2023 Lifeliner Magazine --- Issue 4

SERVING THE INDUSTRY

IMTA has decades worth of experience in serving and advocating for the industry; however, IMTA’s Chairman of the Board is now challenging members to step up their advocacy game in 2024.

Issue 4, 2023

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Issue 4, 2023

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Building Your Personal Brand

Whether you like it or not, you’re building a personal brand. Like with anything in your career, however, building your brand isn’t a one-time thing. It will take time and effort, and it requires consistent upkeep.

Preserving our Prominence

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The Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation is embarking on one final renovation effort to ensure that the IMTA building remains a recognized and respected symbol for Iowa’s trucking industry.

FEATURES p3

Chairman’s Message

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President’s Message

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National Update

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Up Close & Personal

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Iowa Update

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ATRI Update

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ATA Update

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Human Resources Insight

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Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation

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IMTA Update

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IMTA Schedule of Events

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Final Thought

OUR STAFF BRENDA NEVILLE, CAE President & CEO

EMILY HOUSBY Education & Events Manager

brenda@iowamotortruck.com

emily@iowamotortruck.com

JANELLE STEVENS Director of Communications, Education & Events

GARY HANDLEY Special Projects Coordinator

janelle@iowamotortruck.com

ALLISON MEINERS Director of Safety & Member Services

gary@iowamotortruck.com

KEVIN WILLIAMS Special Projects Coordinator kevin@iowamotortruck.com

allison@iowamotortruck.com

MP DESIGN Design & Cover Illustration MPDesign.biz

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION 717 East Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 515.244.5193 | iowamotortruck.com

SPONSORS IFC p2 p4 p10 p11

Thompson Truck & Trailer Truck Center Companies Truck Country TrueNorth Companies

Great West Casualty Company

p16 p17

Renewable Energy Group

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Scale Funding Thermo King Sales & Service

IMTA Cornerstone Sponsors

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GTG Peterbilt Ziegler CAT

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Central Trailer Service IMTA Show Trailer

p28 p29 p34

MHC Kenworth

p38 IBC BC

IMTA Website

Alliance Interstate Risk Quality Services Corp.

Trivista Companies

Midwest Peterbilt Group Midwest Wheel Companies

ISSUE 4, 2023

1

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CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE What does it mean, “to serve?”

my entire career within the trucking industry. I have a

Serve – a verb meaning to perform duties or services

back-office vantage point. I have a financial and admin-

for, such as another person or an organization. Who might serve? A waitress. An attendant. An aid worker.

Military. A caregiver. An advocate!

istrative background.

I have worked side-by-side with many passionate individuals within this industry. A former IMTA Chairman,

That is what this great association, the IMTA, is all

Murry Fitzer gave me the oppor-

about. We are about serving as an advocate or support-

tunity to be his CFO and I had no

ing a cause that is solely here to improve the trucking

trucking experience. But he took

industry, the companies operating in it, and all the great

a chance on me and quickly helped

people that earn a living every day giving a part of their

me get familiar with trucking and

life to it.

was a great leader and friend.

The IMTA has decades of history serving and advocat-

However, my background

ing for the industry. The IMTA membership has stepped

should not suggest I do not

up time and time again to assist in this important work

understand the importance of my

and we have a proven record of meaningful successes to

unique opportunity to represent

highlight the efforts of service by many different people

the IMTA this upcoming year. I

in the industry.

simply care!

Why do we serve? You have seen the scenes on news

And simply caring is what drives

broadcasts or web postings where a small group of people

IMTA members to get involved,

influence the narrative simply because they have taken

stay involved and support an orga-

the time to demonstrate their passion about a topic.

nization that supports them.

That is the epitome of a collective voice.

We cannot allow their narrative to jeopardize our way of surviving in our industry. Someone is going to change our world, and darn it, it might as well be us!

How can we serve? The IMTA has many opportu-

I am proud and honored to be the 2024 IMTA Chairman of the Board.

To serve in this leadership role fits in well with the Serving For Success mission of Stutsman’s, a wonderful family organization where I currently serve as President

nities for each one of us to do their part. There are specialty councils, various events, and numerous task force and committee opportunities to help people get involved.

It is also important to note that simply showing up and supporting an IMTA event

SCOTT SZYMANEK IMTA’s Chairman of the Board

& CFO. People do busi-

WE CANNOT ALLOW THEIR NARRATIVE TO JEOPARDIZE OUR WAY OF SURVIVING IN OUR INDUSTRY. SOMEONE IS GOING TO CHANGE OUR WORLD, AND DARN IT, IT MIGHT AS WELL BE US!

or activity is far too often an

ness with people, and I hope the values learned from 11 years with this small farming community values organization will show through in the next year.

My ask of each of you is to find a way, great or

underrated way to serve, but it is extremely important

small, to serve more. Find some way to help yourself,

and valuable.

your livelihood, your companies, and this industry we

Specific calls to serve are not the only ways, though

all love.

to support this association and Iowa’s trucking industry.

How we go about our day-to-day activities showing

TELL OUR GREAT STORY! DISSPELL THE

others how trucking is a great industry full of extraor-

UNTRUTH ABOUT OUR INDUSTRY! As for me, I’m nowhere near the smartest guy in the room. I don’t own a company, nor have I lived or worked

dinary people is just as important.

We have a great story to tell so let’s get out there and tell it!

ISSUE 4, 2023

3

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As we come to the end of another year, I always find

the needle for IMTA members, and they are committed

great value in reflecting on our efforts over the last 12

to leading IMTA in a manner that garners respect and

months and we have had another successful year at IMTA.

admiration, while also getting results.

While the highlight of 2023 will always be the passage

And we are finally fully staffed up at the IMTA offices.

of the historic lawsuit abuse legislation, there were many

For the first time in over a decade we have all the full-time

other important successes that also deserve to be noted

positions filled. The professional staff at IMTA is second

as we reflect on 2023.

to none. They are hardworking,

Our leadership programs and the impact of the LEAD

focused, and extremely moti-

Council is truly inspirational. Working with the next

vated in serving the member-

generation of trucking leaders continually reminds me

ship at the highest level. They

that our world is in good hands despite what we may

are also a very special group

feel as chaos and uncertainty prevails in every corner

of individuals that mean the

of the globe.

world to me personally. Given

The overwhelming demand for our show trailer at

the amount of time we spend

events throughout the state is a constant testament to the

together, I consider every single

value of this workforce program. Our driver and work-

one of them to be an extension

force ambassadors are making a monumental impact.

of my family. I see their dedica-

Over 14,000 people have been introduced to the trucking

tion and passion in everything

industry by spending time in the trailer and I am confi-

they do, and I am honored to

dent that we are not only attracting future drivers and

work with them in fulfilling the

mechanics but many others that have discovered the

mission of our association.

possibilities of a career in trucking.

Our truck driving championships, our membership

From my perspective, there

BRENDA NEVILLE IMTA President & CEO

is nothing more fulfilling and

outreach events, social hours, educational sessions, webi-

rewarding than coming to work every day and seeing the

nars, and our management conference continued to see

long list of priorities and objectives that we have in front

growth in registration numbers in 2023. We have enthu-

of us. Trucking is a dynamic and exciting industry. Every

siastic and consistent support on our committees and special task force assignments. We pivoted from a tech competition to a conference for maintenance professionals that proved to be wildly popular, and we launched

day is full of promise and pos-

THERE IS NOTHING MORE FULFILLING AND REWARDING THAN COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY AND SEEING THE LONG LIST OF PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES THAT WE HAVE IN FRONT OF US.

two new conferences (finance and sustainability) that exceeded our expectations and attracted a whole new group of IMTA members to the table.

sibilities along with challenges and obstacles. We have that same environment at the IMTA office and while we have had a tremendously successful year, there is still important work to do and even more to conquer as

we move into 2024.

Serving you is an honor and a privilege and I am grateful to be a part of Iowa’s trucking industry.

Our volunteer leaders are engaged, attentive, and

Your support is deeply appreciated and we look for-

aggressive in setting future goals for IMTA. They rec-

ward to exceeding your expectations in the upcoming

ognize the tenacity and fortitude that is needed to move

year.

ISSUE 4, 2023

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NATIONAL NEWS New FMCSA Rule to Curb Fraud in Brokerage Operations In an effort to stem financial fraud in the broker industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is amending its complex regulation pertaining to financial responsibility requirements for brokers of property and freight forwarders.

In a final rule, the agency said brokers, surety providers and financial institutions must comply with new provisions regarding immediate suspension, financial failure or insolvency, and enforcement authority beginning Jan. 16, 2025.

And by Jan. 15, 2026, brokers, surety providers and financial institutions must comply with provisions regarding assets readily available and entities eligible to provide trust funds for FMCSA Form BMC-85, Broker’s or Freight Forwarder’s Trust Fund Agreement.

“This rule will result in benefits to motor carriers,” the agency said. “FMCSA believes that most brokers operate with integrity and uphold the contracts made with motor carriers and shippers. However, a minority of brokers with unscrupulous business practices can create unnecessary financial hardship for unsuspecting motor carriers.”

Specifically, the agency laid out the rule’s requirements in five areas: • Assets readily available: The final rule sets out a list of the acceptable asset types a BMC-85 trust may contain. FMCSA has determined that these asset types are readily available because they are stable in value and can be easily liquidated within seven calendar days of an event that triggers a payment from the trust. “FMCSA has therefore determined that cash, ILCs issued by a federally insured depository institution, and Treasury bonds will constitute the acceptable categories of assets readily available,” it said. The agency added that it considers this to be the broadest range of assets that meet the criteria set by Congress.

