Florida Truck News - Summer 2018

Summer 2018

The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc.

The Technician Issue Recruiting, Training and Retaining the Next Generation of Fleet Maintenance Technicians ALSO INSIDE:

Fighting for the Health of the Trucking Industry Leveraging Your Brand on Social Media FTA Out and About

Free Telecom Analysis For FTA Members

BENEFITS Meet Your Challenges

Delivering Telecom Solutions and Cutting Costs

Technology Strategy and Implementation Implement what makes sense from a cost and business standpoint.

Manage Inventory and Vendors Our portal allows you and us to view current inventory and manage upcoming contracts.

Customer Service Improve customer service with Work Force and Collaboration solutions.

SOLVING. SAVING. SIMPLIFYING.

Reduce Your Costs Cost Reduction Can Range from 20%-40% annually for customers who use ACR Solutions as their TEM provider

•

Expense Management

•

Collaboration

•

Phone Systems

•

Cloud

•

IT Asset Management

•

IoT

•

Mobility

•

Invoice Audit & Recovery

Improve Your Efficiency

•

Telecom Services

•

Contract Negotiation & RFPs

Find Solutions that make sense for your business. ACR Solutions, LLC is a telecom expert with over 25 years of experience.

Focus on Your Business and we’ll be an extension of your IT Team as your technology partner.

Call or E-mail today to take advantage of the free telecom analysis for FTA members.

It’s time to start Reducing Your Expenses and Improving Your Technology. www.acrsolutionsllc.com

dhatoum@acrsolutionsllc.com

321.504.5088

Helping FTA Members by reducing expenses and the FTA by donating 2% back on specific telecom spend. A win-win-win offering. Contact us now and learn more about the new program in place that can help Cut Costs and Improve Technology.

TABLE of CONTENTS

8 | THE TECHNICIAN ISSUE Recruiting, Training and Retaining the Next Generation of Fleet Maintenance Technicians By Alix Miller

SUMMER 2018 DEPARTMENTS President’s Message

3

The Power of the PAC

13

FTA Out and About

14

On the Move

28

FEATURES

14

6

28

The Technician Issue: Recruiting, Training and Retaining the Next Generation of Fleet Maintenance Technicians 8 Overcoming the Truck Tech Shortage 18 Florida’s Schools Fueling the Future of Trucking 24

33

Q + A with Tire Expert Alex Conlan

32

INDUSTRY INSIDER Leveraging Your Brand on Social Media 4

PHOTO: RYAN KETTERMAN

Fighting for the Health of the Trucking Industry 18

13 32

New Online Platform for IRP and IFTA Registration 28

13 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 1

DISPLACEMENT 12.4L HORSEPOWER 370 – 475 TORQUE LB.-FT. 1350 - 1750

NEW PARTS STORE NOW OPEN IN CLEARWATER! 800-741-7566

6020 Adamo Dr Tampa, FL 33619

8247 15th St. East Sarasota, FL 34243

7105 E. 6th Ave Tampa, FL 33619

www.sunstateintl.com 41609 Hwy 27 Davenport, FL 33837

2100 Palmetto St. Ste C Clearwater, FL 33765

1699 North US Hwy 1 Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

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

VOLUME 74, NUMBER 2 • Q2 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

PUBLISHED BY:

350 E. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 www.FLTrucking.org

EDITORIAL Editor: Alix Miller ADVERTISING Sales: Ben Schultz DESIGN & LAYOUT Art Director: Jeremy Ashmore © 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. For subscription information, please contact FTA at 850-222-9900.

PHOTO: KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

Taking a Tour of the Tours …

This issue of Florida Truck News focuses on the remarkable technicians who keep our trucks moving, whether they work for carriers or for the service providers who support the industry. Please pay close attention to this vital topic. The articles are far more compelling than what I could say in this brief message, so instead I want to Take a Tour of the Tours.

FTA is smack in the middle of “tour season” if you weren’t aware.

Throughout the month of April, FTA partnered with child abuse prevention advocates across the state for the third year of the Pinwheels for Prevention Tour. The beautiful wrapped Pinwheels trailer provided by Rowland Transportation and powered by UPS Freight traveled across the state highlighting how seriously the trucking industry takes our responsibility to communities, families, the state, and important charitable causes.

The first-ever Talking Trucking Tour organized by FTA took Chief Barrs of FHP, Jay Levenstein (bureau chief of Commercial Vehicle Services for DHSMV), Paul Clark (manager of state scale operations for FDOT), and me to six cities across the state. We addressed all regulatory, enforcement, permitting, and public policy issues confronting trucking companies.

We had hundreds of companies attend and a hugely positive response.

Sounds like it’s a Tour we will need to repeat!

Finally, the Teacher Tour is about to begin its third year. You’ll recall that we oriented 4 teachers year one and 10 teachers last year. The fundraising for the 2018 program has gone exceedingly well, thanks to the sponsors for The Rendezvous in May…so well that we will be doubling the number of participants yet again. Eleven teachers will do the Teacher Tour in late June and another 9 in August as part of the Annual Conference. The growth of this innovative Tour is little short of amazing.

Make sure your personal summer tour includes Annual Conference at Clearwater Beach on August 2 and 3! The line-up of speakers is our best ever—including Adam Putnam and the CEOs of FedEx Freight, FMCSA, and ATA. See you there!

Printed in Florida.

Please recycle where facilities exist.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 3

TECHNOLOGY

Leveraging Social Media: Provide a Space That Makes Your Employees Want to Stay

By Ellie Horton Mission, vision and culture. These components make up the fiber of your brand identity and are key for running a successful business. With them you can establish a presence among a throng of competitors that is relatable, reputable and remembered.

Once you are able to pinpoint the ethos of your brand, it is also crucial to understand how it can be filtered into your endeavors and reflected in a way that is digestible. In the face of a diesel technician and driver shortage, it is important to capture the attention of potential employees and set your brand apart as attractive and likable.

To make your business tangible and personal, spot where your potential employees’ attention lies, build a presence in that sphere and then draw them in with engaging and interesting content. In today’s digital age and culture of immediacy, it is no surprise that social media is the most definitive pipeline to your audience.

Social media (we advocate for Instagram and Facebook) are perfect platforms for getting your brand, voice and personality in front of a recruit. Because it offers 24/7 access to target audiences, businesses are able to foster relationships, create transparency and grow communication.

Through a business page, you can establish a community and a sense of belonging, which expands credibility and eradicates any sense of staleness or inactivity. This creates an environment and culture your employees love and advocate.

When a business posts on social, it should

4 | SUMMER 2018

incorporate its brand identity. For instance, if you are family oriented, consider highlighting that aspect in your content and language. Prior to publishing, it’s also helpful to ask yourself questions like — If I was a diesel technician, would I click on this? Is it relevant to my business? What does it provide for my audience? Don’t just push job postings. Instead, provide tips and tricks, promote events, host photo contests,

share employee-submitted content and re-purpose industry news. This shows you care for their well-being and enjoyment on the job, which helps increase retention.

Once you have a hold on your social media presence, how do you use it to reach more diesel technicians and/or drivers? Follow these simple steps to better leverage your page to generate potential employees.

Firstly, make sure your company profile is updated and the contact information is accurate.

Respond to messages and comments as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Check it often!

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Write in a professional voice that reflects your brand identity and company culture.

Use relevant content that is interesting, exciting, educational or entertaining.

Apply targeted-ad spend, which utilizes demographic/geographic information as well as interests and age to get your message in front of your audience.

Measure your results with analytics (clicks, likes, comments), to see which content is resonating with your audience and where your strategy could be altered.

Along with increasing your likelihood for more hires, social media also provides stakeholders and the general public with information, education, customer service and news. These platforms are undoubtedly one of the most valuable and dynamic tools for making your assets known. They give your brand visibility, influence and ultimately provide a space for employees that caters to their needs and makes them want to stay.

Ellie Horton is an Account Manager at Black Oak Creative About Black Oak Creative Based in Winter Haven, Florida, Black Oak Creative is a social centric agency rooted in all things digital. By honing the importance of brand storytelling and utilizing thoughtfully crafted creative, the agency has become a pioneer in using social media to give companies within the trucking industry a unique voice and personality as well as foster better relationships and communication between driver managers and their drivers.

