South Dakota Trucking News June 2024

Photo Courtesy of Steve Hoffman

Pictured L to R: Captain John Stahl, 2024 Grand Champion Josh Kelley, and SDTA President Christine Vinatieri-Erickson during the South Dakota TDC’s awards banquet.

SDTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Bob Willey

Chairman

Justin Anders

Vice Chairman

Tom Murphy

Treasurer

Ryan Viessman

Secretary

Jerry Ollerich

Past Chairman

Vacant

ATA Vice President

Christine Vinatieri-Erickson

President

SDTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff Bennett

Phillip Christian

Nick Cleveringa

Dave Dailey

Shanna Gray

Pete Halverson

Eric Hamiel

Steve Hoffman

Larry Klaahsen

Tim Kotalik

Justin Larson

Chris Lutick

Jim Maciejewski

Tim Miller

Matt Parker

Dan Schipper

Brett Snoozy

SDTA SERVICES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ryan Viessman

Chairman

Brad Schipper

Membership Retention Director

Todd Johnson

Public Relations Director

Rick Underwood

Membership Services Director

Cindy Heiberger

Group Insurance Director

MESSAGE FROM THE Chairman

Good day, ladies and gentlemen. I’m asking the membership to keep some of our current and former members in their prayers as they face serious medical issues. First, there’s Scot Marone of Marone Transport, LLC, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. He had a stroke while on his way home from the Mayo Clinic, among other complications. He is currently in the hospital in Sioux Falls, where they are working to stabilize him enough to return home. Scott has been the driving force behind the Wheel Jam Truck Show for many years. Rick Hoogendoorn, former SDTA Chairman and long-time member, is also battling cancer. Rick has been sharing his journey on CaringBridge, which his family will now take over.

Brenda Bultsma, wife of David Bultsma, D&J Bultsma Truckline, LLC, has been fighting A.L.S., a very ugly disease that gradually diminishes your motor skills. We also need to keep David in our prayers as well. He has become a full-time caregiver. Both David and his father are past chairmen, and his son Josh is a thirdgeneration member of SDTA. These people have given so much to our industry and organization, and now they need our help.

In industry news, Land Line recently published an article stating that an individual investigative team hacked into a truck computer through an ELD. They were able to slow the truck down and could have just as easily forced it to speed up. It looks like some of the warnings and fears are starting to come true.

Safe travels,

Bob Willey

Bob Willey Trucking

bwilleytrucking@gmail.com

JUSTIN LARSON (605) 224-1611

PIERRE, SD

KURT SWANSON (605) 224-1611

PIERRE, SD

TACHA ARTZ (605) 737-7865

RAPID CITY, SD

JORDAN GAU (605) 996-4698

MITCHELL, SD

GREG BALDWIN (605) 336-2795 SIOUX FALLS, SD

WE KNOW TRANSPORTATION

NICK BACKLUND (605) 996-4698

MITCHELL, SD

RUSS STOUGH (605) 336-4444

SIOUX FALLS, SD

Fischer, Rounds & Associates truck insurance consultants are experts in the coverage of all size trucks and farm equipment, so we know the risks and liabilities to make sure you are fully covered. We have four locations in South Dakota to serve you and your truck insurance needs—Pierre, Mitchell, Rapid City and Sioux Falls.

SDTA STAFF

Christine Vinatieri-Erickson President christine@southdakotatrucking.com

Michelle Wells Member Manager michelle@southdakotatrucking.com

Patty Hinz

Office Manager/Graphic Designer patty@southdakotatrucking.com

Trevor Johnson Communications & Marketing Manager trevor@southdakotatrucking.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: 3801 S. Kiwanis Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Office: (605) 334-8871

Email: info@southdakotatrucking.com Website: southdakotatrucking.com

Follow Us:

MESSAGE FROM THE President

Christine’s Corner

Summer is here! I don’t know about you, but I’m thrilled about the sunshine and outdoor activities. My weekends have been filled with taking my boys to their traveling basketball tournaments—something I’ll likely miss in the future.

Your SDTA team has been extremely busy these past few months, and we’re gearing up for more as we plan our 2025 Convention in Deadwood from September 25-27. Keep an eye on your inbox and mailbox for registration information.