• Immediate suspension of broker/freight forwarder operating authority: When a broker or freight forwarder’s available financial security falls below $75,000, FMCSA may suspend its operating authority registration. FMCSA said this process would be triggered when there is a drawdown on the broker or freight forwarder’s surety bond or trust fund, “meaning when a broker or freight forwarder consents to the drawdown and the instrument value drops below $75,000; when a broker or freight forwarder does not respond to adequate notice of a claim by a surety or trust fund provider, and the surety or trust provider pays the claim, and the instrument value drops below $75,000; or when a claim is reduced to a judgment, the surety or trust fund provider pays the judgment, and the instrument value drops below $75,000.”

• Surety or trust responsibilities in cases of broker/freight forwarder financial failure or insolvency: The rule requires that if the surety/ trustee becomes aware that a broker or freight forwarder is experiencing financial failure or insolvency, it must notify FMCSA and initiate cancellation of the financial responsibility. However, if the broker or freight forwarder subsequently cures the default, and the surety company or financial institution reinstates the bond or trust or the broker or freight forwarder obtains a new bond or trust, FMCSA will lift the suspension notice and update the FMCSA Register, the agency said.

• Enforcement authority: Calls for suspension of a surety or trust fund provider’s authority in certain circumstances. The agency will first provide notice of the suspension to the surety/trust fund provider, followed by 30 calendar days for the surety or trust fund provider to respond before a final agency decision is issued.

• Entities eligible to provide trust funds for BMC-85 filings: FMCSA removes loan and finance companies from the list of providers eligible to serve as BMC-85 trustees because this type of institution is not subject to the rigorous federal regulations applicable to chartered depository institutions or to the state regulations.

FMCSA Rule Restricts Emergency HOS Waivers to 14 Days A rule recently adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration cuts from 30 to 14 the maximum number of days a state may waive hours-of-service regulations during a state of emergency, a move that has drawn criticism from some stakeholders but which emerges as a compromise from the agency’s previous, more strict proposed five-day limit.

“This rule ensures that the relief granted through emergency declarations is appropriate and tailored to the specifics of the circumstances and emergencies being addressed,” FMCSA wrote in its Federal Register final rule announcement last month. The rule is set to take effect Dec. 12.

The agency also revised some of the operational guideposts when waivers are in effect.

“This rule also revises the process for extending automatic emergency regulatory relief where circumstances warrant and allows for potential reporting requirements when FMCSA issues an extension or modification,” it said.

The change comes even as the agency itself in its initial December proposal acknowledged that no specific “quantitative evidence” existed that 30-day emergency hours-of-service exemptions have led to a “degradation of safety.” However, the agency stressed that it is “generally accepted that driver fatigue increases risk of safety

HOS continued on page 7 6

IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

NATIONAL NEWS Iowa Motor Truck Association’s Neville Asks US Senate Committee to Endorse Legislation to Expand Truck Parking During a wide-ranging hearing about transportation safety, Iowa Motor Truck Association President Brenda Neville called on the Environment and Public Works Committee to endorse legislation meant to expand access for truck parking.

“The priority that we have right now is — as I said in my opening statement — we have 313,000 parking spaces and 3.5 million drivers.

So, the shortage is real in every single state. And the option that truck drivers have now is that if they can’t find a space, they are parking on the side of the road. They’re parking on an off-ramp,” Neville said at the EPW hearing. For emphasis, she continued, “We need more truck parking across the nation.”

Also on the trucking industry’s radar is the push for modernizing equipment. Repealing a 12% excise tax on the purchase of new trucks would facilitate efforts to upgrade fleets with newer and safer features, Neville told the Senate panel.

Neville, representing American Trucking Associations on Capitol Hill, pointed to the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. Co-sponsored

by Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, the bill would approve grants for state agencies specific for the expansion of truck parking facilities. A companion version of the bill was approved by a House panel earlier this year. Neither version has advanced in its respective chamber.

“Arizonans rely on trucks to deliver crucial goods. But finding safe, reliable parking is still a challenge for many truckers,” Kelly said. “And they need that parking to get the job done. That’s why I’m working to make our roads safer by expanding freight truck parking.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has touted ongoing programs and funding opportunities meant to improve highway safety and

truck parking availability. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded South Dakota a $61.1 million grant for freight corridor improvements, including the expansion of truck parking facilities.

“Truck parking is a great example of an unglamorous issue that has actually proven to be a life safety issue,” Buttigieg said. “And, ultimately, a supply chain issue because it’s becoming a factor in our ability as a country to recruit and retain [the] kind of truck drivers we need, who sometimes will leave the career because of issues like the inability to find convenient, reliable, predictable access to safe parking.”

Of the 12% excise tax on the purchase of new trucks, Neville said the World War I-era tax acts as a persistent hindrance on the industry’s aim to fully transition to new trucks. As she put it, “Congress must eliminate the 12% federal excise tax on new trucks and trailers that creates a disincentive to purchasing and deploying equipment with the latest safety and emissions technologies.”

“Adding a 12% federal surcharge — which amounts to an additional $25,000 to the cost of new equipment on average — is a significant disincentive,” she continued. “This tax is anti-safety and should be abolished.”

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the EPW committee, is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation that would repeal the tax. The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act has yet to be considered by a committee of jurisdiction. “It’s time to repeal this outdated and onerous tax on our Hoosier truckers,” said Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), a co-sponsor.

HOS continued from page 6 incidents, and that one of the leading causes of driver fatigue is driving for too long and working long hours without adequate opportunities for restorative sleep.”

This lack of specific evidence was a central aspect of why a wide variety of trade organizations including American Trucking Associations, the American Association for State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association essentially dubbed the initial proposal as a solution looking for a problem. They were joined in opposition by the state of North Dakota.

“After hearing concerns from many of our state jurisdiction members, CVSA is asking FMCSA to reconsider the duration of the automatic regulatory relief that takes effect upon a regional declaration of emergency by a governor, a governor’s authorized representative or FMCSA,” CVSA wrote in a Nov. 2 letter to FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson. The group seeks broader autonomy for states.

Despite the agency concessions, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance still opposes the final rule.

ISSUE 4, 2023

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NATIONAL NEWS Mergers and Acquisitions Market Begins to Accelerate After a drop in merger and acquisition activity, analysts believe the market has turned a corner. Driven by uncertain economic conditions earlier this year, M&A has now started to rebound.

million in stolen shipments. The report noted that much of the increase is due to shipment misdirection attacks, which also drove a spike in the second quarter.

Analysts have noted that both the buyer and seller side need a stable environment to transact. The first half of the year lacked that, so it became difficult for sellers to enter the market. As a result, business owners have been waiting on the sidelines. But that has started to change with the higher interest rates and soft freight conditions beginning to stabilize.

“Instead of striking one load, they’re going after three or four loads at one time,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at CargoNet. “They’re getting bolder; they’re getting more brazen. I wouldn’t say they’re getting desperate, but the value of these goods on the open market is driving up the risk of theft.”

The investment banking and advisory firm Republic Partners found M&A deal volumes are down 25% to 35% year-over-year. But that has picked up as the sector heads toward the end of the year, with much of that activity coming from strategic buyers. These companies operate in the same industry as their acquisitions, as opposed to a financial buyer.

Lincoln International data showed the trucking sector experienced between a 20% and 30% decrease year-over-year in deal activity through the end of the third quarter. But it also showed there has been some momentum that’s been building that is expected to pick up in 2024.

The CargoNet report noted that thefts increased in every category it tracks, with strategic events climbing 430% year-over-year and theft of a loaded conveyance increasing 4%.

THEY’RE USING THE VULNERABILITIES IN OUR SUPPLY CHAIN, WHICH IS MOVING AT A RAPID PACE. ANYTIME YOU’RE MOVING SOMETHING AT A RAPID PACE, THERE’S OBVIOUSLY MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTACK IT.

Analysts have also noted that the main components required for highlevel M&A activity to occur is stability and certainty, two things that have been lacking over the past 12 to 18 months.

One analyst noted that the government took both expansionary and contradictory actions this year regarding inflation. He noted it’s printing and spending money in a way that drives up inflation while also increasing interest rates to control inflation. He compared it to standing on the gas and brakes at the same time.

The net effect was that no one knew what was going to happen and

$

CREDIT MARKETS ARE STARTING TO OPEN

Lewis noted the criminals have long taken advantage of known industry practices to steal cargo but now they appear to be combining tactics to improve their attacks.

MORE COMFORTABLE

“We’re definitely seeing the continued spread and evolution of strategic thefts — the fictitious pickups, the fraudulent thefts,” said Danny Ramon, intelligence and response manager at Overhaul.

AND LENDERS ARE

how it was going to affect different companies, so the credit markets closed. But now the credit markets are starting to open and lenders are more comfortable.

Evolvoing Cargo Theft Risks in Q3 CargoNet Report Says Thefts Increased in Every Category It Tracks, With Strategic Events Rising 430% Year-Over-Year. Trucking continued to deal with a high number of cargo thefts during the third quarter as criminals take advantage of the tighter economy.

Verisk Analytics’ CargoNet found in its third-quarter report Nov. 9 that “supply chain risk events” increased 59% year-over-year, with 692 reported incidents across North America. This accounted for over $31.1

8

“What we’re seeing is identity theft, hacking of systems, whether it be a load board or a federal government database,” Lewis said. “They’re using the vulnerabilities in our supply chain, which is moving at a rapid pace. Anytime you’re moving something at a rapid pace, there’s obviously more opportunities to attack it.”

IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

Ramon noted that criminals evolve the specific methods they deploy to counteract efforts to deter them in what he describes as a “constant cat-and-mouse” game. He also pointed out that theft activity continued to spread into new regions, and he has been seeing more reports of violence.

Other experts in this space view the industry as going through a technical revolution in which data is being automated at a fast pace to maximize efficiency. As the trucking industry increasingly automates processes this provides criminals more opportunities to attack.

There has also been an increase in attacks on smaller companies since many of these companies don’t have the technology to fight.

NATIONAL NEWS Perspective: As an Industry, Let’s Win the Sale Trucking Is Uniquely Positioned to Transcend Partisan Polarization That’s Paralyzed Washington At a time when our political system has grown so adversarial, I believe trucking threads a needle of common purpose. Everyone is entitled to their own political persuasion in this country, and differing viewpoint do not make bad people. But as one of the rare industries that touches every American, trucking is uniquely positioned to transcend the partisan polarization that has gripped our nation and paralyzed Washington.

We are not prognosticators. We are not pontificators. We are doers!

Hundreds of millions of Americans depend on us to do our job every day. We exist in every state and congressional district, making our issues bipartisan and giving our priorities broad appeal across all political stripes.

Are you mostly concerned about social programs? In my opinion, the most effective social program is a good job. In trucking, we create millions of jobs that provide strong wages and opportunities without the need for an expensive college education.

Are you passionate about the environment? We have reduced emissions by 99% over the last 35 years, and trucks are getting cleaner, even on reasonable timelines. Trucking is crucial to addressing climate challenges, and we have secured our seat at the table to ensure national leaders understand the art of the possible and the operational realities of our industry as we work to maximize supply chain sustainability.

Are you focused on the economy and kitchen table issues?

We move 73% of the freight tonnage in this country and earn 80% of domestic freight spend. The availability of food, water, clothing, medicine, lumber, steel, gasoline and virtually every other good rests on us, and the prosperity of families and businesses is wholly dependent on our industry’s ability to move safely and efficiently.

On all these issues and so many more, America’s success depends on trucking’s success. That is why membership in American Trucking Associations and state trucking associations is so critical.

Whereas some elements in the industry drive a race to the bottom determined by the lowest common denominator, ATA represents companies that approach trucking as a profession, led by skilled workers, applied technology, innovative solutions, and clean, safe equipment. Our members are safer, better informed and more profitable. Membership in ATA and the state association is an investment in that advancement, advocacy, and shared future.

influence regulation so that it is fair, reasonable and operationally viable. On Capitol Hill, it steers the legislative process toward outcomes that support motor carriers, the supply chain, and consumers.

Despite today’s fiercely tribal political environment, ATA and the state trucking associations finds a political intersection ANDREW BOYLE on our issues — from federal investment ATA CHAIRMAN in truck parking capacity, to repealing the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks, to workforce development programs that open and expand career pathways for the next generation of truckers.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker once told me a story from his teenage years at the dinner table. One night his parents, who had opposing political views, listened as the future governor conveyed his strong beliefs. As young Charlie’s voice rose and his statements

THANKS TO ATA AND THE STATE TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS, OUR INDUSTRY IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO NOT JUST WIN THE ARGUMENT, BUT TO WIN THE SALE. THAT IS GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA. grew more adamant, his mother walked out of the room. Then his father looked at him and said, “You may have won the argument, but you lost the sale.”

Andrew Boyle is the newly elected ATA Chairman. Andrew was a featured speaker and guest at the IMTA Management Conference in September. Andrew is the Co-President of Boyle Transportation located in Billerica, Massachusetts.

By amplifying our collective voice, ATA, and the network of 50 state trucking associations works to remove impediments to interstate commerce and

ISSUE 4, 2023

9

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UP CLOSE & PERSONAL 2024 IMTA Chairman of the Board Scott Szymanek, President & CFO, Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. PERSONAL BACKGROUND I was born in the city of Chicago and lived there for a number of years. I’ve seen things that most people should never see from some of the violence, but I think part of that molds an individual and says, you know, we can do better than this. And so, from those beginning days, it drove me to not want to be in that type of scene any longer nor grow a family there.

I went to school where Ronald Reagan went to school, Eureka College, just outside of Peoria, Illinois. The interesting thing about going to Eureka is that Ronald Reagan’s birthday is February 6, Eureka’s Founder’s Day is February 6, and my birthday is February 6, so I always figured I’d be president of United States. I got my degree in both economics and accounting, and then went to work in the insurance industry before I ended up in agriculture and transportation.

I have a wife of 35 years now. God love her for putting up with all this for as many years as we have. I’ve known her all the way back to when I was the high school mascot, the Hawk. Early on in life I quickly learned that I like to be fun even though I know I’m an introvert. To complete the family, I have two grown children, one in the Minnesota area and one still in the Cedar Rapids area. I wouldn’t be able to be where I’m at today without the support and encouragement of my family.

COMPANY BACKGROUND On a wall in our office building, there is a slogan that we use a great deal – “It all began with a man in a truck.” Our namesake, Eldon, was running milk routes to town, and his neighbors had asked him to

bring products back from town to them. And he saw that as a way to serve his community, his farming neighbors; from that, he had more and more requests to bring product from town back to those neighbors. From there, he started this organization. And so, since day one, this organization, even though it’s an agriculture company, is a trucking company.

Subsequent to that, we thought getting into every niche agricultural business possible was a way to protect the business through diversity, so we are heavily involved now in other equipment lines such as grain bins and dryers to waste handling. We are a reseller of equipment that takes that waste from an animal producer and either applies it to the ground or goes elsewhere with it. Because of that business we got into a business that was manufacturing Certainly, last but not least, we’re in the trucking business. We have an over-the-road fleet of about 50 trucks. We have an internal, or dedicated, fleet that runs our animal nutrition products throughout the Midwest. And when I started here in 2012, about six weeks, the company decided to start a brokerage company.

I’ve been a financial professional all my career. I came to this organization as a CFO. I’ve been in a number of other organizations before I ultimately got the opportunity to be the president. An organization like Stutsman’s is all about the good of family, the good of farm values, the good of Midwestern ethics and values, and whether that is the success of the customer, success of our employees and obviously the success of our organization, that’s what we do.

SERVING AS IMTA CHAIRMAN I’m a learner. I like to mentor. I like to share. But I also like to be mentored. There’s a lot of things that are fulfilling every day. Some of it is working with our younger leadership and helping them develop and become the new leadership for this organization. And so that is one of the reasons why I like this opportunity to serve in this chairman role with the IMTA. I see it as a fun challenge that will allow me to learn and also serve the membership at the same time.

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IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL I want to help define what the business environment is for everybody in the trucking industry, whether it’s an owner of a business, a driver, a mechanic, any support person, to an organization. Creating a business environment in which we can thrive is important to all our livelihoods. And that’s why I’m involved because I need to be part of the change. I’m not going to let somebody else change the world for me.

Honestly, after my chairmanship, if there is any memory of what I did it would be that members recognize I was there to serve in whatever capacity that I needed to be there to serve.

I am honored for this opportunity, and I’m going to make sure I utilize this time as a fun learning opportunity, and hopefully, someway, somehow, I can serve the association in such a way that they’re proud that they asked me to do this.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL INTERVIEW/VIDEO

ISSUE 4, 2023

13

IMTA UPDATE IMTA Volunteer Leaders Ready to Serve in 2024 The Iowa Motor Truck Association held its 2024 elections at its recent annual meeting that is held in conjunction with the annual Management Conference.

Scott Szymanek, President & CFO of Eldon C. Stutsman CHAIRMAN OF THE Inc., was elected the 2024 BOARD Chairman with Hugh Ekberg, SCOTT SZYMANEK President & CFO President & CEO of CRST Eldon C Stutsman Inc. Hills the Transportation Solution, Inc., elected as the first vice chairman and Jeff Arens, Vice President of Schuster Company, elected as the second vice chairman.

FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN HUGH EKBERG President & CEO CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. Cedar Rapids

SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN JEFF ARENS Vice President Schuster Company Le Mars

VICE CHAIRMAN BRIAN KOHLWES General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer Hirschbach Motor Lines, Inc. Dubuque

TREASURER STEVE SCHUSTER President Schuster Company Le Mars

SECRETARY JOHN SMITH Chairman of the Board CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. Cedar Rapids

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN ADRIAN DICKEY President Dickey Transport Packwood

Steve Schuster, President of Schuster Company, will retain the treasurer position with John Smith, Chairman of the Board for CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc. serving as IMTA’s secretary.

IMTA Board Welcomes New Board Members The Iowa Motor Truck Association membership elected six new board members to serve on the 2024 IMTA Board. The Board meets in-person two times a year and has two additional meetings that are held virtually.

DALE DECKER

DON MCGLAUGHLIN

BRENT MCKENZIE

JON SARRAZIN

JASON WEBB

Vice President, Transportation HyVee, Inc. West Des Moines

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IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

KEN REIF

Owner Valley Distribution Corp.

