Florida Truck News- Fall 2018

Fall 2018

The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc.

At the Heart of Trucking Our Industry is about so much more than trucks.

And it’s driven by a lot of heart.

ALSO INSIDE: The Drive to Give Back FTA in the Wake of Hurricane Michael The Potential of Blockchain

THE EXPERTISE TO POWER A WORLD THAT’S ALWAYS N. Cummins experts go above and beyond to ensure you’re moving forward. With over 3200 certified technicians and 24/7 emergency field support through locations all across North America, you can count on Cummins to keep you moving in a world that’s Always On. Go to cummins.com to request service or to find a Cummins service center near you.

TABLE of CONTENTS

14

| AT THE HEART OF TRUCKING

FTA Board Chair Jeff Marple leads by example, both professionally and personally.

His success in the trucking industry is only matched by his commitment to serve others.

FALL 2018 DEPARTMENTS President’s Message

6

32

28 33

30

3

FTA Political Update

6

FTA Events Recap

8

Florida Trucking Driving Championships

10

FTA Out and About

24

Moves and News

36

FEATURES American Logistics Aid Network Coming to the Rescue 4 At the Heart of Trucking 14 Florida Teacher Tour: Year Three 18 The Drive to Give Back 26 Why Truckers? Fighting Human Trafficking from Inside the Cab 34 INDUSTRY INSIDER

4

13

FTA Flashlight: TMC’s Best Practices with Fasteners 12 Preserving ECM data 22 The Blockchain Potential 30 Women in Trucking 32 Q+A with Laura Lamson 40

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 1

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KENNETH S. ARMSTRONG, PH.D. PRESIDENT AND CEO, FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 75, NUMBER 3 • Q3 2018 STAFF: President and CEO, Kenneth S. Armstrong ken@FLTrucking.org Vice President, Alix Miller alix@FLTrucking.org Director of Operations, Angela Cundiff angela@FLTrucking.org Executive Assistant, Dot Butler dot@FLTrucking.org Coordinator of Special Projects, Ben Schultz ben@FLTrucking.org Graduate Assistant, Kayli Bomer kayli@FLTrucking.org

PUBLISHED BY:

350 E. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 www.FLTrucking.org EDITORIAL Editor: Alix Miller

Are you hearing blah-blah-blah… or nothing at all?

47 and 64. For anyone involved with an association, communication is the most important benefit. I picked two days at random from last month.

Those are the number of emails I sent those two days.

Are you getting them? Spam filters are a killer—because spam is a killer.

If you aren’t getting emails from anyone @FLTrucking.org or @FLTA. memberclicks.net, we have been failing to communicate. Please just shoot me an email to Ken@FLTrucking.org, and I will get you hooked up.

This is kind of like the election. Candidates were spending in excess of $300 million trying to communicate, and most of us either tuned it out or didn’t believe the message. That DeSantis won is a tribute to the fact that “his” voters turned out in greater force than the other guy. As I write this, it’s painful to imagine that we might not still know some of the outcomes by the time the finished magazine reaches you! Oh, well, back to the “real” world.

DESIGN & LAYOUT Art Director: Jeremy Ashmore

FTA’s primary value to you is keeping you posted on regulations, on upcoming events, on industry trends, and on state or federal legislation.

We have brought Florida Truck News in house and completely reorganized the weekly Friday Dispatch. Our social media presence is going up like a rocket.

© 2018 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.

Please tell us what more you need to hear from us.

We are your Association and need to hear from you as much as you hear from us.

ADVERTISING Sales: Ben Schultz

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 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.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 3

TECHNOLOGY

Florida Trucking Members Deliver Hope in the Wake of Hurricane Michael If you feel like you’ve heard the name ALAN a lot lately, there’s a good reason.

recovery efforts.” Fulton added that if your company wants to assist with hurricane relief but hasn’t yet had a chance to offer your assistance, it isn’t too late. In fact, there are four tangible ways your company can get involved right now:

When disasters strike in the United States, this group (also known as the American Logistics Aid Network) jumps into action to provide a unified industry response – and calls upon numerous organizations like Florida Trucking Association to help.

“The bad news is, Fall 2018 has been a hugely destructive hurricane season,” said ALAN Executive Director Kathy Fulton. “The good news is, thanks to the Florida Trucking Association, we’ve been able to deliver significant help to disaster survivors across the country.”

According to Fulton this was especially true in mid-October, when Hurricane Michael’s catastrophic winds and storm surge destroyed homes and businesses throughout the Florida Panhandle.

“Many of the services that nonprofit relief organizations provide directly after a hurricane, like life-saving food, hydration, medical care, and shelter require donated logistics assistance ,” she explained. “So as nonprofits identified what survivors needed, they frequently called upon ALAN to help find donors for these logistics services.”

Several weeks later, the list of companies that stepped up to the plate with supplies, space, equipment or services reads like a Who’s Who of Florida Trucking Association members. It includes Landstar, Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Publix,

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Kathy Fulton ALAN Executive Director

Ryder, and Penske, just to name a few. Equally important, it features numerous inspiring success stories.

“In one case, UPS donated longdistance transportation of donated battery systems that allowed a nonprofit to power its warehouse in Panama City,” said Fulton, citing one example.

“This enabled the nonprofit to begin supporting disaster survivors even before power was restored at its facility.”

“We are hugely grateful for all of the donations made by all FTA members in support of hurricane relief efforts, including those that have been facilitated

by ALAN and those that members may have supported on their own,” Fulton said. “While logistics professionals may not have the medical skills of a first responder or the construction skills of a rebuilding crew, there is so much that we as an industry can do to help pave the way for meaningful relief and

1. Check out what is currently needed and pledge your support. “ALAN keeps a running tally of nonprofit needs on our disaster micro-site: www.alanaid.org/operations, and there are still several outstanding requests pertaining to Hurricane Michael – as well as several other needs that have recently come in for other hurricanes and disasters,” she said. “Many of these ‘asks’ are small and short-term in nature.

But they could make a huge difference for the organization that requested them.”

2. Visit the ALAN website and preoffer your support. If you don’t see a need that you can help with right now, let ALAN know if it would be okay to ask for your assistance – and what kinds of things you can help with – at a later date.

“ALAN is about opportunity, not obligation – so we never assume that any pre-offer we receive is a blanket promise that we can cash in at any time,” Fulton said.

“Even so, it’s hugely helpful for us to know if we can at least reach out to your company if we receive an urgent need.”

ON THE ROAD

This is especially critical if your company operates in states other than Florida, because often nonprofits in impacted areas (like Florida) receive donations from businesses in other states that need to be transported to disaster areas.

2018 FTA Drivers of the Month/Year

3.

Prepare your business and employees for disaster. The best way to help your community after a disaster is to keep your doors open and your employees working.

Check out resources like FEMA’s Ready.gov site for tips on how to build a plan. ALAN also keeps a list of during disaster resources on its micro-site.

It can be daunting to think about honoring the best professional commercial vehicle drivers in the state. Where to start? FTA recognizes 12 of the top drivers at the Florida Truck Driving Championships awards banquet every year in Daytona Beach. Recipients are nominated by their company, and the applications are reviewed by members of the Safety Management Council.

4.

Finally, help ALAN keep good information in front of emergency managers.

ALAN works with government emergency management groups at the county, state, and federal levels to facilitate information flow about what is happening with commercial supply chains.

This information flow allows government officials to make better decisions about what supplies they ship into an area to support survivors and allows them to reduce their activities when businesses begin to resume normal operations. There are numerous ways to participate, including Florida’s Business Emergency Operations Center, the National Business Emergency Operations Center, and ALAN’s Private Sector Supply Chain calls. So contact ALAN at www.alanaid.org if you’d like to know more.

“On behalf of all of us at ALAN, I want to send a big thank you to the Florida Trucking Association community,” Fulton said. “We truly do appreciate your continued support of our work – and are hugely grateful for the generosity of the trucking community.”

American Logistics Aid Network is based in Florida.

FTA 2018 Driver of the Year: Chuck Lobsiger Walmart Transportation January: Rodney Buterbaugh Rowland Transportation February: Edward Hadley Saddle Creek Logistics March: Michael Cochran Florida Rock & Tank Lines April: Charles “Chuck” Lobsiger Walmart Transportation May: Lonnie Underwood Florida Rock & Tank Lines June: Charles “Cliff” Laymon, Jr. Carroll Fulmer Logistics July: Leroy Thompson, Jr. Breakthru Beverage August: Keith Campbell Florida Rock & Tank Lines September: Wilbur “Denny” Johnson, Jr. FedEx Freight October: Anthony Hudson Florida Rock &Tank Lines November: William “Bill” Carrier Breakthru Beverage December: Bobby Burns Florida Rock & Tank Lines

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 5

FTA members meet with DeSantis

By Chris Dudley The 2018 Election proved, yet again, that politics in Florida is anything but predictable. With a throwback to the infamous and highly litigated 2000 Presidential Election, some results in Florida may not be known until early December as local Supervisors of Elections continue to count and recount ballots under the watchful eyes of attorneys on both sides of the aisle.

However, the voters did make a statement in 2018, and the continued success of the Florida economy propelled a strong Republican majority back to the Governor’s Office, the Florida Cabinet and the Florida Legislature.

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In the Florida Senate, incoming President Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) will lead the chamber’s 40 members for the 2018-2020 term. President Galvano returns 23 Republicans and 17 Democrats. He is slated to be succeeded

by Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby).

free market-based agenda that focuses on job creation, tort reform, opposition to increased taxes and fees, investment in the state’s infrastructure and continued support for the workforce and education systems. All good news for FTA members.

In the Florida House of Representatives, incoming Speaker Jose Oliva (R-Miami) will lead the chamber’s 120 members for the 2018-2020 term. Speaker Oliva returns 73 Republicans and 47 Democrats. He is slated to be succeeded

by Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor).

In announcing his key leadership team, Speaker Oliva even declared that he was proud to appoint leaders who will advance, “a bold agenda of free people, in free markets, under the rule of law.”

President Galvano and Speaker Oliva will join Governor-Elect Ron DeSantis in pushing forward a conservative and

In the tightest Governor’s race in Florida history, Republican Congressman and newly elected Governor Ron DeSantis edged out Tallahassee Mayor

Nelson. The results have not yet been certified and a manual recount has been ordered.

The future is looking strong for the Association, thanks in part to the Florida Trucking AssociationPolitical Action Committee. Under the leadership of PAC Chair Terry Dicks, the FTA-PAC raised almost $140,000 to support pro-trucking and probusiness candidates across the state of Florida. FTA and members had two very positive meetings with Governor-Elect DeSantis during the election cycle; FTA members and their drivers were able to share their thoughts on the industry with Governor Rick Scott in Tampa.

FTA members and their drivers meet with Gov. Rick Scott

Andrew Gillum.

Governor-Elect DeSantis was born and raised in Florida.

