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Truckload Authority Staff

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About Truckload Authority Staff
The Truckload Authority News Staff, comprised of award winning journalists and graphic artists, produces content for Truckload Authority, working in cooperation with the Truckload Carriers Association staff. Truckload Authority aims to keep TCA members abreast on the latest trends in the trucking industry as well as articles that feature TCA member executives and drivers. The Truckload Authority staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Posts by Truckload Authority Staff

2020 and 2021 Refrigerated Meeting

By Truckload Authority Staff -

The Truckload Carriers Association’s 2020 Refrigerated Meeting, which was originally scheduled for July 15-17 in Acme, Michigan, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Make plans to connect with colleagues at TCA’s 2021 Refrigerated Meeting set for July 14-16, 2021, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in Albuquerque, New Mexico. First time attending? This is the premier event for industry professionals focusing their operations on temperature-controlled equipment. Those who previously registered for the 2020 event will receive full refunds for their registrations. For questions, contact TCA Meetings Department at (703) 838-1950.

Highway Angels | July-August

By Truckload Authority Staff -

Professional truck drivers Chris Delancey, John DeGood, Eric Eaton, and Frank Martin have been named Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association for performing heroic actions while on the job. Chris Delancey Delancey is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and drives for Covenant Transport. He is being recognized for quickly responding to pleas for help for an unresponsive child. Delancey was aggravated. It was the day after Christmas, around 4 a.m., and he was finally on the road on Interstate 20 heading for Fayetteville, North Carolina, after dealing with serious delays in Atlanta. “It was just after the holidays and the shipper was really backlogged,” he shared. His bladder was telling him he needed to make a stop. Begrudgingly, he pulled off at the next exit and into a Flying J. Delancey parked at a fuel island and went inside. On his way out, he could hear a man and woman screaming and yelling, “Something’s not right! She’s not breathing!” Delancey dropped his coffee and ran over to the distraught couple. He saw a little girl, still in her booster seat in the back of the vehicle. “I told them I’m a volunteer firefighter and asked if I could touch their daughter to check her out,” he said. They agreed, and he leaned in with his flashlight to see if she had choked on something, but the airway appeared clear. “I looked at her eyes, but they were unresponsive and showed no dilation.” Delancey quickly pulled her out of the vehicle and laid her down on his rain jacket. “I told the father I was going to do chest compressions, and when I got to 30 he needed to cover the girl’s nose and mouth and breathe into her mouth as hard as he could.” After several attempts, Delancey still couldn’t get a pulse. Delancey had lost his own 18-month-old daughter to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) a year earlier. “I saw my daughter’s face in that little girl,” he shared with TCA. “Something told me to keep on going.” He continued to work on the child. “Just as an ambulance pulled up, she took a breath,” recalled Delancey. “It’s music to your ears. Although she had a weak pulse, she was breathing. She opened her eyes and said, ‘Daddy.’” Delancey quickly scooped her up, ran to the ambulance, and handed her over. Afterward, Delancey climbed back in his truck and broke down into tears. “It hit me that what I couldn’t do for my daughter, I was able to do for this girl so her family could have a second chance with her,” he shared. If I hadn’t been running late that night and if I didn’t have a weak bladder, I would have kept on going. I believe there’s divine intervention all around us.” John DeGood DeGood, who lives in Plummerville, Arkansas, and drives for ABF Freight System, is being recognized for stopping to help the driver of a Ford passenger van after it collided with a trailer hauling fracking equipment. It was a little after 2 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2019, and DeGood was traveling eastbound on Highway 315 near Clayton, Texas, when he came upon the accident. DeGood slowly maneuvered around the accident scene, made a U-turn, and returned in the westbound lane. As he was doing so, the driver of the fracking trailer slowed, but did not stop at the scene. A piece of the trailer’s DOT bumper was lying in the road. DeGood said the van had veered off the road and into a stand of trees. He positioned his truck to shine his headlights on the scene and used his four-way flashers as warning signals. He grabbed a flashlight and went to check on the driver of the van, who told him he was having chest pain. Since there was no smoke coming from the vehicle and he couldn’t smell any gas, DeGood told the driver to remain in his vehicle. He then called 911 and reported the accident. DeGood is a part of the fire department at home. He checked the driver out to make sure he hadn’t sustained any cuts or broken bones. “He told me he’d had open heart surgery a few years ago,” shared DeGood. “He said he had medication with him and asked me to help him find it, but he was so jumbled up in there, I couldn’t find anything. He said he didn’t see the trailer. It must have been coming off a dark road and pulled onto the highway.” DeGood said emergency vehicles arrived just a few minutes later. He said he is hopeful everything turned out okay for the driver. Eric Eaton Eaton, who resides in Hudson, Ohio, is a professional truck driver with Garner Trucking. He is being honored for his driving skills, which prevented a collision under icy conditions from becoming a fatal accident. Eaton was traveling near Twinsburg, Ohio, during one of the worst ice storms of 2019. He was in the right lane and driving well under the posted speed limit. As he looked in his side mirror, he caught a glimpse of three vehicles quickly approaching on his left, so he took his foot off the gas. As the first vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, crept up next to the front of Eaton’s truck, it lost traction and began swerving. “I started lightly tapping my brake,” said Eaton. “I didn’t want to hit my brakes too hard and create a bigger incident. I had a semi behind me. Next thing I know, the Jeep swerved all the way to the median. The median caught the Jeep and turned it sideways, projecting it right back in front of me.” Eaton was already slowing down and tapping the brakes. “There was nothing I could do except brace for impact. My first thought was not to kill someone,” he shared. The Jeep struck Eaton’s truck, bounced off, and ended up in the median. It was a quarter mile before Eaton was able to safely stop and pull over. “I turned on the flashers and started running back toward the Jeep,” he said. “In my mind, I thought I had killed someone. It (the Jeep) hit so hard and went flying. The police were already on their way, and before I could get back to the Jeep, a police officer came and picked me up and took me back to my truck.” The officers told Eaton it was too dangerous for him to be out on the road. “But my major concern was whether there was a passenger in the Jeep, as the passenger side was crushed by the impact. Boy, I don’t know if they would’ve made it. I kept asking the officer if everyone was okay,” shared Eaton. The officer radioed back to the scene and learned the driver wasn’t critically injured and that there was no passenger in the vehicle. Recently, the young woman who was driving the Jeep sent a note to Eaton and Garner Trucking, thanking him for his quick thinking and safe driving. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving my life that day,” she wrote. “I believe that the speed you were going and how you maneuvered the truck saved my life; other than Jesus Christ, I truly believe you saved my life, and I cannot write the words ‘Thank You’ enough times.” Frank Martin Martin, from Menominee, Michigan, a professional truck driver with Veriha Trucking, was recognized for stopping to help a couple after their vehicle left the road during icy conditions and rolled down an embankment. On Dec. 10, 2019, the road conditions were poor as Martin was heading through northern Wisconsin with a load bound for Duluth, Minnesota. Up ahead in the southbound lanes, he noticed a large four-door pickup truck losing traction on the icy road and sliding from side to side. It was the only vehicle on that side of the road. “I think they hit an icy patch coming around the bend and couldn’t recover,” said Martin. All he could do was watch as the driver lost control, hit the median, and skidded off the road. “He went tail end over front end, and when he got to the bottom of the ravine, he then went side over side,” described Martin. “I pulled over and called 911 as I was running across the road.” When he reached the vehicle, it was lying on its side, driver’s side up. There was a middle-aged couple inside, conscious, and still in their seat belts. Quickly, Martin climbed up on the driver’s side of the truck and opened the door. The driver was pressed up against the passenger, pinning her against the passenger door. “His seatbelt was jammed,” shared Martin. “I asked if they were hurt or bleeding, but they thought they were okay. I could tell they were scared.” He ran back to his truck and grabbed a blanket. He then handed it down into the truck so the couple could stay as warm as possible. Martin was able to help the driver lift himself off the passenger a bit, which helped to calm her. Emergency vehicles arrived 25-30 minutes later. “My grandfather was a trucker. I’d go out with him as a kid, and if he’d see a car broken down or an accident, he’d stop to make sure everyone was okay,” Martin said. “That left a big impression me. To me, it’s still a brotherhood. There are a lot of good truckers out there, and a lot of us want to make a difference. That’s a big part of why I stopped that day. Helping people out when they’re in trouble is more important than getting a load in on time. It’s the right thing to do. If it were my family, I’d want someone to stop.” For their willingness to assist fellow drivers and motorists, TCA has presented each newly awarded Highway Angel with a certificate, patch, lapel pin, and truck decals. Their employers have also received a certificate acknowledging their driver as a Highway Angel. To meet more recipients, visit highway angel.org. Since the program’s inception in August 1997, more than 1,250 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage they have displayed while on the job. EpicVue sponsors TCA’s Highway Angel program.