West Burlington

CEO Decker Truck Line Fort Dodge

President Quest Liner, Inc. Dubuque

Vice President of Risk Management Heartland Express North Liberty

EVP Asset Management TMC Transportation Des Moines

IOWA UPDATE Gov. Reynolds Awards Community Colleges New Grants to Modernize, Expand CDL Training Governor Kim Reynolds has announced new grant awards for Iowa’s community colleges that will help expand the use of modernized infrastructure needed for programs that help individuals obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The new grants come as part of the state’s collective effort over the past two years to expand training opportunities and widen pathways to Iowa’s high-demand jobs.

requirements. Funds will be administered as reimbursement, and programs must offer competency-based training courses and/or a training course that would allow someone to complete training and take the licensing exam within a 30-day window. Colleges receiving grant funds also have agreed to a 5-year tuition freeze for their CDL programs once the project from this award is complete.

The Iowa CDL Infrastructure Grant program is awarding $4,844,092 to 10 of Iowa’s community colleges, which will support new equipment and the creation/remodeling of driver training facilities.

With these new investments, the colleges’ CDL programs will be able to support an estimated total increase of 1,305 program participants in their annual class size.

“Increasing the CDL pipeline is crucial to sustaining and improving our economy. We are chronically short of drivers and Governor

“The pathway to finding a job as a truck driver, one of our mostneeded occupations, runs through getting a CDL license,” said Governor Reynolds. “It’s important that we do everything we can to not only make it easier for individuals to obtain these licenses, but also to support the long-term viability of the programs that made it possible to gain that experience right here in Iowa.”

Grant funds will help support the building, purchasing, or remodeling of training infrastructure that prepares drivers for meeting CDL

THE PATHWAY TO FINDING A JOB AS A TRUCK DRIVER, ONE OF OUR MOST-NEEDED OCCUPATIONS, RUNS THROUGH GETTING A CDL LICENSE Reynolds’ continued investment in our community colleges should help accomplish this goal,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “This investment today will also give Iowa employers a leg up in recruiting more individuals in our state who have a CDL and are workforce ready.”

DMACC Announces New $9 Million Transportation Institute DMACC President Rob Denson was joined by DMACC alumnus Dennis Albaugh, public officials and private sector executives to celebrate the official groundbreaking for a new, $9 million DMACC Transportation Institute on Des Moines’ north side.

The two-phase project will begin with construction of a new, 8,600-square-foot building featuring classrooms, a three-story inspection bay and student study space. Additionally, the Institute’s current 12-acre concrete training course, which is where students practice driving techniques, will be replaced. The project’s second phase will focus on tearing down the current DMACC Transportation Institute facility, which was built 35 years ago.

“This is an important initiative for DMACC as we continue to provide educated and work-ready graduates for Iowa’s workforce,” said DMACC President Rob Denson. “Iowa’s trucking and manufacturing industry leaders continue to tell us they need more well-trained truck drivers, and this facility will help us meeting that growing demand.”

During the groundbreaking event, Denson thanked Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for a $1 million state grant supporting the project; DMACC graduate and Agribusiness executive Dennis Albaugh for his $1 million gift; the Kent Corporation for its $500,000 donation; Bob and Jane Sturgeon for their gift of $50,000; and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn for sponsoring a $1 million federal contribution to the

project that’s currently pending.

Also in attendance, Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development Executive Director, said there is a significant need in the workforce for those who have earned their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

“Truckers are crucial to Iowa’s economic growth and vitality,” Townsend said. “They move Iowa products to market across the nation and bring raw materials to our manufacturers. DMACC’s new Transportation Institute is a good investment for our companies, workers and communities who will be served by these graduates.”

Denson said many industries are facing a workforce shortage, but with retirements and greater national demand to haul freight, there continues to be a shortage of truck drivers.

This year, the DMACC Transportation Institute will graduate 250 students.

“Upon completing the program, our graduates are almost guaranteed a job; it’s not uncommon for top graduates to earn $70,000 or more in their first year,” said Megan Ellsworth, who serves as Director of DMACC Industry & Technology at DMACC and oversees the DMACC Transportation Institute. She said the demand and salaries are even attracting people from other professions.

ISSUE 4, 2023

15

Thank You TO OUR 2023 IMTA CORNERSTONE SPONSORS $25,000

$8,000

MHC Kenworth

Cottingham & Butler

Midwest Peterbilt Group

Interstate PowerSystems

Midwest Wheel Companies

McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith, P.C.

Thompson Truck & Trailer

Trivista Companies, Inc / Quality Services Corp.

Truck Center Companies

PrePass Safety Alliance

PLATINUM

PATRON

Truck Country TrueNorth Companies

$5,000

ASSOCIATE

$2,500

BMO Transportation Finance

Allied Oil & Supply, Inc.

Katz, Sapper & Miller

Gatr Truck Center

Bauer Built Tire & Service

Majestic Truck Service

GTG Peterbilt, Inc.

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions

Renewable Energy Group

Housby

Eastern Iowa Tire, Inc.

Saige Partners LLC

Kwik Trip / Kwik Star Inc.

Hanifen Towing

Thermo King Christensen

COLLEAGUE

Lube-Tech Mid-States Utility Trailer Ottsen Oil Company Tenstreet Thermo King Sales & Service US Cargo Control Truckers Insurance Wilson Trailer Company

Want to see your company listed as an IMTA Cornerstone Sponsor?

Contact the IMTA at 515-244-5193 or visit www.iowamotortruck.com

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

ATRI UPDATE

Using the methodology described in Appendix B, the three cost of congestion components were employed in final calculations for national, regional, state and metropolitan areas.

National Findings First, national metrics for each year were calculated, as shown in Figure 4. The analysis found that congestion costs increased from $74.5 billion in the 2016 baseline analysis to $87.6 billion in 2018. Due to the economic downturn in 2019, truck congestion costs then dropped to $79.4 billion, and then further receded in 2020 to $77.3 billion due to reduced congestion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trucking’s Annual Congestion Costs Top $94.6 Billion

Reflecting the dramatic post-COVID economic recovery, annual truck congestion costs in 2021 hit a peak of $94.6 billion.

National Cost of Cogestion Trends, 2016 Baseline 2021 Figure 4: National Cost of Congestion Trends, 2016 Baselinethrough through 2021*

Traffic congestion on U.S. highways added $94.6 billion in costs to the trucking industry in 2021 according to the latest Cost of Congestion study published by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). This is the highest level yet recorded through this ongoing research initiative.

$100.0 $94.6B

Annual Cost - Billions

$95.0 $90.0

$87.6B

ATRI utilized a variety of data sources including its unique truck GPS database to calculate trucking delay impacts from $85.0 $80.1B $79.4B 2017 through 2021 on major U.S. roadways. While year-overyear congestion costs decreased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 $80.0 $74.5B pandemic, they rose sharply in 2021 with a total of 1.27 billion $75.0 hours of lost productivity. This increase in costs reflects the $77.3B dramatic post-COVID economic recovery, with high GDP growth Regional Findings $70.0 and freight demand borne from record levels of consumer 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Regional trends show a pattern similar to the national trend, with congestion costs rising into spending. This level of delay equates to more than 460,000 Year 2018, then dropping in 2019 and 2020, with a visible rise in congestion costs in 2021 (Figure 5). commercial truck drivers sitting idle for one work year, and the Figure 5: Congestion Trends

by Region, 2016 – 2021 Congestion Cost Trends byCost Region, 2016-2021 2021 figure represents a 27 percent increase from the report’s The 2021 congestion cost figure is an increase of $20.1 billion in annual congestion costs from baseline year of 2016 – an increase that is twice the rate of $35.0 the 2016 baseline, representing a 27.0 percent increase from 2016 to 2021. During this same five-year period the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of inflation, increased only 12.9 inflation.

19 percent.$30.0 Thus, congestion costs for trucks rose at more than twice the rate of the CPI as a result of increased industry costs, congested roadways and a record high national truck VMT in $25.0 2021.

Annual Cost - Billions

In addition to the national findings, ATRI’s analysis also documented state and metropolitan delays and related cost $20.0 Increased congestion results in truck drivers spending more time in stop-and-go traffic impacts. The top 10 states each experienced costs of more than conditions. $15.0To quantify the workforce impact equivalency of these wasted hours, the research $3 billion, led by California ($9.00B), Texas ($7.26B) and Florida ($7.16B). Combined, these 10 states ultimately account for more19 Bureau$10.0 of Labor Statistics, "Historical Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: U.S. city average, all items, by month" (2023), https://www.bls.gov/cpi/tables/supplemental-files/historical-cpi-u-202307.pdf. than half (53%) of trucking’s congestion costs nationwide. $5.0 Additionally, the New York City metropolitan area ranked highest $12 Cost of Congestion to the Trucking Industry: 2023 Update for cities, with costs approaching $5.5 billion annually.

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 State Findings West Southeast Midwestfrom 2016Northeast South Central The report also documents transportation investment by states California’s congestion costs climbed 77.9 percent to 2021, moving the state from third place to first place in total congestion costs (Table 2). Other noteworthy increases in through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which congestion costs were found in Louisiana and Georgia, both of which rose six spots in the ranking.in trends across regions can be explained by unique economic, infrastructure and could provide as much as $350 billion in funding to address Differences traffic conditions exist across these geographies. TheCosts, region 2021 with the highest congestion Top Tenthat Highest Statewide congestion.

Table 2: Top Ten HighestCongestion Statewide Congestion Costs, 2021*

costs remained the Southeast, followed by the Northeast. The West, however, saw the largest

costs from 2016 to 2021, followed by the Southeast2016 (Figure 2021 increase in congestion Statewide Costs Statewide Costs Percent Increase/ “Over the last several years, our industry has experienced some percentage State region saw the smallest percentage increase in congestion costs from 6). The South Central Rank 2016 2021 Decrease Rank of the most dramatic increases in operating costs, including 2016 to 2021.