ON THE ROAD

Welcome new FTA members

AATR ORLANDO (C) ADVANCED TRAINING SYSTEMS (S) ASSURED PARTNERS (S) AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE (S) AXE TRAILERS (S) BOBO, CIOTOLI, WHITE & RUSSELL, P.A.(S) BLITCH WESTLEY S.C. (S) BROOKS-DEHART FURNITURE XPRESS (C) COCA-COLA BEVERAGES FLORIDA (C) COOL TRANSPORT (C) DAD'S TRUCK REPAIR (S) DICKINSON FLEET SERVICES (S) DONALDSON COMPANY (S) DRIVERS LEGAL PLAN (S) EMERALD TRANSFORMER (C) ENGS COMMERCIAL CAPITAL (S) GD TRANSPORT (C) GFA RAIL SERVICES (C) HEYL TRUCK LINES (C) HUTTIG BUILDING PRODUCTS (C) LAZARO DELIVERY (C)

LIQUID CARGO (C) MURPHY & ANDERSON, PA (S) MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES (S) MOSS TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION (C) NORTH FLORIDA SALES (C) PNC BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE (S) RON EXPRESS (C) REGIONS BANK (S) SALEM NATIONALEASE (S) Sign Technology Products (S) SOUTHERN STATES SAFETY (S) Suddath Global Logistics (C) Sunshine Biofuel (S) SUNSHINE STATE TOWING ASSOCIATION (S) Sunrise Transports (C) UBER FREIGHT (C) USA TRUCK (C) VM Transport Group (C) WAY Trucking (C) Zedly (S)

(C)= CARRIER (S)= SUPPLIER

Eddie Weeks and Mark Shallar

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 5

FTA FLASHLIGHT

FTA FLASHLIGHT: Technology & Maintenance Council FTA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) focuses primarily on professional development of service technicians and managers through various in-depth training opportunities and skills competitions. This tight-knit group meets at locations around the state to participate in innovative educational sessions from cutting-edge original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology/parts manufacturers.

The role of the Technology & Maintenance Council: The main purpose is for TMC and its executive committee members to provide support at annual conferences and other training events. At each of these events, they strive to assist—in a technical capacity—with the support and education of both members and competition participants.

The TMC Executive Committee has a committed group of industry who provide this support. They are an integral part of Florida SuperTech and the Florida Truck Driving Championships by being involved with station setup and judging.

Big plans for TMC and beyond: TMC strives to be a resource for all members experiencing maintenance or

6 | SUMMER 2018

possible compliance issues with equipment or fleets. They are in the process of developing a communication tool that will provide easier access to their team of experts ready to help solve problems with your fleet.

Additionally, the Council wants to raise awareness of the diesel technician career path by promoting the industry, engaging with vocational schools and identifying key leaders in the field to represent both TMC and the career. This includes finding experts in areas of the field to respond to technical inquiries from FTA members, as well as developing a cadre of practicing technicians to serve as ambassadors to speak to students and teachers about the opportunities in the profession.

How you can become involved in TMC: Whether or not you are a new or founding member, the TMC welcomes your support and input. Any FTA TMC member is invited to attend the monthly call.

TMC is always needing additional volunteers and support in planning and on-site at statewide events.

Join their monthly conference calls!

They occur on the first Friday of the month at 10:00 am (subject to holiday rescheduling). Calls are open to active members of the FTA TMC. Check your

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

council status on the FTA member portal, or email us at info@FLTrucking.org for more information.

2017-2019 Technology & Maintenance Executive Committee Joey Young

Publix Super Markets Chair

Morris Valenzuela Thermo King Vice Chair

Chris Emrich

Armellini Express Lines Immediate Past Chair

Gary Huysman Publix Super Markets Training Chair

Shelley Conklin Landstar SuperTech Chair (2017-2018)

Mac Kennedy Walmart Transportation SuperTech Chair (2019-2020)

ON THE ROAD

2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCEÂ

The trucking industry now moves at the speed of light...or perhaps the speed of information. In this data-driven world, we must focus on RESULTS. They can be quantitative or qualitative; the outcome of action or research; and indicate next steps for the future. The 2018 Annual Conference features key leaders in government and the private sector who are instrumental in affecting results for the trucking industry.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 7

THE TECHNICIAN ISSUE

By Alix Miller “Checking brake components and push rod measurements…measuring brake pad thickness and drum condition…”

“What’s the minimum thickness on the front and rear brake shoes?”

“5/16 inches.”

The judge checks the box on the FPI score sheet, while Steve Remus, 2017 SuperTech Grand Champion continues, on his back, slowly rolling underneath the truck until he is no longer visible.

“The air hoses are rubbing,” a voice from below calls out. “Nylon braids are visible…checking for air leaks, now the air fittings.”

One of the 10 practical stations of the 2018 Florida SuperTech, any observer would immediately recognize there is far more to being a technician than meets the eye. The competitors moved in groups on a steamy Wednesday

8 | SUMMER 2018

in late March, their expertise being tested on trailer suspension alignment, electrical, engines and everything in between. Competitors were scored on their accuracy and efficiency for five hours amid the vast expanse of Jones Technical Institute (J-Tech), grabbing a sip of water when they had a chance.

Hard to fathom when watching the controlled chaos of judges, technicians and runners during the event, but just the day before, the J-Tech campus was empty—students were off-site, their equipment temporarily moved to make room for the influx of donations from FTA member companies. Within four hours of setup, the 168,000 square foot facility was filled again with dozens of volunteers ready for a final walkthrough: trailers, trucks, engines and station materials placed throughout the building, while professional and student technicians were receiving best practice seminars by industry experts.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

All this is to say: A career in diesel technology is serious business. And much like the growing concern amongst trucking executives looking for drivers to move goods, fleet maintenance managers are searching for the next generation of technicians to ensure those trucks keep moving, efficiently and safely.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, diesel mechanics and technicians are in high demand across the country, with approximately 242,200 technicians being employed in the industry. With baby boomers retiring and capacity increasing within the transportation industry, experts anticipate a need for as many as 75,000 new diesel technicians over the next decade alone.

And leaders in Florida are paying attention.

TECHNICIAN <

Students come to J-Tech to build foundational, hands-on learning that will help them to seek opportunities and rewards that will supersede many of their starting expectations. Chris McKenzie, a military veteran, stated, “J-Tech helped me hone the abilities of what I have, and it has helped me learn new abilities outside of engines.”

Being able to participate in events such as job fairs, mock interviews, and nationally recognized competitions such as SuperTech allows students to see beyond the horizon of normal career ambition and seek a greater reward.

Jeremy Altrui, a student contestant of SuperTech 2018, summed up his experience well when he said, “SuperTech was overall a great experience. There were so many technologies that I had not seen before. It was a massive learning environment, giving us a chance to talk to many people in the field.”

Matt Sloan, 2018 SuperTech Grand Champion

Businesses are mobilizing to recruit new graduates, offering signing bonuses to experienced technicians. Technical schools are increasing advertising, state agencies are strategizing, public schools are offering more vocational classes.

All are invested in educating the public on the importance of and opportunities in the career.

Just last month, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam released his Florida Jobs First Agenda: “Florida needs to change the conversation surrounding career and technical education and realize the launch pad for the American Dream is not built only on a four-year university degree. It also is built by the hardworking men and women who have the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in an increasingly complex economy. Students should not be told the only pathway to success is a college education, and they shouldn’t be forced into student loan debt for a degree they can’t use.” Putnam is looking to the public school system of Florida to expand education pathways,

reduce the cost and time required to complete training programs and build apprenticeship programs in high-wage careers.

Schools like J-Tech are changing rapidly and expanding in order to keep up with demand and prepare their graduates for a new economy. And by hosting the 2018 Florida SuperTech competition, faculty and staff gave students the opportunity to compete side-by-side with seasoned professionals, further inspiring their decision to become diesel technicians.

Ian Costley, student winner of SuperTech 2018, said, “It was a good opportunity to learn to work under pressure, and it showed me that I still have a lot to learn.” Helping the students to learn as much as they can so they can have not just a job but a career beyond the walls of the institution is a mission of all faculty and staff. “When I came to J-Tech I was not in the automotive industry; it was just a hobby. J-Tech helped me turn my hobby into a career, and now I am working in the automotive industry,” said Tyler Moore, a soon-to-be graduate of J-Tech, who is now working at Toyota.

