Oklahoma Motor Carrier Spring 2015 by Oklahoma Motor Carrier

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Permit No. 1379 Oklahoma City, OK

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Spring 2015 | Volume 22 | Issue 2 | oktrucking.org

Harry Welker DRIVER OF THE YEAR

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Editor | Shannon Helton shannonhelton@oktrucking.org Executive Director | Dan Case dancase@oktrucking.org Bookkeeper | Les Hinkle leshinkle@oktrucking.org

For over eighty years, the Oklahoma Motor Carrier (OMC) magazine has provided OTA members with important information concerning their association and the trucking industry. Each issue of the OMC features an OTA member company, and update on state and national trucking issues and highlights from OTA events. The OMC is read Celebrating 80 Years by over 3,700 people throughout the state of Oklahoma including those outside the trucking industry. Fall 2012 | Volume 19 | Issue 4 | www.oktrucking.org

For advertising rates and information, please contact Shannon Helton at 405.445.1790, or visit oktrucking.org for rate sheets and additional information.

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The Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine is produced by Shannies Art & Design, LLC and is printed by Southwestern Stationery & Bank Supply, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Motor Carrier (OMC) is published quarterly by the Oklahoma Trucking Association, 3909 N. Lindsay, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Office of Publication, Southwestern Stationary, OKC, Okla. Bulk Rate postage paid at OKC, Okla. Please address all correspondence to 3909 N. Lindsay, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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IN THIS ISSUE 6 FROM THE CHAIRMAN 7 FROM THE EDITOR 7 UPCOMING EVENTS 9 MEMBER UPDATES 10 U.S. TRANSPORTATION

SECRETARY FOXX ANNOUNCES $500 MILLION IN SEVENTH ROUND OF TIGER FUNDING

FLEET SAFETY AWARDS

12 ATA TRUCK TONNAGE INDEX GAINED 1.1% IN MARCH

14 ATRI RESEARCH FINDS TRUCK OPERATIONS AND SAFETY HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY 34HOUR RESTART PROVISIONS

16 WINTER LEAVES ITS MARK ON STATE HIGHWAYS

18 CLOSURES NECESSARY

ON I-44 BELLE ISLE BRIDGE AFTER MORE THAN EXPECTED DETERIORATION DISCOVERED

20 NEW POLL: MAJORITY OF

DRIVER OF THE YEAR

OKLAHOMANS FAVOR HALTING TAX CUT AMID BUDGET SHORTFALL

23 CON-WAY TRUCKLOAD

LAUNCHES MILITARY APPRECIATION INITIATIVE

24 SAFETY ZONE WITH CHRIS PAPE

36 PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS 38 MILLION MILE DRIVERS 42 DONOR DINNER HIGHLIGHTS 46 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: FTC TRANSPORTATION

DONOR DINNER Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

Every Where.

FROM THECHAIRMAN OTA CHAIRMAN

DANNY SMITH

We have had some successes at the Capitol so far this year. Specifically with SB638, authored by Ortega and Schulz, where all the overweight truck permits will go directly to the Highway Construction and Maintenance Fund. We still have more battles, but this is an excellent win for the industry.

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The political landscape is always changing, and always will. It’s very important to stay connected with the OTA through the tip sheet or emails, or even through social media, in case we are in need of a call-to-action. Participating in the 149 Club, and staying connected to your local representative is another way we can continue to make a difference on the state level. A special thanks to all of the attendees and sponsors who came to this year’s Midwinter Conference and Fleet Safety Awards. Also, thank you to all of the sponsors of the events as well. These events cannot be made possible without member and sponsor support, so again, I thank you. I hope to see you all at the Truck Driving Championships this June and the Summer Shoot-Out Golf Tournament. No mulligans!

UPCOMINGEVENTS TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP May 29-30, 2015 The 2015 Truck Driving Championship is May 29 & 30 in OKC at the Tower hotel and the OSU Precision Driving Training Course. Competition will begin at Noon sharp on 29th with the check in process beginning at 11 am, all at the Tower hotel.

WILBURN WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP POSTMARK DEADLINE Mon, June 8, 2015 A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one qualified applicant chosen by a third party panel. The qualifications for the scholarship include: Child or grandchild of a current active employee of an OTA member in good standing (current on dues payment) with OTA, High school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, High school Senior, Enrolled, or plan to enroll, at a university or college for the 2014 Fall semester (proof of enrollment will be required if the applicant is chosen to receive the scholarship) All required documents including: o High School Transcript – FINAL SEMESTER TRANSCRIPT o Completed application o 1-2 page single-spaced typed essay (Topic: Should state colleges be free to attend? Please explain your answer.) Applications will be judged by a third party and only properly completed applications and documents postmarked by the deadline will be considered. The winner will be notified by the Oklahoma Trucking Association after judging is completed.

