives are recommended for evaluation prior to heading out on a long haul. l Fluids: Check all fluid levels, including radiator, brake, steering
and washer fluids. Excessive leaks should be apparent from vehiclesitting and may be a leading indicator of more serious troubles. l Third-party devices: If equipped with aftermarket mechanical (PTO, cranes, lifts, etc.) or electronic devices (cameras, GPS, etc.) these need to be checked for proper operation as well. Without knowing where the problems lay within each vehicle, it is critical to conduct a thorough evaluation on every truck. This way, the failures can be addressed before it’s too late. Unfortunately, trucks can break down or cause a serious accident if they are not proactively maintained, and many of these mechanical issues are avoidable if detected ahead of time.
2. Remain Compliant in the “New Normal” Once you determine your fleet is ready to go from a mechanical perspective, there are a series of regulations – including many that have been updated on account of the coronavirus pandemic – fleet managers need to understand. Being well-informed of the latest rules, as well as their exemptions and exceptions, is crucial to operating safely and efficiently – beyond avoiding compliance-related fines or violations. Lawmakers, government agencies and industry associations have issued guidance about everything from where to find food in a quarantine zone and how to remain socially distant with roadside assistance to sanitizing the cab and wearing protective gear. Staying informed about policies is important during this time of change. Many of the waivers are temporary, though, and will need to be renewed or the rules will revert to their prepandemic state. Make sure to keep checking back regularly with these resources as compliance codes are changing often on a federal level and varying within individual states.
3. Bring Your Personnel Online Since the machinery is only as good as the people controlling them, we’ll
also need to “reboot” the staff – drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, etc. – to ensure they are refreshed and up to date on the latest operating procedures. This re-onboarding takes time and should be planned for long before redeployment. l Take time to retrain drivers on policies and procedures, providing them with a quick, but mandatory, refresher on high-level items which are critical to your business. l With COVID-19, it is strongly advised that each company implement new safe practices for touchless delivery, if possible, to protect both your employees and your customers. l Conduct a quick audit for all documents. Items that need to be in the vehicle(s) at all times may include the following: v Fuel card associated to proper vehicle(s) v Accident kit v Insurance documentation v Registration paperwork v Employee handbook v Vehicle operations manual v User manuals for third-party devices installed in the vehicle (ELD etc.) v Disinfectant wipes and spray v Masks and gloves l Administrative staff should also refresh themselves on company policies and procedures when it comes to requirements due to accidents, vehicle tow away procedures, missing fuel cards, maintenance requirements, etc. As a fleet manager, your personnel is your most precious cargo, and ensuring the team’s safety and education is the most valuable form of compliance you can practice. Remember that they are working under extraordinary circumstances and be mindful of those pressures. Take the time to thank everyone for their continued effort, hard work and patience during these unprecedented times. Words of encouragement and thanks go a long way towards providing a great
experience for the customer and employee. Having a fleet management software provider you trust as your partner is crucial during such an unprecedented time. With all the mechanical inspections, compliance monitoring and staff education that needs to take place in preparation for redeployment, automation and recording technologies can be incredibly useful. For instance, a digitized maintenance process, portal and schedule to determine which vehicles had required immediate attention prior to the shutdown is more likely to be accurate and easy to reference than a paper trail which has to be tracked down among a fleet team that’s been sitting around for months. Now more than ever, the condition of the fleet and its team needs to be ready to roll. Not only is the economy depending on all the logistics services these trucks provide, but the safety component and new risks from being idle cannot be overstated. The key to executing this very delicate and high-stakes re-entry is having systems and processes that are current and keep up with the everchanging compliance requirements of this new normal. Only an experienced fleet management software provider, who understands these compliance requirements as well as other critical business needs and best practices, can make jumpstarting a trucking fleet as easy as possible, while maintaining efficiency and safety. To ensure your fleet is in good hands, managers must continually review their software vendors and determine if they are providing the best services and features as they relate to maintenance, compliance, safety and personnel. With all the disruption this year, are you confident that your provider can steer your fleet back on track? Oswaldo (Ozzie) Flores is a Safety & Compliance Product Manager at Teletrac Navman.