Professional technicians are all too aware of developing technologies— they must work on older equipment as well as quickly learn and adapt to new systems. This year’s 2018 SuperTech Grand Champion Matt Sloan competes in both the state and national SuperTech competitions to keep his skills up to date and enjoys the career because “every day is a learning experience.”

Sloan graduated in 2004 from Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, a public, magnet high school located in Jacksonville, Florida. Before becoming a fleet maintenance technician at FedEx Freight, he did on-the-job training as a machinist while in high school. After graduating, he also worked at car and school bus dealerships as well as a heavy construction equipment company.

Sloan’s career path is also similar to that of his father, John, who is an aircraft mechanic.

When he was a child, he was diagnosed with ADD (Attention-deficit disorder) and found when he was working with his hands, his focus improved. The diesel program in his high school helped him slow down and keep his mind busy while doing the task at hand. The work also helped him get off medications for ADD.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 9

> COVER STORY

Mark Courter, Orlando District Fleet Maintenance Manager at FedEx Freight, spoke to Sloan’s focus and drive: “Matt has really matured in the few years I have known him, not only in his profession, but as a person, father and employee. He has finished higher in the rankings each year he has competed at TMC SuperTech. When he chose to enter the FTA’s SuperTech competition, I was excited to see how he would measure up against the best technicians in Florida.

Well, he measured up really well as one can see by the results.”

Nor was Sloan’s Fleet Maintenance Supervisor Sheldon Clark surprised.

“He has invested a lot of time improving and honing his skills, which not only has paid off at these events, but on the shop floor as well. He is center point in the shop where other techs converge for guidance and assistance, and he is more than willing to help everyone out. We are all proud of Matt’s accomplishments and look forward to watching what he does in the future.”

Florida had the fifth highest employment level for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the country, with 11,360 working in the field in 2017. Boasting the third highest population in the country helps explain this statistic. However, the state also has one of the lowest concentrations of jobs and location quotients, with just 1.35 people per 1,000 employed in the profession. In other words, despite a burgeoning economy and strong population growth, Florida has fewer jobs in the field, comparatively. With strong annual average wages in the field across the country, Florida should be poised for change.

“I don’t believe many people realize how well fleet maintenance technicians are compensated,” said Sloan. “Most people believe you have to go to college to be paid well, and don’t realize the value of having experience in a trade.”

technician is starting at the bottom of the truck and working your way up with your skills and experience— starting with tires, wheels and brakes before moving on to transmissions and drivetrains. And from there, working on engines and inside the cab before finally the advance diagnostics of the safety systems on today’s equipment. Those first areas are what people don’t really want to work on, but it is going to make you a proficient employee and give you credibility in terms of the knowledge you have.”

The economy of Florida and companies working in the state rely on diesel technicians—seaports cargo, containers and truck crossings data have been steadily improving, with trucks responsible for carrying 345,664 manufactured tons a day.

Florida depends on the people who keep the trucks running.

“My opinion is the best way of going about being a very well-qualified

SAE and TMC type II tests The only tire and complete wheel assembly balancing product proven to improve fuel economy in independently run SAE and TMC type II tests.*

The significant improvements in fuel economy recorded in the SAE J1321/TMC RP-1102 tests were achieved by precision balancing all of the tires with Counteract Balancing Beads.

Perfectly balanced wheel ends reduce tire rolling resistance by minimizing sidewall flexing, tire squirm, and road-shock rebound.

www.counteractbalancing.com 1 800 572 8952

10 | SUMMER 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Left to Right: SuperTech Chair Shelley Conklin, TMC Chair Joey Young, Matt Sloan, Ken Armstrong

SuperTech student winner Ian Costley and Ken Armstrong

2018 WINNERS STATION FPI Station Fastener Station Brakes Station Tire/Wheel Station Electrical Station Engine Diagnostic Station Written Test Fifth Wheel FMCSA Regulations Suspension Alignment Trailer ABS

WINNER Matthew Sloan, FedEx Freight Matthew Sloan, FedEx Freight Steve Remus, Southeastern Freight Lines Steve Remus, Southeastern Freight Lines John Solero, Publix Super Markets Rob Hart, Walmart Transportation Steve Remus, Southeastern Freight Lines Jacob Alexander, Publix Super Markets Matthew Sloan, FedEx Freight Canty Geraets, Walmart Transportation Steve Remus, Southeastern Freight Lines

STATION SPONSOR Nextran Reliance Supply Dayton Parts Conlan Tire Palm Peterbilt Truck Centers Cummins Sales and Service Reliance Supply SAF Holland Landstar Transportation Logistics Hendrickson Travel Centers of America

Student Champion Third Place Champion Second Place Champion

Ian Costly, J-Tech NAPA Canty Geraets, Walmart Transportation FTA Steve Remus, Southeastern Freight Lines Florida Power & Light

Grand Champion

Matthew Sloan, FedExFreight

FTA

PLATNUM

GOLD

SILVER

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 11

FLORIDA TEACHER TOUR TALLAHASSEE: JUNE 25-28 CLEARWATER BEACH: JULY 31- AUGUST 3

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

The aim for this program is to immerse a small set of Florida teachers (elementary, middle, high) in an intensive 3.5 day 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.

Each participant will take part in a multi-day tour of various types of trucking facilities and will get information on topics such as: • Diesel engine design and components • Fuel efficiency and emissions mitigation • Specialized equipment • Safety systems, practices and technologies • Component systems such as tires, brakes, refrigeration units, etc.

• How trucking is an integral part of the overall American logistics and economic system • Exciting tours of company facilities, distribution centers, weigh stations, and more!

12 | SUMMER 2018

For more information visit http://fltrucking.org/florida-teacher-tour/ FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

The Power — By Chris Dudley

of the PAC

Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst system of government devised by wit of man … except for all the other ones.”

This statement is equally true when it comes to defining the role and importance of the Florida Trucking Association’s state Political Action Committee. In the business world, corporate leaders and managers have vital roles. They manage the operation, they generate business and revenue, they employ workers who support families. In the trucking industry, business owners want to do these things in the most honest, ethical, safest, and profitable way with the least amount of government restrictions. We tend to view government as simply a business factor to be considered and managed.

However, regardless of your level of participation in both the Association and the PAC, government continues to grow and become more pervasive in the lives of our employees and our member companies.

In addition, the members of the Florida Legislature turn over at a rate of more than 30% every two years. This means the role of the Florida Trucking Association in the ongoing education of decision-makers cannot be ignored.

And unfortunately, government is certainly not ignored by our opponents who argue for more avenues for litigation; mandates that drive up insurance costs; requirements that shorten our potential hours of service and operation; and increased taxes and tolls to further fund government.

Today, the trucking industry navigates huge governmental bureaucracies at both the federal and state level. In Florida alone, our industry is highly regulated by multiple state agencies. The Department of Transportation oversees weights and permits; the Department of Highway Safety and Motor

Vehicles oversees the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement program; the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspects freight along the interstates; the Department of Revenue enforces the payment of various state taxes imposed on our member companies; and finally, the 160 members of the Florida Legislature debate and impose policies that have wide-ranging impacts on our business.

The engagement of our members in the selection and education of these regulatory decision-makers and statewide elected officials has become more important than ever. Having an engaged Association that supports the PAC is one of the most vital ways member companies can support the industry.

candidate for office, the Association is supporting someone who will not only support our industry, but someone who supports managing government like a business; advocates for lower taxes and less burdensome restrictions on commerce; supports protecting our fuel taxes within the State Transportation Trust Fund and using those taxes to build and maintain Florida’s infrastructure and roadways; and actively supports a regulatory environment that drives economic development and job creation.

The Association leadership and members of the Florida Trucking Association Political Action Committee are able to leverage these dollars by having face-to-face discussions with these legislators in order to educate them about the industry, humanizing the trucking workforce and promoting our legislative priorities. We do this in a venue that allows for and encourages meaningful discussion. Breakfast in their districts and tours of our member company facilities can solidify both a relationship and our industry’s incredible impact on the economic development success of our state.

Thank you for your engagement in both the Florida Trucking Association and the Florida Trucking Association Political Action Committee. Together, these entities will continue to promote and protect Florida’s trucking industry for years to come.