SUMMER SHOOT-OUT June 12, 2015 Fairfax Golf Club with an 8:30 shotgun start. More details coming soon!

83RD ANNUAL CONVENTION September 23-24, 2015 The 83rd Annual Convention will be held at Downstream Casino & Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma.

For the most up-to-date event information, please visit oktrucking.org/events or contact Rebecca Chappell at 405.525.9488 or by email at rebeccachappell@oktrucking.org.

EDITOR

SHANNON HELTON It happens to me every year. Those Million Mile drivers. They boggle my mind. It takes about ten years to drive a million miles, and then they do it without a single accident. This year, we had two drivers with two million safe miles, and one three million mile driver. That is remarkable! To top it all off, our Driver of the Year, Harry Welker. Hearing his story of heroism and bravery is uplifting. I hope that none of us have to encounter a situation where we would have to make choices like he did, but I hope that by Mr. Welker’s example of character and honor, we would choose to do the right thing. I wish that the general public saw what I see every day with this industry. One that strives daily for excellence and safety. Not the bad guys that are portrayed in films, but the good guys that help out when out officers are in trouble, or when someone needs help in an accident. That’s what we hope to show as an association, and that’s especially what this issue is about. Safety and Excellence. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees this year. It is a great honor to be awarded amongst your peers. Thank you for doing your best, and working towards excellence always.

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Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

TRUCKING TIDBITS

U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY FOXX ANNOUNCES $500 MILLION IN SEVENTH ROUND OF TIGER FUNDING U.S. DOT

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced today $500 million will be made available for transportation projects across the country under a seventh round of the highly successful Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive grant program. Mississippi State Senator Albert Butler and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett joined Secretary Foxx to highlight how essential federal funding is to transportation projects in their states and communities. “The TIGER program has funded innovative projects, sparked new partnerships, created intermodal connections and enabled hard-to-fund projects that are changing the face of communities all across the country,” said Secretary Foxx. “We are excited to kick off this year’s competition.” TIGER 2015 discretionary grants will fund capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that will have a 10

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area. The TIGER 2015 grant program will continue to make transformative surface transportation investments by providing significant and measurable improvements over existing conditions. The grant program will focus on capital projects that generate economic development and improve access to reliable, safe and affordable transportation for communities, both urban and rural. The FY 2015 Appropriations Act does not provide dedicated funding for the planning, preparation, or design of capital projects; however, these activities may be eligible to the extent that they are part of an overall construction project. A minimum of 20 percent of funds will fund projects in rural areas.

Since 2009, the TIGER grant program has provided a combined $4.1 billion to 342 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Demand has been overwhelming, and during the previous six rounds, the Department received more than 6,000 applications requesting more than $124 billion for transportation projects across the country. “The consistent number of high quality projects we’re unable to fund through TIGER every year demonstrates the need for Congress to act to give more communities access to this vital lifeline,” Secretary Foxx said. “That is why we proposed doubling TIGER in the GROW AMERICA Act.” Earlier this week, the Department reintroduced an improved surface transportation reauthorization bill, the GROW AMERICA Act. The bill would provide $7.5 billion in funding over six years for the TIGER grant program. Under the GROW AMERICA Act, the TIGER grant program will be available for another six years, extending a proven track record of helping communities coordinate innovative, multi-modal transportation projects that serve the movement of goods and diverse travel needs of their residents and businesses in the 21st Century. “The TIGER grant enabled the City of Oklahoma City to leverage existing state and local funding to create a long-range vision for multi-modal transportation in OKC,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. “The grant allowed us to extend our vision of public transit in a way that will benefit our residents for decades to come.” “A brighter economic future tomorrow starts with making smart investments in transportation today. States across the country are recognizing that updating our infrastructure now is a down-payment on our future, and in Connecticut, we’re working towards transformative, long-term initiative to make our system best-in-class, but it cannot be done without our federal partners,” said Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy. “These funds are invaluable to our growth as a state and as a nation, and I would like to thank Secretary Foxx and the US Dept. of Transportation for making these funds available.” “TIGER grants have helped my district get the funds we needed to improve transportation so our kids can get to school faster, our crops can get to market, and overall provide a better quality of life for the citizens in our area,” said Senator Butler. The highly competitive TIGER grant program supports innovative projects, including multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects, which are difficult to fund through traditional federal programs. These federal funds leverage money from private sector partners, states, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations and transit agencies. The 2014 TIGER round alone is leveraging $600 million in federal investment to support $1.9 billion in overall transportation investments. TIGER funding is provided in the FY 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, signed by President Obama on December 16, 2014. Pre-Applications are due on May 4, 2015. Final applications are due June 5, 2015. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.dot.gov/TIGER.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

TRUCKING TIDBITS

ATA TRUCK TONNAGE INDEX GAINED 1.1% IN MARCH American Trucking Associations

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 1.1% in March, following a revised drop of 2.8% during the previous month. In March, the index equaled 133.5 (2000=100). The all-time high is 135.8, reached in January 2015.