The SDTA Truck Driving Championships, held in mid-May, were a huge success. To participate, drivers must be employed by a member company of the South Dakota Trucking Association, hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and have an accident-free driving record for at least one year prior to the competition. Registration details and deadlines are communicated well in advance to ensure ample time for preparation. We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers for their time, talents, and equipment—this event wouldn’t happen without you. We had a record 43 driver participants this year, the most in the last 10 years. We hope to continue growing this event and celebrating our drivers and the trucking industry as a whole.

The Wheel Jam Truck Show saw great attendance from many SDTA members. Michelle and I braved the weather in our little teepee tent. Despite the rain, we stayed dry and enjoyed connecting with numerous industry professionals, truck enthusiasts, and vendors. These interactions provided valuable insights and networking opportunities, strengthening our community ties. The show featured an incredible array of trucks, from classic models to the latest in trucking technology, showcasing the pride and dedication of drivers and owners. The Wheel Jam Truck Show is more than just an industry event; it’s a community gathering. Families and community members came out in large numbers, enjoying the festivities and learning more about the trucking industry. It was heartening to see such strong community support and engagement. Welcome to our 13 new members.

We hope to see you all on the golf course for our annual SDTA Golf Scramble. I apologize in advance to whoever gets stuck with me on their team. We are sure to have lots of laughs, and I can promise we won’t win.

Onward,

Christine M. Vinatieri-Erickson

RayVoorhees

Ray Voorhees, Warren Transport, Inc., Black Hawk, SD was selected as the June 2024 Driver of the Month by the South Dakota Safety Management Council.

Ray started his driving career by hauling logs in the Black Hills of SD in 1983 hauling into the local mills that were in operation, Ray decided to buy a dragline to clean local stock dams out in 2005 and needed a truck and multi-axle lowboy trailer to haul it around. When times were slow for the dragline, he would pick up loads and haul them for different customers. Things had slowed down with the dragline and he decided to do the heavy haul full time which lasted for 17 years and took him all over the United States attributing to a total of 2.5 million miles to date in his total career.

Ray has been a great addition to the Warren Transport team for the past two years, bringing experience and professionalism from the fields he has worked in, which goes hand in hand with the heavyweights we haul on a daily basis. Ray is highly regarded by other drivers and the organization as a whole. Ray has always been willing to go above and beyond to help anyone at any time.

Ray and his wife, Peggy reside in Spearfish, SD.

The South Dakota Trucking Association joins the Safety Management Council in congratulating Ray Voorhees, for being selected as the June 2024 Driver of the Month.

We offer high-quality, low-cost CDL training options in the South Dakota region that are available online from any device. Our curriculum is fully compliant with the current FMCSA ELDT Training standards, and we are a member in good standing of the Training Provider Registry as a Theory provider.

To learn about our fully-online, FMCSA-compliant CDL Theory program and how you can join our trainee to employee pipeline, call the SDTA office at 605-334-8871 or go to www.southdakotatrucking.com

Scan the QR code for more info.

JULY 8, 2024

NextGen Block Party

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

SDTA Office Sioux Falls, SD

JULY 18, 2024

SDTA East River Golf Event

9:00 a.m.

Brandon Golf Course Brandon, SD

AUGUST 21-24, 2024

National Truck Driving Championships Indianapolis, IN

SEPTEMBER 15-21, 2024

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2024

SDTA 89th Annual Convention

Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel and Casino Deadwood, SD

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

SDTA & SDADA Annual Pheasant Hunt

8:00 a.m.

Meet at Hutch’s Cafe Presho, SD

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

SDTA Fall Executive Committee Meeting 8:00 a.m.

AmericInn Fort Pierre, SD

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

SDTA Fall Board of Directors Meeting 10:00 a.m.

AmericInn Fort Pierre, SD

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

West River Legislative Reception

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Minervas | Lincoln Room Rapid City, SD

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

East River Legislative Reception 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Minervas | Lower Level Sioux Falls, SD

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Annual Legislative Reception and Sundae Bar 6:00 p.m.

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

SDTA Winter Executive Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m.

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

SDTA Winter Board of Directors Meeting 12:30 p.m.

Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD

•

•

•

•

•

• Beginning-to-end claims management

• Physical therapy

• DOT and Non-DOT Drug screening programs

• Random UDS Generation

• Breath Alcohol Testing

Welcome to Our Newest Members

DCI dba PSC

Dewey Wolff

1635 N. Frontage Road

Billings, MT 59101

Phone: 406-585-5585

Toll Free: 800-835-6252

Fax: 406-252-3123

Email: dewey.wolff@quala.us.com

Website: www.depotconnect.com

Services Provided: DOT Inspections, Parts/Sales/Service, Trailer Dealer

Recommended by: Jim Maciejewski

Dirk’s Classic Truck

Dan Dirks

1033 Highway 7 SE

Montevideo, MN 56265

Phone: 320-367-2120

Website: www.dirksclassictruck.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Doug Flowers Trucking

Doug Flowers

331 Sioux Street

Iroquois, SD 57353

Phone: 605-354-1324

Recommended by: SDTA

Hiles Trucking

Mike Hiles

39259 201st Street

Wolsey, SD 57384

Phone: 605-350-3272

Email: hilesms@gmail.com

Joe Bertus Trucking

Joe Bertus

312 N Oak Street

Avon, SD 57315

Phone: 605-661-9632

Email: joe.bertus.jb@gmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Kadoka Oil LLC

Jarad Carlson

511 SD Highway 73

Kadoka, SD 57543

Phone: 605-441-7384

Email: jcarlson93@hotmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

MCD Construction Services

Chris Delahoyde

4225 Olde Belle Road

Spearfish, SD 57783

Phone: 605-645-8988

Email: cdelahoyde@hotmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

NAPA Auto Parts

Tony Beerman

216 Dakota Avenue N Huron, SD 57350

Phone: 605-352-5666

Email: hurontruck@mynapacentral.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Runge Enterprise

Seth Gallant

4801 N. Velocity Avenue

Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Phone: 605-906-7440

Email: mrgecko89@gmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Shamrock Hutterite Colony

Norman Waldner

19087 413th Avenue

Carpenter, SD 57322

Phone: 605-350-5691

Email: edgesr49@gmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Travis Vander Pol Trucking

Travis Vander Pol

8011 High Meadows Road

Black Hawk, SD 57718

Phone: 605-390-0384

Email: travis1961@yahoo.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Trimac Transportation

Gene Williams

3600 Universal Drive; PO Box 3000

Rapid City, SD 57709

Phone: 605-906-8685

Cell: 605-391-8020

Fax: 605-348-8892

Email: gwilliams@trimac.com

Website: www.trimac.com

Carrier Type: Bulk Commodities

Truck & Trailer Service Specialist

Jarrod Hopper

457 Custer Avenue NE Huron, SD 57350

Phone: 605-352-6461

Recommended by: SDTA

Watertown Kenworth

Gavin Nuttbrock

3934 9th Ave SE

Watertown, SD 57201

Phone: 605-203-1589

Email: gavin4593@hotmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

Wielenga Trucking

Ryan Wielenga

28928 430th Avenue

Menno, SD 57045

Phone: 605-857-1986

Email: rcwielenga@gmail.com

Recommended by: SDTA

You deserve a business banker who actually understands your business.

Derek has extensive industry knowledge and expertise in the transportation industry, and he’s been helping entrepreneurs finance and grow their businesses for more than a decade. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, determine equipment value, or review financial performance, you have a trusted partner in him.

Equipment

Letters

Building

Mobile app

Give Derek a call today, and let’s start a conversation.

Derek Simonsen

ATA Unveils New Image Campaign Slogan

‘Nothing Without Trucking’ Designed With Policymakers in Mind

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter | Transport Topics

American Trucking Associations has a new image campaign slogan: “Nothing Without Trucking.”

The new phrase is an update to ATA’s 10-year-old slogan, “Trucking Moves America Forward,” which has been touted as helping improve how the public views the industry.

Why the change? The hope is that the update will not only feel more fresh but also send a strong message to Congress and the administration.

The multiyear, nationwide image campaign is intended to educate policymakers and the public about the indispensable role trucking plays in Americans’ lives, ATA said. The campaign was launched at the federation’s Mid-Year Management Session with an introductory video, new website with social media shareables and a call to action for industry supporters to share their stories.

“This time of year, as schools wind down and summer vacations dot the horizon, we’re here to remind America that in every season and at every moment of daily life, there’s nothing without trucking,”

ATA President Chris Spear said. “In an election year when it can feel our country is more polarized than ever, trucking is an incomparable industry that connects Americans of every background in ways that are literal, essential and personal.