On the Road to Normalcy

By Truckload Authority Staff -

As I write this, the state of Virginia is still in Phase One of reopening post-coronavirus. Our governor is remaining cautious but optimistic. By the time many of you read this, your states will have reopened many businesses, and life will be on the road to getting back to our pre-COVID-19 normal. As COVID-19 cases slow, and North Americans return to their jobs, stores, restaurants, and visiting with family and friends, TCA also prepares to reopen its office. TCA’s leadership team has crafted a reopening plan which will allow TCA staffers to slowly return to their offices and begin the process of collaborating again in person. Like in many of your companies, we have had to make many changes to our building to face our new reality: installing touchless sinks, light switches that are automatic, and more to ensure the safety of not only our staff but our guests. Since going remote in mid-March, TCA has kept its membership up to date by providing a daily COVID-19 news brief. We are proud to share that more than 510,000 messages have been sent throughout the last three months. We hope you found these to be informative. As we look ahead to the fall and a continued return to normalcy, I encourage you to join TCA and colleagues Sept. 22-23 for our fourth annual Call on Washington and Fall Business Meetings in Washington, D.C. TCA’s Call on Washington is your opportunity to meet directly with members of Congress, key congressional staff and federal regulators to discuss legislation and regulations, such as infrastructure funding mechanisms and the trucking industry’s support for an increased federal fuel tax; opposition to any increases to federal truck size and weight restrictions; F4A federal preemption of state meal and rest break laws; and more affecting our industry. To view our events calendar, and our COVID-19 resources page, visit truckload.org. In trucking, we are survivors and will do what it takes to get the job done. Your incredible tenacity, determination, and driver-centric compassion has and will prove out to be the fuel in keeping North America’s economy and employment moving forward. We are a proud bunch, and at the same time humbled by the awesome responsibilities bestowed upon us as the “Knights of the Highway.” Stay safe.