Costello added that truck tonnage has increased in five of the last six months, but is off 1.7% from the high in January.

Compared with March 2014, the SA index increased 5%, which was above the 3.3% gain in February but below January’s 6.7% year-over-year increase. During the first quarter, tonnage was unchanged from the previous quarter while increasing 5% from the same period in 2014.

Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 69.1% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 9.7 billion tons of freight in 2013. Motor carriers collected $681.7 billion, or 81.2% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.

The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 139.7 in March which was 17.2% above the previous month (119.2). “While tonnage did not fully recoup the loss from February, it increased nicely in March,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “I’d say that tonnage was one of the better indicators for the month, which is a positive sign for the broader economy.”

“The next couple of months will be telling for truck freight volumes as we enter the spring freight season,” he said.

ATA calculates the tonnage index based on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 10th day of the month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons and key financial indicators.

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TRUCKING TIDBITS

ATRI RESEARCH FINDS TRUCK OPERATIONS AND SAFETY HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY 34-HOUR RESTART PROVISIONS ATRI

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released the results of a new analysis of the safety and operational impacts from the 34-hour restart provisions. In this latest of an ongoing series of Research Tech Memos, ATRI analyzed an extensive truck GPS database to identify changes in truck travel by time-of-day and day of the week that may have occurred after the July 1, 2013 change to the Hours-of-Service (HOS) restart provisions. ATRI also examined several years of pre- and post-July 1 federal truck crash data to quantify safety impacts resulting from the HOS rules change implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The truck GPS data analysis identified a shift of truck traffic from nighttime to daytime and a shift of truck traffic away from the weekends to more congested weekdays, with the biggest decreases in truck activity occurring on Sunday nights. The crash data analysis showed a statistically significant increase in truck crashes after the July 1, 2013 rule change, specifically with injury and towaway crashes. In particular, the increase in injury and towaway crashes would be expected based on the shifting of trucks to more congested weekday travel due to increased traffic exposure. The crash increases and operational shifts would ostensibly be independent of overall economic improvement since the statistical tool utilizes percentage change, and tonnage growth percentages over the 2-year period were relatively constant. In addition, truck unit position points are a better indicator of physical truck movements than freight volumes. ATRI's report features some possible explanations for the GPS and crash data findings as a result of operational changes the industry had to make post-July 1, 2013. Among these are: Drivers abandoning use of the more restrictive 34-hour restart in favor of the rolling recap. Expanded use of weekend productivity by drivers, particularly Friday into early Saturday driving. Earlier weekend dispatches for drivers to avoid disruptions to early week (Monday-Tuesday) operations. "After many years of crash decreases, everyone knows our industry has experienced an uptick in crashes," said Dean Newell, Vice President, Safety of Maverick USA, Inc. and a member of ATRI's Research Advisory Committee. "This latest analysis from ATRI validates both changes in operations and crash risk that seem to be associated with the restart rule. Regulations should serve to improve safety, not create additional safety risks."

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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STATE MATTERS

WINTER LEAVES ITS MARK ON STATE HIGHWAYS Oklahoma Department of Transportation

It’s not your imagination. The highway that you drive every day actually may have gotten worse in the past month, especially on some of the state’s older roads. The snow, ice and freezing rain that fell in February and early March really did a number on the state’s road pavement conditions. Highways in eastern Oklahoma, in particular, took the brunt of a vicious freeze-andthaw cycle this winter. For example, Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews placed more than 500 tons of patching materials across four southeastern Oklahoma counties in a 12day period after the last freeze. That is the equivalent of 45 dump truck loads of patching material and it’s close to the same amount used across all of southeastern Oklahoma for 2014. Statewide, pothole problems have dramatically increased this year. From January through March 2015, the department spent $177,936 on 1,691 tons of pavement patching material, which is a 32 percent increase. In the same time period in 2014, the department spent $131,328 on 1,133 tons of material. A typical driving surface can last about 10-12 years before requiring any resurfacing. The agency’s Asset Preservation Plan is designed to maximize the lifespan of each roadway but that requires regular maintenance to not be delayed. Normally, a road would receive an overlay before it becomes cracked. Tight funding and a priority on structurally deficient bridges means fewer dollars are available for life-extending pavement maintenance.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s pavement management program seeks to overlay highways before major cracks or holes appear in an effort to extend the life of the pavement. However, after this year’s harsh winter, pavements across Oklahoma are deteriorating at a fast rate like this section along US-75 over the Deep Fork River in Okmulgee County.

