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Fall 2011 | Volume 18 | Issue 4 | www.oktrucking.org
79th Annual Convention Highlights OTA Welcomes New Chairman, John Titsworth Wilburn Williamson Memorial Scholarship Winners
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In this issue FEATURES 29 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 30 79th Annual Convention 37 2011 National SuperTech Competition 38 Convention Golf Classic DEPARTMENTS Editorials 5 From the Editor 6 From the Executive Director 15 Building a New Partnership: USDOT and America’s Farmers Member News 7 Commemorative Coin for Veterans 8 There’s an Elephant in the Room 10 Bruckner Truck Sales OKC Open House 10 Save Money With Your Workmans’ Compensation Payouts 11 OTA Announces 2011 Wilburn Williamson Memorial Scholarship Recipients New Members 12 Trucking Tidbits: Nationwide News 15 IRP to Reverse Audit, Record-Keeping Rules 16 White House Cracks Down on Trucking Safety 16 FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Brake Regulations State Matters 19 Governor Fallin Announces 11 More Appointments 20 Federal Funding Issues Discussed; $47 Million in Contracts Approved 21 US-287 Truck Relief Route Completed Near Boise City OSMC’s Safety Zone 26 Upcoming Events 24 Member Spotlight 42
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38 On the cover (left to right): CW “Fred” Allen - Fred Allen Group, Eric Adams - Heritage Solutions, and Pamelia Rost - Fred Allen Group, enjoying the 2011 Convention Golf Classic at the Cherokee Hills Golf Club in Catoosa, OK.
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Editor & Publisher Shannon Helton shannonhelton@oktrucking.org For advertising rates and information, please contact Shannon Helton at 405.445.1790, or visit www.oktrucking. org/media for rate sheets and additional information.
Printing Southwestern Stationery & Bank Supply, Inc.
Executive Director Dan Case dancase@oktrucking.org Bookkeeper Les Hinkle leshinkle@oktrucking.org Director of Events Rebecca Chappell rebeccachappell@oktrucking.org Chairman of Board John Titsworth Triad Transport
Board of Directors Bob Peterson Melton Truck Line Greg Price OTL-UPT Dusty Runnels Hamm & Phillips Service Company David McCorkle McCorkle Truck Line LaVern McCorkle McCorkle Truck Line Steve Niswander Groendyke Transport Jim Klepper Drivers Legal Plan Carmalieta Wells Madewell & Madewell, Inc. Susan Alexander Tri Alexander Transportation, Inc. David Freymiller Freymiller, Inc. Ken Case Dugan Truck Line, Inc. Michael Mayer Rush Truck Centers Donnie Tulk OTL-UPT Bonne Karim TMC Representative Robert O’Brien Time Lines Management Shawn Reeves Advance Food Company
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
from the The Fall is a time for change, not just in the leaves, but within the OTA as well. Each September during the Annual Convention, we celebrate another year of the continued success of the trucking industry and usher in a new Chairman, and a new Board of Directors. I would like to thank our Immediate Past Chairman, Dusty Runnels, for his work with the OTA and continued membership drive. He has helped the OTA in its mission to serve the trucking industry of Oklahoma by spreading the benefits of membership, and for that, Dan and the gang are really pleased. Our new Chairman, John Titsworth, is passionate about the changes State and Federal entites are implenting. CSA, EOBRs, the Driver Shortage, he knows his stuff and he stands up for what he believes in. I think we can expect great things from him and his knowledge. This year’s convention was, simply, a blast. One of my favorite things about the event is that you get a chance to learn more about the members. Not just who is based out of where, or who sells what, but how legislative and regulatory changes are affecting them, what they’ve learned from the OTA over the past year, and what they look forward to in not only the trucking industry, but in their personal lives as well. Speaking of learning about members, I hope that you all enjoy this issue’s Member Spotlight on Freymiller, Inc. I had no idea that they’ve been headquartered in three different states. Talk about a logisitical nightmare of a move! But talking to David Freymiller about their great company, with genuine family-oriented roots, makes me all the more grateful that we have such dedicated members. Seasons may change, economies will sway and regulators may crack down, but at least we’re in this together.
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The 79th annual convention is now history and we want to thank all who participated as our guests and our sponsors. We had the largest attendance in years and record sponsorship from our members. I keep wondering how Jeff Edmonds did those tricks? We have already started planning for our 80th annual convention at the Downstream Resort north of Miami Oklahoma next September. This will be a very special time, honoring our 80 years of service to the trucking industry. We look forward to hosting our annual open house December 15th at our office and will once again collect money for charities we have chosen to help during the holiday season. We are working with our friends at the Capitol on permitting issues, MVR fees, and workmen’s comp issues. These will be very important to our industry during the next session of the legislature. Keep truckin,
OKLAHOMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
MEMBER NEWS
Commemorative Coin for Veterans There is no more meaningful or moving description of a veteran than “A Veteran is a person who wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including one’s life” (author unknown). Nor is there a more dignified way of disseminating the tribute to the more than 21 million men and women who donned the uniform and solemnly swore “that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…” than a coin or medallion that can passed on to their heirs and future generations. The description of a veteran as shown above is on one side of the 1 ¾” antique bronze coin and the seal of your particular branch of service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard) on the other.
Army
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Front Side(s)
Air Force
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This commemoratory should be inof thethe hands of every American everorder. donned the uniform solemnlyof swore The coins are $10.00 each, plus a $2.00 Shipping and Handling chargecoin regardless number of coinswho you State theand number “that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all coins requested for each branch of service. If ordering by mail, send a check or money order to VETCOIN, P. O. Box 20303, Oklahoma enemies, foreign and domestic…………..” City, OK 73156-0303. VETCOIN may be contacted by calling (405) 842-6548.
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Back A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these coins is being donated to an educational scholarshipGiving fund for the children and dependents The Vetcoin was designed to honor all American VeterA portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Vetcoin of those killed in action or the dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled. ans from all branches of service, both men and women, who served honorably in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as stations, posts, bases and abroad ships around the world.
will be used for scholarship awards to children and dependents of those veterans killed in action or permanently disabled.
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The inscription on the reverse side is encircled with a A perfect memento for reunions, special veteran events, With 52 ProDrivers’ Service and Recruitment Centers around the nation, we laurel wreath representing distinction and honor and relatives, friends or even strangers who have served honjoined together with a ribbon representing those who orably. A memento like this will be a family heirloom to have a deep understanding ofbe passed ourdownclients’ andpaidtheir the supremeexpectations. sacrifice. The five stars represent the from generationbusiness to generation. five Armed Services of the United States.