1 California $5,059,865,874 $9,000,397,702 77.9% 3 fuel, labor and equipment,” said Michael Lasko, Vice President of There may be some relationship between GDP growth and congestion cost increases. The EHS and Quality at Boyle Transportation. “Imagine how those West had2 theTexas $7,256,430,452 13.9% highest increase$6,370,989,857 in congestion costs and the highest GDP growth (31.3%)1 over time period – driven in part by growth in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and costs are magnified by sitting still in traffic. We all should keep the 5-year Florida $7,157,229,169 2 Arizona.331 The second highest$5,637,019,695 region for percentage growth, the Southeast,27.0% also saw the in mind that those costs are passed down directly to consumerssecond highest GDP growth (27.4%), a figure driven by growth in Florida and Georgia.

4 New York $4,347,935,514 $4,917,126,628 13.1% 4 resulting in higher prices for goods and services throughout the 5 Louisiana $2,300,466,035 $4,217,050,404 83.3% 11 economy. Hopefully we can leverage the new infrastructure spending to get our supply chains moving again.”

6 Georgia $2,217,832,813 $4,021,578,225 81.3% 12

ATRI’s analysis also found that the trucking industry wasted over 6.7 billion gallons of diesel fuel in 2021 due to congestion, resulting in more than $22.3 billion in additional fuel costs.

The full report can be found at ATRI’s website www.truckingresearch.com

7

New Jersey

$3,350,935,617

$3,838,944,444

14.6%

5

8

Illinois

$2,903,204,885

$3,379,889,793

16.4%

6

9

Pennsylvania

$2,885,362,103

$3,268,381,038

13.3%

7

31 Bureau of Economic Analysis, "Gross Domestic Product by State, 4th quarter 2016 and annual 2016" (May 1, 2018), https://www.bea.gov/news/2017/gross-domestic-product-state-4th-quarter-2016-and-annual-2016; Bureau of 10 Tennessee $2,838,362,606 $3,154,354,178 11.1% 8 Economic Analysis, "Regional Data GDP and Personal Income" (September 29, 2023), https://apps.bea.gov/itable/?ReqID=70&step=1.

In 2021, two states moved off of the 2016 top ten list. Ohio and North Carolina were ranked 9

andCongestion 10 in 2016 but rankTrucking 11 and 12,Industry: respectively in 2021.

Congestion costs for all 50 states can Cost of to the 2023 Update be found in Appendix C.

States with the Highest Percentage Increase in Congestion Costs

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IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

Table 3 lists the states with the largest percentage increase in congestion costs from 2016 to 2021. The largest percentage increase was found in Nevada, followed by Louisiana, Georgia and California. In all four of these states, congestion cost increases were fueled by substantial increases in truck volumes during 2020 and 2021, even though all four saw slight increases in average truck speeds during the same years. Slower truck speeds explained the higher

15

ATRI UPDATE The Economy Tops the List of Trucking Industry Issues The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its 19th annual Top Industry Issues report, identifying the leading industry concerns. This year’s list includes the Economy, Truck Parking, Fuel Prices, the Driver Shortage, Driver Compensation and for the first time, Zero-Emission Vehicles.

“ATRI’s list thoroughly and accurately reflects the challenges we’ve faced this year,” said ATA Chairman Dan Van Alstine, Ruan Transportation Management Systems President and COO. “Costs were up and demand was down, all while we worked to navigate a number of workforce and regulatory issues. Thankfully, ATRI’s analysis doesn’t just tell us what the issues are, it spells out a number of data-driven strategies that the industry can pursue to address them.”

In a year full of challenges including high inflation, rising operating costs, and declining freight demand, the state of the nation’s Economy was the number one concern. The lack of available Truck Parking achieved its highest rank to date on the overall list, coming in second. Last year’s number one issue, Fuel Prices, was ranked third this year. Rounding out the top five this year were the Driver Shortage and Driver Compensation.

COSTS WERE UP AND DEMAND WAS DOWN, ALL WHILE WE WORKED TO NAVIGATE A NUMBER OF WORKFORCE AND REGULATORY ISSUES. A number of aggressive mandates and timelines for transitioning the nation’s vehicle fleet to low- or zero-emission vehicles put that issue on the top 10 list for the first time. Zero-Emission Vehicles were ranked 10th overall and 7th among motor carrier respondents.

Over 47 percent of the survey respondents were motor carrier executives and personnel, while truck drivers represented 29 percent. Among driver respondents, Driver Compensation, Truck Parking and Fuel Prices were the top three concerns, while motor carriers ranked the Economy, Driver Shortage and Lawsuit Abuse Reform as their top three concerns.

More than 4,000 trucking industry stakeholders participated in this year’s survey, including motor carriers, truck drivers, industry suppliers, driver trainers, and law enforcement among other groups. For the first ever, law enforcement personnel represented nearly five percent of respondents, so the report includes a ranking of the top three law enforcement concerns.

The full report is available at no cost from ATRI at www.truckingresearch.org.

NATIONAL TOP 10 1. Economy 2. Driver Shortage 3. Lawsuit Abuse Reform 4. Driver Retention 5. Fuel Prices 6. Insurance Cost / Availability 7. Zero-Emission Vehicles 8. Truck Parking 9. Diesel Technician Shortage 10. Driver Distraction

IOWA TOP 10 1. Economy 2. Driver Retention 3. Driver Shortage 4. Lawsuit Abuse Reform 5. Insurance Cost / Availability 6. Truck Parking 7. Driver Distraction 8. Equipment / Parts Shortages 9. Diesel Technician Shortage 10. Fuel Prices

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS TOP 10 1. Driver Compensation 2. Truck Parking 3. Fuel Prices 4. Speed Limiters 5. Detention / Delay at Customer Facilities 6. Driver Training Standards 7. Economy 8. Broker Issues 9. ELD Mandate 10. Autonomous Trucks

ISSUE 4, 2023

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ATA UPDATE Perspective: The Past Year Has Proven the Value of Trucking Four decades in trucking have shown me how much opportunity this industry creates. From the customers we serve to the people we employ and the families they support, trucking delivers endless opportunities to countless communities and enterprises that depend on the supply chains we move.

Dan Van Alstine

Ruan Transportation 2023 ATA Chairman

Over the past 12 months, I had the extraordinary opportunity to serve as chairman of American Trucking Associations.

As my tenure concludes, I am left with heightened appreciation for who we are as an industry and the holistic impact we have on society.

My duties as chairman took me across the country and around the globe, where I met the people whose impressive stories form the mosaic of our great industry. Through the lens of these human connections, I saw how deeply woven trucking is into the fabric of America.

Multigenerational owners of trucking companies large and small. Hundreds of drivers and other humble heroes whose work keeps America moving forward.

I came into this assignment with great optimism for our industry’s future. Now, more than ever, I believe our nation’s future and prosperity is inextricably linked to trucking’s future.

I had the privilege to attend the State of the Union address in February, where I was struck by how many issues in the president’s speech are core to trucking — including

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IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

infrastructure investment, ocean shipping reform and energy policy. The pandemic elevated trucking to the top of our public consciousness, and it’s clear that we remain squarely in Washington’s center of gravity and decision-making process.

Look no further than climate and the growing push toward vehicle electrification.

How this issue unfolds in the coming years will have a profound effect on how trucking operates and on our ability to move the bulk of our economy’s freight. On this issue and others, America’s success is contingent on trucking’s success; you simply cannot have one without the other. That is why we must influence and lead.

We launched the Clean Freight Coalition to educate policymakers and the public about trucking’s incredible record of reducing emissions over the past three decades, and to advocate for sensible policies that support environmental goals without disrupting the supply chain. This coalition of freight transportation stakeholders continues to grow in membership, reach and impact.

In July, I traveled with the CFC to Washington to meet with lawmakers on key committees, and also with a joint office established between the U.S. departments of Transportation and Energy, to oversee the government’s charging infrastructure build-out. In August, I participated in a roundtable on the topic hosted by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb).

In these meetings, we stressed technologyneutral solutions available today that can dramatically reduce emissions. We must also offer carriers incentives to modernize fleets by eliminating the World War I-era federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks, which serves as a significant barricade to investment.

Lawsuit abuse reform is another issue in which ATA is leading. It cuts to the heart of what we want fairness and justice to mean in this country. Attempts by the plaintiff bar

to pervert civil justice into a profit center must end. There is no place for Jackpot Justice in American courtrooms. We continue to make progress with commonsense reforms to restore balance and fairness to highway accident litigation, with major victories in Iowa and Florida over the past year.

I CAME INTO THIS ASSIGNMENT WITH GREAT OPTIMISM FOR OUR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE. NOW, MORE THAN EVER, I BELIEVE OUR NATION’S FUTURE AND PROSPERITY IS INEXTRICABLY LINKED TO TRUCKING’S FUTURE. We are an industry of doers, problem solvers and risk takers. We don’t create algorithms designed to hook people to screens. What we do every day matters in the most important of ways: ensuring grocery stores are stocked with food, hospitals are supplied with medicine and oxygen, manufacturing sites are equipped with steel and raw materials, and construction sites with lumber. We deliver a standard of living enjoyed across our great country. Our success is America’s success.

That is why this association is so important.

Our collective voice must be heard in the state and federal halls of power. My company, Ruan, was instrumental in the founding of ATA 90 years ago. I am honored to have carried on that great tradition in serving as its chairman. This opportunity, and the important work being done by ATA, fills me with both hope and confidence about the trucking industry’s future as well as America’s.