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Herman Fauss Scholarship Recipients Announced Every year FTA puts out a call to members, requesting scholarship applications from high school seniors whose parent or grandparent is a professional truck drivers for member companies. The scholarship, which goes directly to the recipient’s college, is worth $2500 and serves as welcome financial assistance for the ever-increasing cost of receiving a post-secondary education. This year’s applicants were some of the strongest seen since the inception of the scholarship program. All applications were distributed to the adjudication panel, which consisted of former FTA Florida Teacher Tour attendees. FTA is proud to announce Brianna DiRocco and Cheyenne Holland as the 2020 recipients of the Herman Fauss Scholarship. Brianna DiRocco is from High Springs and attended Santa Fe High School. Her father, Morgan McCumber, is a driver for Walmart Transportation out of the Alachua distribution center. Brianna has an impressive resume—showing not only an impressive academic background, but dedication to volunteerism and work while maintaining a 3.8 grade point average. Brianna worked as a Front Service Clerk at Publix during the school year and gained experience with children as a nursery worker at Canvas Church; colorguard coach at High Springs Community School; assistant at an Extended Day Enrichment Program; and server for St. Francis House, preparing and serving food to the homeless.
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“I have a personal connection to the effects of distracted driving as my father was involved in a head-on collision 9 years ago while at work caused by a distracted driver. He was operating his own tractor trailer on highway 97 just outside of Annapolis, Maryland on his way to pick up his first load of gasoline when a car crossed the median and hit him head-on. Fortunately, both my father and the other driver escaped the incident without any serious injuries. The other driver, a 19 year-old male, had been responding to a text message on his phone when he drifted into the median. By the time he reacted and hit his brakes, his car slid uncontrollably through the wet grass and into my father’s truck. I am thankful every day that my father survived this potentially deadly accident and is still here with me today… Even with all of the laws to protect us and mobile apps to prevent and even incentivize us not to use our phones, the number of distracted driving incidents still continues to climb annually. The fact of the matter is, the only lasting and effective solution to distracted driving is for everyone to take personal responsibility for their actions while behind the wheel of any vehicle. People must set their own standard to be a zero tolerance policy for cell phone use while driving and set that example for their children to help instill in future generations the gravity and importance of being a responsible driver.” – Cheyenne Holland “When people hear the phrase ‘distracted driving,’ most people think of teenagers texting while driving. While this is a popular form of distracted driving, it is not the only culprit. Most people recognize that communication through mobile devices has become an integral part of our everyday lives. As a society, we have become more dependent on our phones. Life does not stop just because we are driving, but it is still dangerous to operate our phones while driving… Distracted driving has altered our society in many ways, from creating bans to inventing the technology in cars that allows us to utilize our mobile devices safely. Sometimes people even utilize the ‘do not disturb’ feature on their phones so that they don’t receive the notification in the first place. These adjustments have changed the way our society drives, just like cell phones changed how our society communicates and functions. There are many ways to combat this problem, and one of them is starting with oneself. Thinking about how you would feel if you or a loved one was put in harm’s way due to distracted driving, then using that feeling and apply it to yourself. No person can safely drive distracted. We must stay focused and keep our eyes on the road.” –Brianna DiRocco
Brianna is also a talented dancer— training at the Santa Fe College pre-professional performing ensemble and as a member of Santa Fe High School’s colorguard team in their winter guard and marching band seasons. Her dance teacher commended her for her “focus, work ethic and determination to
be successful,” and her Humanities professor (being dual-enrolled in high school and college) noted her serene demeanor and positive energy.
basketball team player and member of the American Sign Language Club and Key Club. She also volunteers at Bayside Community Church.
Brianna, having graduated from both high school and Santa Fe College, plans to attend University of Alabama and study nursing to fulfill her goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner and physical therapist, using dance as a form of rehabilitation.
Her basketball coach calls her “an instrumental leader” as team captain and recommended her for the Herman Fauss Scholarship based on her “drive, dedication and success.” Cheyenne’s employer as a babysitter notes her strength in helping his daughter with her homework and school projects due to her successful educational career, despite many obstacles along the way.
Cheyenne Holland is from Parrish and attended Bayshore High School in Bradenton. Her father, Christopher Holland, is a driver for Dillon Logistics. Cheyenne has been active in school clubs during high school—as a varsity cheerleader, AAU travel
Cheyenne plans on attending Southeastern University in Lakeland.