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OKLAHOMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
MEMBER NEWS
There’s an elephant in the room by Jimmy J. Sill, CDS Driver Compliance
John Godfrey Saxe wrote of six blind men attempting to describe an elephant; the story goes something like this. As each of the blind men felt and groped their way around the beast it would utterly be nearly incomprehensible to them. Besides being blind, imagination and location are their only boundaries. After spending a great amount of time moving around and feeling areas of the beast, each man had a different idea or opinion as to what the elephant truly was. To the blind man who examined the trunk; he determined that it must be a snake. To the blind man who examined the tusk; a spear. To the blind man who examined the ear; well, no doubt, it was a large fan. To the blind man who examined the tail; he stated it must be a rope. But my favorite is the one who examined the stomach; he exclaimed that this was merely a wall. At the end of the day none of the blind men could come to any agreement as to what it was that they just examined and their conflict was never resolved. In all fleets there are different departments, each having the same goal, profitability, but in most instances each have opposing viewpoints: Safety, Human Resources, Maintenance, Operations, Accounting, etc. Each department recognizes the elephant in the room but cannot adequately describe it, so they act as if it is not there. As a safety manager, we are relied upon, to guide and direct our fleet’s safety management program, mitigating risk and exposure. However, I have discovered so many of us perform this task blindly as well. Not unlike the parable referenced at the beginning of this article, we are trying to describe an elephant by only visualizing what we can tangibly grasp. Today’s fleet safety manager has the daunting responsibilities of driver qualification, training, drug & alcohol program management, policy development, accident investigation, litigation preparation and regulatory compliance with both federal and state agencies. Depending on the size and scope of the fleet, some managers are even charged with many additional tasks like: Licensing, permitting, driver log audit, quarterly tax filing, maintenance, document control, fleet fuel and insurance programs. Unfortunately with 82% of the fleets across America having less than 30 power units, the latter is usually the case. To effectively manage a fleet safety management program, a safety manager must know his or her costs. They must be able to “Dollarize” safety and communicate it to everyone, from the top down and the bottom up. Today’s effective fleet safety manager must be able to have accountability to the core function by analyzing the numbers, planning and making changes based off that analysis. Over the past eight years I have traveled across America, training safety professionals, managers and directors, for fleets from 2 power units to over 15,000 power units. I have found that in nearly
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every situation I would receive the same flush faced startled look, when I would ask these simple and direct questions: Do you agree that the Safety Department can be a profit center?
What is your turnover rate?
What percentage of your fleet is the actual turn over occurring?
What is your percentage or ratio of prospective applicants to permanently retained drivers?
What is your average cost of hiring a driver?
Do you perform exit interviews; why are you terminating drivers; why are they leaving?
How many incidents (Non-DOT recordable accidents) have you had in the past 24 months?
What is your average cost per incident?
How many accidents (DOT recordable)
have you had in the past 24 months?
What is your average cost per accident?
Is your company self-insured; to what level; do you have coverage beyond what is minimally required?
What are you total fleet miles for the last year?
What is your accident rate?
What are the total man-hours worked in the last year?
What is your incident rate?
Does your company have an initial training or orientation program; what does it cost your fleet not to have one?
How many safety meetings did you have in the last 24 months?
What is your average cost of training; is it effective; how do you know?
What is the profit margin of your company (4.82% National Average 2011)?
Again, this list is not exhaustive but absolutely critical to our core job function as a safety manager or director. Sure, we as safety managers must be ready to answer the simple questions concerning the CSA program or be up on the proposed changes on the horizon at both the state and federal levels; for both drivers and management, and we must communicate on their level. Safety is everyone’s job, because safety is embedded within every job function in every department.
Most people struggle with either defining safety’s role or understanding it. Just as the blind men could not comprehend what was before them, we have to help people understand the true cost of risk management and regulatory compliance, communicating in terms that your audience will comprehend. Too many have gone before us and not communicated or defined safety’s role in the fleet. You will not be able to either without knowing your costs, dollarizing and making safety accountable as a profit center company wide. Be ever vigilant guarding against being lost in the day-to-day; stay focused on the size and scope of the fleet’s risk exposure. Become students of the business and get plugged in to peer organizations, industry associations and seek additional training regularly. Because, consistently allowing yourself to get lost in the minutia of the daily grind, in my opinion, is “Intentional Blindness.” Knowingly and willfully accepting the presence of the elephant; but stating that it is not there, that it is not real… Unacceptable. This would be no different that stating that the emperor has a wonderful new wardrobe, when he stands bare before you – it is the naked truth and it can be ugly.
OKLAHOMA TRUCKINGNEWS ASSOCIATION MEMBER MEMBER NEWS
Bruckner Truck Sales Oklahoma City Open House Bruckner Truck Sales’ Oklahoma City store held its annual open house and cookout on Friday, September 9, 2011. The event featured hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks and door prize drawings. The grand prize was a heavy duty Mack® offroad bicycle. Approximately 200 people showed up on what turned out to be a beautiful day! Bruckner Truck Sales is the local dealer for Mack and Volvo commercial trucks.
Chris Bruckner, Executive Vice President – Bruckner Truck Sales, Dan Case - OTA, Bob Acker, General Manager – Bruckner Truck Sales, Brian Murphy, Vice President of Sales – Bruckner Truck Sales pose at the Sept. 9 Open House in Oklahoma City.
Save Money With Your Workmans’ Compensation Payouts by Susan Lobsinger USA Mobile Drug Testing
Employers here in Oklahoma have an opportunity to use a new State law to their advantage. The most common reason that companies adopt drug testing is to reduce workplace accidents related to drug use. Using drugs, whether on or off the job, increases the likelihood that employees will have a job accident. This law can help create a safer workplace while saving money for the employer. On May 9, 2011, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed legislation amending the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing. The Act goes into effect November 1, 2011. Employers currently drug testing in Oklahoma, will need revisions to policies and procedures to conform to the new law. Those employers who are not yet drug testing, should take this opportunity now to implement a program to effect a safer workplace lowering overall workers compensation costs. Bottom line the program in Oklahoma can result in safer workplaces and save employers money.
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Studies show that approximately 75% of substance abusers are employed and that approximately 9% of the nation’s workforce are substance abusers. The federal government also has reported
that drug abusing employees, when compared to non-using workers, are: - Not staying in a job very long (High Turnover) - Not showing up for work (High Absenteeism) - Less productive employees (Poor Job Performance) - More likely to be involved in a workplace accident and - More likely to file a workers’ compensation claim. The new law in Oklahoma for Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing is employer friendly. It allows an employer require an employee to undergo drug or alcohol testing if the employee or another person has sustained an injury while at work or the employer’s property has been damaged (no dollar minimum required). The law further states that employees who test positive on a post accident drug test shall not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This can provide huge dollar savings for employers and insurance companies. USA Mobile Drug Testing, a national company specializing in drug free workplace compliance; is prepared to offer all Oklahoma employers a no cost, no obligation review of their current drug free workplace program. Employers without a drug testing program can also receive a no cost, no obligation consultation from USA Mobile Drug Testing to discuss a potential program. Susan Lobsinger of Oklahoma City owns and operates the local USA Mobile Drug Testing Oklahoma Franchise and can be reached at 405822-0553 or slobsinger@usamdt.com.
OTA Announces 2011 Wilburn Williamson Memorial Scholarship Recipients Each Summer, the OTA announces a recipient of the Wilburn Williamson Memorial Scholarship. The 2011 recipients are Joshua Tiderman and Kay Nelson. A graduate of Tuttle High School, Tiderman is the Grandson of Neal Carrick of Rush Truck Centers. He will be attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University this fall.
(Above) OTA Executive Director, Dan Case, presents Joshua Tiderman with his Wilburn Williamson Memorial Scholarship. (Left) Kay Nelson of Lake Charles, Louisiana will attend Louisiana Tech University this fall.
Nelson is a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School in Louisiana. She will be attending Louisiana Tech University this fall and is the daughter of Bradley Nelson, a third-generation Groendyke Transport employee. The scholarship is available to high school seniors who are a child or grandchild of an OTA member company. Applicants are required to have at least a 3.0 GPA and submit an essay to be eligible. A panel of Oklahoma teachers select the recpients.