After graduation from high school in Dunedin, Florida, Governor-Elect DeSantis earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his law degree from Harvard. He then went on to serve in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. GovernorElect DeSantis served from 2012-2018 in the United States Congress and quickly became known as a staunch conservative and advocate for the rule of law.

Governor-Elect DeSantis will be joined on the Florida Cabinet by Attorney General-Elect Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

Attorney General-Elect Moody was the early favorite of current Attorney General Bondi and the Republican establishment. AG-Elect Moody is a fifth generation Floridian. She attended the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law earning a J.D. and L.L.M. in International Law, respectively. AG-Elect Moody began her legal career with the law firm of Holland & Knight. She subsequently joined the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting drug, firearm, and fraud offenses. While a federal prosecutor, AG-Elect Moody was commended by

the DEA for prosecutorial excellence and outstanding initiative in drug law enforcement. In 2006, at the age of thirty-one, AG-Elect Moody became the youngest judge in Florida when she was elected Circuit Court Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. AG-Elect Moody lives with her husband, Justin, a federal law enforcement agent and their two sons, Brandon and Connor.

Appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2017 to fill the unexpired term of CFO Jeff Atwater, CFO Patronis easily won election to a four-year term on election night. CFO Patronis is a fourthgeneration Floridian who grew up in Panama City—the center of the storm for Hurricane Michael last month. CFO Patronis grew up working in the family restaurant—Captain Andersons. CFO Patronis represented Panama City in the Florida House of Representatives for 8 years (2006-2014). He was appointed

by Governor Rick Scott to the Public Service Commission in 2015 where he served until his appointment to CFO in June, 2017.

At the time of this publication, Governor Scott, a strong ally to FTA and the trucking industry, is poised to head to Washington D.C. as Senator, defeating Democrat and longtime-Senator Bill

Most important to many of our members, Governor-Elect DeSantis will have the ability to name three new members to the Florida Supreme Court on his first day in office. This is a monumental opportunity for the business community and will give the Supreme Court a pro-business majority for the next decade.

At the legislative level, Ken Armstrong and Alix Miller spent the summer crisscrossing the state meeting with incumbents and candidates. From members of the current leadership teams in the Florida Senate and Florida House, to freshman members who have an 8-year career ahead of them, the FTA team did a great job supporting old friends and making new ones with the strong financial support of the FTA-PAC members.

In what is typically a very difficult midterm election cycle for the President’s party, the FTA-PAC overperformed during 2018. The caliber and quality of the state’s new leadership—at both the state and legislative level—will ensure the continued success of both the Florida economy and the members of the Florida Trucking Association.

(At the time of this publication, the race for Commissioner of Agriculture was still undecided, with Democrat Fort Lauderdale attorney Nikki Fried leading Republican State Representative Matt Caldwell by less than .25% of the total vote.)

Chris Dudley is a partner at Southern Strategy Group.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 7

FTA EVENTS Florida Truck Driving Championships, the Herman Fauss Scholarship Golf Tournament, Annual Conference and our Fall Round-Up. When you look back at the 2018 FTA calendar, between June and October we hosted all of the above. Hard to imagine fitting these big events in just five short months, and even harder to believe we also hosted the second Teacher Tour in the Tampa Bay and launched a new statewide initiative with Florida Highway Patrol during that time: Troopers and Truck Drivers.

If you’ve been suffering from Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) on our events, it’s well-warranted. We brought in federal and state leaders for our members to connect with, corporate giants, experts in the transportation industry, while enjoying great food and camaraderie.

Board Chair Rob Sandlin passes the torch to Jeff Marple at Annual Conference

Phares Acuff, 2018 Roast ‘N’ Toast recipient

As this magazine goes to print, the 2019 Calendar of Events will be finalized and put on the FTA website. One highlight? Annual Conference at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

In the meantime, sit back and bask in some memories from 2018.

Annual Conference Held at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, perched beside white-powder sand and sparkling ocean, the 2018 Annual Conference brought together some of the biggest names in the industry. The event boasted speakers such as Ray Martinez, Administrator of FMCSA; Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, CEO of FedEx Freight Mike Ducker, ATA President Chris Spear; and Vice President of Government Affairs and Board Coordination of Port Tampa Bay John Thorington. Members were provided briefings from Department of Highway Safety ad Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol, and Fleet Safety Awards were presented.

No one will soon forget President Ken Armstrong’s State of the Association address—or his theme of COW versus PIG. The ever-popular CEO Circles had executives racing to the next table to ask questions and gain insight from their fellow colleagues and invited guests. New members met one 8 | FALL 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Centurion Auto Transport

another and formed connections at the FirstTimer’s Reception, and supplier companies established new business opportunities at their sponsored tables.

The final banquet dinner took guests on a tour throughout the country, with stops in Maine, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, Colorado with a video from former Board Chair John McTyre, the final dessert presentation of Apple Puff Pastry by Amazon’s Public Policy Manager, Allison Cullin and the grand finale of Baked Alaska, for a total of 8,000 miles traveled.

The only question is: How are we going to top this next year?

Fall Round-Up This year’s Fall Round-Up had an extra special something—a Tribute Dinner to

Herman Fauss, hosted by members of the Safety Management Council. A giant in both his commitment to philanthropy and excellence in safety, Herman was escorted to the dinner by Landstar’s Vice President of Safety and Compliance Mike Cobb and subsequently surprised by the presence of his two sons.

The Educational Institute looked to the future of the industry. Sessions included the trends in Autonomous/Connected Vehicles from Dr. Dean Bushey, manager at Voyage; empty backhaul in the state and its economic implications from FDOT/HDR’s Project Manager in Transportation Planning and Technology Tanner Martin; expert panels examined best practices for operational routing optimization; innovations in wheels, tires and brakes; driver oversight

Roast Alumni Jimmy Davis, Phares Acuff and Keith Walpole

Herman Fauss Tribute Dinner

Jacksonville, graciously hosted by Scott Reagan at Centurion Auto Transport.

A few days later, Troopers and Truck Drivers convened at dusk in Monticello at XPO Logistics for an overnight drive to Orlando and back. All involved reported they have a new-found respect and understanding for the other’s responsibilities on the road.

FHP and FTA are looking to match more Troopers with member companies. If you are interested in participating, contact Alix Miller at Alix@FLTrucking.org.

Troopers and Truck Drivers in Monticello at XPO Logistics

technologies; and refrigeration. Jeff Sanderson, Florida Division Director of FMCSA, spoke to attendees about recent regulations and what the industry can expect from the recent listening sessions on Hours of Service rulemaking.

Of course no Fall Round-Up would be complete without the Annual Roast ‘n’ Toast.

This year, FTA honored Phares Acuff. Chris Emrich of Armellini Express, Jimmy Davis of Davis Express, Matt Guice of Southport Truck Group and Kelly Stephens of Florida Utility Trailers were on-hand to roast their good friend.

Troopers and Truck Drivers The idea started a few years ago for now Chief of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Derek Barrs—to get his new Troopers to spend a day on the road with a veteran truck driver and then reverse roles. The initiative finally came to fruition this year and launched during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. The first ride-alongs started at Centurion Auto Transport in

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 9

2018 Florida Truck Driving Championships

2018 FLORIDA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS One Team Florida. It started with a simple idea from TDC Chair Ralph Cartwright: whether you’re on staff, an FTA committee working the event, member company representative or driver, we are all in the mission to improve safety on our roads together. Though drivers may be competing “against” each other for the honor of being named Grand Champion, we must first champion one another for our common core of values and skills.

Then the mantra showed up on a baseball cap, and people really started to pay attention. Not (yet) for sale, the TDC committee and FTA staff were spotted wearing the new hat. People asked where they could buy one, and bribery was attempted on numerous occasions throughout the event. Ultimately, class champions received a hat during the awards banquet. The red, white and blue cap became one of the most sought-after items at the Ocean Center.

Ken Armstrong and Alix Miller hosting the TDC awards banquet

Rookie of the Year Kevin Robinson

The mindset of One Team Florida prevailed throughout the Truck Driving Championships, as competitors convened for orientation, group picture, recitation of a driver pledge and the written exam. Add a milkshake and dessert buffet, DJ Bob Foske, spouses and dozens of children, hopped up on sugar and dancing their hearts out, the trucking community truly came together as one.

Grand Champion Jottyn Santos with FTA Board Chair Rob Sandlin and Ken Armstrong

Ralph Cartwright, Rep. Tom Leek and Ken Armstrong

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

The 2018 Florida Truck Driving Championships had the most competitors registered in the history of the event and added the Auto Haulers class. The Hilton Daytona Beach was bursting at the seams with attendees, as many drivers stayed in designated overflow hotels needed for the robust attendance.

The course was fast, announcers entertaining and volunteers plentiful.

This year, media was invited on-site, and the TDC was featured in regional newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations. FTA was proud to host and provide tours of the facility and course to three state legislators:

Rep. Cyndi Stevenson touring the competition with members of FHP and FTA

Competitor Paul Cleary going through his pre-trip inspection

R ESULTS Grand Champion Jottyn Santos, 4-Axle FedEx Express

5-Axle Howard Blount Old Dominion Freight Line

Rookie of the Year Kevin Robinson, Flatbed Publix Super Markets

4-Axle Jottyn Santos FedEx Express

Team Trophy (Large) Publix Super Markets

3-Axle Rusty Pederson FedEx Freight Corporation

Team Trophy (Small) Florida Rock & Tank Lines Written Test (Three-Way Tie) Paul Cleary, Twins FedEx Freight Corporation Eddie Pennington, Sleeper FedEx Freight Corporation A judge measures a truck as it rounds the course

Rep. Tom Leek (R-Daytona Beach); Rep. Cyndi Stevenson (R-St. Augustine); and Rep. David Santiago (R-Deltona), who left understanding and appreciating the industry better.

The awards banquet began in Florida’s traditional fashion: the parade of drivers by class, where the invited guests could properly acknowledge their hard work.

By the end of the night, members of Florida Highway Patrol were honored for their service, Drivers of the Month and class champions were announced, Jottyn Santos of FedEx Express was named Grand Champion, and everyone in the room was a part of One Team Florida.

We can’t wait for next year.

Jottyn Santos, 4-Axle FedEx Express Pre-Trip Peter Orgass, Tanker YRC Freight Pre-Trip Step Van Michael McSheehy FedEx Ground Pre-Trip Auto Transport Michael Maylon Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport

Straight Truck Gary Seefried FedEx Freight Corporation Twins Henry Mahler YRC Freight Step Van Daniel Stapleton FedEx Ground Auto Transport Michael Maylon Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Tanker Brian Stephens Grammer Industries Flatbed Kevin Robinson Publix Super Markets

Sleeper Eddie Pennington FedEx Freight Corporation

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 11

FTA FLASHLIGHT

FTA FLASHLIGHT: TMC Best Practices FTA’s Technology and Maintenance Council members provide best practice recommendations — Fasteners

By Jonathan Carryl In our modern world filled with buildings, planes, trains, and trucks, technology is advancing at a rapid rate.