ATA UPDATE American Trucking Associations Elects New Officers The new officers of the American Trucking Associations were elected at its annual meeting that was held in conjunction with its annual Management Conference & Exposition held in early October. Andrew Boyle, co-presidents of Boyle Transportation in Billerica, Massachusetts was named the new Chairman of the Board.

The Board also elected Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters in Hickory, North Carolina, as ATA first vice chairman and Greg Hodgen, president and CEO of Groendyke Transport Inc. in Enid, Oklahoma, as ATA second vice chairman. In addition, the Board named Wes Davis, CFO of Big M Transportation in Blue Mountain, Mississippi, ATA vice chairman. In addition, the Board re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC, as secretary and John A. Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Ground, as treasurer.

ANDREW BOYLE Chairman of the Board Boyle Transportation

DENNIS DELLINGER First vice chairman Cargo Transporters

GREG HODGEN Second vice chairman Groendyke Transport Inc.

WES DAVIS Vice chairman Big M Transportation

JOHN A. SMITH Treasurer FedEx Ground

JOHN M. SMITH Secretary CRST International Holdings LLC

ATA Honors IMTA President Brenda Neville for Service to Industry The American Trucking Associations recognized 10 state trucking executives for their time representing the industry with Trucking Association Executives Council Service Awards.

“These STA Execs, along with so many of our state trucking association executives here today, work daily in their respective state capitals and localities to promote, preserve and protect the interests of our great industry,” said TAEC National Chair Shannon Newton, president and CEO of the Arkansas Trucking Association. “Politics at the state level versus the federal level is about as different as night and day. Whereas the legislative process at the federal level tends to get totally bogged down for myriad reasons, legislative initiatives in state capitals actually move – often without warning and rather quickly. This fast-paced environment presents many unique challenges for industry advocates, and that’s not even mentioning the never-ending association management challenges we all face.”

This year, the 10 honorees have a combined 165 years of service to their state trucking association: • Nebraska Trucking Association President Kent Grisham and Kentucky Trucking Association President and CEO Rick Taylor were honored for five years of service.

• Arizona Trucking Association President and CEO Tony Bradley, Ohio Trucking Association President and CEO Tom Balzer, and New Mexico Trucking Association Managing Director Johnny Johnson were recognized for 10 years of service.

• Trucking Association of New York President Kendra Hems and Iowa Motor Truck Association President and CEO Brenda Neville were recognized for 15 years of service.

• Georgia Motor Truck Association President and CEO Ed Crowell and Wyoming Trucking Association President and CEO Sheila Foertsch were both recognized for 30 years of service.

• South Carolina Trucking Association President and CEO Rick Todd was honored for 35 years of service.

ISSUE 4, 2023

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HUMAN RESOURCES INSIGHT

How to Define, Develop, and Communicate Your Personal Brand Rachel Montañez

Whether you like it or not, you’re building a personal brand.

Your personal brand is the combination of your skills, the values you present, and the impression you leave on others. While actively building your personal brand may seem like a selfish endeavor, it’s far from it. It’s an empowering choice. Doing so can give you control over your professional development, network, career, and overall well-being. It can even make you more visible — and therefore, more satisfied — in your current job.

Like with anything in your career, however, building your brand isn’t a one-time thing. It will take time and effort, and it requires consistent upkeep. Thankfully, there are actions you can take daily to help you define, develop, and communicate your personal brand.

Define your brand

It’s impossible to have a strong personal brand if you don’t have a good grasp on who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re good at. It’s likely that these things will change over time, which is why defining your brand is something you can, and should, do often. Here’s how:

1. TUNE INTO YOUR EMOTIONS. Emotions are powerful, and they can tell you a lot about yourself and your interests. At the end of each day, or after peak moments where your feelings are heightened, take a minute to be mindful. Choose a word or two that best matches how you feel and write it down. The goal is to tune into how you relate to your different work tasks, activities, or

even colleagues. This practice can also help you gain more confidence in the tasks you’re good at, understand and express your desires, and better prepare for interactions that don’t align with your values.

For example, let’s say you’ve just left a meeting that could’ve been completed in 15 minutes instead of 30 — you note that this made you feel frustrated. That’s a signal that you value efficiency. Being a problem solver who maximizes time and effort could become part of your personal brand. Next time you’re leading a meeting, you might spend some time writing out an agenda and the end goal, then share it with attendees beforehand so that things stay on track. During the meeting itself, prioritize moving things along when the group gets stuck or the focus wanders.

2. FIND YOUR STAKEHOLDERS. We aren’t always the best judge of ourselves — that’s why we need stakeholders. Think of your stakeholders as the people inside your company who have an interest in your success and how well you do your job. They’re the people you can always go to for an objective opinion or a supportive pep talk — your manager, mentor, sponsor, or even just a close colleague.

Think of your stakeholders as the people inside your company who have an interest in your success and how well you do your job.

The goal is to tune into how you relate to your different work tasks, activities, or even colleagues.

When you meet with them, ask for feedback. You could say something like: “I really value our relationship. In what ways do I bring value to you?” Or, “How would you describe me?” Their answers may give you a better understanding of how others see you and the personal brand you’re currently portraying. You can make adjustments if their view doesn’t match the brand you’re aiming for.

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HUMAN RESOURCES INSIGHT If you feel like you’re not getting the feedback you need, you can also bring new stakeholders in and phase others out. This can help you gain further visibility and make sure you’re respectful of each person’s time. Ask yourself: “Who is providing me with helpful insights, and where can I redirect my energy so both parties mutually benefit from our relationship?”

3. UNDERSTAND YOUR SKILLS. It’s important to regularly reflect on your current skillset and how you’re using it to make an impact. After all, your skills are core to who you are and your personal brand. On a weekly basis, or after completing a project of interest, consider the skills that made your work possible. Ask yourself: What skills do I use daily to achieve results?

What skill am I most known for? How might those skills evolve in the future? Which of my skills helped me achieve success on this project?

Ask yourself: What skills do I use daily to achieve results? What skill am I most known for? How might those skills evolve in the future?

For example, say part of your personal brand is being seen as a leader.

An outcome that would help you boost that part of your brand is to be put in charge of a cross-functional project. Your approach to your daily work should be in service of that outcome. Show others your propensity for leadership by stepping up on your current team.

Ask smart questions and speak up when you see a better approach.

You can also help break down silos across business units by regularly meeting with peer or leaders from other departments to understand how your work overlaps and create shared goals. These actions will help ensure you’re embodying your personal brand on a daily basis, and will help others see it too.

2. IMPROVE THE ORGANIZATION. Look for things that need improving in your organization that align with your brand, and take action. For example, perhaps others have described you as a social butterfly, and you’ve begun to see this as part of your brand. The positive relationships you’ve formed give you influence, and you can use it to make change happen inside your organization.

Maybe your company’s executives are passionate about corporate sustainability, but employee participation is down on a related company initiative. To further develop your brand as an influencer and leader, take a moment to drive awareness and encourage your peers to participate. This will further bolster your personal brand, while driving valuable change internally.

To further develop your brand as an influencer and leader, take a moment to drive awareness and encourage your peers to participate.

This is also another great place to deploy your stakeholders. If you’re not getting regular feedback, you won’t have an accurate, contextual measure of your skills and how to develop them. To get the conversation going, you can say something like, “What did I do well [during this project,] and where could I have done better?”

Develop your brand

Defining and continuing to redefine your personal brand is only the first step. Your personal brand is most impactful when others can see it in action. The best place to start showcasing your brand, and developing it further, is through your daily actions at work.

1. KEEP OUTCOMES IN MIND. When you’re doing a task, always think about the outcome that will best boost your personal brand. Let that outcome guide how you complete the work.

3. BECOME A STAKEHOLDER. Having your own personal stakeholders is important, but so is being one for others. Look for opportunities to share your knowledge and develop others. Doing so helps you strengthen your network, gain visibility, learn more about yourself, and further develop your brand.

For example, maybe you’re eager to share tips around how to work

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HUMAN RESOURCES INSIGHT smarter and save time on tedious tasks. You may discover that part of the brand you’re building is being seen as someone who is productive and always delivers quick results.

part of your personal brand too. The things you do outside of work typically make you a more well-rounded person, and that in turn makes you more competitive.

Sharing your advice with others is also simply a kind thing to do — and it’s never bad to have kindness be part of your brand. Extending kindness has scientific well-being and happiness benefits that can positively affect your mental health.

If you’re trying to reach a wider audience beyond your personal network, ask your HR department if they’re looking for any employee experience stories to help with talent acquisition or employer branding.

You can use this opportunity to share a success story that puts your personal brand in action. Not only will sharing your story help you communicate your brand to a larger network — it will also help increase your visibility internally, improve your storytelling skills, and give you the chance to collaborate with others outside of your function.

Communicate Your Brand

You’ve defined your brand, you’ve developed it further within your organization — now it’s time to make sure everyone knows who you are and what you stand for. Here’s how to regularly make sure your personal brand doesn’t go unnoticed:

1. SHARE YOUR STORY. One way to communicate your personal brand is through social media, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. This can help you gain visibility among your colleagues, company’s executives, and recruiters. One great way to use this platform is to share stories about the skills and talents core to your personal brand that may not be so obvious on your resume or in your day-to-day work. PwC’s 2023 Global Hopes and Fears study found that 35% of people believe they have skills that aren’t clear from their qualifications, job history, or job titles. Further, 46% agreed that employers focus too much on job history and not enough on skills when hiring.