Specializing in Battery Removal and Recycling Members of OTA since 1988
Madewell & Madewell, Inc., since 1953 405.399.2201 • Jones, OK 11
OKLAHOMA TRUCKINGNEWS ASSOCIATION MEMBER NEW MEMBERS Andino Trucking LLC Jose Andino Email: jsanturce83@aol.com Phone: (918) 200-2217 Fax: (918) 895-8314 11912 E. 22nd Street Tulsa, OK 74129 Services Provided: Dry goods. Caddo Kiowa Tech Center Dale Lewis Email: dlewis@caddokiowa.com Phone: (405) 643-3279 Fax: (405) 643-3018 1415 N. 7th Street Fort Cobb, OK 73038 Website: www.caddo kiawa.com Hawks Logistics, Inc. Steve Hawks Email: shawks@hawkslogistics,com Phone: (405) 340-3395 Fax: (405) 340-5489 1120 Bankside Circle Edmond, OK 73012 Services Provided: Logistics consulting, training, hazmat. Allied Marsh USA Inc. Ty Smith Email: ty.smith@marsh.com Phone: (918) 586-7942 Fax: (918) 486-7929 401 S. Boston Avenue, #800 Tulsa, OK 74103 Website: www.marsh.com Services Provided: Fleet insurance and risk management solutions. TCH, LLC Ben Cunningham Email: ben.cunningham@tch.com Phone: (865) 816-0640 Fax: (801) 395-8662 1104 Country Hills Drive Ogden, UT 74403 Website: www.tch.com Services Provided: TCH offers fuel card transaction processing and electronic reporting. TCH is accepted at over 10,000 locations in the U.S. And Canada. TCH’s portfolio includes: private label fuel cards; TCH Fleet cards; TCH Checks & MoneyCodes; TCH SmartPay and Z-Con.
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TCH, LLC Marla Grant Email: marla.grant@tch.com Phone: (801) 624-7960 Fax: (801) 395-8556 1104 Country Hills Drive Ogden, UT 74403 Website: www.tch.com Services Provided: TCH offers fuel card transaction processing and electronic reporting. TCH is accepted at over 10,000 locations in the U.S. And Canada. TCH’s portfolio includes: private label fuel cards; TCH Fleet cards; TCH Checks & MoneyCodes; TCH SmartPay and Z-Con. TCH, LLC Cathy Johns Email: cathy.johns@tch.com Phone: (801) 624-1770 Fax: (801) 395-8662 1104 Country Hills Drive Ogden, UT 74403 Website: www.tch.com Services Provided: TCH offers fuel card transaction processing and electronic reporting. TCH is accepted at over 10,000 locations in the U.S. And Canada. TCH’s portfolio includes: private label fuel cards; TCH Fleet cards; TCH Checks & MoneyCodes; TCH SmartPay and Z-Con. Transportation Connections Workadvance Karen Pennington Email: kpennington@madisonstrategies.org Phone: (918) 734-8884 959 N. Country Club Drive Tulsa, OK 74127 Services Provided: No cost screening and staffing for companies in the transportation industry to help transportation businesses in Tulsa grow and continue to be competitive. Triangle Insurance Company Audra Welcher Email: audra.welcher@triangleins.com Phone: (501) 374-7755 Fax: (501) 374-4033 4704 W. Commercial North Little Rock, AR 72116 Website: www.triangleins.com Services Provided: Triangle provides workers compensation coverage to the trucking/transportation industry. W. B. Johnston Grain Co. Kim Botts Email: kbotts@jeinc.com Phone: (580) 233-5800 Fax: (580) 249-8302 P. O. Box 3027 Enid, OK 73702 Website: www.jeinc.com
Setting a new standard in truck dealerships. A name you can trust. With 3 locations in Oklahoma, Rush Truck Centers is part of North America’s largest heavy- and medium-duty dealer organization with over 60 state-of-the-art truck centers in 14 states across the southern U.S. Over the years, we’ve earned a solid reputation for excellence, fairness, our positive attitude and solutions that exceed customer expectations. We offer one-stop sales and service representing the industry’s leading brands.
877-202-7571 877-863-6024 800-220-0982 Rush Truck Center – Ardmore 3435 Cypert Way Ardmore, OK 73401
Rush Truck Center – Oklahoma City 5200 West I-40 Oklahoma City, OK 73128
Rush Truck Center – Tulsa 6015 S. 49th West Ave. Tulsa, OK 74107
Cline Wood Agency Arlington, TX 866-361-0974
Crawford-Phillips Oklahoma City, OK 405-236-4677
Goodman-Baker Catoosa, OK 877-660-7980
Marketers General Oklahoma City, OK 405-848-7607
Truck Insurance Agency Shawnee, OK 800-256-1455
MEMBER NEWS Building a New Partnership: USDOT and America's Farmers
Op-Ed By: Anne S. Ferro, Administrator U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood often says that of all the Department's responsibilities, safety is the most important - nothing else comes close. All of us at USDOT are working to build a transportation network that creates jobs and ensures America's long-term competitiveness. Still, under Secretary LaHood's leadership, safety is always priority one. At the same time, we realize that well-meaning regulations can be burdensome if the government isn't thoughtful about how they're put in place. Finding the right balance between the two can be challenging. In many cases, farmers and farm equipment don't come under federal truck safety regulations when they are transporting products short distances, either within the farm or to a local market. This allows farmers to do business without meeting the same requirements as, for example, a company shipping goods across the country. However, the lines of distinction aren't always clear. So in May, USDOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public feedback on how existing commercial truck safety regulations impact the agricultural community. The feedback we've received so far has reflected significant concern among the agricultural community. So we wanted to be clear about the purpose of this notice. We are not proposing new regulations for the farming community. What we are doing is seeking input and solutions from the community on three important issues: Interstate vs. intrastate commerce. We've heard feedback that more clarification is needed between the two. Since the difference between the two has been determined by the U.S. Supreme Court and other Federal courts, we have limited flexibility to provide additional guidelines, but we are interested in feedback on how we can provide better guidance within the constraints of established judicial rulings. Commercial Driver's License. Currently, Federal regulations allow states to make exceptions to Commercial Driver's license regulations for certain farm vehicle drivers, as long as their vehicles are not used by for-hire motor carriers. We've heard questions about whether drivers who work for “crop share” or similar arrangements are eligible for this exemption. Implements of Husbandry. In a perfect world, farm vehicles would only operate on farms, while commercial trucks would operate on public roads. The reality is that farm equipment not designed or intended for everyday use on public roads is often used for short trips at limited speeds. This creates a gray area for
NATIONWIDE NEWS
TRUCKING TIDBITS classification. In the absence of guidance, enforcement officials sometimes cite carriers for violating equipment rules, even when doing so would be impractical. A key principle of the Obama Administration is that the best public policy comes from bringing the most people to the table. Although USDOT doesn't have a long history of working with the agricultural community, it's time we rolled up our sleeves together and got started. We're well aware of the concern within the agricultural community regarding these three issues. The comment period is an opportunity to bring those concerns to the table. We're eager for input and ideas about how we can achieve our safety mission without tying America's farmers down with unnecessary burdens. Nevertheless, the comment period only works if stakeholders take an active role in the conversation. At the request of a number of farm bureaus, we've just extended the comment period from June 30th to August 1st. This allows all participants more time to ensure that their voices are heard. Everyone in this Administration - from President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary LaHood on down - is committed to the long-term success of America's agricultural industry. In many ways, agriculture is the backbone of our economy - feeding hundreds of millions of Americans and billions more around the world. As the largest user of freight transportation in the nation, the agricultural industry is also one of USDOT's most important constituents. We hope that this comment period is the start of a new and productive relationship. We may not ultimately agree on every issue, but we will always listen -- and do our best to help America's farmers succeed.