“The problems of 40 years of underfunding cannot be overcome in a few years,” Mike Patterson, ODOT executive director, said. “ODOT is grateful to the Legislature and the public for investing in the system’s bridge needs. Unfortunately, we cannot right all the wrongs in just a few years as we indicated when new funding became available in 2006. It will take a sustained effort to truly dig out of this hole and put Oklahoma back on track to meets its citizens’ transportation needs.” Thanks to increased state funding since 2006, ODOT’s aggressive bridge replacement program has reduced the number of structurally deficient highway bridges from an all-time high of 1,168 in 2004 to 372 at the end of the 2014 inspection cycle. Many of the state’s 6,800 bridges were built in the 1930s and designed to last 25 to 50 years, but have been pressed into service for 80 years or more due to lack of construction funding. “The bridges were the Achilles heel of Oklahoma’s transportation system and we had to get that under control,” Casey Shell, ODOT chief engineer, said. “But we have always said that there were as many pavement improvements needed as there were bridges to reconstruct. Due to the immediate safety concerns, we had to start with the bridges first, knowing that pavement needs would have to be addressed next.”

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

STATE MATTERS This winter’s frosty grip ripped more holes than usual in our roads, which is a direct reflection on the system’s pavement age and conditions. Even with more than $100 million spent annually on statewide maintenance, highway construction spending on pavement reconstruction and lane expansions remained flat from 2004 to 2014. As the most urgent bridge problems are resolved, the department will continue to push more of its construction funds toward restoring highway pavement conditions as previously planned. Drivers will see the result of this winter through increased temporary maintenance this spring and overlay work this summer. Please be mindful of these workers as they are in it for the long haul to make your highways safer.

Potholes are a normal occurrence after a heavy snowfall or rainfall, but highway problems have tripled in some areas this year after ground moisture reached saturation levels this winter. Above is a pothole in the SH-22 bridge over the Blue River in Bryan County.

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STATE MATTERS

CLOSURES NECESSARY ON I-44 BELLE ISLE BRIDGE AFTER MORE THAN EXPECTED DETERIORATION DISCOVERED Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews and its contractor are discovering much more than they bargained for during a routine bridge rehabilitation project. The I-44 Belle Isle bridge in Oklahoma City, built in 1978, is currently undergoing a bridge rehabilitation project that involves inspecting the bridge deck and piers and chipping away any old concrete to prepare the bridge piers for sandblasting and new concrete. It was during the execution of this step where crews discovered extensive damage to two of the piers so far. This prompted lane and ramp closures between Pennsylvania Ave. and Western Ave. on Friday, April 16. As part of the rehabilitation process, the first step is for crews to aggressively chip away at the concrete to better prepare the bridge for improvements. Under a façade of separated concrete, which was not visible during routine inspections, major rebar and concrete deterioration on two piers emerged. Damage to the piers was caused by water and salt over time. This particular bridge receives more salt in the winter than most due to its length, unique angle and traffic volume. The damage prompted engineers to narrow I-44 to two lanes in both directions between Penn and Western and close the eastbound I-44 on-ramp from eastbound Northwest Expressway and the westbound I-44 off-ramp to Northwest Expressway and begin extensive repairs to the two piers. Currently, crews are adding steel supports to two of the piers. Plans are to have this work completed by early May and open the closed lanes to traffic. However, engineers are evaluating additional piers and anticipate more could need repairs which could extend or cause additional closures. There are a total of 95 piers on the entire bridge, all are being evaluated. These repairs to the severely damaged piers are an adequate but interim fix. The current project will be completed early next year. Concurrently, emergency projects are being designed and will be expedited to provide the permanent fix. Engineers are confident the bridge is safe while the two piers are being addressed and would close the bridge should any findings reveal otherwise. The bridge is being monitored daily. Crews will continue to work under the bridge on the other piers as originally planned. This bridge is not currently scheduled for replacement in the Eight-Year Construction Work Plan. 18

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

This eastbound I-44 Belle Isle pier between Pennsylvania Ave. and Western Ave. is one of two piers currently receiving a temporary, steel beam support that will add strength to the bridge. Crews discovered extensive damage during a current rehabilitation project.

The current rehabilitation project, which started in early March is estimated to be finished by early 2016. Last September 2014, Restek, Inc. was selected to work on this estimated $3 million contract. This bridge carries nearly 100,000 vehicles per day. Decades of flat state funding for transportation led to the rapid deterioration of structures like the Belle Isle bridge, as resources were simply not available for regularly scheduled preventative maintenance and asset preservation projects to extend the life of highways and bridges. Since 2006, dedicated revenue to the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) fund has allowed ODOT to rehabilitate or completely replace more than 945 highway bridges by the end of 2014. Another 935 major bridge projects are scheduled in ODOT’s 2015-2022 Eight-Year Plan, including all remaining structurally deficient highway bridges with planned regular preventative maintenance as to not be in this same position in the future. Even with the ROADS fund and an aggressive bridge program, overcoming the state’s backlog of highway needs for both rural and urban areas continues to be a challenge as major bridges like the I-44 Belle Isle bridge are nearing or already have exceeded their expected life span and lack a funding solution for future replacement.