Chris Dudley is the Managing Partner of Southern Strategy Group.

When the Florida Trucking Association Political Action Committee supports a

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 13

FTA OUT AND ABOUT 14 | SUMMER 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

FTA; and of course, all of the regularly scheduled events for FTA members.

Pinwheels For Prevention Tour

Left to Right; Florida Road Team member John Wright, FTA Vice President Alix Miller, FTA President Ken Armstrong

The past few months have been busy ones at the FTA office, to say nothing of its leadership serving on committees and traveling throughout the state to keep stakeholders informed and protected. FTA continues to attend meetings and work directly with the council members of the City of Jacksonville, expressing the concerns of, and suggesting improvements in the otherwise problematic proposed trucking route ordinance. Vice President Alix Miller recently attended a meeting of the Florida Transportation Plan at FDOT, where she serves on the implementation committee alongside key transportation leaders in the state, and attended the Florida Innovation Technology Deployment team on behalf of the industry. American Trucking Associations recently named President Ken Armstrong to the Trucking Cares Foundation Board of Directors. The foundation is committed to promote the compassionate side of the industry and highlight the goodwill and charitable causes taken on by trucking companies and their employees. In preparation for the 2018 hurricane season, Ken and Alix also attended a meeting at the Florida Division of Emergency Management to review findings and recommendations from the National Emergency Management Association-National Association of State Energy Officials (NEMA-NASEO) Petroleum Fuel Shortage Planning Workshop.

The next few months promise to be just as busy, with selected teachers coming to Tallahassee for a Florida Teacher Tour at the end of the month; the Floridians for Better Transportation “summer camp;” the annual conference for the Trucking Association Executives Council; the launching of an exciting new partnership between FHP and

FTA partnered again this year with the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and Prevent Child Abuse Florida’s Pinwheels for Prevention tour. The monthlong event in April kicked off at the Governor’s Mansion hosted

by First Lady Ann Scott, with events throughout Florida. Many thanks to UPS Freight, who sent their Florida Road Team members to drive their tractors and the Pinwheels trailer (the latter generously organized and donated

by Rowland Transportation).

Mercedes Schlapp, Assistant to the President

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Designed as an opportunity to educate both members and non-members on recent policy and regulation changes, the presentations in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach and Bradenton were open to any trucking executive and offered time for questions and concerns to be addressed. Many thanks to FHP Chief of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Derek Barrs; DHSMV Bureau Chief of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services Jay Levenstein; FDOT Statewide Scale Operations Manager Paul Clark; FDOT Freight and Multimodal Operations Manager Rickey Fitzgerald; and all of the district state agency staff for joining us on this informative and valuable tour!

Down the Road … Ride-Along with FHP James Ray, Special Assistant to the Secretary of USDOT

AIF Washington Fly-In President Ken Armstrong joined other executives with Associated Industries of Florida in Washington, D.C., for the 2018 Florida U.S. Capitol Summit. They received White House and Congressional policy briefings, met with members of the Florida Congressional delegation, and had an opportunity to hear from a key leader for infrastructure planning, James Ray, Special Assistant to the Secretary of USDOT, and Mercedes Schlapp, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.

Talking Trucking Tour FTA organized the inaugural Talking Trucking Tour in May—a six city tour of the state with members of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and

As part of our efforts to continually find new ways to work with our partners at FHP, FTA is putting together a new Ride-Along program. This initiative will match up new members of the Florida Highway Patrol with a driver of a member company, where they will spend “a day in the life,” from terminal to destination and back home again, so new Troopers gain a first-hand understanding of the procedures and specific challenges faced as a commercial driver on the road.

Conversely, the same driver will then be matched with a more experienced Trooper to experience the roads from the enforcement side. Stay tuned for more information and requests for member/driver volunteers.This innovative program is sure to be a success — if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Alix Miller.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 15

THE RENDEZVOUS: WE HAVE LIFTOFF The Rendezvous Space X Launch

Sometimes timing is everything.

Every once in a while, by pure chance, a confluence of events will make an evening special. Such was the case at The Rendezvous.

Whether it was the energy of the group; the 19 King Mackerel caught by FTA members that afternoon, driven back from the ocean and immediately cooked by the hotel chef for all diners to feast on just minutes later; the perfect weather to eat outside; or the SpaceX launch, bringing everyone to their feet in the middle of it all, the successful event had an auspicious beginning.

The Spring Round-Up was renamed and rebranded by FTA this year, to include opportunities for fellowship and recreation activities to complement the educational sessions and meetings that offer members best practices, continuing education and important trends in the industry.

golf at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, sport fishing on the Atlantic Ocean or a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center.

In the meantime, the new Florida Road Team members returned from a full day in one of three high schools in Brevard County, being trained by some veteran members and leading a Share the Road class for the first time. When they returned, they met for an orientation and media training session with FTA Vice President Alix Miller.

The Rendezvous Fishing Trip

When the sport fishermen victoriously returned with their cooler full of fish, dinner began.

Members of the Florida Road Team and FHP visiting schools in Brevard County

Most notably, The Rendezvous serves as a fundraising event for FTA’s highly successful and growing educational programs. As the Association looks to invest in future generations, the Florida Teacher Tour immerses a small set of Florida teachers in an intensive orientation of the trucking industry and then engages them to write lesson plans that incorporate the subject matter into the classroom conversation.

The Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral was selected for its central location for members, as well as in response to members indicating they preferred ocean sport fishing. And it proved fortuitous. Once attendees checked into the hotel (and perhaps took a dip in the pool), they had a choice of three recreation activities in the afternoon:

16 | SUMMER 2018

Everyone took a break from their meal to watch the SpaceX launch of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) on a Falcon 9 rocket into high Earth elliptical orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Originally scheduled for Monday evening, the stars aligned for a 6:51 p.m. launch with FTA in its backyard. Members then moved to the Pavilion for game night, which ranged from giant Jenga, cornhole to poker.

The Rendezvous Florida Road Team Jacketing

Thursday morning began with the General Session, at which the 2018-2022 Florida Road Team members were officially installed and were jacketed by FTA Board Chair Rob Sandlin. The session also included the retirement ceremony of Road Team member

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Ricky Gonsales, who was tagged by FedEx Freight in Miami to serve as a trainer.

The keynote speaker of the morning was Freddy Kaye, Ph.D., L.D., who urged trucking executives and drivers to mobilize and promote healthy lifestyles to improve the health of employees and the industry as a whole (more on Freddy’s keynote and healthy lifestyle campaign on page 17).

The Board of Directors and Safety Management Council met while others attended breakout sessions. These included Empowering a Safety Culture, with FTA members Ralph Cartwright (Southern States Safety) and Scott Reagan (Centurion Auto Logistics) engaging the audience in an interactive discussion; They did what!?! Preventing Unlawful Sexual Harassment in the Trucking Industry with husband and wife team Ryan and Amanda Walls (Dillon Logistics; Peterson & Myers); Lessons Learned from the 2017 Hurricane Season, moderated by FTA Vice President Alix Miller with panelists Rob Sandlin (Florida Rock & Tank Lines), Jake Severit (Publix Super Markets) and Alexander Mack (FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Emergency Operations Center); and Public Policy 360°, where FTA President Ken Armstrong briefed the audience on recent federal, state and local policy changes and regulations.

Attendees then grabbed a box lunch and headed off to another afternoon of golfing and fishing, before going home. The Rendezvous raised almost $30,000 for FTA educational programs and looks to raise significantly more next year.

The proceeds from the 2018 Rendezvous allow FTA to add a second Teacher Tour this year, doubling the number of teachers participating in the program.

Long-Haul Truck Drivers:

OBESITY CAN TAKE YOU OFF THE ROAD

7 10

Freddy Kaye and the Fight for Fit

IN

long-haul truck drivers are obese 2 TIMES more than U.S. adult workers

Obesity increases the chance for these health problems:

Heart disease

Almost as soon as Freddy Kaye arrived at The Rendezvous, he was asking the hotel staff if there was yogurt available at the conference buffet. Quickly surveying the table, he opted for a whole grain cereal.