IRP to Reverse Audit, RecordKeeping Rules ATA Truckline
The member jurisdictions of the International Registration Plan have approved an extensive amendment that revises the Plan’s rules for IRP audits and its requirements for carrier record-keeping. The changes made by the amendment should prove favorable to motor carriers generally, as they provide more flexibility in recordkeeping, bar states from imposing penalties for records that they can in fact audit, and give much better guidance on what electronic records are acceptable under the Plan. For the states, the amendment sets more professional auditing standards and clarifies Plan language considerably. The changes are effective for audits performed after July 1, 2013, in order to give states time to alter their systems. Our thanks to all the motor carriers and state trucking associations who urged their IRP administrators to vote for this favorable IRP amendment.
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MEMBER NEWS TRUCKING TIDBITS NATIONWIDE NEWS
White House Cracks Down on Trucking Safety USDOT
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that in the last two years, the Obama Administration has issued as many imminent hazard orders placing unsafe bus and truck companies out of service as in the previous 10 years combined. As part of the administration’s effort to step up motorcoach safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has cracked down on unsafe carriers through surprise inspections, full compliance reviews, and enforcement actions. Between 2000 and 2009, FMCSA issued a total of 14 imminent hazard orders placing unsafe carriers out of service. In just the last two years, FMCSA has already issued another 14 imminent hazard orders to take carriers that pose an immediate risk to passengers off the road. For example, last month the Department of Transportation issued an imminent hazard order to a Michigan company found to be transporting passengers in luggage compartments, at great risk to passengers. “From Day One, I have pledged to put public safety above all else, and we will continue to take action when we see carriers placing passengers at risk,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We have seen the tragic consequences of unsafe practices – whether it’s ignoring fatigue regulations, providing inadequate driver training, or failing to conduct the proper maintenance of a bus or motorcoach. We continue using all of the tools at our disposal to get unsafe carriers off the road and hope that Congress will act on our proposal to provide us with the necessary authority to expand our safety oversight.” In just the past four months, FMCSA has issued eight out-of-service orders. FMCSA issued these orders immediately following safety investigations that found the carriers and/or the drivers to be in such substantial non-compliance with federal safety regulations as to pose an imminent hazard to public safety. The eight imminent hazard out-of-service orders in 2011 have been issued to seven interstate motorcoach companies: two each based in Georgia and Pennsylvania, and one each in Michigan, Mississippi and North Carolina. One order was issued to a Tennessee-based truck driver. “I’m proud of FMCSA’s efforts to crack down and take action on unsafe interstate bus and trucking companies,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “Our safety investigators, inspectors and state partners will continue demanding that motor carriers and their drivers adhere to safety requirements. While most of the industry operates safely, I also look forward to working with Congress to add new tools to prevent unsafe companies and drivers from operating.”
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The Obama Administration has also doubled the number of bus inspections and comprehensive safety reviews of the nation’s estimated 4,000 passenger bus companies. Roadside inspections of
motorcoaches have jumped nearly 100 percent, from 12,991 in 2005 to 25,703 in 2010, while compliance reviews are up 128 percent, from 457 in 2005 to 1,042 in 2010. In addition, FMCSA has initiated a greater number of enforcement cases against unsafe passenger carriers under the current administration: these cases have risen from 36 in 2008 to 44 in 2010. In May, FMCSA and its state and local law enforcement partners conducted more than 3,000 surprise passenger carrier safety inspections over a two-week period that resulted in 442 unsafe buses or drivers being removed from the nation’s roadways. The strike force took 127 unsafe drivers and 315 unsafe vehicles off the road during these unannounced inspections. The DOT has asked Congress to provide FMCSA with greater authority to pursue unsafe “reincarnated” passenger carriers by establishing a uniform federal standard to help determine whether a new carrier is a reincarnation of an old, unsafe carrier. The DOT has also asked Congress to approve a new procedure that would allow FMCSA to conduct bus safety inspections at en route locations such as rest stops, and to require new motorcoach companies to undergo a full safety audit before receiving operating authority. To ensure passenger carriers operating in violation of DOT regulations are punished, DOT has asked Congress to raise the penalty for operating illegally or without authority from $2,000 a day to $25,000 per violation. The DOT also unveiled a “Think Safety: Every Trip, Every Time” pre-trip safety checklist that helps consumers review a bus company’s safety record, safety rating and U.S. DOT operating authority before buying a ticket or hiring a bus company for group travel. The checklist is available online at FMCSA’s Passenger Bus Safety Web site. FMCSA encourages consumers to report any unsafe bus company, vehicle or driver to the agency through a toll free hotline 1-888-DOT-SAFT or FMCSA’s consumer complaint Web site.
FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Brake Regulations ATA Truckline
In response to a petition from the Automobile Carriers Conference, on September 13 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule, effective October 13, 2011, that eliminates the requirement to have rear brakes activated in a triple saddlemount combination, unless a there is a fullmount. Triple saddlemount combinations, in which 4 trucks are piggybacked on the back of each other, previously had a requirement to have an active brake on the rear most axle of the combination. In ACC’s petition, it was pointed out that this was a potential determent to highway safety as that last axle – the lightest axle – had a tendency to lock up and thus hinder stopping ability. FMCSA agreed with the science and testing data submitted by ACC and granted the request.
In an effort to make prescription drugs more affordable, OneBeacon Services速 offers a Discount Prescription Plan that is designed to give users access to more than 11,000 generic and 5,000 brand prescription drugs at over 45,000 pharmacies. Any individual with limited or no prescription drug coverage can benefit from this prescription drug savings card. Individuals who already have insurance coverage may still find the card useful, as it can discount medications that are not covered by their health plan. Let OneBeacon Services速 Discount Perscription Plan work for you! BEGIN USING THE SERVICE TODAY. No registration. No fee. No forms to fill out. Just print the Discount Prescription Card and access the Pharmacy Locator to search for a participating pharmacy in your area. How does the service work? In an effort to make prescription drugs more affordable, OneBeacon Services速 offers a Discount Prescription Plan that is designed to give users access to more than 11,000 generic and 5,000 brand prescription drugs at over 45,000 pharmacies. Any individual with limited or no prescription drug coverage can benefit from this prescription drug savings card. Individuals who already have insurance coverage may still find the card useful, as it can discount medications that are not covered by their health plan.
assures that members are getting the lowest possible price. The card is valid at all major chain pharmacies and many independent pharmacies nationwide. All FDA approved brand and generic prescription medications are covered. Over 11,000 generic drugs available to card holders with discounts that average 61%. What if you already have a medical plan with a pharmacy discount? Good news! Even if you are part of a sponsored medical plan that offers a discount pharmacy program, the OneBeacon Services Discount Prescription Plan still might be an option for you. Using the OneBeacon Services pricing tool http://truckassoc.agelity.com compare the price of your current prescription drug cost vs the OneBeacon Discount Prescription Plan to determine the most cost effective solution for you.