“Our footprint is omnipresent, our reach is inescapable, and this campaign will show why trucking is the true beating heart of this nation.”

“The image campaign was 10 years old,” Chief Operating Officer Sarah Rajtik said. “Essentially, we felt it was time to be very direct with the policymakers about what trucking really does.”

The slogan will champion the industry’s story through earned and paid media, digital content, grassroots mobilization and in-person events that connect the men and women of trucking with elected officials, political candidates and the motoring public.

“The tireless work of this industry instills a quiet confidence in every American that we can effortlessly get the products and goods we need precisely when we need them,” Rajtik added. “This campaign will tell our American story in new and

innovative ways. We will spotlight the millions of individuals who make trucking safer, innovative, efficient and more environmentally responsible — from the drivers behind the wheel to the techs on the shop floor to the dispatchers, safety directors and fleet managers who all play an indispensable role in keeping our economy moving.”

NWT debuted with a call to action for industry stakeholders to share their stories through the campaign’s website nothingwithouttrucking.com.

Trucking Moves America Forward was formally retired in a ceremony at the midyear meeting, honoring four individuals who played a significant role in launching and ensuring its success throughout the years.

Reprinted from Transport Topics.

Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 South Dakota Truck Driving Championships

The 2024 South Dakota Truck Driving Championships was a remarkable event, showcasing the skill, precision, and dedication of our state’s top truck drivers. Held on May 18th at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, this year marked the 45th anniversary of the competition, and it was nothing short of exhilarating. Thank you to America’s Road Team Captains Mike Buck and Terry Bennett for helping at the SDTDC’s and for bringing the ATA Share the Road Truck.

The Day of the Competition

The day kicked off bright and early at 7:30 a.m., with all competitors gathering for the 40- question written exam. The questions covered a wide range of topics from the 2024 “Facts for Drivers” booklet, testing their knowledge on industry history, safety and security, first aid, health and wellness, and fire safety. This stage set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive industry knowledge alongside practical driving skills.

Skill and Precision on the Course

Following the written exam, drivers received a walkthrough of the challenging skills course. With only five minutes to familiarize themselves, the anticipation was palpable. The course, consisting of six meticulously designed problems, required precision and expertise, pushing each driver to their limits. A perfect score of 300 points on the skills course would not only signify mastery but also a $1000 cash prize from the SD Truck Driving Champions Club, adding an extra layer of excitement. The final test of the day was the pre-trip inspection, a critical component of daily truck driving. Competitors had to identify five major and seven minor defects in staged equipment within a set time limit. This task underscored the importance of safety and thoroughness in daily operations, with a perfect score of 100 points being a rare but impressive feat.

Photos Courtesy of Steve Hoffman

Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 SDTDCs continued from Page 17.

Honoring the Champions

The volunteers, drivers and their families joined together at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center that evening to honor all of the truck drivers who competed and announce the winners. The culmination of the day’s events was the crowning of the Grand Champion. This prestigious title went to Josh Kelley of FedEx Freight, Inc., whose outstanding performance across all stages earned him the highest accumulated score. Josh’s expertise and dedication were evident as he excelled in each category, making him a worthy Grand Champion.

The competition featured nine classes, each showcasing different types of vehicles and driving skills. The top finishers in each class are set to represent South Dakota at the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, IN, from August 21-24.

2024

GRAND CHAMPION

Josh Kelley FedEx Freight, Inc.

Highest Cumulative Score Overall

ROOKIE

OF THE YEAR

Highest Cumulative Score of All Rookies

Darrell Anderson XPO

CHUCK FJELLIN AWARD

Highest Written Test Score

Bryan Wold

Cliff Viessman, Inc.

RON GREEN AWARD

Highest Pre-Trip Inspection Score

Jeff Eschen K&J Trucking, Inc.

LARRY THURY AWARD

Highest Skills Course Score

Josh Kelley FedEx Freight, Inc.

COMPANY AWARD

Highest Company Average Score for Companies with Three or More Competitors

FedEx Freight, Inc.