Every aspect of our lives is touched by these innovations. The question is, What holds it all together? Fasteners are an integral part of our lives that we often overlook, but play a very important role.

Look in the room around you; there is a good chance that a fastener in that room is doing its job, and that job is to hold things together. Inversely, when things fall apart, when there is a failure, that is when injury or even a casualty can occur.

Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to avoid these events.

Understanding where your fasteners are being manufactured can be an advantage to you in your maintenance, repair, and overhaul operation. Here at Reliance Supply, we take pride in our manufacturers here in the United States that hold themselves to the highest of standards when it comes to testing their products and ensuring that only the highest quality fasteners are being distributed.

Secondly, having the knowledge to properly identify the class/grade of fasteners is key in any operation.

Fasteners are manufactured in many

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

different grades, and the grade of the fastener indicates its strength. Fasteners have head markings (small dash-like marks) to help you identify its grade.

Using the correct grade of fastener for a specific application is vital in the maintenance industry and will prevent failures that could have been avoided.

Fasteners are fastened. In other words, they are tightened. Unfortunately, this is not always done correctly and is a major cause of failure. All too often, fasteners are not tightened to proper specifications or in some cases are simply forgotten and not tightened at all. To compound

this issue, the tools being used to tighten these fasteners are at times not calibrated correctly. This can lead to failures as well.

Properly calibrated tools play a big role in maintaining torque specs on equipment that surrounds us day in and day out.

Damage to fasteners often occurs during the disassembly and reassembly process.

Fasteners do not last forever, and the reuse of fasteners over and over to save a small amount of money is not worth the liability. A fastener’s holding power comes from its threads, and over time these threads can become worn from the assembly process or simply from the amount a stress or strain delivered to the fastener. This is why it is important to replace fasteners during the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul process.

In summary, using high quality fasteners, properly identifying fasteners, following proper tightening specifications and procedures, and replacing worn or old fasteners are all simple yet effective ways to reduce and prevent failures that could lead to tragedy. This is why fasteners, although often small, have a very large responsibility.

Jonathan Carryl is the National Account Manager at Reliance Supply in Jacksonville, Fla.

ON THE ROAD

A & B Insurance Agency- Supplier Acorn Stairlifts -Carrier Agricultural Land Services- Carrier ApneaMed, LLC- Supplier ATRO Engineered Systems- Supplier Blackberry Radar- Supplier Blitch Westley, S.C.- Supplier Bobo, Ciotoli, White & Russell, PA- Supplier Buchanan Hauling & Rigging- Carrier Casingsource.com- Supplier CND Trucking- Carrier Coachcrafters- Supplier Coca-Cola Beverages Florida- Carrier Cold Carriers- Carrier Emerald Transportation Corporation- Carrier FleetZoo- Supplier GFA Rail Services- Carrier GreenBar- Supplier GT Supplies- Carrier Horton Inc.- Supplier Hutchens Industries- Supplier Just Trucking Insurance- Supplier

2018 By the Numbers: 6 FTA Staff 189 Carrier Companies 245 Supplier Companies 1657 Individuals with a Unified Voice

2019 FTA Calendar now available online: www.FLTrucking.org ?SU W O LLO F U O YO D

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Lazaro Delivery- Carrier LSQ Funding- Supplier Marion Technical College- Supplier Mathis Law Group- Supplier McGriff Insurance Services- Supplier North Florida Sales- Carrier Panther and Co.- Carrier Q-Matics- Supplier Roberts Sand Company- Carrier S1 Security Group- Supplier Sertant Capital- Supplier Shelton Trucking- Carrier Suddath Global Logistics- Carrier Sunbelt Forest Products- Supplier Sunland Distribution of Florida- Carrier Transflo- Supplier Truck Assist- Supplier Uber Freight- Carrier Valvoline-Supplier Voyager Nation Inc.- Carrier Ward International Trucks- Supplier

@FLTrucking

@FloridaTrucking

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

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Florida Trucking Association

FALL 2018 | 13

At the Heart of Trucking

By Alix Miller

having lettered in baseball, wrestling, and football. He worked his way through the University of South Florida, became president of his fraternity and an Ambassador for the President’s office.

Marple, still a proud USF Bull, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA.

The trucking industry is not about trucks.

To be sure, the health of the economy and our member companies’ bottom lines are fundamentally dependent upon buying, selling, filling, driving, loading and unloading trucks. But our industry is about so much more. A passionate commitment to meet families’ needs— food, water, gas, medicine. Drivers going through the storm, until it is no longer possible. Fulfilling childhood dreams when they visit our great state.

A dedication to safety on the roads so everyone gets home to their loved ones.

Serving people—creating, sustaining and building up communities. Giving back. Because we know we’re only as strong as those around us.

You won’t be surprised that the very companies and the people who run them are as zealous about promoting the industry as they are about improving their communities.

Jeff Marple, FTA’s 2018-2019 Board Chair, is a personification of this commitment to service.

When I first met Jeff, I was taken aback by his piercing eyes. They are as intense as they are blue. What became quickly apparent was his humility regarding his role as President of Southeast Independent Delivery Services.

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Marple’s early job experience provided his fundamental understanding of client and employee needs. His first job was detasseling corn for two summers; later jobs were in construction and lawn care, and while at USF moving into the restaurant industry. “Everyone should work as a server in order to appreciate the multitasking along with anticipating customers’ needs before they arise; making the experience seamless and fulfilling for the guest,” said Marple. “In many ways, these traits translate well into business and trucking.”

He is fierce in his business acumen—I don’t think anyone would want to be on the other side of the table in a business deal. But his talent as a leader is coupled with a devotion to service. His success in the boardroom is matched only by his success in improving the lives of others.

And he is no exception in our industry.

Marple spent his formative years living in Iowa and New York before coming to Jacksonville and, subsequently, Tampa.

He excelled in sports throughout school,

While in school for his MBA, his career moved into banking and finance with First Florida and Lykes Brothers.

Marple started at Rooms To Go (RTG) in 1993 with CEO Jeff Seaman’s vision to vertically integrate the retail stores with an insulated supply chain model of also owning the furniture factories.

Due to the success of this model, a high percentage of RTG’s manufacturing is performed in North America. In 2007, Marple was approached to assume the

COVER STORY: HEART OF TRUCKING <

role as President of SE Independent Delivery Services (SEIDS).

often involved skiing, cycling, traveling, hiking, and boating on their lake.

The decision was easy.

Indeed, the mantra to Marple’s approach to personal and professional life could be summed up in two words: health and strength. He attributes his core values to having been raised by his parents in a God-centered home. His aforementioned morning routine with his wife and coffee is also consciously beginning the day with “humility and gratitude while working harder and smarter every day with honesty and integrity. Caring for my employees, neighbors and family is a core responsibility. As a leader, we should not serve for our benefit.”

SEIDS is the independent dedicated delivery company for RTG from Virginia to Texas while also making deliveries in New York and the Northeast weekly. “We have an incredible senior leadership team along with an extraordinary team that serves over 6000 customers most days of the week. When you are in that many homes daily, it is a privilege to be a guest in the customer’s home and a significant responsibility,” said Marple.

“We have an incredible partnership with RTG, and it is critical and incumbent we exceed the customer’s experience and maintain the excitement they had when they first walked through showroom.”

Every morning Marple starts his day out the same with his wife Nancy: they open their front door to let their Lab fetch the paper and then drink coffee together before he heads to his barn to exercise.

His daily routine and focus on health positively affected his relationship and activities with his now-adult children.

He calls his four children, who now range from 21 to 31 years old, “distinctly unique and amazing.” All still live in the Tampa area and are pursuing careers in advertising, business analysis, information technology and medicine.

Marple was a hands-on father during childhood—coaching and managing all four on a total of 26 teams such as soccer, baseball and lacrosse coach. Family trips

Marple believes in putting his employees first and giving them the tools to be successful, while holding himself just as accountable. “The reciprocal benefits of trust and increased productivity will be given back to the company. Business is difficult and hyper competitive – it is why I love being responsible for creating/communicating the vision, executing, evaluating the results and building a better tomorrow. The goal is to build a healthier, stronger company built for profitable sustainability while winning market share with ethics and a strong team where all can share in the success. Failure and less-than-desirable results are not an option.”

That focus on strength and health also translates to his vision of the trucking industry in the future: “Our industry is dynamic, critical and well postured

for growth. Expected growth rates will be near three percent annually through 2028 while even incorporating a possible recession. The transportation industry comprises more than 10 percent of the US gross domestic product, which is approximately $1.4 trillion. Eightytwo percent of the money spent on transportation in the US is spent in the trucking industry. Proudly, we boast that 85 percent of the freight moved in Florida is delivered by a truck.”

“Although not perceived as such in many circles, trucking is a high-tech industry with the use of on-board cameras, ELD’s, many computer analytics and computers. Many of our top trucking companies are constantly upgrading trucks and trailers with improved aerodynamics and stronger, lighter composites.”

“Trucking is too hands-on with high levels of congestion to address both on the highway and in core urban markets.

Customers will demand increased tracking and real-time information for deliveries. The winners of trucking and final mile will be who improves the customer experience while enhancing the transaction process transparently.”

And Marple, as a visionary in the industry, is poised to serve as a leader for the next generation of trucking executives. Now in his first few months of a year-long position as FTA’s Board Chair, Marple is focusing his attention on furthering the interests and image

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 15

> COVER STORY: HEART OF TRUCKING

of the Association. With a newlyelected officials—Governor, Cabinet members and legislators—moving to their new offices at the state Capitol, he looks forward to educating them on trucking and transportation issues.

Internal Association work planned includes ensuring all carrier members adopt Truckers Against Trafficking training for their drivers; guiding and building up the FTA Foundation; and further engaging membership to enjoy increased participation at events and the legislative process.

“I attribute the high caliber and fiber of the leaders in the field along with an understanding of a commitment to hard work to be common in the trucking industry. Faith and family-based principles are paramount priorities.

We are not followers—we lead and move ahead both in occupation and in personal drive.”

with the many charities FTA members support.”

On a personal level, Marple has board responsibilities with Moffitt Cancer Center along with serving as an Ambassador for National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and has had many responsibilities and leadership roles at his church. He serves as a Board member for Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, which provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to caring for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless by alleviating suffering, promoting dignity and instilling self-sufficiency.

In other words, leading successful businesses is not enough.

The organization serves 1.3 million meals, provides 175,000 nights of safe shelter and gives help to 27,000 families annually. In addition to feeding and housing, Metropolitan Ministries has a child care program, a partnership with a public school, provides care for families dealing with trauma and offers job training.

“We live and work in the communities we serve. Our member companies have been blessed as organizations and have an incumbent responsibility to be involved and assist with solutions.