OneBeacon Services速 online pricing tool gives you the ability to compare prices by specific pharmacy location. The price that is paid is the negotiated discounted price or the pharmacy's sale price, whichever is lower. This
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CAPITOL & STATE DEPARTMENTS
STATE MATTERS
Governor Fallin Announces 11 More Appointments by Patrick B. McGuigan, CapitolBeatOK.com
Governor Mary Fallin on Wednesday, September 14, announced appointments to the Physicians Advisory Committee, Board of Managers of CompSource Oklahoma, Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation, Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission, State Fire Marshal Commission, Board of Private Vocational Schools, Commission for Teacher Preparation and Capitol – Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission. Physician Advisory Committee Dr. William Gillock has served on the committee since 2004. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa and earned a master’s in public health from the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, Oklahoma City. While Gillock had previously served as an appointee of the Senate Pro Tempore, under new legislation he is now filling a position appointed by the governor. Dr. John A. Munneke of Edmond owns and operates Independent Medical Exams. He earned a bachelor’s degree and doctor in dental sciences from Baylor University. Munneke also earned a medical degree from the University of Oklahoma. He will serve a threeyear term and is filling a new position. Dr. LeRoy Young of (Nichols Hills) Oklahoma City owns and operates a medical center in Oklahoma City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and a doctor of osteopathy degree from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Mo. Young will serve a three-year term and is filling a new position. Board of Managers of CompSource Oklahoma Larry Parman of Oklahoma City is the president and chief executive officer of Parman & Easterday, an estate planning law firm. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia and a law degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He is replacing Andy Bass. The appointment serves at the pleasure of the governor. Senate confirmation is not required for this appointment.
State Fire Marshal Commission Cecil W. Clay of Oklahoma City is the deputy chief at the Oklahoma City Fire Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala. Clay will serve on an interim basis pending Senate confirmation. He replaces Harold Crews Jr., who resigned. Kirk Trekell of Alva is the fire chief for the Alva Fire Department. He has served as chief since 1995. Trekell will serve on an interim basis pending Senate confirmation. He will replace Thomas Baker, who resigned. Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools Michael Pugliese of Oklahoma City is the president of Platt College. He has served as president since 1985. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State College and the Technical Careers Institute in Windsor, Conn. Pugliese will serve on an interim basis pending Senate confirmation. He will serve a five-year term and replaces Mollie Hager. Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation Ike Glass of Newkirk is the chief executive officer of Glass Operating Group, a trucking company. He currently serves on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Oklahoma State University. Glass will serve a three-year term and replaces Mike Turpen. Glass will serve as a member of the State Regents on the commission. Senate confirmation is not required for this appointment. Capitol–Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission Lenardo Smith of Oklahoma City owns LD Smith Properties, a property management company. Smith will serve on an interim basis pending Senate confirmation. He will serve a three-year term and is replacing Anita Hood who resigned. Smith was recommended by the Citizens’ Advisory Committee, which is required by statute
Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation Angela LeBlanc of Oklahoma City is the claims manager at Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from University of Phoenix. LeBlanc. She is replacing Blake Virgin, and will serve a three year term and will represent employers in the state. Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission Jim Holman of Oklahoma City owns The Car Store, a used vehicle dealership in Oklahoma City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Holman will serve an interim basis pending Senate confirmation. He replaces Dan Mullins, who resigned.
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CAPITOL & STATE DEPARTMENTS
STATE MATTERS
Federal Funding Issues Discussed; $47 Million in Contracts Approved Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Sept. 12, meeting include a discussion of federal funding issues, recognition for innovation of outdoor advertising inventories, an update on observances of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s centennial and approval of contracts totaling nearly $47 million. Addressing issues related to federal funding, which accounts for the majority of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s construction budget, Director Gary Ridley said the agency will be ready to act quickly, should Congress approve a proposed jobs bill, by accelerating critical projects already included in the agency’s eight-year construction plan. “Congress has to do their work and make funding decisions,” Ridley said. “The department will be ready for whatever package comes out, regardless of the size. We will be able to move quickly.” ODOT’s Outdoor Advertising Branch was highlighted after it won an Innovations in Outdoor Advertising Control Award for modernization efforts from the National Alliance of Highway Beautification Agencies for implementation of a cost-effective, statewide sign inventory project. Ridley updated commissioners on activities related to the agency’s centennial observance, such as several scheduled open houses at division offices and the coffee table book, “ODOT100: Celebrating the First 100 Years of Transportation in Oklahoma,” among others. The book is for sale at ODOT’s main office by calling 405-521-2586 or at its eight division headquarters offices statewide. More information is available at www.okladot.state.ok.us/odot100/presslindex.php. Commissioners approved projects to build a five-mile stretch of SH-3 in eastern Atoka County on a new alignment to the north of the existing lanes. They also approved a contract for a series of bridges on SH-53 in the Waurika Wildlife Management Area east of Walters in Cotton County. They also awarded projects to install cable barrier at various locations along US-69 in Bryan and Wagoner counties and a nine-mile stretch of 1-40 west of US-81 in Canadian County. In all, commissioners awarded 36 contracts totaling nearly $47 million to improve highways, interstates and roads in 25 counties. Projects include bridge and highway construction and reconstruction, resurfacing and safety improvements. Contracts were awarded for projects in Atoka, Beckham, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Craig, Creek, Custer, Ellis, Hughes, Kay, Kiowa, McCurtain, McIntosh, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Osage, Pushmataha, Roger Mills, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. The eight-member panel, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction every month. The panel’s next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building in Oklahoma City.
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Before a project is awarded, ODOT researches, plans and designs the work to be done. Contracts are bid competitively, with the OTC selecting the winning firm. Typically, work begins several weeks or months after contracts are awarded. Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.okladot.state.ok.us.
US-287 Truck Relief Route Completed Near Boise City
“As a major commercial truck route, the completion of this project will greatly benefit the commerce of the surrounding areas and make for safer and more efficient travel,” Bobby Alexander, Oklahoma Div. 6 Transportation Commissioner said.
After several years of construction and multiple projects, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s reconstruction of the US287 corridor through Cimarron County has reached a significant milestone as construction of the final project on the Boise City Truck Relief Route was completed earlier this month.
Removing heavy truck traffic from the central part of Boise City also helps the highway pavement last longer and improve safety by relieving the congestion caused by commercial trucks, resulting in less traffic delays. ODOT, through coordination with local businesses and city officials, is placing signs on the highway informing travelers of businesses in Boise City.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Thanks to funding from a congressional special appropriation for the US-287 corridor, this more than $5 million project completed the final two miles of concrete surfacing on the south section of the US-287 realignment. The Boise City Truck Relief Route projects, which began in fall 2010, reroute US-287 traffic, much of which is commercial trucks, away from the center of Boise City and onto a new highway alignment east of the city. Previously, a bottleneck was created as traffic on the two lane highway went through the middle of town, was forced to stop and then slowly maneuver around the town square, which frequently caused long backups of commercial trucks on both the north and south sides of Boise City.