Despite just driving in to Cape Canaveral from Orlando International Airport at dawn, Freddy practiced what he preaches. It would have been easier—more enjoyable, some may argue, to grab a plate and gorge on scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and pancakes. Instead, he followed his routine—the structure and consistency which has shaped his daily life for years and keeps him enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

Freddy has been on the faculty of the Family Practice Residency program of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for more than 25 years, where he teaches physicians to help guide their patients with weight or diet-related problems.

Freddy offered the audience some simple steps to improve diet and overall health:

• Set up a routine for eating and exercise:

be diligent and follow your “schedule of eating”!

• Focus on a plant-based diet—build your

plate around vegetables and eat little red meat

• Eat fish and small amounts of chicken, white pork and wild game (all leaner sources of meat and protein)

Cancer

Type 2 diabetes

Sleep apnea

Joint and back pain

Stroke

These problems can disqualify you from receiving your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

• Reward yourself for one meal a week to avoid feeling deprived

• Eat

breakfast to speed up your metabolism

• Eat every 4 to 4.5 hours before reduction

No CDL may be hard on your wallet and your health.

of blood sugar (a small snack like a fruit and nut bar is enough)

• KEEP

MOVING! A body at rest stays at rest—boost your energy by power walking

What can you do to prevent obesity?

Interested in learning more? Stay tuned!

Health and the Trucking Industry Due to the sedentary work-life, truck drivers suffer from higher rates of chronic diseases and health conditions such as heart disease, sleep apnea, gastro-intestinal issues and obesity. The FMCSA reports that as many as 28 percent of commercial driver’s license holders have sleep apnea, which can cause additional health and cardiovascular issues.

Conversely, diesel technicians need to ensure their bodies are protected and strong, with a significant part of the daily workload involving lifting heavy objects. Working out and lifting weight is helpful to avoid strained muscles or torn ligaments. Fueling the body properly also assists in rebuilding muscles/developing muscle mass and keeping energy levels up throughout the work day.

Eat healthy and smaller portion sizes.

Drink more water instead of sugary drinks like soda.

Be more physically active.

Track your weight and body mass.

Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/me.html or speak to your doctor

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

*References:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [2012]. Overweight and obesity: causes and consequences [http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes/index.html].

Sieber WK, Robinson CF, Birdsey J, Chen GX, Hitchcock EM, Lincoln JE, Nakata A, Sweeney MH [2014]. Obesity and other risk factors: the National Survey of U.S. Long-Haul Truck Driver Health and Injury. Am J Ind Med (57)615-626. This work was supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health with partial funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.

Did You Know?

Truck drivers have a higher risk of skin cancer. Even though window glass usually has SPF, a driver should be wearing sun protection or applying sunscreen. Especially to the left arm and left side of the face!

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 17

Talking Shop: How to Overcome the Truck Tech Shortage

By Cristina Commendatore

18 | SUMMER 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Working as a diesel truck technician still has a bit of a stigma attached to it.

Much of the general public and upcoming generation of workers view it as a typical blue collar, greasy job, when really, it’s so much more than that.

One of the challenges that the industry has had when it comes to recruiting new blood into the field is publicizing the more recent movement from mechanical diesel engines to electronic diesel engines.

That movement began around the 20082010 timeframe when Environmental Protection Agency mandates and other types of government regulations required less diesel emissions from heavy trucks.

As that progression took place, a lot of the technology in the truck engine itself changed pretty dramatically, explained Patrick Pendergast, vice president of recruiting at Ryder System Inc. “What that does for the technician is really create this environment where you have to be continually learning all of the time to make sure that you’re on top of the changes and what’s coming in,” he said. “The work has really shifted from this image of being a very greasy and dirty job. Now it’s got this technology component to it that many folks just don’t know about.”

Though the role of a truck tech has evolved to a more technological, problem-solving career that would appeal to younger generations, the industry continues to struggle to recruit millennials. Just ask Rush Enterprises COO Michael McRoberts—and he’ll confirm it.

“We could probably hire about 500 technicians right now,” McRoberts said during the most recent Rush Tech Skills Rodeo in San Antonio. “I was talking to one of my regional managers in Ohio and asked how many you’d need tomorrow, and he said 50. That’s just Ohio. So there is absolutely a technician shortage, and there’s no supply change in sight on that.”

According to McRoberts, the key to evolving amid a growing technician shortage is developing younger talent and attracting them into the industry to begin with in this tech age. Part of that includes increasing recruiting efforts within local high schools and vocational schools.

Career advancement and development, pay, and training historically have been the biggest challenges in retaining technicians, McRoberts explained. And throughout the industry, keeping technicians past the first year is always hardest.

Overcoming the learning curve Travis Graham is a technician at Rush Truck Centers in Orlando. At 26 years old, Graham already has two Tech Skills Rodeo competition trophies under his belt, and he has proudly recommended the profession to his friends.

But Graham will be the first to tell you the job is tough and requires tenacity.

Furthermore, there’s a big learning curve to overcome.

“Learn as much as you can as quick as you can because the curve is the hardest part to get over,” Graham told Fleet Owner.

“Take any advice you can. Most of these guys coming in mentor for a little bit under somebody’s wing. I see the techs who succeed and the ones who don’t. Absorb all the information you can because every little bit helps.”

Every day that Graham is on the shop floor, he’s got a full plate and is balancing his time with work orders, pulling in trucks, diagnosing trucks, writing quotes, and speaking with the service providers, service foremen, and dispatchers. Amid all that, he spends quite a bit of time on the computer, working with diagnostic assistance programs and on new warranty claims procedures that OEMs require technicians to follow.

Graham also explained that a larger part of the job now requires techs to think outside the box and troubleshoot problems that at times aren’t described in OEM protocol.

“The manufacturers are coming out with ways to facilitate themselves toward this new millennial crowd,” Graham noted.

“The old generation of technicians is kind of nurturing the rising new techs out there.”

In order to better retain the quality technicians the industry does have, he stressed that shop managers and foremen must have patience with newcomers.

“There is such a big learning curve coming into this career,” Graham reiterated. “It’s a big first step, so managers should be patient and work on growing their techs. I think Rush does a great job with that as far as helping get young techs going.”

As for recruiting new technicians into the industry, Graham suggested companies push more career-type days at local high schools and tech schools to give the next generation of workers a taste of what the job is like and what a successful career choice it could be.

Kevin Smith, who is Graham’s service manager for Rush Truck Centers in Orlando,

manages 55 technicians among three stores in Orlando. He started his career in 2002 as a diesel technician at a Ford dealer in Houston for a company that was eventually acquired by Rush, and he has been with Rush ever since.

“I remember first coming onto the floor and the technician was able to make a lot of decisions, especially in regard to making warranty repairs,” Smith explained. “In the past we had a little more flexibility. The technician now has to be super-efficient and has to really almost have to be somewhat of a person who loves to read and loves to be into the books and looking through the workshop manuals.”

When Smith is looking to hire new technicians, it is mostly for Rush’s Peterbilt store, which is also an Isuzu franchise.

At that location, he explained, there is a shortage of technicians because Isuzu isn’t partnered with a school, such as the Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the way many of the larger companies are.

“So those technicians are extremely hard to find,” he said. “We have to hire those guys out of a local tech school and then send them to Isuzu for training on our dime.

On the Ford side, it’s not too difficult to find technicians, since there is a Ford factory school in almost every UTI location now, Smith explained. But it’s much more difficult to find new techs on the heavy truck side.

“We’re not having a hard time finding kids who are trained and went through the program. It’s just that they don’t have the experience around a big truck,” Smith pointed out. “It seems to take those technicians a little bit longer to get up and going where they can actually be on their own.”

The need for diesel truck techs is expected to grow 10% in the next 10 years or so, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to Ryder’s Pendergast, in order for the industry to keep up with that need, it will require a dedicated effort within the industry.

“I think it requires all of us really taking a good hard look at the places we operate and making sure we are aligning the job and the pay and the benefits to make sure that they’re good quality jobs,” he advised. “It will certainly be a challenge for everyone, but I do think it’s doable. It will require a multipronged approach. It’s not as simple as just going to recruit more technicians because there just won’t be enough.”

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 19

The need for diesel truck techs is expected to grow 10% in the next 10 years The need for diesel truck techs is expected to grow 10% in the next 10 years or so, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Though Pendergast believes the technician shortage challenge is widespread, he explained it can be even more severe in certain parts of the country where the labor pool is even shallower. But in general it’s not just a U.S. problem; it’s global. And that is because of the influx of trucks on the road creating more service-related needs.