HERE’S A RUNDOWN OF THE TOP PERFORMERS BY CLASS

4-AXLE

Class Champion: Travis Lewandowski FedEx Ground/Lot Corp

2nd : Justin Holloway, FedEx Ground/ Lot Corp

STRAIGHT TRUCK

Class Champion: Dan Norgaard Old Dominion Freight Line

2nd: Teri Spencer, A&A Express

3rd: Jim Muller, Johnson Feed, Inc.

3-AXLE

Class Champion: Darrell Anderson XPO

Class Champion: Mike Whitehead FedEx Freight, Inc.

2nd: Patrick Schneider, XPO

3rd: Dean Key, Ruan Transportation

5-AXLE VAN

Class Champion: Josh Worthington K&J Trucking, Inc.

2nd: Seth Sigafoos, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3rd: TJ Jones, FedEx Freight, Inc.

SLEEPER BERTH

2nd: Troy Swenson, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3rd: Kevin Eide, XPO

Class Champion: Jamie Phillips Johnson Feed, Inc.

2nd: Todd Fletcher, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3rd: Bryan Wold, Cliff Viessman, Inc.

2024 JERRY CUDMORE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Jay Love, Retired Professional Truck Driver for FedEx Freight,Inc.

Jay has competed multiple times at the state and national level, even bringing home a national title in 2016 in the flatbed class. 2016 was a great year for him. He was named a captain of the SD Road Team, February Driver of the Month, Champion in the Tank Class at both the State and National Truck Driving Championships and Driver of the Year by the South Dakota Trucking Association.

What sets jay apart is that he was willing to share every thing he had to offer to both future and past competitors to help them improve their chances in future competitions. Even as his health has challenged him, he has still found ways in which he can offer his assistance.

FLATBED

Class Champion: Vinny Harguth Cliff Viessman, Inc.

2nd: Joel Gruis, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3rd: Brian Mazza, Johnson Feed, Inc.

TANK

Class Champion: Jeff Eschen K&J Trucking, Inc.

2nd: Terry Buttemeier, FedEx Freight, Inc.

3rd: Scott Dreesman, Johnson Feed, Inc.

TWINS

Class Champion: Josh Kelley FedEx Freight, Inc.

2nd: Robert Spitznagel, K&J Trucking, Inc.

3rd: Dean Bowar, FedEx Freight, Inc.

2024 PARTNERSHIP IN SAFETY AWARD

Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 SDTDCs continued from Page 19.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 South Dakota Truck Driving Championships was more than a competition; it was a celebration of the dedication and expertise of our truck drivers. We are incredibly proud of all the participants and look forward to seeing our champions shine at the national level.

Congratulations to all the winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event a success. Here’s to another year of safe and exceptional driving!

2024 Inspector’s Challenge

The Inspector Challenge winner will be competing in Indianapolis, IN, at the National Inspectors Challenge, held in conjunction with the National Truck Driving Championships.

Competitors

• Master Inspector Brian Stenbak, Tilford Port of Entry

• Master Inspector Jerry Schubauer, Vermillion Mobile Team

• Inspector Tessa Connor, Jefferson Port of Entry

SOUTH DAKOTA

TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Alwade Abbas

Shauna Abbas

Lou Charette

Nick Cleveringa

Glade Evenson

Nathan Gerritsen

Shanna Gray

Randy Hindt

Patty Hinz

Steve Hoffman

Bailey Johnson

Trevor Johnson

Don Knowler

Phil Lentz

Jennifer Raddaatz

Leslie Schipper

Michael Steltz

Michelle Wells

Kevin Woods

Thank you to our committee members for all of your efforts and dedication to making this year’s TDCs a success! A special thanks to Glade Evenson, who stepped in as chairman and designed the skills course.

• Inspector Robert Jordan, Sturgis Mobile Team

• Inspector Carly Collins, Sioux Falls Mobile Team

• Trooper Cory Nordquist, Sisseton Squad

• Trooper Jesse Holman, Sisseton Squad

Champion:

Master Inspector Brian Stenbak

2nd: Inspector Tessa Connor

3rd: Master Inspector Jerry Schubauer

We appreciate the time and service you give to the South Dakota Truck Driving Championships. We couldn’t do it without you!