Most of the time, it comes as a financial partnership, but it can also be accomplished by working side-by-side

As a member of the Board, Marple is responsible for Metropolitan Ministries’ Social Enterprises, a robust program which offers life-skills as well as oncampus training for residents as they transition out of homelessness. This includes “Inside the Box,” a café and catering business; “Dough Nation,”

which brings together the trendy concept of raw edible cookie dough with a training platform for students; the Metropolitan Ministries Training Institute, which educates and coaches organizations in Trauma Inform Care; and the Thrift Store.

“We are so grateful for the leadership and compassion of Jeff Marple,” said President and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries Tim Marks. “His retail experience, logistics expertise, and insights about our social enterprise operations have not only helped us be profitable, but more importantly helped create jobs and change lives for hundreds of families in need.”

“Our successes with homelessness have been nationally benchmarked,” said Marple. “There are countless incredible organizations to support. They are all important and worthy. In the end, find the one that resonates and help make a tangible difference in your community.”

Health and strength: for our loved ones, our employees, our communities. We take care of one another in this powerful industry and treat everyone as family.

So, back to the original statement. The trucking industry is not about trucks.

Our industry is about people.

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

2018 Tampa Bay Tour -FedEx Distribution Center -Coca Cola Beverages Florida -SUNSTATE International Trucks -Quality Distribution -FDOT Seffner Weigh Station -SE Independent Delivery Services/Rooms to Go -Saddle Creek Transportation

2018 Tallahassee Tour -FedEx Distribution Center -FDOT Madison Weigh Station -Florida Highway Patrol Ride-Alongs -Shelton Trucking -Performance Peterbilt of Tallahassee -McKenzie Tank Lines

2017 South Florida Tour -Breakthru Beverage Florida -Ryder System -FDOT Martin Weigh Station -Publix Super Markets Distribution Center -The Martin Brower Company

2016 Jacksonville Tour -Southeast Toyota Distribution Center -J-Tech Diesel Tech Driving School -Florida Rock & Tank Lines -Publix Super Markets Distribution Center -JAXPORT -UPS Jacksonville Hub

FLORIDA TEACHER TOUR On the Road FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 17

Florida Teacher Tour: Year Three

The Teachers Visit Shelton Trucking in Altha

The Florida Teacher Tour has been called “a jewel in FTA’s crown”—an innovative program which looks at the industry with a long-view. Media campaigns, billboards, Share the Road presentations can have immediate impact, though usually the positive impression is fleeting. So, in addition to the aforementioned efforts to create a positive image of trucking in the state, FTA looked to other opportunities to rebrand the industry, by directly targeting public school teachers and their students. The change felt may not be immediate, but it can be longstanding, affecting generations to come.

What is the Florida Teacher Tour?

The Florida Teacher Tour is sponsored by the Florida Trucking Association and is designed to give professional educators an inside look

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FTA recognizes the importance of and difficulty in improving the image of the trucking industry and has struggled to change people’s minds in the state. Due to the challenge of making meaningful changes in entrenched stereotypes in Florida, the Teacher Tour was built based on three premises:

First truck!

at how this vital industry works, its unique challenges, and its integral contributions to our state/national economy and daily life. With this information, educators at all grade levels will be better informed about the complexities of the nation’s most-used freight/logistics mode and the career opportunities that our industry offers to Florida’s students.

1. The most effective and efficient way to change people’s minds is by immersion. By giving an intensive and holistic view of the industry, people quickly adjust their impressions.

2. We need to target Florida’s youth, before they have a chance to form negative opinions about trucking.

3. We should use the power of transference. Positive experiences in and opinions of the industry could be shared from teacher to student. When the student learns

Getting a look under the hood at Sun State International

The Tour stops at Coca-Cola Florida

they more fully explore curricular possibilities and long-term projects that are integrated with the Florida Standards, the academic expectations for all public school students in the state.

Where are we now?

Teachers Visit Quality Distribution in Tampa

more, he or she can then bring that information home and reeducate parents.

The aim for this program is to immerse a small set of Florida teachers (elementary, middle, high) in an intensive tour of the trucking industry, and then engage them to write lesson plans aligned to Florida Standards that incorporate trucking imagery, concepts, information, statistics, etc. into the classroom conversation. Additionally, teachers take their content knowledge, experience and positive impression of the trucking industry home with them and share with their colleagues and students.

This program has become multiplicative—participants are educating their students about the industry for repeated years, thereby compounding the number of students directly impacted.

This year, we added “more depth to the bench,” in the program with the addition of Vice President of FTA, Alix Miller, Ph.D. Alix came to FTA with a long history of curriculum/ program development, teaching in K-20 and subsequently, working at the Florida Department of Education.

Her expertise in interdisciplinary education has deepened the academic experience for the teachers, as

Having just completed the third year, the program has grown in visibility, reputation and size. In 2018, FTA added a second Tour: the first in Tallahassee, and the second in the Tampa Bay area, to coincide with Annual Conference.

The number of teachers participating has also increased in individual Tours.

The initial Tour hosted four teachers, with seven sponsors donating $10,800.

This year, the sponsorship grew to 21 donors and $30,000 in contributions, allowing FTA to invite 19 teachers to participate.

All Tours have drawn educators from throughout the state and across grade levels, including elementary, middle and high school. In addition, several key specialized educational areas have been involved: exceptional student education, virtual school, technical schools, ESOL teachers and guidance counselors. The primary focus originally was on STEM educators, however this year, the search was broadened to also target humanities teachers. These teachers were able to

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 19

Meeting with FHP Chief Derek Barrs

to ask questions and learn more about being a professional commercial vehicle driver.

How can you get involved?

Working on lesson plans at the end of the week

integrate the history of the industry, as well as reading and writing assignments on economic, political and philosophical issues in transportation.

Every Tour, we have seen the cadre of public school teachers come in, with little to no knowledge of trucking (or stereotypical assumptions about the reputation and limitations of the work) and leave excited to bring their content knowledge, experiences and understanding about the industry and its vast career prospects back to their schools. After the Tours, our participants have implemented trucking-related lesson plans and to this day, stay in touch with one another about new ways to incorporate aspects of the industry into their classroom.

Where do we go from here?

Along with considering adding additional Teacher Tours during the

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

year, FTA is taking steps to further entrench the program in the state public school system. This includes working with the Divisions of Career and Technical Education and Educator Quality at the Florida Department of Education; reaching out to individual school districts to allow participating teachers to receive district-approved professional development hours (this was accomplished in two of the school districts this year); begin quantitative and qualitative measurement of lesson plans; and measure student reach and any change in attitudes about the industry.

FTA is staying in contact with teachers who have participated in the Tours, as we offer to send Florida Road Team to their schools to complement lesson plans. These visits will not only include Share the Road presentations, but will offer students the opportunity

Of course, the Teacher Tours can’t happen without the generous financial support of our member companies.

Every teacher receives a stipend, room and board to attend. As the program grows, so does the budget. Next year, we look to increase the sponsorship in order to increase the number of teachers and tours—we’ll need your help to do that.

Once a Tour location is decided, and applications are sent out to school districts, we look to identify stops for educators to get a broad view of the industry. This includes truck showrooms; distribution centers; company headquarters; weigh stations and other state agency assets; training facilities; and fleet maintenance sites.

We welcome the opportunity to bring teachers to member companies— companies benefit from giving some insight into operations, thereby possibly recruiting students upon graduation, as well as being a part of positively changing the image of trucking. Join us and be a part of the change!

What our Florida Teacher Tour participants are saying: “The FTA Teacher Tour brings a myriad of relevant material to my classroom more importantly directly to my students,” said Aliza Bar-David, science teacher at Fort Clarke Middle School in Alachua County. “I learned about the multifaceted nature of transportation and how dependent we a nation, on this essential industry.

Trucking is a crucial component of the transportation industry that is in need of re-examination. This innovative program creates an avenue for students to be exposed to key industries that support long-term employment, career growth, and personal interests.”

“Until I attended this workshop, I had no idea of the scope and complexity of the trucking industry, said Janice VanDelinder, English teacher at Yulee High School. “The information and hands-on experiences of the tour were enjoyable, enlightening and edifying! The understanding I've gained has made me more knowledgeable and will enable me to provide more practical knowledge about careers to my students. What a great experience this has been!”

“This week has shown me that there are a multitude of rewardable, attainable careers in the trucking industry for students willing to work for them,” said Rob McCannell, science department head at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School in Nassau County. “I look forward to sharing this knowledge with my students as we work together to help them craft visions for their future.”

"An amazing week meeting incredible people, learning all about a treasured and vital industry! I can't wait to share with my students the many available jobs and critical thinking skills needed just to ensure safe delivery of all that they want and need,” said Page Curry, teacher and magnet program coordinator at Cobb Middle School in Leon County.

"An amazing week meeting incredible people, learning all about a treasured and vital industry! I can't wait to share with my students the many available jobs and critical thinking skills needed just to ensure safe delivery of all that they want and need,” said Page Curry, teacher and magnet program coordinator at Cobb Middle School in Leon County.

The Florida Teacher Trucking Tour has been incredibly eye-opening for me, said Donna Barber, fourth grade teacher and team leader at Franklin County School. “I now have a much better understanding of the many aspects of the industry and the various organizations that work together to ensure safe delivery of the many goods consumed by people every day. After attending this tour, I feel strongly that there is a place in the industry for many of my current students.”

“I was awed by the amount of integration in the trucking industry. We saw everything from mechanics and truck sales to logistics and planning, to law enforcement. This doesn't even mention the drivers, owners, computer programmers.... the list is immense, said Joseph Heidler, science teacher at West Hernando Middle School. “There are so many great real-world examples we have been shown this week.

Our students will benefit from this and will learn the opportunities trucking presents as they work toward the end of the school careers.”

"The trucking industry is such an integral part of our country and I can see that my students will benefit from learning about the integration of technology and how their generation has a place in such an important industry,” said Mike Guthrie, seventh grade English Language Arts teacher at Mowat Middle School in Bay County. “I really found this tour to be such an eye-opening experience and I can truly see how the type of students I teach could benefit from such a dynamic career path. I am excited to share what I have learned with my students to ensure they see all the career possibilities available to them in the future."

Winners 2018 FTA Safety Management Awards Fleet Awards

Carrier

Rating Mileage

Centurion Auto Transport

1st Place

Under 8 Million

Florida Rock & Tank Lines

1st Place

Over 8 Million

Breakthru Beverage Florida 1st Place

Under 16 Million

2nd Place

Under 16 Million

ABF Freight

Saddle Creek Transportation 1st Place

Over 16 Million

AAA Cooper Transportation 2nd Place

Over 16 Million

Landstar Express America

1st Place

Under 10 Million

Grimes Trucking Services

2nd Place

Under 10 Million

Davis Transfer Company

1st Place

10 -20 Million

Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corp 2nd Place

10 -20 Million

Walmart

1st Place

Over 20 Million

Landstar Ranger

2nd Place

Over 20 Million

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 21

Duty to Preserve ECM Data Duty to Preserve ECM Data Duty to Preserve ECM Data

By Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. and Sarah Jeck Hulsberg of Murphy & Anderson, P.A. With advances in technology occurring more quickly than state and federal courts, legislatures, and regulatory agencies can keep up, trucking companies are often left with little guidance regarding whether they have an obligation to preserve electronic information contained in tracking and other on-board computer systems after an accident. This quandary is especially complicated when an overly broad preservation letter is sent, or the system re-writes before the company can determine whether litigation is likely.