Driver of the Year Contest

By Truckload Authority Staff -

The Truckload Carriers Association is preparing to accept nominations for one of the association’s most prestigious awards — driver of the year. There are two categories — Company Driver of the Year and Owner-Operator of the Year. Nominations will be accepted beginning Aug.1 and can be made online at truckload.org. The overall goal of the contest is to recognize and pay tribute to the company drivers and owner-operators who provide reliable and safe truck transportation in moving the nation’s goods. Three finalists will be chosen in each category. A grand-prize winner will be selected from each group of finalists. The grand-prize winners will be recognized and honored as the outstanding company driver and owner-operator for 2020 based on his or her ability to operate in a safe manner on the public highways, efforts to enhance the public image of the trucking industry, and positive contributions to the community in which he or she lives. The Company Driver of the Year contest is open to any company driver employed by an over-the-road carrier, who has safely driven one million consecutive, accident-free miles. A company driver must be nominated by the motor carrier by which he or she is currently employed, and must have been employed by and driving for that company for the past three years. Fleet operators who own no more than five power units used in five-axle or more tractor-trailer combinations and who drive one of the power units as a full-time occupation are eligible to enter the Owner-Operator of the Year contest. An owner-operator who holds his or her own state or federal operating authority or who is incorporated under the laws of his/her or a trucking company’s domicile is also eligible for the contest. Entrants must substantiate five years of job history as a commercial truck driver, with the last three years as an owner-operator. An owner-operator may enter on his or her own behalf, be nominated by his or her spouse, or be nominated by a motor carrier with which he or she has been under a long-term contract continuously for three years or more. Previous grand-prize winners of the two divisions are not eligible to reenter the competition. The application must be completed online and submitted through TCA’s online application process. When entering as a team, both drivers’ names should be entered into application. It is not necessary to complete two separate applications. Verification of submitted information will include direct contact with the motor carrier by which the entrant is employed and may include credit reports, motor vehicle reports, and other investigation as required. Each company may nominate up to five drivers. However, only one driver per company can qualify for placement among the top three finalists. Contest judges will scrutinize claims of an excessive number of miles driven annually. Any claim of more than 125,000 miles driven annually must be accompanied by a statement from the company CEO explaining average length of haul, number of hours on duty, and how the miles were logged legally. Erroneous or false information provided in the application will result in immediate disqualification. The top three finalists were announced in January 2021. The grand-prize winners will be announced during TCA’s 2020 Annual Convention, Truckload 2021, scheduled for Jan. 23-26, 2021 at Nashville, Tennessee. Don Lewis of Wilson Logistics, Inc. was named the 2019 Company Driver of the Year. The 2019 Owner-Operator of the Year was Kevin Kocmich of Diamond Transportation System, Inc. TCA’s partners in the contests are Trucker News and Overdrive magazine. Sponsors are Cummins and Love’s.

Handling a disruption effectively

By Truckload Authority Staff -

As not only our industry, but the world, experiences disruptions to our operations and lives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I take a moment to reflect about how much has changed since Truckload 2020: Orlando in early March. In the last few weeks, we’ve borne witness to how this pandemic is impacting our industry, our families, our communities, and our very way of life. I couldn’t ask to be part of a more selfless industry to weather this storm with. The trucking industry has taken this challenge head-on. Professional truck drivers continue to make their runs, even asking for additional ways to help, during this crisis. The Truckload Carriers Association’s members have stepped up, offering services at no cost to help carriers keep our nation’s shelves stocked. What we are facing is daunting, but I am heartened by the everyday acts of courage, humanity, caring, and compassion. I am optimistic we will thrive once again. The staff at TCA has been diligently working throughout the pandemic to keep you informed of new advancements through a daily COVID-19 e-newsletter. Our Education Department, with the help of industry experts and representatives from the TCA Profitability Program (TPP), has hosted numerous complimentary webinars on topics ranging from protecting your financial operations during uncertain times to effective leadership skills and best practices for times of crisis. I encourage you to utilize these resources and offerings from TCA. It goes without saying that we will get through this, and be better because of it. To find our resources page, educational offerings, and more, visit truckload.org and drop me a line. We want to hear from you. The TCA staff and I are ready to help in any way that we can. Thank you for all you do. Stay safe. John Lyboldt

Kevin Burch receives Past Chairmen’s Award

By Truckload Authority Staff -

Kevin Burch, president of Jet Express, Inc., of Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded the Truckload Carriers Association’s prestigious Past Chairmen’s Award. Burch has amassed more than 40 years of experience in the trucking industry, which includes less-than-truckload, truckload, air freight, and consolidation. He has also been instrumental in the Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) initiative that is designed to enhance the image of trucking among the general public. Since 1990, Burch has been president of Jet Express, Inc., as well as a partner in the company. Under Burch’s leadership, the company has grown to 90 company drivers, 220 owner-operators, and 600 trailers. The company handles up to 400 truckloads per day throughout the United States, primarily for the “just-in-time” automotive industry. Providing excellent service, the company was awarded the prestigious “Worldwide Supplier Award” three consecutive years by General Motors. In addition to serving as TCA Chairman in 2009-10, he is currently active on the TCA Membership Committee and is a past chairman of the Communications & Image Policy Committee. Since 1990, Burch has also been an active member of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as its vice chairman and chairman of Lead ATA, and currently serves as a member of the Trucking Moves America Forward image-management committee. Burch is a trustee of the Ohio Trucking Association, a member of the Miami Valley Transportation Club in Dayton, Ohio, and is involved in numerous committees including the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. Recently he accepted a board position on the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also active with the local Boy Scouts of America troop and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) in Washington, D.C. Burch acquired his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in September 2008. The Past Chairmen’s Award is TCA’s highest honor. Recipients are leaders who have made a significant contribution to the business community, the trucking industry, and the organization. The awardee does not have to be a past chairman of the Association.  

Carriers recognized for efforts

By Truckload Authority Staff -

During Truckload 2020: Orlando, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) recognized Truckload Carriers Association members who volunteered their time and equipment to haul The Wall That Heals in 2019. The presentation was made by VVMF’s Director of Outreach Tim Tetz. “Today we recognize a five-year partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association providing transportation needs for The Wall That Heals,” said Tetz. “Through the efforts of its members, The Wall traveled over 19,000 miles and was visited by more than 300,000 in 34 communities in 2019. In bringing our heroes and our veterans home, together we honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in Vietnam.” The following TCA-member companies were recognized in Kissimmee, Florida: Baylor Trucking, Inc., of Milan, Indiana; Christenson Transportation, Inc., of Strafford, Missouri; Dart Transit Co., of Eagan, Minnesota; Diamond Transportation System, Inc., of Racine, Wisconsin; Halvor Lines, Inc., of Superior, Wisconsin; Hirschbach Motor Lines, Inc., of Dubuque, Iowa; Hoekstra Transportation, LLC, of Kankakee, Illinois; Jrayl Transport, Inc., of Akron, Ohio; Quality Transport Co., of Freeport, Illinois; Regency Transportation, Inc., of Franklin, Massachusetts; Sharp Transportation, Inc., of Logan, Utah; Western Dairy Transport of Cabool, Missouri; and Wilson Logistics of Springfield, Missouri. Since 2015, TCA and VVMF have partnered to bring The Wall That Heals to communities across America. The exhibit is hauled in a 53-foot trailer and includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a mobile education center. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF is dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of service in America and educating all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies and education materials. To view available routes for 2020, or to complete an interest form, visit vvmf.org.  