2. SKIP THE EMPTY SMALL TALK. To make yourself and your personal brand more visible, you need to network. But that doesn’t mean you should lean into boring small talk.

For example, when someone asks, “How are you?” fight the urge to reply with the typical “Good, and you?” Use the opportunity to talk

Use the opportunity to talk about your work and highlight your personal brand.

46% agreed that employers focus too much on job history and not enough on skills when hiring.

about your work and highlight your personal brand. Say something like: “I’m well, thanks, and looking forward to the week ahead! I’m working on [a new project] and I’m really excited about [the impact it will have] and [the skills I’m building]. I’d love to talk to you about it more if you’re interested. But first, how are things with you?”

To make your skills shine, don’t be afraid to get personal by sharing talents you’ve built outside of work. For example, say you’re a litigator with a side passion as an Etsy vendor. You can share the story of how you’ve built persuasive writing skills through advertising, creativity that helps you think quickly on your feet, and a growth mindset that allows you to see the big picture. Your interests can and should be

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Before any planned encounters, try to write down two or three projects, life updates, or personal wins that you’re eager to share. This can help you stay focused on communicating your brand and go beyond the small talk.

3. CELEBRATE OTHERS. Great brands aren’t one-sided — yours shouldn’t be either. It’s important to recognize and celebrate others for their achievements as much

HUMAN RESOURCES INSIGHT as you celebrate your own. When a coworker or connection reaches a new work milestone, show your support with a social media shoutout, a personal email, or even a card. Beyond being a nice thing to do, it can have many benefits for you and your personal brand. It’s a great way to stay connected to your colleagues and ensure you stay top of mind for them. Just like when you share your knowledge and skills, celebrating others will encourage them to celebrate you when you’ve achieved something, further boosting your brand.

Just like when you share your knowledge and skills, celebrating others will encourage them to celebrate you when you’ve achieved something.

You also don’t have to limit these interactions to celebratory moments.

If you find things that resonate with you in someone else’s posts, reshare their update, comment, or reach out with resources you’ve found helpful. When it comes to building a personal brand, compassion will always be a good addition.

Rachel Montañez is a trailblazing career expert and international professional speaker. As a diverse voice, she’s lived and worked in the U.K., South Korea, Japan, and her home base in the United States. c.2023 Harvard Business Review. Distributed by The New York Times Licensing Group.

Building your brand is an ongoing process, and it’s important to always be on the lookout for things that may stand in your way — burnout, perfectionism, and perhaps more. But remember: You don’t have to do and be everything. Be true to you. That’s the highest form of self-care and the most sustainable way to build your personal brand.

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T RU C K S A L E S | PA RT S | S E RV I C E | B O DY S H O P L E A S I N G & R E N TA L | F I NA N C E | R E F R I G E R A T I O N

125+ LOCATIONS IN 18 STATES

TO VIEW OUR FULL LIST OF LOCATIONS & SERVICES, VISIT MHC.COM

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(844) 435-5789

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(844) 438-5906

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(844) 438-5903

THE ROAD T O I MT A'S WO RK ERS ' COMP P RO GRA M BE GINS NOW

WWW.ALLIANCEINTERSTATERISK.ORG

C RE A T ED B Y T HE TRU CKING INDU ST RY F OR T HE T RU CKING INDU STR Y

IOWA MOTOR CARRIERS FOUNDATION

Preserving our Prominence Since 1942, the Iowa Motor Truck Association has been providing important and valuable leadership for Iowa’s trucking industry. From our advocacy work at the State Capitol and in our nation’s capital to spending hours in some of our state’s most rural schools talking about the potential of a career in trucking, the association has a strong and dependable presence. This presence is anchored by the hundreds of IMTA members that have continued to support the association for decades.

Another way Iowa’s trucking industry has established itself is by its strong presence at the foot of our state capitol in Des Moines. In 1994, IMTA leaders had a vision when they decided to purchase land and build a headquarters in an area considered at the time to be a very undesirable location. This now iconic building has become a recognized and respected symbol for Iowa’s trucking industry at the foot of the State Capitol. Numerous organizations and hundreds of individuals outside of the trucking industry have been in the IMTA headquarters building for various events and activities.

We are now embarking on one final renovation effort to ensure that the IMTA building can be even more effective in serving the membership as well as a community of legislators and trade associations.

The renovation of the West Wing will be the final, lasting touch in completing the vision of those IMTA leaders back in the early 1990s.

Improving Use of Space The West Wing renovation will allow for the creation of two spacious conference rooms that will offer an amazing view of the Iowa State Capitol while also basking in natural light from all directions. These new spaces will increase the ability of the association to host events on-site versus a hotel, which offers significant savings to the association. In addition to the interior space, the Court Avenue courtyard improvements will provide an outdoor event space in the most visible area.

Restroom Update: For any event, restrooms are essential, and the tasteful expansion of the restrooms is long overdue.

Replacement of the Original Roof: This is an investment that would be made with or without the renovation of the West Wing and is simply part of building ownership.

Refresh of the IMTA Offices: Tired carpet will be replaced and a new coat of paint will transform the IMTA wing of the building.

E. 7th St.

Court Ave. West Wing IMTA Offices

Parking

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West Wing Remodel | Conference Room 1 (Exclusive Naming Opportunity) One of the greatest features of this specific conference room is the addition of an impressive Nano moving glass wall system that will open up to the renovated Court Avenue courtyard. This will allow easy access to the beautiful courtyard that has the Iowa State Capitol as its backdrop. The addition of this Nano system will allow IMTA events to utilize both spaces simultaneously and create a very special and unique atmosphere for any IMTA event while also flooding the interior space with natural light.

West Wing Remodel | Conference Room 2 (Exclusive Naming Opportunity) One of the most important aspects of the renovation is knocking down walls and finally utilizing the entire space. The perimeter of this original space is a series of offices which will be removed to allow an additional 2,000 square feet of space. The removal of these unused offices will allow the space to be flooded with natural light provided by a wall of windows (south exposure) that are currently hidden. Having access to this valuable, hidden real estate was what prompted the initial discussions to do something with the West Wing. While the current space has been used as much as it could, keeping the space in its current condition was not optimal given the space that was being wasted.

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Atrium (Exclusive Naming Opportunity) Nestled at the heart of our distinguished building, the atrium is a breathtaking fusion of style and functionality.

With its soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and captivating design, the atrium serves as a focal point, connecting diverse spaces within the building and creating a dynamic hub of activity. While the atrium will remain untouched, one donor will have the opportunity to be recognized through naming rights for the West Wing.

West Wing Remodel | Court Avenue Courtyard (Exclusive Naming Opportunity) Strategically positioned at the center of the IMTA building is an outdoor courtyard designed to capture the attention of visitors, the motoring public, and anyone in the vicinity of the State Capitol Complex. With the fully planned renovation of this space, it’s sure to be a prime spot for networking, hosting events, and enjoying the great outdoors.

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Project Details & Timeline The Foundation board appointed a sub-committee to oversee this important capital campaign, and they have been working non-stop the last year with the general contractor, interior designers, architects, and city officials to begin this major renovation effort. The current proposed timeline is to begin demolition and construction in January 2024 with a goal of completion in Fall 2024.

BE A PART OF HISTORY | Legacy Investment Opportunities Total Fundraising Goal of $2,000,000

Conference Room 1, Conference Room 2, West Wing Atrium, or Court Avenue Courtyard.

If you are interested in learning more about exclusive naming rights and the opportunity to leave a permanent legacy through the display of your name or company name in the West Wing, please contact any member of the building committee (listed on the back of this page) for additional information.

Option 3

Option 2

Option 1

Exclusive Naming Rights Here is an amazing opportunity to leave a legacy. Your name or your company name will be displayed prominently in locations throughout the West Wing forever! There are four different locations where your name can be permanently be displayed:

Legacy Wall $100,000*

Your name will be permanently listed on the Legacy Wall that will be featured in Conference Room 1. Our legacy supporters will also be part of the permanent display in the atrium (see below).

Friend of the Campaign All donors in this campaign will be part of a permanent display on the wall area outside of the IMTA board room in the atrium.

PATRON

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

SUPPORTER

$50,000

$25,000

$10,000

$5,000

$2,500

*

All contributions will go directly to the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation (501C3) and is a tax deduction in its entirety.

*Option to pay over a 3–5 year period

Next Steps Now that the legacy campaign is officially launched, the Foundation Board’s designated committee will initiate a series of essential actions to ensure the campaign’s success and meet our fundraising objectives.

Scan the QR code to submit your commitment interest.