“Having both the quantity of technicians you need is one challenge, and then having the technicians who are trained on both the equipment that you’re operating and that you have to work on is another challenge,” he noted. “They’re both contributing to this overall challenge of not enough trained, qualified diesel technicians. If you pair that with pending retirements, with more and more technicians getting closer to retirement age and exiting the industry, you have more exits than you have folks entering the industry.”

Retention efforts One of Rush’s biggest retention efforts is its mentorship program for new technicians.

For the first week or so, new technicians don’t get their own jobs; instead, they

20 | SUMMER 2018

work with mentors. Then, after a week or two—sometimes a month depending on the tech—service managers assign the new techs their own tasks, like preventive maintenance intervals, mud flaps, and DOT inspections. Mentors remain in the bay working with the techs and assisting as needed.

“That seems to be the biggest help because most of the guys who get out of tech school don’t have any experience,” Smith explained. “Most times it’s their first job.

So the mentors are able to really help them out and keep them going. They don’t feel scared to pull that big truck in the shop and actually do something.”

Another retention tactic that Rush has leveraged among all its shops is its Tech Pro Review System, where new technicians are brought in and reviewed every three months. Level two and three technicians are reviewed every six months or so, while the higher-level techs are reviewed annually.

That’s also when managers discuss pay and potential increases.

When Victor Cummings started out his career as a diesel technician, he said he remembers how intimidating the first few months on the floor were, especially since he was a regional tech who had to relocate.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

“You don’t know anybody,” said Cummings, who is now the vice president of service operations at Rush. “You’re starting out new, you’re young, and you don’t have those life experiences to know how to navigate through that kind of change.”

“We would gather the new hires together and we would start out with a very informal weekly meeting: ‘How are you doing? What are you thinking? Are you getting what you need? Do you have any questions or concerns?’” Cummings continued. “That’s really how our mentoring program as it is defined today evolved and was developed— through a collaboration of management, our employees, and most importantly, the new hires.”

Before that mentorship program, technician turnover was about 37.5% to 38%, Cummings noted. Now, he said, turnover is well below the industry standard, which is around 32%. He emphasized that the company-wide goal is to reduce turnover into the mid-20s over the course of the next few years.

“There is no silver bullet,” he said. “I would say first and foremost is embracing the technicians, welcoming them, and providing them with the communication, support, guidance, and feedback they need.

Without that, nothing else happens.”

In addition to that, millennials coming into the workforce today want to understand that they have future career options and upward mobility within a company. So companies like Ryder and Rush are trying to publicize that aspect of the job to attract younger folks to the profession itself. For many companies, it’s happening at almost the high-school level to get new workers interested in the field.

Pendergast stressed the importance of showing new recruits that their careers don’t necessarily have to start and end as a diesel technician.

“It’s where you might start, but then you can progress your career and take it into a number of different ways—into leadership and other parts of our operations, like human resources or safety,” he said. “There are a whole bunch of different jobs you can do after spending time as a technician and learning about the business firsthand.”

In order to appeal to younger generations of workers, Ryder partners with Auto­motive Service Excellence (ASE), the accrediting body for both high school and postsecondary diesel technology training. With that partnership, Ryder not only trains ASE instructors, but it also provides insight as to

what actually happens inside the shop and out in the field.

As part of its retention efforts, Ryder holds an annual Top Tech event in which technicians throughout the company compete for cash prizes.

Ryder also has used its partnership with the military as a resource by introducing transitioning service members into its diesel technician program. Through its training program, a transitioning service member gets 12 weeks of training and a guaranteed opportunity to interview and find a position with Ryder at the conclusion of that training.

Once a veteran is hired at Ryder, he or she goes through the company’s Veteran Buddy Program, which links newcomers with a Ryder employee who is also a veteran. While these men and women are transitioning to a new job and civilian life, they have a mentor who can walk them through the onboarding and transitioning processes at the company.

Ryder is also focused on attracting more women into some of these technician roles and into the industry as a whole.

“That’s really through our work with the Women In Trucking Association and getting the word out to women that we have terrific opportunities, whether it be as a technician or as a driver, dispatcher, manager, or leadership.”

Ryder holds an annual Top Tech event in which technicians throughout the company compete to see who is the company’s number one technician in the field. That event, which is similar to the Rush Tech Skills Rodeo, allows technicians to gain recognition in their peer group and compete for money and other perks. The competitions have become solid retention efforts for both companies.

“I think the one thing that seems to be true across the board is that technicians love to up their skill set—and they love to learn,” Pendergast noted. “We really work hard to make sure those technicians hired into our company have an opportunity to continue to learn more and build their skills.”

This article was reprinted with permission from Fleet Owner. For more information please visit www.fleetowner.com.

“We’re severely underrepresented from a female standpoint,” Pendergast stressed.

SAE and TMC type II tests The only tire and complete wheel assembly balancing product proven to improve fuel economy in independently run SAE and TMC type II tests.*

The significant improvements in fuel economy recorded in the SAE J1321/TMC RP-1102 tests were achieved by precision balancing all of the tires with Counteract Balancing Beads.

Perfectly balanced wheel ends reduce tire rolling resistance by minimizing sidewall flexing, tire squirm, and road-shock rebound.

www.counteractbalancing.com 1 800 572 8952

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 21

With expanded service across Florida, your fleet is in good hands.

OUR FLORIDA LOCATIONS

From Jacksonville to Miami, Snider Fleet Solutions has got you covered for tire and mechanical service— including tire management programs. From our 10 locations, we provide emergency roadside service 24/7.

SniderFleet.com 22 | SUMMER 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

Commercial Tires Mechanical Services • Industrial and OTR Tires • Used Trucks • •

800-528-2840

“Excellence in Transportation”

Salem has grown its business by providing world class service to its customers for over 50 years. Contact Salem today to design a customized, cost-effective fleet management or logistics solution to meet your company’s specific needs.

Phone: (904) 493-1960 Email: sean.kelly@salemcorp.com Learn more on the web: www.salemcorp.com

Full Service Leasing Fleet Maintenance Programs Commercial Rentals Vehicle Sales Dedicated/Logistics Services

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 23

Florida Schools Help “Drive” the Trucking Industry order to enter these programs, students must exhibit a safe driving record, be at least 18 years of age and comply with state and federal licensing requirements as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

By Rod Duckworth, Chancellor, Division of Career and Adult Education A growing concern in Florida, as well as across the nation, is the rising need for well-qualified commercial drivers. These drivers deliver large quantities of goods and products to meet the ever-increasing demands of Florida’s population. Florida’s educational institutions continue to assist in addressing the need for qualified employees in this important industry as well as other industries throughout the state.

Florida’s technical and state colleges are doing their part to meet the demand for qualified drivers by providing students with opportunities to earn either a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License through a planned program of study. In

24 | SUMMER 2018

The Commercial Vehicle Driving program prepares students to earn their Class A Commercial Driver License.

Students are trained to operate Class A trucks which are typically referred to as semi-trucks where the powertrain is separated from the payload section.

The Class A program includes 320 hours of classroom instruction and 1000 miles of road driving, all under the supervision of a qualified commercial vehicle driver, prior to completion of the program.

Approximately 330 students chose to earn a Class A license by attending classes at one of the eight technical colleges or five state colleges offering the Commercial Vehicle Driving program.

The Commercial Class B Driving program prepares students to earn their Class B Commercial Driver License and operate Class B trucks which are typically large box trucks or other trucks where the frame includes both the powertrain and the payload area.

These trucks include delivery trucks, garbage removal trucks and other similar

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

vehicles. The Class B licensing program requires 150 hours of classroom training and 200 miles of road driving. In 2017, nearly 600 students took advantage of the opportunity to earn a Class B license by attending classes offered at one of eight of the state’s technical colleges.

Whereas Florida’s technical and state colleges endeavor to provide the talent necessary to fill the immediate gap, we must also focus efforts to build the talent pipeline well into the future. Consequently, making our middle school and high school students and their parents aware of the career opportunities associated with transportation, distribution and logistics is essential.

A great example of building awareness was the “Share the Road Blitz” presentation made in Duval County high schools and featured in the Fall 2017 issue of Florida Truck News Magazine.