Whistle stop hosts receive thanks

By Truckload Authority Staff -

Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) member company Trekker Logistics and TCA Highway Angel spokesperson and Nashville recording artist Lindsay Lawler, have been recognized for contributions to the 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative. Trekker Logistics CEO and TCA Immediate Past Chairman Josh Kaburick and Lawler were each presented a “2019 Whistle Stop Award” for planning and hosting TCA’s whistle stop — a free public event — Nov. 21 at Bridgestone Arena Plaza, located just steps from Broadway Avenue in downtown Nashville. “We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree visited Nashville on its journey to the nation’s capital,” said Kaburick. For nearly 40 years, a special tree has been harvested from a U.S. national forest and transported across the country to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. In 2019, the 70-foot blue spruce came from the Carson National Forest in New Mexico and stopped at more than 25 communities and military bases, which allowed the public to view “The People’s Tree,” while also shining a spotlight on the trucking industry that makes it possible to haul the immense tree. The whistle stop in Nashville featured live music from several of the city’s recording artists and a local children’s choir, remarks by Nashville’s Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Brenda Haywood, and balloon artists, as well as commemorative ornaments for purchase. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado will provide the 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. For more information about the initiative, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com.

TCA Profitability Program growing

By Truckload Authority Staff -

Because of participant demand, the Truckload Carriers Association’s Profitability Program (TPP) has formed two new best-practice groups focusing on flatbed and refrigerated carriers. “The TPP is designed to provide participants with the tools, data, and trusted peer groups to put them on the right path to continuous improvement,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. He cited several improvements that members participating in TPP have already implemented from their involvement with the program: Reduced average maintenance cost per mile from $0.34 to $0.19 in nine months; Improved gross margin by 43% (rolling six-month average); Reduced health insurance expense, without modifying plan design, by $210,000 annually; Established a secure asset-protection strategy using a proven strategy described by a fellow group member; Implemented collision-mitigation technology, which contributed to an 80% reduction in accident losses over a 24-month period, based on the suggestions of a fellow group member; and Established a driver scorecard and retention strategy which reduced turnover from 110% to 43% in 12 months, resulting in an estimated $290,000 savings. Also: 61% of 2019 TCA’s Best Fleets to Drive For winners are TPP Best Practice Group members; and 72% of 2019 TCA’s Fleet Safety Award winners are TPP Best Practice Group members. For more information, to refer a colleague, or to book a demo, contact TPP Profitability Consultant Shepard Dunn at [email protected] or visit tcaingauge.com.

TCA members recognized for longevity

By Truckload Authority Staff -

At the kickoff reception during its annual convention, the Truckload Carriers Association paid tribute to its Ambassador Club member companies that have contributed to the long-term growth of the Association. Hundreds of attendees had the opportunity to network and enjoy an evening on the Coquina Lawn thanks to event sponsor Lean Staffing Solutions. Membership Committee Co-Chair Glynn Spangenberg, who is also chairman and chief advisor of Spangenberg Partners, LLC, congratulated the members for reaching these membership milestones. “TCA is thankful for having so many long-standing and committed members,” said Spangenberg. “TCA welcomes these new Ambassador Club members and looks forward to servicing them for years to come.” Eight companies were inducted into TCA’s prestigious Ambassador Club for reaching 25 years of membership: All-Pro Transport, Inc., of Ashtabula, Pennsylvania; Amhof Trucking, Inc., of Eldridge, Iowa; Bernard Pavelka Trucking, Inc., of Hastings, Nebraska; Driver Solutions, LLC, of Indianapolis; Hudson Insurance Group of Indianapolis; PGT Trucking, Inc., of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania; Sentry Insurance of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Stoughton Trailers, LLC, of Stoughton, Wisconsin. Additionally, 26 other companies were honored at the ceremony for reaching various milestones, including three companies – Dart Transit Co. of Eagan, Minnesota; Melton Truck Lines, Inc., of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Witte Bros. Exchange, Inc., of Troy, Missouri – that are celebrating their 50th year of membership. View the entire list of Ambassador Club members at truckload.org/history.