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JEffrey Dixon Named as Chief of Florida Highway Patrol
Chief Jeffrey Dixon with Colonel Gene Spaulding
When Chief of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Derek Barrs announced his retirement from Florida Highway Patrol, FTA members were left wondering who would fill his large shoes. Barrs was highly respected by trucking executives, managers and drivers alike for his affable demeanor and expertise on regulatory issues. Thankfully we weren’t waiting long for a replacement. A similarly familiar face around FTA events, Major Jeffrey Dixon was promoted to Chief and immediately threw himself into FTA events and regulatory inquiries. Chief Dixon graduated from the Florida Highway Patrol’s 85th Recruit Class in 1990, and will be completing his 30th year with the Patrol in August. Upon graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to Troop C - Brooksville. In 1995, Chief Dixon was promoted to District Sergeant assigned to Troop A - Crestview, where he also served as the district’s Traffic Homicide Sergeant. In 2000, he was promoted to Lieutenant in
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the Bureau of Investigations at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Troop Q - Tallahassee. In 2008, he was reassigned to the newly formed Office of Professional Compliance at GHQ. In 2009, he was promoted to Captain as the Homeland Security Coordinator in the Bureau of Investigations at GHQ. In 2010, he was reassigned to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Office of Inspector General at GHQ. In 2011, he transferred to Troop H – Tallahassee as a District Commander in Patrol Operations. In 2016, Chief Dixon was promoted to the rank of Major, as the Troop I Commander, in the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE), where he is responsible for CVE enforcement operations, the Compliance Investigation Unit, and the Hazardous Materials Unit. Chief Dixon is currently appointed to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Region 2 Board, and the Florida Operation Lifesaver Board, and is
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assigned to the Florida Statewide Traffic Incident Management Working Group, the Florida Public Safety Institute Public Safety Hall of Fame Awards Committee, the Florida Transportation Plan Safety Subcommittee, the Florida Traffic Records Coordinating Committee, and the Safe DRIVE working group that includes Southeastern State Partners in Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. Chief Dixon graduated from the University of West Florida in 1989, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He is a graduate of the 15th session of the DHSMV Management Fellows Program, the 15th session of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Senior Leadership Program, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations program.
Florida Trucks Keep Floridians Connected By Rep. Chip LaMarca
When the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Florida, one of my chief concerns was to ensure the safety of our state’s major entry points for goods and supplies. Florida’s seaports are much more than docking slips for cruise ships. They are major distribution hubs for the goods we use every day. These goods range from the food we buy at Publix to the medical supplies our hospitals and frontline workers use to save lives. How do these goods make it to every corner of our state? Florida trucks. I spoke often with transportation and trucking industry representatives during the early days of the pandemic to ensure they had the resources needed to keep employees safe and continue to deliver needed goods. I have seen first-hand the importance of the trucking industry
in Florida from my time as a county commissioner to today as a Florida state representative. Without truck drivers, we cannot connect our residents with critical goods.
This global pandemic has reminded all of us of the importance of the trucking industry. Truck drivers are critical components in the supply chain. If they don’t work or the industry is interrupted, the supply chain is disrupted and other industries and entire communities are impacted. This domino effect can have a huge economic impact. This isn’t anything new to Floridians, though. We have long known the importance of the trucking industry and our truck drivers. When hurricanes bear down on our cities and towns, truck drivers play a critical role in preparedness and response efforts bringing food, water, blankets, generators and other supplies to those who need it most. COVID-19 changed a great deal for our truck drivers. With restaurants and
rest stops shutting down, there were few places opened for drivers along their routes. However, the community stepped up. From restaurants bringing food to drivers in coordination with the Florida Trucking Association and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Department of Transportation to families waving “thank you” signs along truck routes, Americans showed much deserved appreciation for these men and women who kept us connected. Every company right now is examining how COVID-19 has shaped their industry. Trucking is no different, but this industry will continue to play a vital role in Florida’s and the nation’s economy. That we can all be sure of. I have been a proud supporter of the trucking industry and I will continue to champion the work the drivers do to keep us connected with the things we need when we need them most.
Chip LaMarca represents the 93rd district in the Florida House of Representatives.