In addition, the recently completed project also included the installation of snow gates on US-287 -the first in Oklahoma- so the highway can more easily be closed in the case of heavy snow and blizzard conditions. The culmination of this project, which was completed by Dobson Brothers Construction and designed by Cobb Engineering, also signifies a major step toward the completion of Oklahoma’s portion of the Ports-to-Plains initiative, a multi-state partnership to improve major truck routes between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The Ports-to-Plains projects in Oklahoma include reconstructing US-287 through the Oklahoma Panhandle and the realignment of US-287 at Boise City.
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UPCOMING EVENTS October OSMC Fall Seminar October 27-28, 2011
We know you won’t want to miss this seminar. We are proud to offer online registration via PayPal. If you would rather not register online, please contact Kevin Stufflebeam at 918.671.5106 for further details.
November TMC Fall Technology Workshop Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Save the Date for the TMC Fall Technology Workshop When: Tuesday November 1, 9 AM - 4:00 PM Where: Francis Tuttle.
OSMC is excited to bring the Fall Seminar to you this year. Held at the Sheraton in OKC, October 27-28; this seminar is focused on safety in the transportation industry. Our industry faces many prominent issues and OSMC is focused on bringing the most up-to-date information to you. Qualified speakers will deliver informative and educational presentations dealing with current industry topics, including: Kerry Pettingill, OHP; Larry Ramsey, FMCSA; Boyd Stevenson, ATA; and many others.
There will be two keynote speakers in the morning, a walkaround lunch with vendor show and career fair, and several breakout sessions on different maintenance topics in the afternoon. The conference will also feature the Pinewood Derby “Big Rig Challenge” track so we will have a competition for the fastest and best looking model trucks. OSMC Monthly Meeting Thursday, November 17, 2011 When: 11 AM - 1 PM Where: OTA Office Driver Compliance: Cargo Security & Risk Assessment Practices Tuesday, November 22, 2011 Emploee, Facility & Cargo Threat Protection This fact-filled, full-day course will help you and your team understand the state of security needed enroute as well as at your physical sites and locations. We will be discussing the following topics:
In addition to our great speaker lineup, we are pleased to provide several sponsorship opportunities to promote your company. Sponsorships allow us to continually make this seminar the very best it can be. Please consider one of our sponsorship levels as you complete the registration process online at http://oksafetymanagementcouncil.com/ index_files/FallSeminarReg.htm.
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Security Awareness for Drivers Dirver Hiring Practices Site Security Assessments Cargo Security Specific HAZMAT Concerns Site Access & Control Measures Insurance & Business Continuations Plans Industry & Fleet Best Practices Terrorism & Threat Assessment Register today by calling (888) 368-2721.
December
OSMC Monthly Meeting Thursday, December 14, 2011
NATMI CDS & CSS Safety Certification December 5-9, 2011
When: 11 AM - 1 PM
CDS: Candidates must serve as full-time administrators demonstrating their capability of handling a position which involves establishing programs and policies, setting standards, developing materials, and providing leadership to achieve the goals set. Experience required: Five years in the fleet safety field or, four years in the fleet safety field with a 4-year college degree. CSS: Certification is awarded to those supervisors who have the ability to carry out policy and program directives. Supervisors are expected to administer programs, provide leadership and engage in the development of programs and materials within limitations established by their managers. Experience required: Two years in the fleet safety field.
Where: OTA Office OTA Holiday Open House Friday, December 15, 2011 Begins at 1:00 pm at the OTA Office.
September 2012 OTA 80th Annual Convention September 19-21, 2012 Save the date to celebrate our 80th Anniversary at the luxurious Downstream Casino & Resort next September!
December TMC meeting Tuesday, December 6, 2011 The December TMC Meeting will be with Paul Pink, he will be doing an evening technician training seminar at the Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow Check the OTA’s website for more information.
Mack Truck Sales of Tulsa, Inc. (918) 446-5571 5301 W. 60th St. South TULSA
Back to the Basics for a Safer Future That is the theme for this year’s OSMC Fall Safety Seminar, and there really couldn’t be a truer statement at this time in the trucking industry. With the wheels starting to turn faster everyday with CSA, it is extremely important to remind the professional drivers to go back to the basics when it comes to the Safety of the vehicle they are driving. When I think of the basics of Vehicle Safety, it’s pretty simple to me. I just remember Brakes, Lights, & Tires. These are the the three most important components of vehicle safety in my book. I feel we as Safety Professionals should take the lead everyday to make sure our professional drivers are going back to the basics in doing proper & thorough Pre-Trips & Post-Trips. Remember... Brakes, Lights, & Tires. I hope to see you all at this year’s OSMC Fall Safety Seminar which will be held at the Sheraton Downtown in Oklahoma City on October 27th & 28th.
Oklahoma Safety Management Council Chairman, Donnie Tulk of Oklahoma Tank Lines - United Petroleum Transports
OSMC Officers First Vice Chairman Louis Thompson Beaver Express Service Second Vice Chairman Kimberly Gonzalez Hoffmeier, Inc. Secretary/Treasurer John Mallory John Christner Trucking, Inc.
Thanks & Be Safe Donnie Tulk 2011 OSMC Chairman
Join the OSMC Today! The Oklahoma Safety Management Council (OSMC) is comprised of safety professionals from around the state. These professionals are committed to highway safety and are dedicated to the transportation industry. These professionals come from all aspects of the trucking industry and it is that expertise that makes this council one of the very best in the nation. Our goal is simple—to improve highway safety in Oklahoma and the United States through expert education and practical application. To achieve this goal, the council meets 10 times annually for meetings and in addition to these meetings, the council hosts the Fall Seminar and the Oklahoma Truck Driving Championship. OSMC is a hard-working council doing our best to make the highway’s safer for all. If you are interested in becoming a part of our organization, please contact us for membership information.
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Recognizing Those Who Deliver Life’s Essentials Let’s be honest – none of us give much thought to the trucks we see rolling down the highway everyday. But we owe a great deal to the professional truck drivers who make those deliveries happen – and for one week a year, you have a chance to extend a thank you for all that hard work. There are 3.2 million truck drivers in the United States, with the industry employing 56,000 people in the state of Oklahoma. But the impact of trucking reaches far beyond simple employment figures. Trucking is responsible for nearly 68 percent of the total U.S. freight tonnage and over 80 percent of communities rely solely on the trucking industry for their goods and commodities. At dinner tonight look around and you’ll realize what this means: the table you set, the plates you use, even the food you eat; they were all delivered by a professional truck driver. Simply put – if you own it, consume it, or use it, it’s been on a truck.
Beaver Express Service, LLC prepare another round of burgers and beans at their Oklahoma City terminal during one of their many Truck Driver Appreciation lunches throughout the company.
During the 2011 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which took place September 11-17, several OTA members made sure to let the men and women driving those trucks down the highway know that they’re appreciated. They’re on the road everyday, delivering life’s essentials.
Melton Truck Lines, Inc. drivers show their pride with a special “Driver Thank You” banner.
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Highway Rollers at the
Mark & Dia Center) du na Nieto (Rush Truc k ring the W elcome Pa rty.
Lav e Lin rn M e) c du sits Cork rin fo le ( gt ra M he ca cCo n e l l We rica rk A lco tur le T red uring F me e a ruc & p) d t s o rou rty. Pa rtist k R a rty i a l G eP e n . Pam d Alle elcom e r W F ( the
Convention Grand SponsorS 30
ATC Freightliner Bruckner Truck Sales - Mack Truck Sales, Inc. - Volvo Trucks North America Rush Truck Centers T&W Tire
Diamond Sponsors Hamm & Phillips Service Company, Inc.