Highway Angels | May-June 2020

By Truckload Authority Staff -

Professional truck drivers Kyle Fitzgerald, Paul Hopson, William Lyons, and Steve Marcy have been named Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association for performing heroic actions while on the job. Kyle Fitzgerald & William Lyons Fitzgerald and Lyons, professional truck drivers with Smokey Point Distributing, were honored for their orchestrated efforts to divert traffic away from a disabled vehicle in the middle of a busy interstate. It was just after noon on Sept. 19, 2019, and Fitzgerald and Lyons were traveling through Michigan on Interstate 75 with a set of airplane wings destined for Toronto. Lyons was carrying one wing and Fitzgerald followed with the second. They were accompanied by four pilot vehicles. The first pilot was traveling a quarter mile ahead of the team. As the pilot came over a slight hill, he radioed the team that there was a two-vehicle accident ahead. A small car was stopped in the middle lane and a box truck was pulled over to the right shoulder. The pilot driver instructed the team to move to the left lane and shoulder. As the pilot driver slowed and went around the accident. he noticed the driver was still in the vehicle and no one was stopping to help. Lyons and Fitzgerald decided they should stop. The team would later learn that the accident had happened less than a minute before they arrived. The small car had rear-ended the box truck. “Traffic had not even begun to slow down around the wreck,” shared Fitzgerald. “We pulled to the left shoulder, short of the accident scene.” “People were flying by,” recalled Lyons. “There was debris all over the road and because of the location, it was a bigger accident just waiting to happen. Kyle’s two pilot drivers turned on their overhead directional lights to move traffic around the accident and then helped direct traffic,” said Lyons. “My two pilot drivers and I went to check on the drivers as Kyle called 911.” Within minutes, the ambulance and fire department were on scene. When the state patrol officers arrived, they shut down the highway long enough for the team to safely leave the scene. “According to my logbook, our total time on the scene was 12 minutes,” said Fitzgerald, adding that at no time were the loads in the flow of traffic or in harm’s way. Both men credit their pilot teams for the way they handled the situation: Veronica Nutt and Steve Sanders with T&H Pilot Car Services of Verden, Oklahoma; Larry Morris with S.J. Pilot Car Service of West Memphis, Arkansas; and Mike Froncisz with Veteran Pilot Services Ltd. of Ontario, Canada. “The Lord used us that day to make sure nobody else got hurt,” shared Lyons. Paul Hopson Hopson, a professional truck driver with Stone Trucking Co., was honored for stopping to help a seriously injured motorist found sitting outside his vehicle on the side of the roadway. Hopson was just outside Waco, Texas, on Highway 6, a major highway. It was about 5 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2019, and traffic was backed up for over half a mile. “There was a lot of CB chatter about a guy sitting outside his pickup on the side of the road, bleeding,” shared Hopson. “I get up there and there must have been hundreds of cars and trucks (that time of day) and everyone just passed him up.” Without hesitation, Hopson pulled over. “A lady pulled over behind me. Turned out she was a former EMT,” he said. “The guy looked like he must have been sitting there quite a while, in the heat, and people just passed by.” The man was still conscious and bleeding heavily from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the face. Hopson called 911 and then gave the phone to the woman to explain the situation to the dispatcher. “She looked in the cab and said, ‘gun’ and we both stepped back. There was a gun sitting on the floorboard.” Within a matter of minutes, two or three police cars arrived along with two ambulances and a fire truck. “They loaded him into the ambulance right away.” Hopson called the Waco Police Department a couple days later and learned the driver had passed away. “I kept thinking about him,” shared Hopson. “I had just wanted him to know he wasn’t alone. It’s bad enough when a person passes away, but when they’re in a situation like that and they’re alone, that’s a hard way to go. Nobody would stop, they only talked about it (on the CB).” Hopson has driven professionally for more than 30 years. He’s come across many accidents and has stopped to help when he can. Steve Marcy Marcy, a professional truck driver with ABF Freight System, Inc., was honored for stopping to help at the scene of a collision between a tractor-trailer and passenger van. It was a cold and blustery November day and Marcy was southbound from Indiana on his way to Nashville, Tennessee. The blowing snow was limiting visibility and the roadway was becoming icy with the temperature below zero. Already driving well under the posted speed limit, the poor visibility forced Marcy to slow to a stop. That’s when he saw a tractor-trailer up ahead of him, sitting across both southbound lanes. The driver had lost control and a full-size passenger van had hit the side of the trailer. Acting swiftly, Marcy set his brakes, turned on his flashers, and rushed to the scene. The driver of the van was disoriented, and his wife was in the passenger seat, unconscious. The driver of the truck came over to check on the passengers. Another motorist stopped to help and began to gather blankets to warm them. The van had bounced off the trailer and was now sitting at a 45-degree angle to the truck. The right front corner post of the van was damaged and the passenger door was jammed. The windshield and right window were shattered. The driver was disoriented and extremely upset at the truck driver for causing the accident. Marcy distracted him by urging him to call 911 for an ambulance. He then worked to squeeze into the wreckage to check on the passenger. “They hit hard,” said Marcy. “The passenger was knocked unconscious and was slumped to the left over the console and bleeding from her head and mouth.” As the woman regained consciousness she asked what had happened and said her back was hurting. “She was slumped over in a crooked position out of her seat with her seatbelt on,” recalled Marcy. He carefully helped her to sit upright and then held her in place, assuring her help was on the way. He stayed with her, talking to her and offering her comfort until EMTs arrived approximately 27 minutes later. Marcy says he’s come across many accidents in the 18 years he has driven for ABF and is happy he was able to help that day.