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EIght Tips to Managing a Fleet During Civil Unrest By Scott Fouts and Chris Eastly The current civil unrest brought on by protests and looting after the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd may compromise truck drivers delivering to urban centers and areas of emergency. Support and prepare your drivers right now with these eight tips. Many of the country’s 3 million truckers have been working overtime to meet the needs of Americans sheltering-in-place and healthcare institutions amid the COVID-19 crisis. Now, there’s another issue to contend with – civil unrest. What began as protests in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in May has spread across the country, affecting just about every urban center, with protests, looting and even vandalism. At least 12 major cities have declared a state of emergency, instituting a nightly curfew and calling in the state’s National Guard. This civil unrest threatens the normal operations of both local businesses and national logistics companies including trucking carriers pushing loads from city to city. Supporting our country’s truckers has never been more important. Consider the following when dispatching loads across the country, especially to urban centers and other areas of civil unrest: 1. Create a plan with a decision tree. Make sure it’s basic enough for drivers to commit to memory while on the road. The tree should walk drivers through the steps to take before, during and after a situation, including de-escalation, and will include detailed information on who they should contact if they are unsure of what
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to do, or need specific information while in the field. 2. Monitor the news and areas of impact on the roads. Dispatch should collaborate and communicate with drivers on their route. As new areas of impact surface, or as impacted areas become more serious, transfer this information immediately to drivers. 3. Anticipate curfews and retail closures that could impact trips. Check in with the final destination/drop-off location(s) to ensure they are ready and able to receive shipments. Help the driver find the right location to stop for a break, to eat, re-fuel and sleep. Map these areas out and, if necessary, call ahead to determine their availability. 4. Communicate with customers and shipment receivers. Determine their status and ask if someone from the company will be there to supervise or assist with cargo off-loading when the driver arrives. Avoid scenarios where a driver is working solo to off-load cargo. Know that retail stores are either closed or may be operating under restricted hours. 5. Collaborate with law enforcement and emergency management personnel. Let them know your concerns. They will work with your truckers to ensure that stores remain well-stocked. Call meetings to identify the go-to people in the event of any emergency situation. Consider local, county and state police as well as emergency management personnel.
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6. Now, train on it. Drivers will need to know their role, what to do and what not to do in very specific situations. Hold a training meeting across your fleet and teach drivers these rules, informing them of what’s going on in each area of the country. Remind drivers not to engage in hostile actions if they encounter protesters and that driving a vehicle through a protest is not an acceptable action. Coach them to avoid these areas at all costs, even if it means taking a detour. 7. Prohibit the carrying of guns or weapons inside the trucks. Seems obvious, but it’s important to remind drivers that doing so is a liability that will be directly reflected on their record and their motor carrier. 8. Return safely. After off-loading and prior to a return trip or dispatch to another destination, both driver and dispatch should communicate again as many areas of civil unrest are fluid, with protests popping up in unexpected places. While the transportation community can’t end civil unrest, it can prepare for it. Arming drivers with the right tools on how to de-escalate a situation will be critical. Equally as important is working together with local authorities and customers to keep your drivers safe when on the road during this unprecedented time. Scott Fouts and Chris Eastly work for global insurance brokerage Hub International. Hub is a member of FTA.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020
OCTOBER 15-16, 2020 MARRIOTT TAMPA WATER STREET FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
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MOVES AND NEWS
Update on people and places in the FTA membership
If there’s one thing the trucking industry understands, the earth keeps turning and life (and business) goes on as usual, no matter what is happening. Here are just a few headlines from our member companies: SmartDrive is proud to be on this year’s Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s annual list of corporate leaders in the global supply chain. The SDCE 100 spotlights successful and innovative projects that deliver bottom-line value to small, medium and large enterprises across the range of supply chain functions. According to SDCE, “It is essential that a company continue to pursue, develop and implement best practices that leverage well-organized projects relevant to strategic objectives. The outcome of these featured SDCE 100 projects provides further insight into the innovation and improved operations within supply chains.”
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In May, Pilot Company introduced their new Axle Fuel Card to provide fleets of all sizes with a reliable credit solution that fuels their business and enables them to focus on the road ahead. Additionally, they launched a new Push4Points loyalty promotion in April, which allows professional
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drivers the chance to earn up to four points per gallon each month. New this year, Pilot Flying J is also introducing a weekly sweepstakes to the program and will randomly select 100 professional driver entries each week during the nomination period – for a total of 400 winners
throughout the contest – to win 5,000 myRewards™ loyalty points, a $50 in-store value.
to experience first-hand what happens when things go wrong, and how to react safely and efficiently.
At UPS, D. L. Lane celebrated 34 years of safe driving. Florida Road Team members George Moore and Greg DeFranco celebrated 30 years of service and 20 years safe driving.