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STATE MATTERS

NEW POLL: MAJORITY OF OKLAHOMANS FAVOR HALTING TAX CUT AMID BUDGET SHORTFALL by Gene Perry | Oklahoma Policy Institute

A new poll shows that 60 percent of Oklahoma voters support delaying or canceling the income tax cut scheduled for 2016, and only 33 percent still want the tax cut to go forward while the state has a large budget shortfall. Before hearing any other information about the tax cut, 62 percent of Oklahoma voters said Oklahoma has cut the state income tax too much or the right amount, compared to just 27 percent who said it has not been cut enough. At the same time, a very large majority (74%) said they think Oklahoma is not spending enough on education funding.

Large majorities of Democrats (70%) and Independents (68%) and a plurality of Republicans (47%) opposed allowing the tax cut to go forward amid a budget shortfall. Opposition grows even larger (29% support/64% oppose overall) when voters learn that “over 40 percent of Oklahomans will not receive a tax cut at all, the average reduction for middle-income families will be $31, and the largest tax cuts will go to the wealthiest Oklahoma households.” On a survey question that has been asked for the past four years, belief that “low personal income tax rates” are most important to attract businesses to Oklahoma has dropped to a new low of 20 percent, compared to 68 percent who say “an educated and well trained workforce” is most important. Majorities also supported several other proposals for closing Oklahoma’s budget shortfall this year. Among budget options presented in the survey, the strongest support (63% support / 29% oppose) was for accepting federal funds to expand health coverage for low-income adults, which has been estimated to save the state $450 million over the next 10 years. Adopting combined corporate reporting to prevent multi-state corporations from shifting profits out-of-state for tax purposes also received majority support, with the largest support for this idea coming from Republicans and conservatives. A plurality favored ending the double deduction tax break that lets Oklahomans who claim itemized deductions to deduct their state income taxes paid from their state income taxes. “The takeaway is that Oklahoma lawmakers have popular, sensible options to close the budget shortfall while avoiding damaging cuts to services,” said Blatt. “I hope more Oklahomans will speak out to end this disconnect between what the people want and what the Legislature is doing.”

The poll of 500 Oklahoma registered voters was commissioned by Oklahoma Policy Institute and conducted by nationally-respected opinion research firm Global Strategy Group. The full poll results and a memo from Global Strategy Group are available here. “The poll shows that the conversation at the Capitol has become far removed from what Oklahoma voters want,” said OK Policy’s Executive Director David Blatt. “By moving forward with an unpopular tax cut and talking about more cuts to education, our legislators are ignoring the citizens they are supposed to represent.”

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

Global Strategy Group is an American public affairs and research firm with clients that include Fortune 100 companies and national political leaders, associations and nonprofits. The survey was conducted on March 26-29, 2015 with 500 registered voters in Oklahoma. The results have a margin of error of +/-4.4%, and care has been taken to ensure the geographic and demographic divisions of the expected electorate are properly represented based on past voter turnout statistics.

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MEMBER NEWS

CON-WAY TRUCKLOAD LAUNCHES MILITARY APPRECIATION INITIATIVE Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) today launched a military appreciation campaign called True to the Troops with a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Joplin that included the unveiling of two of the company’s tractor-trailers wrapped with images honoring and recognizing our nation’s military. Two Con-way Truckload professional drivers — Tomy Fox and Darrell Bogan, each a military veteran — were nominated and selected for the honor of driving the two new True to the Troops tractor-trailers throughout the U.S. during May, which, appropriately, is Military Appreciation Month. This morning’s ceremony included a presentation of colors led by the Joplin ROTC color guard, remarks by featured speakers Joe Dagnese, president of Con-way Truckload, Joplin mayor, Michael Seibert, who proclaimed May 1 “Con-way Truckload True to the Troops Day,” Lieutenant Colonel Dean R. Somers, who addressed the need for quality training and career opportunities for veterans, and Joshua Landers, military advocate at Con-way Truckload. “The values learned in service to our country align with the shared values we hold as an enterprise – safety, integrity, commitment, excellence – and complement our company’s purpose of strengthening communities and enriching lives by delivering the things that matter,” said Joe Dagnese, president, Con-way Truckload. “We recognize the value veterans