Keep on truckin’: Stakeholder perspectives on trucking in America

By Truckload Authority Staff -

The Anatomy of a Hearing: Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety David Heller Vice President of Government Affairs, Truckload Carriers Association The overall theme of the hearing was the safety ramifications of all the topics being discussed in today’s trucking environment. The presentations were really well done; each directly addressed the pertinent topic while giving committee members the opportunity to tell their side of the story. I was especially glad to see the two senators — Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. — who chaired the committee had done their homework and were well versed on the industry. There was quite of bit of discussion both for and against proposed changes to the hours of service, and one presenter encouraged senators to pick up the pace in our effort to recognize the positive aspects of hair testing and come forth with proposed federal guidelines for hair testing. Some carriers are using hair testing in both pre-employment and random screening, and are showing positive results in eliminating drug use from the workforce. Trucking has, and always will, maintain a zero-tolerance policy. Jake Parnell Manager, Cattleman’s Livestock Market Livestock Marketing Association The majority of livestock hauls can be concluded within the timeframe outlined by hours-of-service regulations without significant stops, which limit airflow. However, unfortunately for livestock located in or heading to states outside the center of the country, this is not the case. When drivers “run out of time” while hauling live animals, they are given the grim prospect of unloading the livestock or leaving it on the trailer for a 10-hour stretch. Unlike the haulers of nonliving products, livestock haulers cannot merely find a safe place to park for their 10-hour rest and leave the cargo on the trailer. Leaving animals on a trailer to suffer from the elements, lack of ventilation, and probable injury is unacceptable. Simply unloading the animals for 10 consecutive hours of rest is also not a good option. With respect to biosecurity, facility and livestock owners, as well as state and federal animal-health officials, spend significant time creating and following procedures to minimize risk of animal diseases spreading. This includes laws requiring that certain livestock crossing state lines travel with interstate certificates of veterinary inspection that detail where the load came from and where it is going. The trouble with unloading livestock at some waypoint along the trip is that it is almost impossible for drivers to know where they will need to stop in 11 hours with any measure of certainty. These movement documents and the disease-traceability programs associated with them are in place to track and prevent contagious-disease outbreaks in this country. Every time animals in transit are unnecessarily unloaded and penned next to other animals in transit, the risk of disease spreading increases. Lewie Pugh Executive Vice President, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) If you ask most drivers what Congress has done recently to improve their profession, I regret to inform you the answer you’ll hear is “nothing.” In fact, most of our members would tell you that Congress generally enacts laws that not only drive people away from the industry but also decrease highway safety. This isn’t a partisan attack against Republicans or Democrats. Instead, this is an honest reflection of how truckers view the legislative branch as a whole. Don’t get me wrong. While Washington has contributed its fair share to the dysfunction in trucking, there is plenty of blame to go around. Too many drivers are forced to haul cheap freight; too many motor carriers mistreat and underpay drivers; too many shippers and receivers detain drivers for excessive periods of time; too many safety advocates seek mandates that don’t work; and too many motorists don’t even attempt to operate safely around big trucks. As Congress considers the next highway bill, there are several ways you can make a positive difference for American truckers. Repeal the failed electronic logging device mandate; repeal the overtime exemption for drivers in the Fair Labor Standards Act; provide dedicated funding for new truck-parking capacity; create a fair process for drivers to appeal inspection violations written in error; and fix the nation’s crumbling infrastructure in an equitable way. Do not mandate speed limiters; do not mandate front and side underride guards; do not mandate higher insurance minimums; do not enact a truck-only vehicle miles-traveled-tax or expand tolling authority; and do not pass the DRIVE-Safe Act. Tammy Duckworth D-Ill. Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety Our global competitiveness is closely tied to a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation network. The nexus between interstate commerce and commercial trucking clearly demonstrates a close relationship between federal infrastructure investments and our nation’s economic prosperity. Of the 18.6 billion tons of freight goods that were moved across the United States in 2018, 12 billion tons — valued at more than $12 billion — were moved by truck. Investing in my state’s infrastructure keeps goods flowing through the entire system and delivers a tremendous return on investment for industries and customers in all 50 states. Yet the most important aspect of any efficient transportation network is safety. Unfortunately, safety remains a work in progress and we have a long way to go. Bottom line is that we can, and we must, do better. Our nation endured 36,560 roadway fatalities in 2018, including 4,951 fatalities involving large trucks. While it is technically accurate that large-truck fatalities declined 69 percent from 1980 to 2017, it is important to recognize that over the last decade, large-truck fatalities have increased by 47 percent. We need to keep an eye on evolving trends and their impacts on roadway users. And right now, safety trends are a reason for concern. Meanwhile, federal agencies like FMCSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the General Accounting Office are pursuing a number of data-collection efforts, including pilot programs and investigations to analyze the impacts of safety-related trucking initiatives. These agencies, and others like them, should have the opportunity to provide Congress with the technical analysis and stakeholder feedback needed to minimize uncertainty associated with untested initiatives. Deb Fischer R-Neb., Chairman Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety Both by weight and volume, trucks move more freight domestically in the United States than any other form of transportation. This includes first- and last-mile connections, long-haul transportation, and everything in between. The industry is also a major source of employment across our country. The trucking industry is a key component of our transportation network, and it is vital to our economy. Federal trucking policy has gone through many changes in the past decade, including both changes in the industry and regulatory changes at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Of the many trucking issues I hear about from Nebraskans, hours of service is at the top of the list. The concerns I hear from truckers are consistent. These regulations are inflexible and do not reflect real-world situations. I’m encouraged the FMCSA is taking steps to revise these regulations and that interested stakeholders have made their comments known to the agency. One group in particular that has faced challenges with the hours-of-service regulations is our livestock haulers. They have the responsibility of moving live, perishable products. Some livestock haulers can find themselves in a regulatory bind between the hours-of-service requirement and animal-welfare laws. While the hours-of-service regulations have received significant attention, several other regulatory changes that were set to go into effect, including the Entry-Level Driver Training rule and the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, both of which will improve safety have been delayed in part or in whole. Dawn King President, Truck Safety Coalition Board Member, Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways My father, Bill Badger, was killed on Dec. 23, 2004, just over the Georgia state border, by a tired trucker who fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into his car. At the time of the crash, Dad was on his way to the airport to fly to New Jersey and join me and my siblings for Christmas. The truck driver, who fell asleep and smashed into Dad’s car, said he had been driving all night in order to get to Atlanta by 7 a.m. so he could be assigned to another truck, which was headed to Florida, in order to be with his family for Christmas. In the end, however, neither my family nor his were whole that holiday. Now is not the time to weaken truck-safety rules and permit special-interest rollbacks of proven safety reforms. FMCSA should abandon efforts to weaken the hours-of-service rules. One unsafe and unwarranted change would allow drivers to extend by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted under the adverse-driving-conditions exemption to the HOS rules. In the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FMCSA asserted that this proposed change to the adverse-driving-conditions exemption would not increase driving time or vehicle miles traveled (VMT); thus there would be no safety concern. Yet, this ignores the effect that longer shifts have on injury risks and error rates. There is compelling research that found lengthening a workday yields an increased injury risk to a worker. One study found that injury risks go up after eight hours on task, with a 30% increase on a 12-hour task. This validates the findings from an earlier major meta-analysis of relative risk of performance lapses over the course of different shift durations that found risk was approximately doubled after 12 hours of work and tripled after 14 hours of work. More recently, a study was performed to identify associated factors with multidimensional driving risks, specifically focusing on fatigue, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and health status among Korean occupational drivers. One of the key findings: “those working for longer than 12 hours per day … were a vulnerable group.” Even if a driver logs the same number of hours on duty or driving, this proposed change would result over a longer elapsed time, which would result in a longer day overall. Sgt. John Samis Delaware State Police | President, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Clear, enforceable rules are the cornerstone of an effective regulatory framework designed to ensure safety on our roadways. Unfortunately, regulatory activity at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – one of FMCSA’s basic responsibilities – has come to a near standstill, and the necessary work of maintaining and updating the regulations is suffering. High-profile initiatives, such as implementation of the electronic-logging-device rule, can consume the agency’s resources, especially when those efforts are met with a high volume of exemption requests. One hours-of-service issue is the “personal conveyance” designation under the hours-of-service rules. To be able to log personal conveyance time as off-duty, drivers must meet several conditions as outlined in the regulatory guidance. These include being relieved of all on-duty activities and responsibilities and ensuring that the off-duty trip is personal in nature. Under the revised guidance, a driver could, in theory, drive hundreds of miles over the course of several hours, all under the designation of “personal conveyance.” This presents the opportunity for increased driver fatigue and risk on our roadways, as drivers may decide to travel in order to strategically relocate to an alternate location after driving a full day. CVSA has petitioned the agency to provide a clear, set distance that is permissible under the personal-conveyance designation. In setting clear guidelines on the use of personal conveyance, CVSA recommended that FMCSA look to the standard set in Canada, which allows drivers to use a vehicle for personal conveyance purposes for a maximum of 75 km per day (approximately 46 miles), unladen. Chris Spear President and CEO American Trucking Associations (ATA) An increasing number of motor carriers are conducting pre-employment and random drug tests using drivers’ hair as a testing sample. Hair tests provide a better, longer picture of an applicant’s past drug use and are more difficult than other testing methods to subvert. However, since urine is the only sample type permitted under DOT regulations, companies that voluntarily conduct hair tests must do so in addition to mandatory urine tests. This duplicated time and expense deters fleets from adopting this more effective testing method. To help eliminate this redundancy and incentivize more fleets to conduct hair testing, ATA strongly supports the recognition of hair testing as a federally accepted drug-testing method. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has long expressed an interest in recognizing hair testing as a federally accepted drug-testing method, and has been developing guidelines to recognize hair testing since the early 2000s. Unfortunately, progress has been inexcusably slow. The development of standards by Health and Human Services will pave the way for regulated employers to use this testing method and allow them to identify a higher number of safety-sensitive employees who violate both federal drug-testing and medical-qualification regulations. Additionally, having hair testing as a recognized alternative drug-testing method would give motor carriers the ability to report positive hair test results to drivers’ subsequent prospective employers through FMCSA’s now-implemented Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. ATA urges Congress and this subcommittee to apply further pressure on HHS to pave the way toward adoption of this important safety initiative. Unfortunately, while this country in recent years has seen prescription opioid abuse grow to an epidemic and a correlated uptick of drug-impaired driving, we continue to wait for these critical technical guidelines to be completed so that DOT can recognize the use of hair testing as a federally accepted drug-testing method.