Conlan Tire has acquired three more chambers as well as a second final inspection station. This will aid in their ability to produce retreads for customers even more efficiently. In addition to their new equipment at current locations, they have begun the process of expanding four new locations in an effort to keep customers on the go.
NextGen Driver Training added new wheel off-road training simulations to its roster of defensive driving simulators. Almost half of major truck accidents are caused by a wheel off-road situation, and every driver is subject to high-risk situations on the road. NextGen’s state-of-the-art simulators have a complete defensive driving program that will allow drivers
Lytx announced new Video Browse and Map Search features in the Lytx Video Platform enabling clients to self-service, locate and immediately download video clips for greater
efficiencies and customer service at no additional cost. Lytx’s Vice President of Product Management, Jim Brady, noted: “The features address common pain points by allowing fleets to more efficiently self-service in a number of scenarios, rather than toggling between programs or relying on their provider to locate and fetch clips. We’re pleased to offer Video Browse and Map Search at no additional charge so that every Lytx client can benefit from more streamlined processes and improved efficiencies, while providing highquality service to their customers.” Lytx has been named to Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s SDCE
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MOVES AND NEWS
100 Top Supply Chain Projects for 2020. Lytx was recognized for its work with Cargo Transporters, Inc., a transportation operation that delivers truckload and dry van service in the continental U.S. By deploying the Lytx Driver Safety Program across its entire fleet of 18,000 trailers and 520 trucks, Cargo Transporters was able to improve driver performance and overall safety, and experienced significant cost savings as a result. Ryder System, recently announced its 100,000th ride utilizing Uber for Business. By integrating directly into Uber for Business’ application programming interface, Ryder is able to request, manage, and pay monthly for rides for their customers and employees at scale while providing an enhanced customer experience. “Surpassing 100,000 rides through Uber for Business is a testament to the value this partnership has offered our customers,” said Rich Mohr, Chief Technology Officer for Ryder’s Fleet Management Solutions business. “From improving routing, planning, and productivity to decreasing fuel costs and downtime, the platform has provided a customer-centric approach to modern commercial transportation services. We’re looking forward to
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deepening our partnership with Uber for Business to meet the evolving needs of our customers.” Taylor & Associates proudly announces that it has opened an office in Tampa Bay. Founded by J.W. Taylor in 2011, the firm brings years of in-depth industry and legal experience to the table. On April 8, Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation driver Robbin Peters reported he was involved in an incident at the TA Petro in Hammond, LA. Robbin said he was sitting in his truck in the parking lot next to the fellow driver from Sat Katar Trucking. Robbin said he noticed smoke coming from the passenger’s side bunk area. As he went to investigate the smoke evolved to flames. He retrieved his fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Simultaneously an employee from TA Petro, Leroy Kirk, saw what was happening and went to the driver’s side of the burning truck. He managed to get the attention of the occupant who emerged from the bunk and was able to exit the truck safety. On May 10, Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation driver Bobby was traveling down US 77 in Rufugio,
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Texas. He was in the right lane while a black car passed in the left lane and shortly afterward blew a right front tire. After the tire blew out, the car darted off the roadway and into a heavily wooded area. Without hesitation, Bobby pulled to the shoulder of the roadway and called law enforcement. He was able to make it to the car after clearing away the heavy brush and used a hammer to break the window. The driver was taken to the hospital due to the injuries sustained in the crash. Bobby said he noticed a handicap placard so is unsure the driver would have been able to make it out on his own. Texas DPS Trooper Henderson said the car was more than 15 feet below the roadway and well out of sight of passing traffic. He said if Bobby had not stopped and called authorities, the driver may have never been found. Steve Bass from Goodyear Tire & Rubber passed away on May 23rd. Steve has been a member of the FTA for many years. Whitney Transport recently started a new employee recognition program called the “ALL IN” Belt Award which awards a team member for going above and beyond in their commitment to the company mission and core values. The most recent winner was Carlos Borras. Optym recently launched Axele, an intelligent TMS for truckload fleets. Axele automates load planning, driver selection and customer communication to increase revenue and profitability. The company is offering a 30-day free trial for fleets to test drive the premium version of Axele. Liberty Trucking is celebrating 38 successful years of hauling various aggregate materials including asphalt millings, lime rock, granite and sand. Cassandra Driggers, also known as “Mrs. Cassie,” has served as the heart, soul and owner of the company. The company is proud to support local community events such as youth sports teams, FFA and church events.