bring to our team. We know they will be a positive addition to our culture. And today we reaffirm our commitment to be True to the Troops.” The company has in place a number of hiring initiatives to assist veterans looking for a career in trucking, including: Priority hiring status to qualified soldiers participating in the Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program. Participation in the U.S. Department of Labor National Apprenticeship Program, which permits eligible veterans and active members of the Guard and Reserve to receive paid onthe-job training using GI Bill benefits. Relationships with the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and One-Stop Career Centers throughout the country, to help recently separated military personnel find the right job, program or opportunity to start or continue their training. Con-way Truckload’s Driver Certification program, where drivers with recent military driving experience and a CDL will have the opportunity to quickly transition to the experienced driver pay scale. Offering paid tuition and tuition reimbursement to those veterans looking to start a career in truck driving. Joshua Landers, military advocate at Con-way Truckload and the final speaker of the morning, highlighted the company’s involvement with a range of military-focused organizations where the company provides pro bono transportation services. These include Wreaths Across America, delivering wreaths to be placed on headstones of fallen heroes in military cemeteries across the country; Holy Joe’s Cafe, a military charity that supplies thousands of pounds of donated coffee to military bases across the country; and most recently, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s The Wall that Heals. “I’ve always been very proud of my military service,” said Con-way Truckload's Tomy Fox, a professional driver and one of two veterans who will pilot the commemorative truck and trailer around the country this month. “Not only was I able to serve my country but I learned valuable skills that have helped me in civilian life. I’m grateful to Con-way Truckload for the opportunities they provide for veterans like myself and I’ll drive this beautiful truck with pride.” Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

TYe ap FhrEis P SwAith C E

FOUNDATION We all know that culture is what drives safety in an organization, but many aspects are needed to succeed in getting people home safe. Elements of having a safe company, with safe drivers, may be too long of a list to be listed in this passage. Every level of business would have to be examined for good safety behaviors to be developed. The key area of focus with this would be in the hiring and training of new recruits. Hiring the right driver also means “finding” the right driver. It is easy to say, “Must have experience and clean MVR.” But what does “experience” really mean? What, in those “experiences” will match what you need as a company? From the oil field salt water drivers, high mountain loggers, long range condo drivers, to day cab pickup and delivery, the word “experience” can mean a ton of different things. Driving is not “just driving” anymore. Every company has its own nuances and morals to live by. To truly find the right fit for a company today, might be more complex than simple ads or the following the basics of a clean MVR and driving experience. With the worry of being sued over simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, training has become a much more vital piece of transportation. Training is not that simple anymore. I would challenge that we have thousands of skills to develop as a driver today. Some examples may be: 130+ pre-trip lists, 20 different types of transmissions, engine ratings, turning radiuses, backing, maneuvering obstacles, loading and unloading, paperwork processes, and hours of service, to even how to handle the day to day scenarios that drivers might encounter with other drivers. Training is brutal, to say the least. It would appear we do not train drivers anymore, we are training astronauts or pilots! If we want to get our people home safe, and we wish to employ the best of the best, then we must take the necessary steps required to be the best. That means focusing on every element of our companies that may affect safety, culture, moral, recruiting, hiring, maintenance, training, and even how or where we operate. Driving around the public today is as safety sensitive as flying a plane. To perfect such an advanced position such as this, we must continuously evaluate what we do today and work to make it better for tomorrow.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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SAFETY AWARDS

MIDWINTER CONFERENCE &

OKLAHOMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST IN TRUCKING - TOGETHER TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND CELEBRATE SUCCESSES

ach year, the Association gathers to learn more about ways to improve the industry through technology, new methodology, and safety.This year, the OTA gathered at the Waterford Marriott in Oklahoma City for the annual Midwinter Conference. That evening, attendees and others gathered to celebrate the annual Fleet Safety Awards. Steve Niswander, Vice President of Safety for Groendyke Transport, served

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

as announcer for the banquet. Brad Bentley, President of the American Truckload Carriers Association was the keynote speaker. After the speakers, the awards started, where OSMC Chair, Chris Pape of Groendyke Transport helped present, as well as Scott Sullins of Great West Casualty Company. Honoring twenty-five Million Mile drivers, two Two Million Mile Drivers,

and one Three Million Mile driver, twelve Professional Drivers, Driver of the Year, and ten Fleet Safety Awards in total, the banquet celebrated all of the successes the industry strives for every day - safety and professionalism. The banquet was sponsored by the American Trucking Associations, Hamm & Phillips Service Company, and UPS. McCorkle Truck Line graciously provided roses for the Professional Drivers and Driver of the Year, and Great West Casualty Company provided the Fleet Safety Awards and Grand Trophy. Additional sponsors included Grand sponsors: Bruckner Truck Sales, Inc., Oklahoma City Freightliner • Western Star, Rush Truck Centers, T&W Tire, and Tulsa Freightliner • Western Star.

Professional Drivers best of the best

Legislative Reception Jim Klepper (Drivers Legal Plan) and Dieter Patraw (Southern Tire Mart)

Each year, dozens of companies submit their nominations for their best drivers. Law enforcement and regulatory oﬃcers review the applications and select the best of the best, based on merit, safety, and professionalism. Oklahoma’s best drivers, hands down.