At least one federal court in Florida recently determined that a trucking company’s failure to comply with the relatively new Rule 37(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Failure to Preserve Electronically Stored Information), by failing to download electronic control module (“ECM”) data upon receipt of a preservation letter could justify sanctions. Rule 37(e) provides that if electronically stored information, such as ECM data, that should have been preserved in the anticipation or conduct of litigation is lost because a party failed to take reasonable steps to preserve it, and such information cannot be restored or replaced, the court may grant appropriate sanctions. The key to making the decision to download or not

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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

download is knowing whether litigation is reasonably foreseeable.

According to Rule 37(e), when there is a duty to preserve yet data is not preserved, determining the appropriate sanction depends on two things: (1) whether the other side is thereby prejudiced; and (2) whether the company with the preservation obligation acted with the intent to deprive the other side of the information’s use in the litigation. Where there is prejudice but no bad intent, courts may order measures no greater than necessary to cure the prejudice. Where a bad intent is demonstrated, courts can presume that the lost information was unfavorable to the responsible party and either instruct the jury that it may or must presume the information was unfavorable to the responsible party or dismiss the action or enter a default judgment.

In the recent case mentioned above, the trucking company had not downloaded the ECM data upon receipt of a preservation letter. The court found that while no evidence was presented that the trucking company intended to deprive the plaintiff of the data, the trucking company did not have an appropriate policy and was negligent in its failure to either have the data downloaded or coordinate a download with the plaintiff upon receipt of the preservation letter. Because of a dispute concerning whether the plaintiff was in

fact prejudiced as a result of not having the ECM data, the court reserved ruling on the plaintiff ’s request for sanctions but implied that the plaintiff would most likely be granted the right to explain the situation to the jury and allow the jury to draw its own conclusions.

Until there is further guidance from the courts, our recommendation is first to become knowledgeable about what your systems can and do record, and how long that data is preserved before it is writtenover or automatically erased. It is also important to know whether and if such information is purged during typical post-crash maintenance and repairs. If, as is becoming more common with the newer systems, electronic information is preserved indefinitely, there may be no need to immediately download that information upon receipt of a plaintiff ’s demand or preservation letter.

Alternatively, if there is only a short window of time to capture data from the subject event, the best practice is to at least clearly and promptly communicate with any potential plaintiffs that such data is available for their download and is subject to erasure if not timely downloaded. While courts appear to be giving trucking companies the benefit of the doubt at this time, they will likely begin imposing harsher sanctions as additional case law on this topic is published and everyone becomes more familiar with technological capabilities.

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FALL 2018 | 23

FTA OUT AND ABOUT The better question over the past few months is: Where in the World Is FTA? Our office in Tallahassee is always abuzz with activity, but leadership regularly participates in events, conferences and meetings furthering the mission of our Association.

Jacksonville City Council Truck Route Ordinance Meetings Jacksonville, FL

FDOT District #5 Truck Parking Availability System Ribbon Cutting Brevard County, FL

Floridians For Better Transportation Annual Conference St. Petersburg, FL

Florida Petroleum Marketers Association Sunshine EXPO: Hurricane Emergency ManagementRefueling and Reentry Panel Orlando, FL

Trucking Association Executives Council Annual Meeting Rockport, ME

Leadership Tallahassee Election Forum, Tallahassee, FL

Associated Industries of Florida Summit Orlando, FL

24 | FALL 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Ralph Cartwright, Scott Reagan and Ken Armstrong at the Autohaulers of America Annual Conference

FDOT Innovative Technology Deployment Committee Meeting

Florida Chamber of Commerce Trade and Logistics Institute

Tallahassee, FL

Panama City, FL

Florida Highway Administration Meeting

Florida Makes Annual Manufacturing Summit

Tallahassee, FL

Orlando, FL

FDOT Motor Carrier Size and Weight Strategic Visioning Session

Florida Chamber of Commerce Future of Florida Forum

Tallahassee, FL

Orlando, FL

Trucking Cares Foundation Meeting

Florida Chamber Trade and Logistics Meeting at Port Panama City

Florida Department of Emergency Management- Emergency All-sector Response Transnational Hazard Exercise Tallahassee, FL

Florida Chamber of CommerceAutonomous Florida Roundtable Orlando, FL

Ken Armstrong at the FMCSA listening session

Trucking Cares Foundation Board of Directors Meeting

Auto Haulers Association of America Annual Conference

Washington, D.C.

Amelia Island, FL

FMCSA Hours of Service Rulemaking Listening Session

ATA Management Conference and Exhibition

Orlando, FL

Austin, TX

National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools Regional Meeting Tallahassee, FL FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 25

The Drive to Give Back For every mile logged on the roads by our member companies, a vast network of suppliers, shippers, operations managers and technicians is putting in equal effort to better our industry. But look even further behind the scenes: all the parts which make trucking move forward are equally as passionate about improving the lives of others and their communities.

The following stories are just a few of the inspiring and selfless works FTA member companies and their employees are doing to give-back:

Wayne T. Fellows, Inc. Davenport Fights Back, the philanthropic nonprofit arm of FTA member Wayne T. Fellows, Inc., hosted its 8th annual Curing Cancer Charity Challenge golf tournament on September 22 at Providence Golf Club in Davenport. The event netted a $25,000 donation to the American Cancer Society, in conjunction with Relay For Life.

FTA members that were among those involved include The Campbell Group, Florida Utility Trailers, Rush Truck Centers, Thermo King of the Southeast, Boulevard Tire Center, Nextran Truck Centers, PeopleNet, and Penske Truck Leasing.

In addition to the eight golf tournaments held over the past eight years, Davenport Fights Back has also hosted two fishing tournaments and one cornhole tournament.

The 2018 event brings the eight year donation total to more than $150,000 for the fight against cancer.

Loves Donates to Childrens Miracle Network

the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

This annual tradition and is one that the whole staff gets behind and enjoys.

CEO and VP, Wayne (Tom) Fellows is a City Commissioner for the City of Davenport, where he has served as a commissioner for the past 12 years. He is also a member of the Polk Regional Water Commission. He is a member of the Davenport Lions Club.

Wayne T. Fellows, Inc. also boasts a pink tractor and trailer as a proud part of its fleet.

The cancer- awareness truck travels the east coast as it hauls Florida fresh produce back and forth to New York every week.

Several Fellows staff members – Sharon Lundquist, Lisa Fellows-Coffey, Kristina Drexler, Justin Sumner, and Donna FellowsCoffee, are either current or former Relay For Life Executive Committee members for local relays.

Additionally, Wayne T. Fellows, Inc. recently kicked off its holiday donation drive. The offices will gather food and toy donations through the middle of December to distribute to The Mission of Winter Haven and Helping Hands Angels prior to

The company regularly responds to donation requests throughout the year from The Mission of Winter Haven, Grace Lutheran Church & School, the City of Davenport, and various schools and youth groups, including youth sports, 4-H, and

26 | FALL 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FFA chapters.

Further, they are a major sponsor for the “Have a Heart Gala” held each year in Haines City to raise funds for Parkland Medical Center, a free clinic where the uninsured and less fortunate can obtain the medical care that they need.

All World Fuel With over 25 years experience in petroleum transportation services, Suzanne Garner knew that, when she owned her own company one day, giving back to the local community would be a top priority. Working to cultivate a charitable environment for her staff, Suzanne has led by example by supporting the local Fleming Island Pop Warner cheerleading program. In both 2017 and 2018, All World Fuel donated funds to this program as a Platinum sponsor—giving these athletes the much-needed monies for making this

UPS employees at the National Federation of the Blind National Convention

program affordable and sustainable for the parents.

In 2018, not only did All World Fuel sponsor the Fleming Island Dreadnaughts Cheer program, but Suzanne wanted to actually help teach the cheerleaders the importance of giving back to those in need.

So, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, each cheer squad spent a portion of their game days wearing “Powered Up to Fight Childhood Cancer Stickers” while collecting buckets of donations for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital—made possible only with the help of All World Fuel’s financial support and encouragement.

In addition to all of this, two of All World Fuel’s employees volunteer as coaches with the Dreadnaughts Cheer program.

Both Tanya Joson, Vice President, and Aly Klidies, Marketing Manager, have spent countless hours out at the fields with these young cheerleaders (ages 5-12) in an effort to give back to the community they love.

In fact, both of their cheer squads received championship trophies at their First Coast Conference Cheer Championships—with the Mitey Mite squad placing 2nd in their division and the Junior Pee Wee squad placing first in their division and moving onto the Southeast Region Championships in Orlando this Thanksgiving.

UPS UPS employees participate and volunteer in numerous events and charitable drives throughout the year. This summer, hundreds of UPS employees, family, friends and retirees volunteered at the National Federation of the Blind National Convention held in Orlando. They had hundreds of UPS volunteers including friends, family, and retirees at this week-long event.

Hundreds of UPS volunteers participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, where UPS sponsors the Slalom events. UPS employees worked as cheerleaders, setting up the various courses, and keeping times of the athletes on the courses.

Love’s Travel Stops Love’s Travel Stops (Love’s) store Employees and Customers raised more than $3.4 million for sick and injured children through its five-week store campaign to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) and promotion of National Coffee Day. Love’s Employees surpassed their $3 million goal and set a company record for the most money raised during the in-store campaign with more than $3.4 million raised.

“Each year, our Employees show remarkable compassion for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and this year was no different,” said Jenny Love Meyer, vice president of communications for Love’s. “Every Love’s location stepped up its fundraising efforts to truly make a difference in the lives of others. We’re very thankful for the Customers who support this cause every year, and are abundantly proud of our Employees.”

From Aug. 26-Sept. 30, Love’s team members sold Miracle Balloon icons for donations and organized events like 5K runs, bowling tournaments, fishing tournaments, cookouts and more. Love’s showed additional support for CMN Hospitals on National Coffee Day, which took place Sept.