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GPS Tracking of Light/Medium Duty Fleets: Increasing Profitability through Driver Accountability Drivers who are held to a clear, unbiased standard perform better for the company – and themselves
enables even greater routing efficiencies to be determined on an individual or fleet-wide basis.
By Ben VanAvery
However, the greatest improvements in fleet management occur when GPS tracking devices are used to hold drivers to a clear, unbiased standard to encourage better performance for the company and themselves.
For any company with a fleet of light or medium duty vehicles, from service contractors to vendors and those in the transportation industry, increasing profitability often comes down to fostering an environment of greater employee accountability. The concept of accountability is defined as “the obligation of an individual to account for his/her activities, accept responsibility for them and to disclose the results in a transparent manner.” Implied in this definition is the ability to verify tasks are completed as expected, on time, efficiently and per company policy. For fleet managers, this can be accomplished through real-time GPS tracking devices on all vehicles. But accountability is not about discovering what a driver is doing “wrong”--it is actually more about what the driver is doing right. Even wellintentioned drivers may discover that there are areas of improvement and efficiencies that could make them more productive. So, with a host of benefits for the employee, fleet managers who have avoided the “leap” to GPS tracking could be missing out on a win-win scenario. After all, more accountable drivers lead to greater efficiency overall, which means increased profits. It’s an argument that is hard to deny, particularly as GPS tracking continues to improve while the cost of entry plummets. Holding Drivers to a Higher Standard Although GPS trackers have been around for some time, advances in the technology allow for more real-time tracking and simplified reporting. This allows dispatchers to assign the closest vehicle to a job, which expedites the service work or delivery and saves gas, labor, and vehicle wear-and-tear. It also allows historical routing analysis, which
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As an example, when Reilly Construction & Development implemented its first GPS tracking system last year, the Vero Beach-based residential and commercial construction company benefited from significant productivity gains and operational efficiencies. Compared with typical GPS tracking devices that may only update every few minutes, the new device provides realtime location updates every 10 seconds, as well as location, speed and idle time alerts if something is amiss. This data is transmitted via satellite and cellular networks to a smartphone or PC on a 24/7 basis. “Now we know exactly where our vehicles and drivers are in real time,” says Sharon Arnold, Office and Assistant Project Manager at Reilly Construction & Development. “We can spot check our drivers to make sure they are where they are supposed to be and not at unauthorized places because some people will take advantage. That has saved us a few thousand dollars in salary alone. The system more than pays for itself in enhanced productivity.” On the plus side for employees, the use of such GPS tracking systems helps verify on-time arrival at customer sites. And automated reporting such as that provided by the new system can virtually eliminate the reporting burden for employee and employer in regard to driving logs. Automated exception reporting can also flag potential issues that need to be corrected, such as excess vehicle mileage or idling. Once drivers and the work crew know they are accountable for their actions, it is amazing how much more they
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will accomplish. Using such an approach with advanced GPS tracking commonly improves productivity 1020 percent while reducing fuel costs 10-15 percent, as drivers start to pay attention to their driving and work habits throughout the day. Indiana-based Gordon Plumbing Inc., which offers services ranging from small fixes to remodeling and construction, currently uses the same advanced GPS tracking system on 54 vehicles, and has used three different tracking systems over the last decade. “The new system not only expedites job dispatching but also enhances accountability and profitability while reducing costs,” says Shannon Allen, Gordon Plumbing Service Coordinator. Allen points out that being able to access a vehicle’s position in real time means “our vehicles can reach customers very quickly when there are emergencies.” She adds, “If our drivers on the job need help from a tech specialist, we can immediately find one in their area and dispatch them to that address.” “The GPS tracking system puts our vehicles on a map, so I can see all of them at once,” says Allen, noting that the view can be narrowed to any department or [geographic] area, as desired. “It is so accurate that it lets me see exactly where a vehicle is parked.” “With the GPS system, we are able to notice and point out that even five to ten minutes stops between jobs each day adds up to a lot of lost productivity,” says Allen. She concludes, however, that her drivers are quite used to the system and even appreciate it when it proves that they are getting to and doing their jobs as required. Ben VanAvery is Director of Sales and Marketing at Advanced Tracking Technologies.
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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®.
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