Contact Please consider investing in this important effort to further strengthen the Association’s ability to serve its membership while also serving the community and state. You may reach out to any of the following individuals to discuss your Legacy contribution: Brenda Neville (515) 244-5193 brenda@iowamotortruck.com

Steve Schuster, Schuster Company (712) 546-2882 sschuster@schusterco.com

Jackie Johnsrud jackiekgordon@gmail.com

Dave Van Wyk, Van Wyk, Inc. (712) 324-4687 dvw@vanwyk.com

Jeff Wangsness, JMT Trucking Co. (515) 262-3102 jw@citrucking.com

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FOUR IOWA LOCATIONS:

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IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

ALTOONA 515.967.3300

CARROLL 712.792.4395

CHEROKEE 712.225.2553

FT. DODGE 515.955.6400

YOUR FULL-LINE SALES & SERVICE CENTER

Conveniently located off I-80/Exit 143, Altoona, IA

Visit us online at: • Trailer sales new & used ctsdesmoines.com • Skilled workforce to service all makes & models • Authorized Warranty & Repair Center for: Strick - Merritt Morgan - Fontaine - Wabash - Wilson - Delta Waseca - Landoll Transcraft - Benson • Fully stocked parts department with statewide delivery • Major Parts suppliers for: New Life - Aurora Parts - Merritt - Wilson Morgan - Shur-Co. • Full line of pickup & SUV accessories 316 Adventureland Dr., NE • Altoona IA 50009 Ph: 515.957.0300 Toll-free: 800.288.3032

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EDUCATING THE

FUTURE

WORKFORCE 2024 Show Trailer Travel Calendar January 2-3: Waverly Shellrock School District February 21: Winterset School District March 2: FFA Clarinda School District March 6: Keokuk School District March 9: FFA Muscatine Louisa School District March 21: Earlham Elementary School April 14-16: FFA State Leadership Conference (Ames) April 17: Build My Future (Des Moines) April 22: North Iowa School District (Buffalo Center) April 26: Dordt University (Sioux Center) May 1: Waterloo Career Center

CALL THE IMTA AT

(515) 244-5193 TO GET ON THE TRAVEL CALENDAR

ISSUE 4, 2023

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IMTA UPDATE

IMTA Leadership Roles in 2024 Each year IMTA’s Leadership Team reviews the priorities for the year and in that process, standing committees are named and then their work begins. Below are the individuals that will be serving on some of IMTA’s key committees.

IMTA Executive Committee The IMTA Executive Committee oversees, assists, and directs the operations of the association and can act on behalf of the board if needed. The core areas of their oversight are government relations/public policy issues, finance, membership activities and non-dues revenue programs.

DARLA ARENDS Van Wyk, Inc.

JEFF ARENS Schuster Co.

ADRIAN DICKEY Dickey Transport

JUSTIN PHILIPP Simon’s Trucking, Inc.

STEVE SCHUSTER Schuster Co.

BRENDA DITTMER Weinrich Truck Lines

HUGH EKBERG CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc

MIKE GERDIN Heartland Express

BRIAN KOHLWES Hirschbach Motor Lines

JOHN SMITH CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc.

SCOTT SZYMANEK Eldon C. Stutsman Inc.

DAN VAN ALSTINE Ruan Transportation

JEFF WANGSNESS JMT Trucking Co.

IMTA Finance Committee The IMTA finance committee provides oversight, counsel, and direction to all aspects of IMTA’s finances.

HUGH EKBERG CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc

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BRIAN KOHLWES Hirschbach Motor Lines

IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

STEVE SCHUSTER Schuster Co.

SCOTT SZYMANEK Eldon C. Stutsman Inc.

IMTA UPDATE

IMTA Compensation Committee As required by the IRS, IMTA must have a committee that conducts an annual review and implement a set of procedures specific to the oversight of the IMTA President & CEO.

STEVE SCHUSTER Schuster Co.

JASON SMITH TrueNorth Companies

JOHN SMITH CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc.

SCOTT SZYMANEK Eldon C. Stutsman Inc.

Allied Steering Committee The purpose of the Allied Division is to create an avenue of involvement for the vendors that serve the trucking industry.

JERRY BENDER Midwest Wheel Companies

BRAD JONES Saige Partners LLC

DAVE SCHAER Trivista Companies

MIKE SPALLA Kunkel & Associates

Iowa Council of Safety Management Steering Committee The Iowa Council of Safety Management (ICSM) is a division that was created for the promotion of professionalism and safety in the trucking industry.

JOHN HOLT Ruan Transportation

KEITH LAMFERS Casey’s General Stores

TERRY PUMP CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc.

JUSTIN WALTERS Tenstreet

DAVE ZERBE Keane Thummel Trucking

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IMTA UPDATE LEAD IMTA Council The LEAD IMTA Council is comprised of the future generation of up-and-coming leaders in the industry.

COREY BRUCE JT Logistics

BLAKE GROLMUS Ruan Transportation

JOE KARBERG Hirschbach Motor Lines

HANNAH KOELE Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.

LIZ KRAUSE MHCS

CONNOR LEWIS Truck Center Companies

JEFF MARTIN Green Products Co

JOE MCCONNELL Perishable Distributors of Iowa

ABBY RYAN Crawford Trucking

ADAM SHOUSE US Cargo Control

HEIDI SMITH Stutsman Logistics

BEN STEINES Ruan Transportation

Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation Board This board oversees all the activities of the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation, an organization that operates separately than IMTA.

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ADRIAN DICKEY Dickey Transport

JACKIE JOHNSRUD

BRAD KOHLWES Argee Transport

JUSTIN PHILIPP Simon’s Trucking, Inc.

STEVE SCHUSTER Schuster Co.

DAVE VAN WYK Van Wyk, Inc.

DELWIN VAN WYK

JEFF WANGSNESS JMT Trucking Co.

IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

JACK SAWYER Des Moines Transportation Co.

N

MEMBERSHIP

RESOURCES

G

FOUNDATION

IN

CALENDAR

TH O UC

ADVOCACY

TR

ABOUT

T

U O G I TH N W KI

THE NEW

IOWAMOTORTRUCK.COM FRESH new look with ENHANCED member features!

This *NEW* feature empowers you to update your own information in IMTA’s database, access invoices to pay directly online, and to seamlessly register for IMTA events. Additionally, the member info hub is where you will have access to the IMTA membership directory (a member only benefit). In the future there will be other features available that will surely add value to being an IMTA members.

The door for interaction with your peers, colleagues, and competitors is directly at your fingertips once you log-in to your member info hub and view the IMTA membership directory. Having access to this member-only benefit that offers real-time information is certainly a value-added opportunity for members to take advantage of.

Stay up to date with the latest list of conferences, webinars, and other opportunities that IMTA offers through this interactive calendar. Register to attend, confirm your sponsorship interest, and learn more about the variety of opportunities available to members.

The regulatory environment for the trucking industry is intense, ever changing and extremely demanding. Because of this, IMTA is committed to helping Iowa carriers be as safe as they possibly can by providing valuable safety services to keep trucking operations compliant. Services include regulatory mock audits, administrative upgrade assistance, general safety training, and more.

FINAL THOUGHT

Without Trucking, There Is Nothing

For nine decades, American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its federation of 50 state trucking associations have been the leading voice for our industry in Washington and every state Capitol throughCHRIS SPEAR out the country. That PRESIDENT AND CEO is volume, reach and AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS history no other voice in trucking can claim, and few industry associations can match.

While many stakeholder groups struggle for traction in today’s frayed political environment, our constant presence in the halls of power is why we succeed as an advocacy organization in advancing the interests of our members and notching wins for America’s trucking industry. This year alone, we have testified at five congressional hearings plus a roundtable discussion. Our grassroots are activated, with hundreds of industry advocates flanking Capitol Hill throughout 34 Calls on Washington since January, holding more than 300 meetings with members of Congress.

This show of force enables us to steer the legislative process toward our tier 1 priorities. We deliver a steady cadence of truth and common sense that cuts directly through the rhetoric and emotion peddled by our foes: trial lawyers chasing jackpot justice, self-promoting union bosses and radical environmental extremists. Together, they constitute a clear threat to our industry’s ability to grow and

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IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER

support our nation’s economic security and global competitiveness.

Our war with the plaintiff bar carries on — and we’re winning. In the past year, we have secured major victories in Florida and Iowa to curb abusive litigation against motor carriers. Elected officials at all levels of government are listening, and many are now acting.

Since declaring lawsuit abuse a tier 1 priority in 2019, more than a dozen reform bills have been passed across the country, and a dozen more states are lining up to do the same.

At the California Air Resources Board, unelected, ill-informed ideologues are clueless to the impact their zero-emission mandates will have on our industry, economy and consumers. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule takes effect, requiring the production and sale of “zero-emission” equipment. Come 2030, the Advanced Clean Fleets rule kicks in, mandating the purchase of that equipment, applying to all trucks operating in California and any state that adopts CARB policy.

After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chose to greenlight Sacramento’s sureto-fail policies, and with a dozen CARB-toting states now eager to follow along, California is setting and enforcing national environmental policy.

We are clear-eyed about what this all means. The charging infrastructure required will not be in place in time. There won’t be more power flowing through the grid. Our manufacturers lack sustainable sourcing of key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and nickel. Are we to rely on communist China

and Congolese child labor, or will the environmental lobby allow the Biden administration to grant mining permits here at home? We already know that answer.

How will product placement and price parity be achieved if our industry is forced to bow to CARB’s timelines? And if that reality hasn’t set in yet, what about operational capability for those who can comply? It currently takes 15 minutes to fill a diesel-powered truck to go 1,200 miles, regardless of extreme heat or cold. It can take six to 10 hours to charge an electric-powered truck during non-peak hours to go just 250 miles, under the best of conditions.

These are the stakes today, underscoring why our advocacy efforts matter. We continue to educate lawmakers, the media and the public about our industry’s remarkable record in reducing emissions over the past 35 years.

We continue to advance common-sense policy solutions that can unlock the environmental, safety and economic benefits of technology already available today.

For example, by repealing the World War I-era federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks, Congress can drastically reduce emissions while improving highway safety and boosting manufacturing jobs here at home.

The staying power of our association over these past 90 years is a testament to our efficacy. Thanks to the engagement of our members, the nation now understands that trucking drives everything. We are here to remind America that without us, there is nothing.

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