28-29 during the store campaign. Of the 170 CMN Hospitals members throughout North America, 101 benefit from Love’s annual campaign. Since beginning its partnership with CMN Hospitals in 1999, Love’s has raised more than $28 million for

Werner Employees Assisting with Hurricane Florence Deliveries

the children and families who visit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

C.H. Robinson C.H. Robinson and the C.H. Robinson Foundation have given $25 million back to nonprofits. Through their programs, they support their employees, the industry and the communities in which they live and work. This includes a scholarship program to provide undergraduate scholarships to employees and carriers and their dependents; an Employee Hardship Fund to provide grants to employees who are going through a difficult time financially; and an annual grantmaking program to provide money to nonprofits making a difference in the areas of housing, hunger, health, educational opportunities for at-risk youth, and immediate needs for those living in crisis. This year C.H. Robinson is granting $350,000 to 31 nonprofits working in t hose areas.

C.H. Robinsons also runs an Employee Gift Match and Volunteer Match program, which provides dollar-for-dollar matching on gifts made to nonprofits and makes grants on behalf of employees who give time by volunteering with nonprofits.

Every year the company holds an annual employee giving campaign in September called Robinson Cares. Offices across the world select charities that matter most to their employees and their communities and hold fun, engaging fundraising events and host volunteer projects. This year they raised $680,000, volunteered over 2,100 hours and supported 380 charities around the globe.

FedEx Freight FedEx Freight recognized the year’s Humanitarian Award winners in October

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FALL 2018 | 27

> THE DRIVE TO GIVE BACK beginning of the schoolyear. This year, staff also held a book drive and donated boxes of books to the school library.

Carroll Fulmer Logistics Carroll and Barbara Fulmer host a charity golf tournament to benefit the FAITH Neighborhood Center, a facility that provides support to low income families and individuals in the region, including food, medical support, educational opportunities and assistance in applying for food stamps, Medicaid and Emergency Assistance. It was held on October 26 at the Green Valley Country Club in Clermont.

Hurricane Relief Efforts: Werner Enterprises, in collaboration with Rotella’s Italian Bakery and Operation BBQ Relief, recently delivered two loads of Hurricane Florence relief aid to individuals and first responders based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Werner professional drivers and North Carolina residents Donna and Richard P. were honored to assist with the first delivery of the essential goods from Omaha, Nebraska, to their community. Richard and Donna are a husband and wife team who work on Werner’s one-way temperature-controlled unit accounts. Werner professional driver Shawn D. delivered Werner’s second load of Hurricane Florence relief aid to Wilmington, North Carolina. Shawn received the Challenge Coin for going above and beyond to help, including unloading freight on site.

Wayne T Fellows Trucking for a Cause

during an awards celebration in Memphis.

The Humanitarian Award winners included Orlando driver Gary Seefried.

Gary witnessed the driver for another LTL carrier lose control of his vehicle and flip it onto its side. The tractor also spun around with the unit, blocking one lane of the turnpike. Gary used his truck to secure the scene from oncoming motorists and then safely pulled the driver out of his vehicle.

Gary remained with the driver until law enforcement arrived and secured the scene.

Total Distribution Total Distribution works with Sulzbacher Center, Jacksonville’s only comprehensive homeless facility in Jacksonville. The center accommodates over 300 homeless men, women and families with services including outreach, daily meals, safe shelter, case management support, job placement

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assistance, substance abuse counseling and medical, dental and mental health care.

Total Distribution’s most recent endeavor with Sulzbacher was warehousing for new mattresses donated to the center until they could be distributed.

Total Distribution is actively involved in their community including the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville, as they provide space for their parties; holding regular on-site blood drives with local resource One Blood; and participating in the Heart Walk, where employees walk and raise donations, as well as work with other local companies to provide and transport the supply container and host heart health activities like Lunch and Learns with the American Heart Association.

Total Distribution donates filled backpacks to the local elementary school at the

Gregg Nelson and Mike Cobb from Landstar jumped in to help nonprofit Clinic in a Can to move a portable medical clinic from Wichita, KS to Panama City quickly after Hurricane Michael. Damian Diaz, President of North American Transport Services organized 8 pallets of water, juice, toilet paper, pampers and other goods for the hurricane affected areas in the Panama City area. He then delivered a trailer full of the goods to a warehouse in Quincy to distribute to those in need. Tom Nehl Truck Leasing partnered with a local TV station and donated four rental trucks to deliver donated water and goods to Hurricane Florence relief efforts.

Editor’s Note: For every story above, there are hundreds of others like them, and countless unsung heroes in our companies and communities. Celebrate the good works of your employees: acknowledge their efforts on social media and company newsletters; build pride over charitable giving as a group; and join us in showing the public how much Heart there is in trucking.

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THE BLOCKCHAIN POTENTIAL by the Co-Founders of Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA), Craig Fuller, CEO and Founder of TransRisk and Ken Craig, VP of Special Projects for McLeod Software When we launched BiTA in August of 2017, we expected that the organization would include 20 to 30 of the most innovative minds in freight who were thinking about blockchain to solve major issues that had plagued them for years. The members of the Alliance felt the technology could help them solve problems without the need for an intermediary or using a third party.

Areas like driver recruiting, firm load contracts, accelerated payments, safety and compliance could all be improved through blockchain technology. We recognized this, but we had no idea what the organization would become. In the first week, we had over 60 applications, almost all trucking-related in the US. At first, we chalked up the initial response to excitement, intrigue, and the fear of missing to be driving interest. But our membership applications continued to explode. We received applications beyond trucking, representing all modes of traffic, including truck, rail, ocean, and air, and they were coming from all over the world. We rebranded as the “Blockchain in Transport Alliance,” and the applications continued to pour in.

Today, we have members from 23 countries and have an application count that is over 2800 and has become

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the largest blockchain alliance in the world. The organization is adding around 20 official members a week. Our membership generates over $1 trillion of combined freight revenues amongst them and covers over 95% of the supply chain. We also have OEMs, vendors, banks, lawyers, accountants, insurance companies and others as part of the alliance.

We find that most of the members of our organization are involved in technology or the use of data in their operations, either for their internal development or through their product offerings. Many of them are thinking about collaboration that goes well beyond blockchain and are interested in how data can be applied in their business models to make faster decisions. They are also eager to use technology to provide better experiences for clients.

The Potential of Blockchain Technology (Why You Should Care) Here’s one example of a company that is already applying blockchain technology to the supply chain. If you buy a specially-marked Honeysuckle White turkey this year, you can trace that turkey to the family farmer who raised it.

Honeysuckle White is a Cargill brand, and Cargill is using a blockchain application to trace these specially marked turkeys. Consumers can visit the Honeysuckle White website, enter the six-digit number from the turkey

label, and instantly learn all about the farm where the turkey they purchased was raised.

Cargill is using this capability to promote transparency concerning their food products, but the implications of this go far beyond that. This same technology could be used to trace the source of a foodborne illness in seconds instead of days or weeks. Walmart just announced their Leafy Green Blockchain initiative that will require suppliers of fresh, leafy greens to implement realtime end-to-end traceability of products back to the farm using a digital ledger developed by IBM Corp.

Many potential use cases for blockchain technology in the freight transportation industry are being discussed, and more are being considered every day. The data kept in a blockchain-enabled record for vehicle maintenance may allow for a much more exhaustive view of a truck’s history than anything available today. A blockchain application could establish new, more efficient and secure ways to verify proof of delivery, to assure quality, to detect fraud and prevent theft, to ensure compliance and to monitor capacity.

By finding the right application and creating a workable solution, it may be possible to make huge jumps in efficiency and data accuracy. Tasks within the regular routine of managing the transportation freight that now

require a significant amount of time and labor may soon become automated and require almost no time or labor.

A year ago, it might have taken hours, days, or weeks to trace the origin of each Honeysuckle White turkey. Today it can be done in seconds.

interoperability with other blockchains such as shippers, carriers, finance, manufacturers, etc. And these should only be considered when based on the upcoming BiTA-developed blockchain standards.

Another reason that carriers and logistics companies should care about blockchain is that the major shippers are moving fast to take advantage of this technology. Right now, blockchain technology within transportation is not mature, so none of the major shippers is going to tell you next month that you must be blockchain capable in order to haul their freight.

•

Learn more—Continue to monitor the developments as blockchain matures.

Don’t just adopt the technology for technology’s sake or because of the hype. Monitor early adopters. Keep a close eye on blockchain in the financial sector, because that’s where early regulations may apply.

•

Look for use cases at your business— Try to determine your business cases for using blockchain. Think about the problem that is being solved. Try to define the ROI. It has to save money, save time, decrease risk, improve productivity, improve safety, or provide some other advantage to your business.

Caveat Emptor The technology of a blockchain is evolving, but it’s really about how to apply it. The logic that sits on top of the technology to use it really isn’t there yet.

If someone’s CEO says, ‘Go get me some blockchain,’ that’s impossible. “It’s a very immature technology right now, but that’s where BiTA comes in.

“BiTA’s goal is to develop blockchain standards,” says Chris Burrus, President of BiTA. “What we are doing is bringing together all the elements across the supply chain and harnessing them all together – shippers, brokers, truckers, and telematics providers – all in same place. It is very important that everyone is not doing their ‘own thing.’

We need a common thread in the blockchain development and in the blockchain terms themselves.” Indeed, the implementation of EDI provides a clear example of what happens when standards are not followed.

Given that the technology is not mature, the phrase “blockchain capable” really has no meaning currently. But as other technologies have matured and proven their value, major shippers have demanded that carriers adopt those technologies, And the day will soon arrive when blockchain technology is a requirement for doing business with these shippers. In the meantime, you will witness the development of private blockchains and proof of concept blockchains, and blockchain development tools. The only commercial blockchains that should garner our interest are those that have proven

Steps to Take Now

• Join

industry groups—Join the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA). BiTA is a group of companies that are working together to establish industry-specific standards for the use of blockchain technology.

Craig Fuller is the CEO and Founder of the first trucking financial contract and information service provider. TransRisk seeks to help shippers, carriers, and 3PLs have more visibility in the trucking marketplace by developing products that offer transparency and risk management solutions. FreightWaves, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransRisk is the fastest growing media news site in the trucking industry.

Ken Craig, Vice President for McLeod Software, was previously the SAP Practice Director for Dutch systems integrator, Origin. He served as the Country President for SAP in Brazil, then became the Chief Information Officer for Philips Consumer Electronics. Most recently Ken served as the Vice President of Commercial Business Development and Vice President of Special Projects for software supplier Teksouth Corporation, which manages several large scale global database applications for the U.S. Department of Defense.

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Gender Diversity Makes Good Business Sense

By Ellen Voie, CAE

by women outside of the industry.

“The closer that America comes to fully employing the talents of all its citizens, the greater the output of goods and services will be.” --Warren Buffett The next time you’re traveling on an interstate, look at the name on the side of the semi-tractors traveling on the highway. Many carriers are known by the name of the founder, such as J. B. Hunt, Schneider, Werner, Knight, England to name a few. These large carriers have one thing in common: they were all started by a man and a truck.

Although the trucking industry has changed a great deal, the number of women who find a career in transportation remains small. According to the Department of Labor, women comprise 52 percent of managers across all occupations, but in the trucking industry, women hold only 21 percent of transportation, storage and distribution management positions, and 18 percent of supervisors in transportation and material handling roles.