TCA Profitability Program provides stability in times of change

By Truckload Authority Staff -

In July 2017 the Truckload Carriers Association launched the TCA Profitability Program (TPP), a three-tiered system powered by the inGauge™ online platform. The program was built off the success of TCA’s benchmarking program — one that shared with truckload carriers functional composites which could increase their profitability and lower their risk profiles. A major factor in the success of the program comes from the acknowledged fact that the industry is constantly changing. “The more carriers can maintain during times of major change, the easier it is for them not only to get through these times unscathed, but to remain highly profitable,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. While the TPP program aims to help motor carriers increase their profitability, the program also offers a way to retain a skilled workforce. In December 2018, TCA launched the TPP Retention Program, which helps TCA members reduce driver turnover. Trucking industry advocate and former TCA Chairman Ray Haight spearheads the program as its retention coach. Haight’s 40-plus year tenure in the truckload industry includes over 1 million accident-free miles as a driver and owner-operator, as well as a lengthy post as president and co-owner of a 275-unit truckload carrier that reduced turnover from 120% to 20%. As a result of these efforts, his company subsequently won three TCA Fleet Safety Awards and consecutive “50 best-managed company” awards. Drawing from his diverse industry knowledge, he has developed a Carrier Retention Strategic Plan, which provides carriers a roadmap to reducing driver turnover, as well as consulting every step of the way. “I have had an undeniable and very public passion on this subject for years,” said Haight. “I truly feel that we do an injustice to the pioneers who built this industry when we do not strive for workforce excellence.” In August 2019, the TPP welcomed Trucking industry executive and former TCA Chairman Shepard Dunn to the team as a consultant. With nearly three decades of truckload experience, and the chairmanship at TCA and other industry associations, Dunn learned from his peers and collaborated about how to effectively run a business. “As a facilitator and consultant in the TPP, we can continue to have those same discussions with the goal of identifying improvement opportunities in each of the member participant companies,” said Dunn. In September 2019, the TPP announced that Stay Metrics, a provider of driver-retention tools for motor carriers, would provide TPP members with proprietary data via the inGauge™ online benchmarking platform. The data presented under the branding Stay Data™ banner, will be provided to TPP participants as part of the inGauge™ platform, which is managed by FreightWaves®. Stay Metrics will provide regular updates to the benchmarking data and highlight key insights that will be of interest to carriers seeking to remain competitive in the driver-labor market. Additionally, in December 2019 the TPP not only hosted its inaugural TPP Summit, an immersive event that provided an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the cutting-edge strategies carriers are utilizing to navigate today’s freight market, but it also announced the formation of a new data group. More than 100 TCA members and prospects attended the informative event; the Second Annual TPP Summit is planned for Oct. 30 in Dallas. In December 2019, TPP announced the formation of the TPP Data Analytics Group. This unique group will be sponsored by McLeod Software, and meetings will be held semi-annually at McLeod’s headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The first group meeting will be held April 23-24. The group was conceived based on feedback from TPP members that have expressed the need to properly leverage the vast amounts of data generated by their companies and the industry to determine better pricing, operations, and safety-related decisions for their businesses. Additionally, members are continually presented with the challenge of either building internal solutions (e.g. software or business intelligence) or utilizing existing external vendors or services. As a by-product of the group, members will be provided with a framework for vetting and commencing data and technology projects. The new group will assemble TPP member employees in business intelligence, analytics, and information technology, with these underlying objectives: Role Education and Development Understanding the role of data and technology in today’s trucking and logistics industries; Roles (and actual role descriptions) in data and technology; and Continuing education and role development. Project Management Best practices for managing new data and technology projects; and Software and tools for managing projects, tasks, and bug fixes. Vendor/Service Specific Best Practices Device and vendor-specific best practices; and Leveraging data and services from external vendors to improve internal operations. Data Access and Control Business intelligence/visualization best practices; and Build it or buy it: Continuous discussions/debates about building software/services internally or purchasing external software/services. “Based on discussions with a significant number of both TPP members and others in the industry, the purpose of this group may be one of the most significant individual objectives in transportation,” said TPP Program Manager Chris Henry. “There is a wide disparity among carriers with respect to technological sophistication. There is also a direct correlation between high technological sophistication and improved profit margins. This group will be a member-driven way to reduce this disparity.” To learn more, contact TPP Program Manager Chris Henry at [email protected]. To learn more about all TPP events, visit truckload.org.