Silver Sponsors Great West Casualty Company J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Maxum Petroleum McCorkle Truck Line, Inc. Melton Truck Lines, Inc. M H C Kenworth PrePass - A C S UPS Utility Tri-State, Inc.
The crowd gath ers to try and d ecide which item to bid on.
Program Sponsors American Transfer & Storage Co. Brown & Brown of Central Oklahoma Compliance Safety Systems Elliott Truck Line, Inc. Groendyke Transport, Inc. Kelworth Trucking Co. Madewell & Madewell, Inc. Mondics Insurance Group, Inc. Schneider Law Offices
Auction Sponsors American Transfer & Storage Co. Chesapeake Energy Southern Tire Mart T&W Tire UPS Melton Truck
Chairman Dinner Sponsors Cummins Southern Plains, Ltd. FleetPride Maxum Petroleum McCorkle Truck Line, Inc. M H C Kenworth Southwest Trailers & Equipment Triad Transport, Inc. United Engines/Allison Transmission Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.
Th Hin e OTA k Reb le, Na Team thr ecc nci D of Le ou aC av s bef gh a fi happe is and ore nal l ch l go re beg gistra ecklis ins. tion t
Pau and l Pink Fre Don (Arvin i F out ghtlin reem Meri e to a w Jeff hat ’s r) try n (Tul r) t sa o Edm up ond mag figure s’ s ician lee ve. (F Fre reg reight d Buc istr line klin a and tion in r) gets goo form his die bag ation . T Ent y Smi e rpr th (M M Tru allory ises) a arsh c ( n We king) c John C d Joh lcom ha n h r e P t befo istner arty re beg the ins. Okl Comahom Doa mis a Insu sio ra k Cha , spea ner, J nce irm king ohn an Din at the ner .
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Welcome Party Sponsors CorVel Corporation Madewell & Madewell, Inc. Roberts Truck Center Southwest Trailers & Equipment
Farewell Brunch Sponsors Drivers Legal Qualcomm, Inc.
Will Rogers History Tour Sponsors
Chief Economist & Vice President of the ATA, Bob Costello, speaks at the Farewell Brunch.
Maxum Petroleum McCorkle Truck Line, Inc. M H C Kenworth Chris P takes ape (Groe Farew notes du ndyke) r ell Br unch ing the speak ers.
John tliner), w h ig e r F Dre ulsa ing) and eman (T Don Fre th (Triad Truck after Titsworth Titswor Freightliner) ld coin! go KC Burk (O n the coveted wo
79th Annual Convention September 21-23, 2011 Tulsa Hard Rock Casino Resort 32
(Ha Past m C tak m & hair es P ma aft a mo hillip n, Du er me s Se sty rec nt ck u r eiv to rvice Runn T n e ing ad Co els a h g t his mire mp (Du uring ive e s a sts d r ’s L red hi any C n ves s gif ), Ke ) assi Dinne t. t Line irman ction u a h A C
OTA Execu Case, chats tive Director, Dan (Joe Brow with Teresa Brow n n Compan Welcome y) during the Party.
2011 2012
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board John Titsworth Triad Transport PO Box 818 McAlester, OK 74502 (918) 426-4751 johnt@triadtransport.com
1st Vice-Chairman
State Vice President to the ATA
Vice President At-Large
2nd Vice-Chairman
Alt. State Vice President to the ATA
Vice President At-Large
Immediate Past Chairman
Vice President At-Large
Vice President At-Large
ATA Chair
Vice President At-Large
For-Hire Carrier President
Bob Peterson Melton Truck Line 808 N. 161st E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74116 (918) 234-1000 peterson@meltontruck.com
Greg Price OTL-UPT 4312 S. Georgia Place Oklahoma City, OK 73129 (405) 677-6633 gprice@otl-upt.com
Dusty Runnels Hamm & Phillips Service Company P.O. Box 3907 Enid, OK 73702 (580) 242-1876 drunnels@completeproduction.com
David McCorkle McCorkle Truck Line PO Box 94968 Oklahoma City, OK 73143 (405) 677-8349 dmccorkle@mccorkletruckline.com
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LaVern McCorkle McCorkle Truck Line PO Box 94968 Oklahoma City, OK 73143 (405) 677-8349 lmccorkle@mccorkletruckline.com
Steve Niswander Groendyke Transport PO Box 632 Enid, OK 73702 (580) 213-9237 sniswander@groendyke.com
Jim Klepper Drivers Legal Plan 1101 Sovereign Row Oklahoma City, OK 73108 (405) 948-6576 jim@driverslegalplan.com
Carmalieta Wells Madewell & Madewell, Inc. PO Box 386 Jones, OK 73049 (405) 399-2201 carm@madewellnet.com
Susan Alexander Tri Alexander Transportation, Inc. 1801 N. 20th Street Muskogee, OK 74401 (918) 683-3600 Susana@trialexander.com
David Freymiller Freymiller, Inc. 8125 SW 15th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73128 (405) 717-7219 david@freymiller.com
Kenny Case Dugan Truck Line, Inc. 1501 S. Central Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73129 (405) 512-5160 kcase@dugantruckline.com
Bob Peterson Melton Truck Line 808 N. 161st E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74116 (918) 234-1000 peterson@meltontruck.com
Allied Industry President
Motor Coach Representative
OSMC Representative
Private Carrier Representative
Michael Mayer Rush Truck Centers PO Box 271148 Oklahoma City, OK 73137 (405) 947-2391 mayerm@rushenterprises.com
Donnie Tulk OTL-UPT P.O. Box 9836 Tulsa, OK 74157 (800) 666-8265 dtulk@otl-upt.com
Robert O’Brien Time Lines Management 6560 S.E. 74th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73135 (405) 869-0639 bobrien@gotimelines.com
Shawn Reeves Advance Food Company 5109 E. Willow Road Enid, OK 73701 (580) 213-4309 shawn.reeves@advancepierre.com
TMC Representative
Bonne Karim (405) 641-5241 Bonnekarim@yahoo.com
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TMC, a technical council of American Trucking Associations, created the competition through its Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) to recognize and promote truck technicians. In addition to the competition, held in conjunction with the Council’s 2011 Fall Meeting, technicians participated in PTDC’s Technician Training Fair that included six technical sessions, each eligible for continuing education credit through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. The top-ten competitors for TMCSuperTech2011 are: 1. Jeffrey Schlecht, Omaha Truck Center, Norfolk, Neb.; 2. John Ragland, FedEx Express, Kansas City, Kan.; 3. Michael Bogard, Ryder System, Nashville, Tenn.; 4. Jonathan Timmons, Ryder System, Miami, Fla.; 5. Randy Qualls, Walmart Transportation, Waterloo, S.C.; 6. Eric Vos, FedEx Freight, Harrison, Ark.; 7. Christopher Tate, Mohawk Truck, West Seneca, N.Y.; 8. Bryan Lewis, Walmart Transportation, Amelia Court House, Va. 9. Michael Vallery, Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Portland, Ore 10. David Bishop, Walmart Transportation, Seligman, Mo.