The mission of Women In Trucking (WIT) Association is to increase the percentage of women employed in the trucking industry to utilize unrealized potential. To do this, we must first find out where we are today so we can measure any future changes. We created a WIT Index to track female board members and female executives at the fifteen publicly traded trucking companies. Ten of these companies had NO women executives and seven had no women serving on their boards of directors. Compare this to the 19 percent of director positions held 32 | FALL 2018

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We are currently working on a nationwide survey to track the numbers of women in leadership at a large number of carriers to set a benchmark and to explore best practices of the carriers whose numbers are above average.

profits by fifteen percent, compared with those with no female leaders.

What do women bring to the board room that affects a company’s profitability?

Women’s leadership style is more collaborative and inclusive. Women use a more democratic leadership style which allows subordinates to have greater participation in the decision making process. In “The Female Advantage: Women’s Ways of Leadership,” the author states that a male leader is likely to see himself at the top of his organization where a female leader is more likely to see herself in the center of hers.

In decision making, women take fewer risks than men due to their level of estrogen, which encourages bonding and connection and discourages conflict and risk taking. Men are driven by testosterone which encourages a focus on winning and power.

Ellen Voie, CAE

Why is diversity important, especially in a male-dominated industry such as trucking? In addition to using the unrealized potential half the population can offer, the leadership styles of women are actually beneficial to the success of the company.

Catalyst Research organization found that companies with the highest representation of women leaders financially outperform, on average, the companies with the lowest. A recent report by the Peterson Institute for International Economics studied 22,000 companies and found that having at least thirty percent women in leadership roles increased net

Forty years ago when many of those large carriers were buying that first truck, very few women were employed in the industry. Women didn’t often consider a career at a trucking company, and those who did found themselves the sole female in the room much of the time. Since we have a tendency to hire those “like us,” the ranks of women continue to grow slowly.

There are ways to increase diversity within a company, but they require employers to be aware of unconscious hiring and promotion practices. A study at Hewlett-Packard found that while men will apply for a position if they meet sixty percent of the work requirements,

women wait to apply when they feel they have one hundred percent of the criteria.

Women do not like to negotiate their salaries, whereas men are four times more likely to negotiate a first salary, which sets a precedent for career income from the start. In “Women Don’t Ask,” the authors found that a wom\an will lose more than $500,000 over her career by not negotiating her first salary. Women expect to be recognized for their efforts and don’t always highlight accomplishments to request an increase in salary or career advancement. A McKinsey report found that men are often promoted based on their potential, where women are promoted based on accomplishments.

How can you counter these challenges and create a more diverse workforce?

First, look at your recruiting materials.

Women are attracted to companies and industries if they feel their job will be socially beneficial. What is the image of your company to potential workers?

Track your recruiting efforts by gender.

How many women were considered for the position? How many were hired?

Set hiring targets and hold managers accountable. What is your turnover rate by gender? Are women leaving your company faster than men? If so, find out why.

Do you have women in high-level positions currently? If not, why? How many women are being groomed for higher roles?

In 1991 Deloitte and Touche, an international consulting and accounting firm, found only five percent of its partners were women. Managers were asked to document performance reviews and

track the number of women recruited and retained at each office. They offered more flexible work arrangements to both men and women and looked at how work assignments affected advancement opportunities. By 2000, the firm reached 14 percent female partners and saved $250 million in hiring and training costs.

A diverse workforce isn’t just the right thing to do, it is the financially prudent choice. Increasing the number of women employed in the trucking industry is the goal of the Women In Trucking Association and should be a priority for you as well. Hopefully, in the near future we’ll start seeing some women’s names on the side of those trucks and trailers too.

Ellen Voie is President and CEO of Women in Trucking Association

In July, Jacksonville-based Landstar System honored seven female owner-operators among Landstar’s best and safest during the 7th Annual Landstar business capacity owner (BCO) All-Star Celebration. These women were among the select group of inductees honored during a three-day event held in Savannah, Georgia, recognizing their outstanding safety records and professionalism behind the wheel. Each of the inductees honored has driven more than one million consecutive miles without a preventable accident.

Pamela Boyer Cecelia Logan Lori Nelson Sara Pingel Kristen Pittman Hung “Nancy” Reed Margaret Thrasher

Camp Cole, Missouri Hartford, Alabama Marana, Arizona Palm Bay, Florida Buffalo, New York Sherman, Texas Catawissa, Pennsylvania

Two of the women also were awarded the Landstar Roadstar® distinction. This is the highest level of recognition a business capacity owner (BCO), Landstar’s term for independent owner-operator, can receive at Landstar. During the event, Landstar BCO Cecelia Logan was inducted as both a Million Mile Safe Driver and a Roadstar honoree. Landstar BCO Lori Nelson achieved one million safe miles with Landstar in 2015 and received the Roadstar distinction during the July 2018 awards ceremony.

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In the Fight Against Human Trafficking, Why Truckers?

By Kylla Lanier When working on a strategy to fight human trafficking, one of the first steps should be to determine which groups of people have the greatest opportunity to spot human trafficking as it is happening.

In other words, who could serve as the primary surveillance?

When it comes to this crime, those front-line people include groups such as medical personnel, who treat victims in medical clinics; service personnel in local neighborhoods (such as postal workers, and cable, electrical, and water providers), who come by homes on a regular basis and would notice if something unusual was going on; restaurant and hotel personnel, who might see trafficking taking place in their establishments; and members of all segments of the transportation industry, including airport employees, because traffickers are continually transporting victims to sell them in a variety of places.

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) began as an initiative of Chapter 61 Ministries in 2009 to work with the trucking industry, because it’s seven-million strong. Truckers are trained to be extremely observant.

The trucking industry is composed of people already entrusted with caring for other people’s goods, which speaks to the character of the industry when it comes to caring for others—especially when the interest of others might be in trouble.

Members of the trucking industry are everywhere, covering the entire United States. Lastly, traffickers wanting to make fast money often target truckers at truck

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stops and rest areas (because they’re everywhere and easy to reach right along highways) to sell their victims. This is evidenced by the number of victims rescued from truck stops by the FBI. The members of Chapter 61 Ministries believed that, if the trucking industry were empowered with education and equipped with tools to fight human trafficking, they would be quick to mobilize against this crime. They could do their part to see victims recovered and perpetrators arrested. Members of the trucking industry could be everyday heroes in the course of their jobs and make a significant impact against the criminal activity of human trafficking. Perhaps they might even have a greater impact than the average person, because of their mobility and training.

They were a critical front-line group to recruit.

Using tools such as an informational website (www.TruckersAgainstTrafficking. org), on-demand webinars, a truckingindustry-specific training DVD, wallet cards with signs to look for and questions to ask, and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), TAT began making contacts throughout the trucking industry to build relationships and state the case for trucking members to join the abolitionist movement. TAT also began having a presence at major trucking shows as well as providing free presentations wherever requested by members of the trucking industry. The trucking industry began responding positively. By 2011, TAT had grown so much and was making such

an impact in the industry that it needed to become an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in order to sustain its efforts.

Members of the trucking industry, who had witnessed the prostitution of women and minors at various places throughout the United States for years but who had not known what it was—forced prostitution and modern-day slavery—began calling the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) to report what they were seeing. Polaris Project, which runs the hotline, reported that calls from truckers rose substantially starting in 2009 when TAT began. As of September 11, 2018, truckers have made 2,221 calls with 606 likely cases of trafficking, involving 1,123 victims.

Major travel plaza and truck stop organizations have joined TAT by making a commitment to train their employees with TAT materials and to make those materials available for trucking customers across the United States. Truck-driving schools, national and state trucking organizations (all 50 state trucking associations now partner with TAT), trucking companies— both large and small—individual truckers, trucking organizations of all types, and trucking media have also joined forces with TAT. TAT works to create relationships between state and federal law enforcement and members of the trucking industry through half-day events called coalition builds. These events provide a more effective localized response to human

trafficking by gathering law enforcement agencies (state, federal and local) and local anti-trafficking resources (task forces and local non-governmental organizations) in the same room with key industry stakeholders, including general managers of truck stops and representatives of state trucking associations and carriers.

In 2014, TAT launched its Freedom Drivers Project, a 48-foot mobile exhibit that travels the United States, teaching people about domestic sex trafficking and what the trucking industry is doing to combat it.

Using TAT materials, the Motor Vehicle Enforcement division of the Iowa Department of Transportation has created a model for other states to follow in working with the trucking industry. They place TAT materials in their state scale sites, state rest areas and state truck stops.

They are also working with major carriers in the state to train their employees with TAT materials.

Why truckers? Watching the TAT training DVD readily answers that question. With one phone call, a trucker who saw some under-aged girls working a truck stop not only facilitated the recovery of those girls, but also that of seven other minors. Thirtyone offenders were arrested and a 13-state child sex trafficking ring was broken.

Training and working with front-line responders in the United States in the fight against human trafficking is a strategy that can and does yield big results…and members of the trucking industry are some of the leading front-line responders.

So how can you help? If you’re a trucking company or a shipper, train your drivers and employees at your company with TAT training materials. We supply all training materials for free. Once you’ve trained your drivers and employees, go on our website and register them as TAT Trained. It takes two minutes or less to do so. If you’re a shipper, talk to trucking companies you’re thinking of hiring about human trafficking and about training their employees. Change your RFPs to include being TAT trained a condition for hiring.

When shippers ask us how to know which companies are TAT trained, we point them to our website and the growing list of companies. Continue to talk to everyone in your sphere of influence about human trafficking and what the trucking industry is doing to fight it…your neighbors, church, community, family. You may

keep vulnerable children from becoming victims of human trafficking, and you may influence others to become involved in the fight.

There are four main reasons why this fight against human trafficking should matter to you: 1. Moral – Freedom is one of the basic values men and women have fought and died to protect for our country. Every person has a moral responsibility to fight this crime, which not only denies freedom to thousands of Americans but exploits, oppresses and abuses those who are often least able to fight for themselves.

2. Opportunity – Members of the trucking industry are often in locations frequented and targeted by traffickers to sell victims. Because they have a greater opportunity to both see and report it, they need to be educated and equipped to do that… victims recovered and perpetrators arrested.

3. Business risks – Inaction when trafficking is seen or suspected can result in substantial risks for companies, as well as drivers and other employees. These include, but aren’t limited to:

Safety – Trafficking victims may/may not carry sexually transmitted diseases picked up from those who use and abuse them. They may also have orders to steal from someone they’re sold to.

Reputation – A company or organization’s reputation may be at risk if news stories talking about an employee’s involvement in trafficking, either as a seller, transporter or buyer, are broadcast.

Legal – Employees caught engaging in human trafficking, whether buying or selling, will face felony charges.

The load being transported will be impounded if an arrest is made. Often, a hearing is required for the company to retrieve the load.