The program paired commercial truck drivers with officials with the Florida Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement team to share information about the dangers associated with distracted driving and how to share the road safely with commercial vehicles.

Students had an opportunity to sit in

the driver’s seat of a semi and learn the perspective of what a commercial driver “sees and doesn’t see” while operating these vehicles.

While this was a public safety presentation aimed at all early drivers, undoubtedly for some, sitting in the commercial driver’s seat may have sparked greater awareness and interest in terms of future career aspirations as a driver or in one of the many occupations that support the transportation industry.

Our schools value their community partners who sponsor field trips, teacher summer externships, participate in career days and expos and many other activities to build awareness and interest in students. These efforts are invaluable to our school communities so please consider reaching out to your local school district today to inquire how your company can be the local solution in helping to shape the career aspirations of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.

The focus for all Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Florida is to prepare students for a future career in occupations which are important to the economic sustainability of our state and the nation. The CTE Programs section within the Florida Department of Education works to develop and maintain educational programs that prepare individuals for occupations important to Florida’s economic development. These programs are organized into 17 different career clusters and are geared toward middle school, high school, district technical school and Florida College System students throughout the state.

With the help of partners in education, business and industry, and trade associations, CTE is designed to meet the needs of our customers, which include students, business and industry, school districts, Florida colleges, and correctional institutions. Each program includes the academic and technical skills required to be successful in today’s economy.

For more information about career and technical education programs available in Florida, please visit http:// fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/ career-tech-edu/.

Florida Department of Education Career and Technical Education Transportation Distribution & Logistics Coursework Middle School Courses • Introduction to Transportation,Distribution and Logistics • Introduction to Transportation, Distribution and Logistics and Career Planning • Orientation to Career Clusters • Secondary Courses/Programs • Automotive Collision Technology • Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair • Aviation Assembly and Fabrication • Aviation Maintenance General • Avionics Systems • Commercial Fishing • Diesel Maintenance Technology • Global Logistics and Supply Chain Technology • Mobile Electronics Technology • Motorcycle Service Technologies • Outboard Marine Service Technology • Power Equipment Technology • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations

Secondary/PSAV Programs • Advanced Automotive Service Technology • Advanced Automotive Service Technology 1 • Advanced Automotive Service Technology 2 • Aircraft Coating and Corrosion Control Technology • Alternative Fuels Technology • Automotive CNG/ LPG Technology • Automotive Collision Technology Technician • Automotive Customer Service Advisor • Automotive Drivetrain Technician • Automotive Electrical Technician • Automotive General Service Technician • Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician • Automotive Performance Technician • Automotive Service Technology • Automotive Service Technology 1 • Automotive Service Technology 2 • Aviation Airframe Mechanics • Aviation Powerplant Mechanics • Avionics Systems Technician • Commercial Class “B” Driving • Commercial Vehicle Driving • Construction Vehicle Technician

• Diesel Maintenance Technician • Global Logistics and Supply Chain Technology • Heavy Equipment Operations Technician • Heavy Equipment Service Technician • Marine Service Technologies • Diesel Systems Technician • Diesel Systems Technician 1 • Diesel Systems Technician 2 • Power Equipment Technologies • Transit Technician 1 • Transit Technician 2 •Transit Technician 3

Degree & Certificate Programs • Automotive Service Management Technology • Automotive Service Technician • General Automotive Technician • Aviation Administration • Air Cargo Management • Airline/Aviation Management • Airport Management • Passenger Service Agent • Aviation Maintenance Administration • Aviation Maintenance Management • Aviation Airframe Mechanics) • Aviation Mechanic • Aviation Powerplant Mechanics • Aviation Operations • Dealer-Specific Automotive Technology/Manufacture-Specific Automotive Service Technology • Dealer Line Technician • Dealer Service Technician • Marine Engineering, Management and Seamanship • Marine Electrician • Marine Propulsion Technician • Marine Systems Technician • Marine Technology • Professional Pilot Technology • Commercial Pilot • Supply Chain Management • Logistics and Transportation Specialist • Transportation and Logistics • Intermodal Freight Transportation • International Freight Transportation • Unmanned Vehicle Systems Operations

http://fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 25

Improved Online Services for IRP and IFTA The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services, is in the final stages of a project to enhance the user friendliness of its electronic credentialing system for IRP and IFTA. This online system is a web application originally deployed around 2007. It has historically been referred to as the “CVISN” e-file portal, due to its development under the auspices of the federal Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) program.

The IRP and IFTA services that can be processed online are registration renewals, transferring apportioned plates, adding vehicles to an account, ordering duplicate cab cards, filing tax returns, and ordering IFTA decals. When the online system is used effectively,

26 | SUMMER 2018

transactions can take a handful of days rather than weeks to process, making it one of the most efficient ways to obtain IRP and IFTA credentials. However, usage of online services had stagnated, due to persistent bugs and limited resources for properly maintaining the system.

When the opportunity arose this fiscal year to address some of these issues, the Bureau collaborated with the Department’s IT division to recruit specialized programmers that could enhance system functionality.

The primary goal of the project is to encourage carriers to take full advantage of the system. It is anticipated that greater usage of online services will help alleviate the volume of mail that is currently processed manually and, in

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

turn, reduce current wait times for mail and walk-in services.

The proposed enhancements were carefully prioritized, bearing in mind that this system is already slated to be replaced in its entirety within the next two to three years. Consequently, the Bureau was selective about the areas where development needed to focus. It was determined that the best value was in improving the online tax filing process.

When filed online, tax returns require little to no human intervention. When filed on paper, they create a huge cyclical workload for the Bureau. Consequently, many of the system changes will benefit IFTA tax filers.

Effective July 1, 2018, users of the online system will see several improvements.

They include simpler and more logical workflows, clearer and more helpful warning messages and instructions, more built-in edits to prevent common input errors, and improved process flows for making payments or requesting a tax credit refund. In addition, users will be able to file amended tax returns online and use their mobile devices to access these same electronic services.

The Bureau is actively working to get the word out about these changes. For starters, a special insert has been created to go out with the mail out of 2nd Quarter 2018 tax returns. As part of the overall effort to bring new attention to IRP and IFTA electronic services, the online system has also been re-branded as the “Commercial Vehicle Electronic Services” system or E-File for short.

Firm supply.

Flexible solutions.

Pivotal LNG is committed to providing customers with liquefied natural gas supply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Contact us to design a flexible, cost-effective solution for your fleet.

pivotallng.com | 713.300.5116 | info@pivotallng.com Follow us on © 2017 Southern Company. All rights reserved. PLNG-15680

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 27

ON THE MOVE

Moves +News Update on people and places in the FTA membership

In May, Landstar System employees commemorated the company’s latest milestone—10,000 trucks provided by Landstar owner-operators. “In this current market of heightened competition for the best owner-operators in the business, it is quite an achievement for Landstar to hit the 10,000 trucks mark,” said Rocco Davanzo, executive vice president of capacity development for Landstar Transportation Logistics.

Maudlin International Truck & Trailer opened its new state of the art dealership April 9th. With a 50,000 sq. ft. shop, 45 bays and a 24,000 sq. ft. parts warehouse, the new dealership will support the

28 | SUMMER 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

ever-growing commercial truck industry within the Orlando market. This location will double as Maudlin International’s flagship location serving Greater Orlando as well as the corporate headquarters for all of Maudlin International’s six locations throughout the State of Florida. Plans are to hire 30-50 new employees over the next few years. “By building this new facility, we are investing heavily in the success of our customers in Orlando, and we feel confident that this growth will better serve our customers for generations to come,” said Mike Maudlin, Vice President of Maudlin International.

Duanne Kirkland retiring afer 44 years of Service

Recent UPS Milestones: Duanne Kirkland punched out for the last time, after 44 years of service and 35 years of safe

Thomas Gibbs honored for 25 years of safe driving Caption John Collins (Middle) and Sandi Edwards (Right) Honored with lifetime achievement awards

and heavy/specialized services, serving as executive vice president of specialized freight services for the past five years.

During her 41-year career with Landstar companies, Edwards has worked in rates, billing, credit and collections, operations brokerage and capacity qualifications. She was promoted to her current role as vice president of capacity qualifications in 2006.