Truckloads American Truckload Carriers Association President, Brad Bentley addresses the crowd during the Safety Awards Banquet.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

2 0 1 4 F SAFETY Irregular Route - Under One Million Miles

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McCorkle Truck Line, Inc. Niles Transportation, Inc.

Triad Transport, Inc. FTC Transportation, Inc.

Irregular Route - Over Five Million Miles

Regular Route - One to Five Million Miles

Miller Truck Lines, LLC

AAA Cooper Transportation

ABF Freight System, Inc.

Melton Truck Lines

Regular Route - Over Five Million Miles

The Waggoners Trucking

Beaver Express Service LLC

Petroleum - Under One Million Miles

Hoffmeier, Inc.

United Parcel Service

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

Miller Truck Lines, LLC

F L E E T AWARDS Petroleum - One to Five Million Miles

Coffeyville Resources Crude Transportation

Petroleum - Over Five Million Miles

United Petroleum Transports

Miscellaneous - One to Five Million Miles

Miscellaneous - Over Five Million Miles

Big Mac Tank Trucks LLC

Triad Transport, Inc.

LuGreg Trucking, LLC

Groendyke Transport, Inc.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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Highway Angel

DRIVER OF

THE YEAR Harry Welker of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, who is a professional truck driver for Melton Truck Lines, Inc., of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been named a Highway Angel by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA). Welker is being recognized for helping to subdue a belligerent man who was involved in a “life and death struggle” with a state trooper. On October 22, 2013, at about mid-morning, Welker and a trainee (who is not currently affiliated with Melton Truck Lines) had stopped at a rest area on I-70 in Kannapolis, Kansas. As they crossed the parking lot and entered the restroom facilities, they noticed a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper had pulled over a van for a traffic violation. It seemed like a routine matter... but not for long. While the two men were inside the restroom, the trooper attempted to identify the occupant of the van. The man was evasive

and provided several different names. Suspicions aroused, the trooper asked the man to get out of his vehicle and place his hands on the hood of the trooper’s SUV. However, when he tried placing a handcuff on the man’s wrist, the man became extremely hostile, attacked the trooper, and placed him in a chokehold. According to a written account by the superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, “a life and death struggle then ensued,” as the man punched the officer several times in the face and tried to gain control of the trooper’s gun. By the time Welker and the trainee began walking back to their tractor trailer, the incident had escalated to the point where the man and the trooper were violently fighting on the ground in the middle of the parking lot. The man had forced himself on top of the trooper; it appeared it was only a matter of time before he overpowered him. Welker and the trainee, who are U.S. Marine

Corps veterans, immediately went to help. They tackled the man, helping to subdue him, but he continued to resist, even when the trooper used a stun gun. Eventually, with Welker and the trainee’s help, the trooper was finally able to handcuff and arrest the man, who turned out to be wanted for parole violations in another state. “It was my natural reaction to go over there and help. I didn’t give it a second thought,” said Welker, who spent eight years as a corrections officer for the state of Missouri and also used to escort prisoners for the Marines. “I’m not out to get recognition… I’m a concerned citizen who took action when action needed to be taken.”

thanks. “You put yourself in harm’s way for a State Trooper who you did not know. Your actions undoubtedly saved [the trooper] from further injury and possibly death.” For his heroism, TCA has presented its latest Highway Angel with a certificate, patch, and lapel pin. Melton Truck Lines, Inc., also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel. Since the program’s inception in August 1997, hundreds of drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the unusual kindness, courtesy, and courage they have shown others while on the job.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has given Welker a plaque for his selfless actions on that morning. “Mr. Welker, you exhibited a great deal of bravery when you, unselfishly and without regard to your own safety, responded to help [our trooper],” states the letter of Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

O K L A H PROFESSION Jeffery Allen Adkins • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 6 years • 520+ thousand miles • Driver Mentor for JCT, Participated in American Legion Toys for Tots Ride & Honor Guard for fallen Brothers

Eminelda Corpus • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 18 years • Over 2 million miles • 3 Children – Isabeau Michael Cervantes age 25 , Ian Antonio Cervantes age 24, & Diego Navarro Corpus age 15

Carl E. Benge Jr. • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 20+ years • 1.9 million miles • 4 Children – Joshua age 25, Christopher age 24, William age 15 & Nicholas age 11

Pam Freeman • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 20 years • Over 3.1 million miles • Married – Tom • 3 Children – Dale Fisher, David Fisher, & Gloria Malmoski

John Borett • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 31 years • 3.1 million miles • Married – Anita Borett • 5 Children – John Jr, Christina, Lorraine, Jeannie, & Pam

David Ladwig • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 14 years • 1.5 million miles • Married – Elizabeth • 3 Children – Chris age 26, Alexis & Anais both age 22

O M A ’ S NAL DRIVERS Jackie C. Morton • John Christner Trucking • Driving for 25 years • Over 3 million miles • Married – Colleen • 2 Children – Derek age 22, & Kylie age 18