A Heart for Trucking

By Truckload Authority Staff -

It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since I took the helm of the Truckload Carriers Association. After 35 years of serving the automobile-dealer industry, I was eager for a change. When I first joined TCA, I was warned that trucking had a way of “getting in your blood.” I can now confirm that trucking is pulsing through my veins. In a recent Truckload Indexes article, I took the opportunity to reflect upon my time at TCA, the relationships I’ve formed with people — from carriers to vendors throughout North America — and even shared key characteristics of mature industries. I encourage you to give it a read and share your thoughts with me. I urge you to attend TCA’s 82nd Annual Convention — Truckload 2020: Orlando, and I thank all who have already registered.  This event presents the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded executives who are seeking solutions and leave with concrete takeaways for you to use within your operation. During the event, set for Feb. 29 through Mar. 3, we’re excited to have Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Acting Administrator Jim Mullen; baseball’s “Iron Man” and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.; Navy SEAL and dynamic speaker Curt Cronin; panel discussions featuring industry executives; and more. To learn more about Truckload 2020: Orlando, visit tca2020.com. This is Truckload’s premier event, where trucking professionals come to learn, network, and make lasting relationships. As in my Truckload Indexes article, I’ll close with the importance of doubling down on your personal relationships in this industry, and on the customers that value your service, your drivers, your knowledge, and most importantly, your time. In 2020, let’s go against the grain and be different. Let’s be #TruckloadStrong. John Lyboldt

2020 The Wall That Heals tour

By Truckload Authority Staff -

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) has announced “The Wall That Heals” national tour schedule for 2020. The exhibit includes a three-quarter scale replica of Washington’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile education center. The 25th season of The Wall That Heals began February 20 in Marco Island, Florida, and will visit 35 communities throughout the year. “We received more than 100 applications to host The Wall That Heals in 2020, and we are excited to announce the cities that we’ve selected as hosts for our 25th touring season,” said VVMF President and CEO Jim Knotts. “The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit replicates ‘The Wall’ experience in Washington, D.C., and provides veterans and their family members the chance to visit it in their own communities.” The Wall That Heals is sponsored by USAA and is transported thousands of miles across the country each year through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association and the trucking industry. Those interested in transporting the mobile education center have been contacting the VVMF organization to sign up, but routes remain available. This year, The Wall That Heals will visit communities across the U.S., and the following six transportation origination and destination points are in need of sponsors: Garner, North Carolina to Grundy, Virginia in April; Bedford, Pennsylvania to Nahant, Massachusetts in July; Townsend, Massachusetts to Middletown, New York in August and September; Middletown, New York to Evansville, Indiana, in August and September; La Pine, Oregon to Corona, California in October; and Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona to San Antonio, Texas, in October and November. Those interested in transporting can visit vvmf.org. The Wall That Heals 2020 tour schedule is below. TCA members are encouraged to visit. Marco Island, Florida — Feb. 20–Feb. 23; Garland, Texas — Feb. 27–Mar.1; Del Rio, Texas — Mar. 5–Mar. 8; Ashland, Mississippi — Mar. 12– Mar. 15; Charlotte, N.C., — Mar. 19–Mar. 22; New Bern, N.C. — Mar. 26–Mar. 29; Boydton, Va. — Apr. 2–Apr. 5; Garner, N.C. — Apr. 16–April 19; Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania — Apr. 30–May 3; Belvidere, Illinois — May 7–May 10. Findlay, Ohio — May 14–May 17; Columbus, Ohio — May 22–May 25; Riverview, Michigan — May 28–May 31; Winchester, Indiana — June 4– June 7; Harrison, Ohio — June 11–June 14; Chisholm, Minnesota — June 25–June 28; Tama, Iowa — July 2–July 5; Wheaton, Illinois — July 9–July 12; Clinton Township, Michigan — July 16–July 19;  Bedford, Pennsylvania — July 23–July 26;  Nahant, Massachusetts — July 30–Aug. 2;  Norwalk, Connecticut — Aug. 6–Aug. 9; Champlain, New York — Aug. 13–Aug. 16; Townsend, Massachusetts — Aug. 20–Aug. 23; Middletown, New York — Aug. 27–Aug. 30; Evansville, Indiana — Sept. 10–Sept. 13; Marysville, Kansas — Sept. 17–Sept. 20; Blackfoot, Idaho — Sept. 24–Sept. 27; Longview, Washington — Oct. 1–Oct. 4; La Pine, Oregon — Oct. 8–Oct. 11; Corona, California — Oct. 15–Oct. 18; Hawaiian Gardens, California — Oct. 29–Nov. 1; Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona — Nov. 5–Nov. 8; San Antonio, Texas — Nov. 12–Nov. 15; and Cabot, Arkansas — Nov. 19–Nov. 22.