Chris Barker honored for 39 years of safe driving and 42 years of service

driving; Thomas Gibbs recently entered the UPS Circle of Honor after achieving 25 years of safe driving; and Chris Barker achieved 39 years of safe driving and 42 years of service.

Peoples Services, a logistics firm based in Canton, Ohio, acquired the assets of The Grimes Companies. in Jacksonville, a Ike Sherlock move that substantially expands the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warehousing and distribution services in the southeastern United States. The Grimes businesses will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Peoples Services as Grimes Total Distribution.

In March, Executive Vice President Ike Sherlock was named President of The

Rick Owens (Left) accepting Landstar Safety Officer of the year AwardAward

Grimes Companies. Sherlock has been with Grimes in a senior role for the past twelve years. In June, Grimes Trucking Company and Grimes Trucking Services was renamed Total Distribution Trucking.

Landstar honors their own: In April, Landstar System presented the 2017 Landstar Safety Officer of the Year Award to independent Landstar Agent Rick Owens during Landstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Agent Convention in Boca Raton.

Landstar Transportation Logistics Executive Vice President of Specialized Freight Services John Collins and Landstar Transportation Logistics Vice President of Capacity Qualifications Sandi Edwards were both awarded with the Jeffrey C. Crowe-Robert E. Zonneville Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout his 33 years with Landstar, Collins has worked in operations, business development

Eddie Moody, Sr., new member of the Florida Road Team, was recently elected as Ambassador at Werner Enterprises.

This role includes teaching new drivers about the fundamentals of truck driving and safety; helping prepare current drivers to pass level one inspections; doing presentations on truck driving at workshops; attending events for Werner Enterprises; going to elementary and high schools for workshops; and helping his fellow drivers with any needs and concerns they may have with Werner Enterprises.

ORBCOMM announced in October that it has acquired Blue Tree Systems Limited (Blue Tree) based in Galway, Ireland, along with its subsidiaries in the United States, Germany and France. Blue Tree provides world-class transportation management solutions across multiple classes of assets that include trucks, refrigerated straight trucks as well as refrigerated and dry trailers. Blue Tree serves more than 300 customers in North America, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 29

ON THE MOVE Michael Morrissey of Suddath was named the 2018 Household Goods Van Operator of the Year for the East Region for United Van Lines. The award recognizes the van operator delivering the highest level of customer service, quality and safety. A 30-year veteran in the industry, Morrissey is stationed out of the Suddath Central Florida office and has traversed over two million miles as a van operator. He is known for his professionalism, courtesy and quality and instills these qualities in new drivers he mentors. This is the second consecutive year a Suddath van operator from the

company’s Central Florida office has won the award.

Four Star Freightliner held its grand opening celebration in March for its newest dealership in Midway. “We will be better able to support the transient customers by being easily accessible to Interstate 10 and the two largest truck stops in the area,” said Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner Dealer Principal. “Not only will customers have greater access and visibility, there is much more space to support our customers’ needs for parts, sales and service.”

In addition to opening a new dealership in Midway, Four Star Freightliner is excited for the new diesel technician program that will begin as a result of a partnership with the Gadsden Technical Institute. The new training program will initially be housed inside the new Four Star Freightliner

Grand opening for Quality Distribution corporate offices in Tampa

building. “The average diesel technician with five or more years’ experience has the potential to make $80,000 a year or more,” said Kocan. “It’s exciting for Four Star Freightliner to be part of helping to grow and develop jobs in this great county.”

Quality Distribution had a grand opening in April for their new corporate headquarters in downtown Tampa’s Channel District. The company is already seeing the benefits of a walkable location and a creative open office concept in recruiting millennial, tech-savvy talent.

“As downtown Tampa makes a dramatic transformation into a live-work-play destination, more millennials are realizing this is where they want to be,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, in attendance at the opening. “Quality Distribution’s relocation to the Channel District will help ensure the company has the talent it needs for years to come.” Initially built with grocery/retail in mind, the space includes loading bays and high ceilings.

Murphy USA named Florida Rock & Tank Lines its Carrier of the Year for 2017. The business relationship between Murphy USA and Florida Rock & Tank Lines dates back to 1996 when Murphy opened its first store in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Freightliner’s grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony in Midway

30 | SUMMER 2018

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

“We are proud to be recognized by Murphy USA for a SIXTH time as Carrier of the Year,” said Rob Sandlin, CEO of Patriot Transportation, the parent company of Florida Rock & Tank Lines. “The dedication of our employees to the Murphy USA business, and focus on our mission to provide the safest and most reliable customer service, is second to none. I want to thank our dedicated employees, and especially our dispatch personnel and drivers, for the professional way in which they perform to satisfy our customer’s needs in a very demanding business environment.”

Congratulations to FTA member company Owen & Associates. They were named a Best Place to Work in Jacksonville for the second year in a row by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Kathy Fulton, CEO of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), reached out to FTA with an emergency request: ALAN had been asked by Catholic Charities of Florida for help moving 66 pallets of baby supplies from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans to Ocala, for eventual shipment to Puerto Rico.

Joshua Smith from USA Truck and Mike Cobb from Landstar responded immediately and handled the transportation of the baby supplies from the Louisiana Air National Headquarters to the Crossroads Alliance warehouse.

Similarly, ALAN was working with a non-profit sending durable medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs to Puerto Rico in February. While the ocean transport was lined up, Kathy needed to identify trucking companies who would provide ground transport for 31 pallets from Atlanta to Jacksonville. David Teichert of Raven Transport stepped up to the plate to assist.

These are but two examples of FTA members and their companies volunteering their resources in a crisis or when people are in need.

We couldn’t be more proud of the FTA family!

F TA M E M B E R S :

ONE MONTH OF PREPASS

OUR TREAT! Get a free month of PrePass weigh station bypass.

Treat yourself to significant savings in time, fuel and money. Try it today!

prepass.com/FL | 866-228-1424 Offer good for first time PrePass customers for the PrePass weigh station bypass service. Service contingent upon application approval. Qualified applicants will receive service transponder and one month of service at no up-front cost. At the end of the trial period, service will automatically renew at regular PrePass rates.

Customers may cancel service at any time.

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

SUMMER 2018 | 31

Getting to Know You:

Alex Conlan Technicians aren’t just experts in diesel engines—there are some specialized fields such as tire maintenance and retreading that the trucking industry depends on to keep freight moving. Conlan Tire and his team are perfect examples of this.

Conlan Tire is based in Mulberry and was founded by Alex Conlan in 2015.

They specialize in setting the bar at a new level when it comes to retread quality and innovation. They have a fleet of 60 service trucks capable of servicing the biggest offroad tires or industrial forklift press-ons.

What made you decide to go into the tire retreading business?

When I was 18 years old, the only place that would hire me was a commercial retread shop. Turns out, working in the watermelon fields was great training for stacking truck tires.

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

I once crossed the country on an XR650 Dirt Bike.

32 | SUMMER 2018

What was the most challenging thing about starting your business?

families show up to support them! Very touching.

The most challenging task in starting our business was finding the right team members to build this company with you.

Strangest reason a tire needed to be fixed?

What is something most people don’t know about your industry?

Technology has grown leaps and bounds in our business. Retreading today is nothing like it was years ago in the top shops.

Who do you most admire?

I admire my mom and dad because they raised 7 children on a small farm.

Best thing about having kids?

Best thing about having kids is being able to play with their toys!

What was the best thing about SuperTech this year?

I really enjoyed seeing how much the event meant to the participants. I couldn’t believe how many of them had their

FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS

We were not able to fix the tire, however, we had a road call for a flat and once we arrived on site, it did not take long for us to figure out the guy had hit a porcupine.

Porcupines will ruin a tire!

Best vacation you ever took?

I took a week off and stayed at home with my family… BEST IDEA EVER!!

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

I was told not to start my own business.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I actually wanted to be a truck driver.

If you could move anywhere, where would it be?

Continental Tire asked me this once, and I said “Florida”!

Values Drive Performance Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence

800.228.8602

gwccnet.com

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

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

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

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

STAY SAFE IN ALL SEASONS

Spring isn’t all flowers and sunshine. It’s slippery patches of road and landslides from melting ice.

And it’s staying safe from those dangers behind the wheel of a trusted Volvo from Nextran.

NextranUSA.com