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Peterbilt of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, Sioux Falls, SD

PrePass Safety Alliance, Phoenix, AZ

GOLD SPONSORS

Acrisure Truck Group, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City & Sioux Falls, SD

Drivewyze, Edmonton, AB, Canada

IState Truck Center, Sioux Falls, SD

Midwest Peterbilt Group, Sioux City, IA

SILVER SPONSORS

Dakota Riggers & Tool Supply, Sioux Falls, SD

FedEx Freight, Inc., Harrison, AR

Great West Casualty Company, Sioux City, NE

NORPASS, Tumwater, WA

Wilson Trailer Company, Sioux City, IA

BRONZE SPONSORS

Crossroads Trailer Parts & Service, Sioux Falls, SD

Extra Mile CDL Academy, Sioux Falls, SD

Rude Transportation, Sioux Falls, SD

South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota

South Dakota Pork Producers Council, Sioux Falls, SD

South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, Sioux Falls, SD

T-SHIRT SPONSORS

K&J Trucking, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD

RAFFLE / IN-KIND SPONSORS

Coca-Cola Company, Sioux Falls, SD

Dean’s Place, Sioux Falls, SD

Gateway Lounge, Sioux Falls, SD

IState Truck Center, Sioux Falls, SD

North Central International, Sioux Falls, SD

Pepsi Company, Sioux Falls, SD

Raffle / In-Kind Sponsors Continued

Robert Spitznagel, Brandon, SD

SouthDakotaCDL.com

TEC Equipment, Sioux Falls, SD

The Original Pancake House, Sioux Falls, SD

Thermo King of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD

DRIVER GOODIE BAG SPONSORS

Autoland, Sioux Falls, SD

Dean’s Place, Sioux Falls, SD

IState Truck Center, Sioux Falls, SD

North Central International, Sioux Falls, SD

Peterbilt of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD

RAS Companies, Sioux Falls, SD

SBS Cyber Security, Madison, SD

Sioux Falls Kenworth, Sioux Falls, SD

South Dakota Road Team Captains: Jeff Eschen, Gary Schmidt, Jeremy Senger, and Mike Whitehead

Voyage Federal Credit Union, Sioux Falls, SD

EQUIPMENT SPONSORS

Cliff Viessman, Inc.

FedEx Express, Inc.

Howes Oil Company

IState Truck Center

Jim Hawk Truck Trailers, Inc.

Johnson Feed, Inc.

K&J Trucking, Inc.

Mid-States Transport, Inc.

North Central International of Sioux Falls, Inc.

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Sioux Falls Truck & Trailer

Southeast Technical College

T Brothers Trucking, LLC

TEC Equipment

Vanderhaag’s, Inc.

DON’T FACE THE CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL TRUCKING BUSINESS ALONE.

Since 2010, thousands of owner-operators and fleet owners have trusted Aladdin to effectively navigate the highs and lows of operating and growing their trucking businesses.

Backed by the expertise of our industry professionals, we provide a comprehensive range of services and products to ensure the success of your trucking business:

Invoice factoring

Equipment financing and leasing

DOT compliance support

IFTA/MTR

YES, WE STAYED IN A TENT!

Please keep Scot Marone, Scot Marone Trucking/18 Wheel Truck Promotions & Founder of the Wheel Jam Truck Show and his family, in your prayers as he battles cancer as well as additional complications.

THANKS TO ALL WHO WERE INVOLVED WITH THIS YEAR’S EVENT!

Mike Habeck, Habeck Trucking, Belle Fourche, SD, named 2024 recipient of the Wheel Jam Truck Show LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.

OOIDA Challenges EPA’s ‘Unworkable’ Truck Emission Rule in Federal Court

Tyson Fisher | Associate Editor | Land Line

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and several other stakeholders have joined efforts to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest truck emission rule.

On Tuesday, June 18, OOIDA, the American Petroleum Institute, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Corn Growers Association filed a petition for review in a District of Columbia federal court of appeals. The petition challenges the EPA’s “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3” rule, which was published in April.

Representing truckers, farmers and the oil and gas industry, petitioners claim EPA’s truck emission rule “exceeds the agency’s statutory authority and is otherwise arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and not in accordance with law.” The petition asks the court to declare the rule unlawful and to vacate it.

“Small-business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the EPA’s unworkable heavy-duty rule comes into effect,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said in a statement. “This rule would devastate the reliability of America’s supply chain and ultimately increase costs for consumers. Mom-and-pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating zero-emission trucks, but this administration appears intent on forcing through its deluge of misguided environmental mandates. As the voice of over 150,000 small-business truckers, we owe it to our members and every small-business trucker in America to leave no stone unturned in fighting these radical environmental policies.”