Randall Hilburn, Swift Transportation, Inc., tackles a problem at the Wheel End Station
Winners of the 16 work stations that made up the Hands-on Skill Challenge are: Electrical — Jessy Frisk, The Kroger Company, Clackamas, Ore.; Brakes — Phillip Mellor, Swift Transportation, Albuquerque, N.M.; Engine Electrical — Aaron Tucker, NationalLease, Manchester, N.H.; Engine Mechanical — Jose Flores, Swift Transportation, Lathrop, Calif.; HVAC — Randy Qualls, Walmart Transportation, Waterloo, S.C.; Suspension — Sean Chess, Navistar Trucks, Connellsville, Pa.; Starting & Charging — Steve Willis, FedEx Freight, Henderson, Colo.; Trailer Alignment — John Ragland, FedEx Express, Kansas City, Kan.; Drivetrain — Steve Roen, Rush Peterbilt, Irving, Texas; Tire & Wheel — Rudy Laguna, H-E-B Grocery, San Antonio, Texas; Fifth Wheel — Mike Vallery, Oak Harbor Freight, Portland, Ore.; PMI — Bryan Barger, Swift Transportation, Los Lunas, N.M.; Wheel End — Robert Pyeatt, Walmart Transportation, Gravette, Ark.; Service Information — Mike Vallery, Oak Harbor Freight, Portland, Ore.; Repair Order — Robert McNees, Truck Centers, Saint Louis, Mo.; and Fasteners — Charles Ralston, Travel Centers of America, Valparaiso, Ind. All work station winners received the Noregon JPRO Fleet Diagnostic Software Bundle, a $100 gift card for Cengage Learning and a stud cleaner from CounterAct. Several work stations winner received additional prizes valued at more than $1,000.
Clarence Preston, Cummins Southern Plains, working on an HVAC problem
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Convention Classic
Tommy Bardsher of Enid Mack Sales, strikes a pose.
Dan Case - OTA, John Titsworth - Triad Transport, Marvin Loyd - Triad Transport, and Grantz Pankratz - Great Dane Trailers, take a cigar & cookie break on the course.
Steve Savage - Waggoners Trucking, tees off. The Tulsa Freightliner Team of Chris Smithy, Jacob Wilson, Jerry Smithy and Guy Emerson tackle the greens.
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One of the many highlights of the OTA’s Annual Convention is the Convention Golf Classic. This year, Cherokee Hills Golf Club which is part of the Tulsa Hard Rock Casino Resort. The weather didn’t start off great for the tournament. A downpour threatened the liklihood that golfers would even be able to participate in the tradition. OTA Executive Director Dan Case assured everyone that it would stop raining, and they would get to play golf. Dan’s promise came through and even though the tournament suffered a late start, the rain evantually stopped and by the afternoon blue skies were overhead. Winners of this year’s tournament: Flight 1 First place team: Michael Mayer - Rush Truck Centers, Les Shelnutt - Rush Truck Centers, David Groves - Rush Truck Centers, and Steven Zwinggi - Rush Truck Centers. Second place team: Mark Brown - Central Tech, Steve Savage Waggoners Trucking, Bob Acker - Bruckner’s Truck Sales, and Kent Thompson - Mack Trucks. Third place team: Kurtis Dugan - Dugan Truck Line, Mike Meechum - Dugan Truck Line, Ken Davis - Bruckner’s Truck Sales, and Scatt Parten - Volvo Trucks North America.
Tournament Hosts ATC Freightliner Hamm & Phillips Service Company, Inc. J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. M H C Kenworth Melton Truck Lines, Inc. OKC Freightliner * Western Star PrePass - A C S Southern Tire Mart Southwest Trailers & Equipment Tulsa Freightliner * Western Star
Lunch Sponsors Cummins Southern Plains, Ltd. Southwest Trailers & Equipment Traid Transport, Inc. Utility Tri-State, Inc.
Beverage Cart Sponsors
Flight 2 First place team: John Titsworth - Triad Transport, Marvin Loyd Triad Transport, Grant Pankratz - Great Dane Trailers, and Stephen Walker - Great Dane Trailers.
Great West Casualty Company Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.
Second place team: Neal Carrick - Rush Truck Center, Mark Neito - Rush Truck Center, Diana Neito - Rush Truck Center, and Stan Clark - Rush Truck Center.
Hole Sponsors American Trucking Associations Bruckner Truck Sales Compliance Concepts Of OK Enid Mack Sales Meritor, Inc. M H C Kenworth Roberts Truck Center United Engines/Allison Transmission
Dale Brown - Dale Brown Co. and Mitchell Brown - Dale Brown Co., watch as Mike Dye - Southwest Trailers & Equipment tees off.
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Third place team: Bob Peterson - Melton Truck Line, Randy Rhines - Melton Truck Line, Robert Ragan - Melton Truck Line, and Jeff Robinson - Melton Truck Line. Third Flight First place team: Glenn Dugan - Dugan Truck Line, Bill Perry - Dugan Truck Line, Ken Case - Dugan Truck Line, and Jim McCary - Dugan Truck Line. Second place team: Don Brown - United Engines-Allison Transmission, Trent Ohman - United Engines, David Tonne - United Engines, and Phillip Maxwell - United Engines - Mid Continent Concrete. Third place team: Dieter Patraw -Southern Tire Mart, Tom Stewart - Souther Tire Mart, Dave Herzog - Sothern Tire Mart, and Greg Boylan - Southern Tire Mart. The two closest to the pin winners were Chris Smithy - ATC Freightliner and Mike Meechum - Dugan Truck Line. Kent Thompson of Mack Truck Sales won both of the Longest Drive competitions.
Kurtis Dugan - Dugan Truck Line, watches his shot on the back nine.
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Freymiller, Inc. Owner: Don Freymiller Founded: 1968 Location: Oklahoma City
How did it all begin?
Don Freymiller started out as a farmer in Wisconsin, and began to drive a truck during the winter months of 1968 to support his family throughout the cold season. He drove at night hauling livestock, and quickly grew to love driving. He eventually purchased his own truck, and grew to a small company of six trucks. By 1971, he purchased his first refrigerated unit and began hauling meat from Chicago to California. Within ten years, the company had grown by leaps and bounds. Freymiller decided that Wisconsin was no longer the best place to base the company, so in 1981 they made the move from Wisconsin to Bakersfield, CA. But then deregulation hit and the high interest rates made business difficult there. Freymiller weathered the storm, but when Worker’s Comp reforms hit California in 1994, they looked for a new state to base their operations. Freymiller moved their operations (several hundred units by this time) to Oklahoma City in 1994 and have grown to love the state. Its central location ensures that they can get a load to practically anywhere in the United States in 24 hours with a team.
What is unique about your company?
Freymiller is one big family. Our employees are treated to a family atmosphere with open door policies. We also don’t get wrapped up in titles. Don and son David Freymiller both drive. And it’s not all that uncommon at Freymiller to see the owner out hauling a load.
What issue is most important to your company right now?
There are so many things facing our industry right now. As a company, we never let up on our cost control. We’re never satisfied with the costs we have. It affects the company as a whole and we continually try to lower it. Any issue that raises our cost is important to us, whether that is driver turnover, maintenance, overhead, or insurance.
What do you think the greatest benefit from being an OTA member is?
There are so many it’s hard to pick just one. The net working is great, as is voicing your opinion on issues such as Hours-of-Service, Size/Weights, eLogs to the OTA so that they can take that to the ATA and to legislators. You get out of the OTA what you put into it. If you just join and pay dues, you’re not getting all you can out of the OTA. Be an active member and you’ll see what we can do together.
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