Harry Welker • Melton Truck Lines • Driving for 5 years • 600,000 Over the Road Miles • Married – Jeanne • 3 Children – (son) Josh age 21, (stepson) Jacob Bethel age 22, & (daughter) Katie Welker age 13

Ronald W. Pierce

Russell W. Sims

• United Petroleum Transports • Driving for 30 years • Over 3 million miles • Married – Lori Served in the US Marine Corps, received Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, & National Defense Medal

Henry E. Howell

• John Christner Trucking • Driving for 37 years • 4.29 million miles • Married – Patti (Deceased) • 2 Children – Caleb Austin age 27, & Rebecca E. Ballard age 27

Veryl (Lynn) Byrd

• Triad Transport, Inc. • Driving for 42 years • 5 Million miles • Married – Mildred • 5 Children – Alicia Wright, Justin Blodgett, Adam Howell, Mark Bartman, & Kimberly Payne

• ABF Freight System, Inc. • Been with ABF Freight since 7/1984 • Over 3 million miles • Company says he has a long standing record of courteous and safe driving. He has a great career in servicing their customer base and the public day in and day out.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

M I L L I O D R I V Ross Dicks

Michael A. Giannetta

Juan Hernandez

Linda Leibfarth

Raymond Lenihan

Archiebald A. Lyle

Thomas Owenby

Jonathan Atzenhofer

Michael Ford

Non Rolen

Charles Britton

Thomas Fernandez

Mitchell Henize

Terry Hopkins

Roger Self

George Sharp

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

M I L E E R S

Diana E. Parris

Donald Mitchell

Ronald Pierce

Billy Harvey

Kurt Schuringa

Carry West

Timothy James Chapman 2 Million Miles

Robert Lambert 2 Million Miles

Jackie Morton Jr. 3 Million Miles

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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New OTA Lobbyist Jim Newport breaks it down for the crowd with real issues and strategies for legislative issues

DONOR DINNER

HIGHLIGHTS

The OTA honors its top donors each year before the Midwinter Conference. This year, Jim Newport, who recently joined the OTA to assist with lobbying efforts, spoke to the crowd about his history, and real world experience that gets results.

The OTA would like to thank every member who donated to the Association in the past year, because without your help, we would not be able to make the strides we do for our industry.

David McCorkle (McCorkle Truck Line) and Jim Newport

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Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

Member Spotlight FTC Transportation

Founded: 1986 Headquarters: Oklahoma City Owners: FTC Transportation is a wholly owned subsidiary of and core carrier for Feed the Children. Our President is Travis Arnold and our Senior Vice President is Greg Garen. How did it all begin? Feed the Children was founded in 1979, providing hope and resources for those without life’s essentials throughout the world. By 1986, it became evident a core carrier would be instrumental in helping to fulfill Feed the Children’s mission through the transportation of hunger and disaster relief to those in need here in the U.S., so FTC Transportation was formed. What do you think sets you apart from other carriers? At FTC Transportation, we have the opportunity to provide a unique service through our work for Feed the Children. Drivers come to work for us to be a part of something greater than themselves. They want to reach our a helping hand to their friends and neighbors. Our size gives us the unique opportunity to offer our employees a family atmosphere while still competing with other carriers in the areas of safety, technology, and benefits. FTC Transportation has recently been recognized by the OTA, OSMC, TCA, CarriersEdge, Great West Casualty and The Oklahoman for safety and our work atmosphere: 1st Place for Safety in 2014 for our Division (Oklahoma) – OTA & OSMC, Grand Trophy for our Safety Program (Oklahoma) – OTA & OSMC, 2nd Place for Safety in 2014 for our Division (North America) - TCA, Grand Trophy for Safety among Small Carriers (North America) - TCA, 2015 Best Fleets to Driver For (third year in a row, with 2013 & 2014 also) – TCA & CarriersEdge, Platinum Safety Award for Workplace Safety 2009-2011, 2013, Gold in 2012, 2014 – Great West Casualty Company, Platinum Safety Award for Highway Safety 2009-2014 – Great West Casualty Company, Top Workplaces 2014 – The Oklahoman. What issue is the most important to your company right now? Like most carriers, finding drivers is one of the most important issues for FTC Transportation currently. Because of our commitment to safety and our dedication to helping others, it is vital we only put the safest and most professional drivers to deliver hope that rides in the back of a semitruck. What do you think the greatest benefit from being an OTA member is? The Oklahoma Trucking Association and the Oklahoma Safety Management Council have played in a huge role in our safety program. With weekly updates, monthly meetings, and safety-based training and seminars offered throughout the year, both associations serve a great need in keeping us informed of regulatory updates and safety news. Being an active member has given us access to other trucking professionals we can turn to for input and advice, as we strive to fulfill our vision to be the best and safest at what we do.

Oklahoma Motor Carrier Magazine | Spring 2015

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