Tuesday’s petition for review is the third such petition challenging the new truck emission standards.

In May, 24 states led by Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed the first petition. Hilgers and the coalition of states also filed a lawsuit challenging California’s Advanced Clean Fleets on the same day.

“California and an unaccountable EPA are trying to transform our national trucking industry and supply chain infrastructure,” Hilgers said in a statement. “This effort – coming at a time of heightened inflation and with an already-strained electrical grid – will devastate the trucking and logistics industry, raise prices for customers and impact untold number of jobs across Nebraska and the country. Neither California nor the EPA has the constitutional power to dictate these nationwide rules to Americans.”

Soon after, the Western States Trucking Association, along with the Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition, filed a second petition for review.

“EPA does not have the legal authority to require the wholesale electrification of trucks and cars. The rules are not only inconsistent with the Clean Air Act—they are unconstitutional,” Ted Hadzi-Antich, a senior attorney with Texas Public Policy Foundation, said in a statement. “In promulgating the illegal rules, EPA ignores the obvious fact that there is woefully insufficient infrastructure in the nation to support the break-neck pace set by EPA for switching from fossil fuels to electricity. In the process, EPA restricts the freedom of ordinary Americans to choose their preferred modes of transportation. Congress never gave EPA that kind of expansive authority over individual liberty.”

The EPA’s new truck emission standards require 25% of new sleeper cab tractors to be zero-tailpipeemission trucks by 2032.

Manufacturers can reach the requirement through a variety of technologies. However, there is a focus on battery-electric due largely to price and charging infrastructure.

The three petitions for review come shortly after Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution to undo the final rule. On May 1, Sens. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Dan Sullivan, R-Ark., along with Rep. John James, R-Mich., announced the introduction of Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions to invalidate the EPA’s latest rules setting stricter emission standards for both heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles.

Reprinted from Land Line.

FMCSA Grants Provisional Cargo Securement Exemption

Mark Schremmer | Senior Editor | Land Line Ag haulers, heads up. In a rare move, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration has granted an exemption from the regs. The agency has granted a provisional exemption renewal regarding cargo securement to the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference.

Notice of the exemption renewal was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, June 18.

The exemption allows alternative methods for the securement of agricultural commodities transported in wood and plastic boxes and bins and large fiberglass tubs, as well as hay, straw and cotton bales that are grouped into larger singular units. Motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles operating under this exemption must comply with all other applicable regulations.

AFTC first applied for an exemption in 2015, stating that it would enhance safety because the alternative securement methods exceed existing standards.

In 2019, FMCSA granted a five-year exemption. AFTC requested a five-year renewal of the exemption. Instead, the agency

granted a provisional renewal that will run through Oct. 15 so that it can collect feedback from the public and analyze applicable data.

“FMCSA anticipates granting a full five-year exemption from the requirements … when the provisional exemption expires, unless it obtains evidence demonstrating that the exemption would not maintain an equivalent level of safety as the existing regulations,” the agency wrote in the notice.

In addition, the agency said there is no crash data to indicate whether the shifting or falling of an agricultural commodity has been the primary cause of a crash.

“FMCSA is not aware of any evidence showing the operation of the alternative securement methods allowed by the original exemption has resulted in any degradation in safety,” the agency wrote. “Moreover, the information provided by AFTC in its renewal application supports the conclusion that these alternative securement methods maintain the requisite statutory level of safety.”

Reprinted from Land Line.

Canadian Border Agents to Decide on New Labor Deal by July 4

Starting June 20, union members will vote on a tentative four-year agreement that forestalled a potential strike.

Larry Avila | Trucking Editor | Trucking Dive

Canadian border agents will have between June 20 and July 4 to vote on a new four-year labor agreement with the government of Canada, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and Customs and Immigration Union announced Friday.

Results are expected to be released shortly after voting closes at noon EDT on July 4, according to the union. The negotiating committee for the union recommended members ratify the deal.

Last week, the union and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, which negotiated the deal on behalf of the government, reached a tentative agreement following nine days of exhaustive negotiations. The more than 9,000 represented members of the Canada Border Services Agency had been working without a contract for two years.