4. Financial – Impounded loads cost the company financially, whether from

Loss of customer satisfaction and retention

Loss of revenue because the load isn’t moving or

Potential legal fees for securing the load’s release Kylla Lanier is Deputy Director of Truckers against Trafficking

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MOVES AND NEWS

Update on people and places in the FTA membership

Groendyke Transport and McKenzie Tank Lines (MTL) signed a purchase agreement late October for Groendyke to acquire all the tank truck assets of MTL.

committed to the continued strong performance of the business,” USA Truck CEO James Reed said. Both USA Truck and Davis Transfer are FTA members.

The acquisition will increase Groendyke’s driver count by about 200 to approximately 1,150, while significantly expanding its presence in the Southeast.

The addition of MTL’s business is expected to increase Groendyke’s revenues by more than $40 million in 2019 to approximately $280 million.

Walmart Inc. is building a high-speed grocery warehouse to solidify its position as the nation’s biggest grocer.

“Expanding to the Southeast helps us fulfill that vision and expand our ability to serve existing and new customers.

And this acquisition helps us do so in a way that is consistent with our values, especially when it comes to integrity, respect for people and safety,” explained Greg Hodgen, Groendyke president.

USA Truck announced the purchase of Davis Transfer Co., a family-owned trucking company based in Carnesville, Ga., for $53 million in cash and stock, a deal that signals the start of a more aggressive growth strategy at USA Truck by the company’s new management team.

“Davis represents a unique opportunity to add capacity, loyal customers and exceptional drivers — all of whom are

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The new distribution center in Shafter, Calif. — halfway between Los Angeles and Fresno — is set to open in the fall of 2020 and will move products in and out 40% faster than the company’s existing warehouses.

“The high-tech DC in Shafter will allow us to move product to stores and clubs faster so that we can better serve customers,” said Tim Cooper, senior vice president of Walmart supply chain.

Ray Lloyd accepted a position in April 2018 as Director of Safety for Carroll Fulmer Logistics. He left his position as Director of Safety & HR with McTyre Trucking.

Anytrek Corporation announced the promotion of Lawrence W. Stocker to Senior Executive Vice President. In his new position, Stocker will continue to work closely with trucking firms which

concentrate their work in various ports and containers dealing with high-value cargo. In addition, Stocker will continue to work with food grade (Kosher included) and chemical tanker clients with hot and cold loads.

John A. Smith was named President and CEO of FedEx Freight. A 32-year veteran of the transportation industry, Smith joined FedEx in 2000. His experience spans every area of the business, including operations, sales, transportation, fleet maintenance, facility services and safety. He replaces long-time FedEx legend Mike Ducker.

Subrogation Division has a new Global Vice President. Sean Woolf, General Manager of Subrogation Division, Inc. (“SDI”), has been promoted to Global Vice President. Sean was the original employee of SDI and has managed the company since its inception in 2000.

“I am thrilled to see Sean continue to expand his role at SDI and help its growth,” said David Purinton, President and owner of SDI. “Sean is an integral part of all things SDI. His new title and promotion are actually catching up to what he already does.”

Tallahassee Community College hosted the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, Region 6.

Taylor & Associates, Attorneys at Law is proud to announce its recognition by Women in Trucking as a “Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation”, 2018. The firm maintains a culture that supports gender diversity, promotes family work-life balance, and encourages professional development for all. They are honored to have received this recognition and the opportunity to serve by other top companies including Steering Solutions and Driving Success.

This September, Tallahassee Community College hosted the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools Region 6 meeting. The conference drew over 30 representatives from schools, carriers and trucking industry stakeholders from all over the southeast region, including Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida.

“TCC is committed to being a leader in meeting workforce needs,” said Kimberly A. Moore, vice president for workforce innovation. “Our efforts to achieve this include convening industry and education in conversations that generate solutions for meeting the talent needs of employers.”

Tom Nehl Truck Company celebrated its 60th anniversary. After almost 40 years

Barry Timmons recipient of the National Safety Council’s Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year Award.

of safe driving, UPS feeder driver Barry Timmons is now the proud recipient of the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Joseph M. Kaplan Safe Driver of the Year Award. Maudlin International Truck and Trailer based out of Orlando received an Ambassador Award in their first year working with Wabash. Landstar Transportation Logistics Director of Safety Services Melanie Evans was named the 2018 Safety Professional of the Year by the Illinois Trucking Association (ITA).

HELP Inc., the nonprofit provider of the PrePass truck weigh station bypass program and other safety services, is celebrating 25 years of meeting the safety and efficiency goals shared by trucking and government agencies responsible for commercial motor vehicle enforcement.

“As a member of the leadership staff at the California Trucking Association during that time, I saw first-hand that government and industry shared a critical common goal: highway safety,” said Karen Rasmussen, CEO of HELP Inc. This September, Suddath Global Logistics announced they achieved 365 days with zero injuries.

“This accomplishment is a testament to how serious our commitment is to safety at every level, and I commend the Global Logistics team at Suddath for their commitment to excellence,” said president and CEO of The Suddath Companies, Michael Brannigan. “The most important part of our safety program is our employees. This milestone is a springboard for us to propel forward with the value of our safety culture, striving for perfection—nothing less.”

At ATA’s Fall TMC SuperTech, Matt Sloan combined with FedEx Freight technician Doug Nichols to win the team trophy. Sloan finished fifth overall. Philip Barlow, who also works at the Jacksonville service center, placed fourth. Marc Place, a technician at FedEx Freight’s Orlando service center placed 10th overall.

Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) is expanding its focus on training skilled professional vehicle service technicians through expansion of the Diesel Advanced Technology Education (DATE) program.

Beginning in early 2019, Volvo will partner with three colleges in Florida, Ohio and Texas. The DATE for Volvo Trucks curriculum will be taught by dedicated Volvo-certified instructors at Jones Technical Institute in Jacksonville, FL.

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MOVES AND NEWS Deb LaBree was selected by NBC and segment sponsor Shell Rotella to be featured on the television program for her work mentoring female owner-operators with the nonprofit organization Women in Trucking (WIT). Near the end of the segment, host Megyn Kelly presented LaBree with a $10,000 check from Shell Rotella, a moment the owner-operator says she won’t soon forget.

and 39 years of safe driving. He proudly went his entire 47-year career without a single crash or injury. He has 2 kids and a granddaughter who are also UPS employees.

At the UPS Freight service awards in Jacksonville, seven loyal employees were celebrated for their dedication in the industry. Robert Foskey, HR Safety Operations Manager, celebrated 30 years, Eric Blandford, City Driver Florida Road Team Captain and UPS Freight All Star Road Team Captain, celebrated 25 years, Barbara Bouchard, Operational Assistant, celebrated 30 years, Danny Murphy, Mechanic celebrated 20 years, John Bright, City Driver, celebrated 45 years and finally Reggie Chever, City driver, and Tony Chestnut, Road Driver, celebrated retirement after 40 and 30 years, respectively.

“The surprise with the check from Shell Rotella left me speechless. It was wonderful and unexpected, I cannot find the words to thank them enough for this gift,” said LaBree.

Landstar Transportation Logistics’ Krystal Myers, an orientation coordinator for the company, was recently named the National Safety Council (NSC) 2018 Instructor of the Year. Myers teaches the NSC Defensive Driving Course (DDC) for Professional Truck Drivers (PTD) at Landstar’s orientation center in Jefferson, Georgia.

Not only has Brooksville Driver Steve Sewell driven 27 years accident-free this past September, but he has also never had an injury in his 32-year career.

District Manager Kimberly Wyant sent

UPS Jacksonville feeder driver Jerrold Haddock retires with 47 years of service

out 3,000 letters recognizing UPS drivers for injury-free and accident-free careers.

During their annual Driver and Employee Appreciation cookout, Carroll Fulmer announced their Drivers of the Year, Company Driver William Isaacs and Owner Operator Richard Perry. The company honored their Drivers of the Quarter, including Marc Lafountain, Clifford Laymon, Ian West, Stephen Correll, Daniel Rebstad, and, for the first time, the company recognized 21 Million Mile Safe Drivers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented UPS with a SmartWay Excellence award, which recognizes leading carriers who have made significant contributions to reducing the impact of freight transportation on air quality. “UPS is committed to delivering goods to people in the most sustainable way possible,” said Tamara Barker, chief sustainability officer, vice president of environmental affairs and domestic plant engineering at UPS.

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Finding and keeping great drivers! It gets more challenging every year. But the silver lining is that it’s an opportunity to get really creative.

Getting to Know You:

What is something most people don’t know about you?

That I mow my lawn in a bathing suit (only my neighbors know this).

Q + A with Laura Lamson

Best vacation you ever took?

Any beach vacation ends up being a favorite. I love the sun, sand and paddle boarding. But I did go to China with my mother and that was quite exotic!

What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Try online dating. It’s awesome!

Laura is the Freight Broker for Cool Way Logistics and Compliance Director of Cool Way Direct respectively, which provide temperature-controlled shipping for the wine and perishable goods industry across the United States. Laura has also recently been named to the Safety Management Council’s Executive Committee.

What made you decide to go into the trucking industry?

I didn’t wake up one day and decided to go into trucking. I was already working in transportation doing consulting in the bussing industry when I was asked to help out my son-in-law with one of his clients, Cool Way Direct. It was supposed to be a one-week temporary assignment. That was in January of 2013, and I am still here.

I saw that there was a need for my industry knowledge and I knew I could really help this company get where it needed to go.

It’s been a whirlwind to say the least but I have grown tremendously, both personally and professionally, over these last years.

Now I am on the Executive Committee of SMC at Florida Trucking Association, and I’m super excited for this next chapter in my career!

see the numbers increasing with every industry event I attend. Having women in more visible and influential roles within the industry is a good start. By inviting me to join the committee which currently consists mostly of men, the FTA is proving itself to be a supporter of women in the industry.

I believe that bringing awareness to the diverse types of careers that are available in trucking would also bring more women in. I think when most women think of “trucking” they think “truck driver.” But there are many other career paths in this industry. Promoting awareness of women in various roles within the industry (this article is a good example) is also beneficial.

What’s the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

What do you think will help get more women in the industry?

I participated in (and finished in a respectable time) a triathlon when I turned 50.

I am continually surprised at how many women are already in trucking, and I

What was the most challenging thing about your business?

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A radiologist. I learned about it during career day in high school and thought it would be perfect for me. My parents talked me out of it for some reason.

Instead I got married at 18 and raised two amazing boys and still managed to have a wonderful career. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Rocky Road. I’m old fashioned like that and I love marshmallows.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

I would like to do another triathlon as I prepare to turn the big 60!

What’s one of your favorite family traditions?

In my family, we make quilts for special occasions like weddings or the birth of a baby. As a young girl my mother taught me how to sew and turned me on to the creative side of my personality. As a young adult I taught my mother how to quilt, and I love making personalized quilts for my loved ones.

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