The tentative labor agreement averted a strike from the union that was set to begin at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 7. Such a strike could have led to traffic back-ups at more than two dozen border crossings and longer processing times for freight being shipped between the U.S. and Canada.

The negotiated agreement, which covers the period between June 2022 to June 2026, includes a compounded wage increase of 15.73% as well as provisions for shift scheduling and leave time.

According to the contract, workers would receive an additional 1.25% on top of the 3.5% raises provided in 2022. Represented members also would receive an additional 2.8% raise that would be added to 3% raises given in 2023.

Represented workers were scheduled to receive 2% raises in 2024, but the new labor deal adds 0.25%, while 2% raises are proposed for 2025. Border agents and

others represented staff also will receive a one-time $2,500 lump sum payment if the deal is ratified and signed.

In a separate action on Thursday, the Canadian government announced legislation will be introduced this fall that would extend early retirement eligibility to front line government workers, including border service officers. Should the measure pass, front line government workers would be eligible to retire after 25 years of service without a pension reduction.

Currently, eligible participants must be at least 60 years old with a minimum of two years of pensionable service or 55 years old with at least 30 years of pensionable service, according to the Canadian government.

Reprinted from Trucking Dive.

DRIVER OF THE MONTH NOMINATION FORM & RULES

Date:___________________________ Jacket Size:___________

Name of Driver:________________________________________________________________ Age:____________

Marital Status:_________________________ Spouse’s Name:____________

Residence Address (in full):__________

Children & Ages:____________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Carrier:____________________________________________________________ ____________________

Home Terminal Address (in full):_______________________________

Phone Number:__________________________________ Email:_______________________________

Years Employed by Present Employer:_____________________ Total Years of Experience:____________________

Type of Equipment Operated: c Truck c Tractor-Semitrailer c Doubles c Other

Type of Driving: c Over the Road c City c Other

Total Mileage:____________ _ Mileage with Present Employer:___ # of Accidents: _____Chargeable Dates:________________________________________________ _____Non-Chargeable Dates:________________________________________________

Has your driver ever been selected as a Driver of the Month or Driver of the Year in South Dakota or any other state? c Yes c No If yes, when?:______________

Participation in truck driving championships or other transportation related activities: ___________________________________

Basis of Nomination:__________________________

With this entry, company agrees to send their driver, if selected as Driver of the Month, to the South Dakota Trucking Association Annual Convention, where the driver will participate in a personal interview. Drivers not being interviewed will not be eligible for the Driver of the Year honors. Interview times will be scheduled Friday afternoon during the convention.

With this entry, the company agrees to submit Driver of the Year Entry Form for National Competition if your driver is selected as the South Dakota Driver of the Year.

RULES:

Driver may be nominated for Driver of the Month for any outstanding act of heroism, a contribution to highway safety, an extraordinary act of courtesy, an exceptional deed or act of service to mankind within the community reflecting positively on the motor carrier industry, or for a long period of safe and courteous driving. An outstanding act shall be deemed to mean unusual or other than the normal every day courtesies afforded by truck drivers.

ELIGIBILITY:

1. The nominated driver must be an employee of a member in good standing of the South Dakota Trucking Association.

2. The nominated driver must have been an employee of the present employer for at least two years and have a minimum of five years overall experience.

3. South Dakota domiciled* drivers are eligible for nomination for an outstanding act performed in any state. * The intent of the word “domiciled” shall be interpreted to mean: Any driver reporting to or regularly dispatched from a terminal within the state of SD (in keeping with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations definition of his/her home terminal) regardless of where the driver may dwell.

4. A driver may receive the Driver of the Month award only one time in any contest year. He/she may be renominated in any subsequent year.

5. Nominations for outstanding acts on the highway shall be accompanied by supporting evidence (letters, statements, news clippings, etc.). A clear, factual account is absolutely necessary. Vague generalizations will not be accepted.

6. A copy of recent driver motor vehicle record check must accompany the nomination.

7. Drivers nominated and not selected as Driver of the Month will be held over and used in the following month’s selection.

8. Entries must be in the SDTA office no later than the 10th of each month for that current month’s contest.

9. Nominations may be made by any party, but must be approved by the employer or a representative of the employer.

10. The annual contest will run from September of the previous year through August of the current year.

11. Company agrees to submit a professional head and shoulders photo of the winning driver.