Truckload Authority

After returning from a successful Safety & Security Meeting in St. Louis, which welcomed more than 250 attendees and more than 100 first-timers, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) team is excited and prepared for its upcoming, in-person events. “After what feels like a never-ending march of Zoom meetings and virtual seminars, it was an unbelievably wonderful feeling to return to in-person events,” shared TCA’s Director of Meetings Kristen Bouchard. “Our attendees were excited to finally have that face-to-face connection that had been missing from our lives for so long. Upon seeing a familiar face in the exhibition hall, one attendee exclaimed, ‘We made it!’ and I could not have put it better myself.” Ready to connect with your peers in person again? Mark your calendars and register today for the following events that will be tailored to your needs. 2021 REFRIGERATED MEETING TCA’s 2021 Refrigerated Meeting, set for July 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the premier event for industry professionals focusing their operations on temperature-controlled equipment. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend specialized educational sessions, connect with colleagues during numerous networking receptions, and even play in a golf tournament. “The Refrigerated Meeting always takes us to beautiful places, with some of my favorite networking opportunities, and Albuquerque is no exception,” shared Bouchard. “The picturesque views, unique venues, and educational programming developed by our refrigerated officers always makes this event one of my personal favorites to plan and attend.” TRUCKLOAD 2021: LAS VEGAS Truckload 2021: Las Vegas, set for September 25-28 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort, is anticipating record-setting turnout. This highly anticipated three-and-a-half-day event brings together operations and C-level professionals, who are eager to see their peers face to face. The event features truckload-specific educational sessions from industry-leading experts; insightful panel discussions and engaging keynote speakers; dedicated exhibit hours to learn about the latest products and technology for your fleet; and, as with any TCA event, dozens of unique networking opportunities with trucking’s most engaged leaders. “There is no better place to celebrate the end of a global lockdown than Las Vegas!” said Bouchard. “The excitement around this event has been infectious, and I personally cannot wait to welcome our attendees this fall.” We look forward to seeing you on the road soon. Be sure to follow TCA on social media networks to stay in the know about upcoming events.

Detention time woes? It’s time to do something about it. During this new 90-minute immersive workshop, participants will get the opportunity to share tools and strategies that can be used to make informed decisions to keep the company’s wheels moving and remain profitable. Throughout the entire 90-year history of trucking in the United States, excessive detention has been a scourge on the industry. Is your team aware of the different ways that excessive detention is affecting not only your bottom-line revenue, but also your safety performance, driver hours-of-service, and turnover? Visit truckload.org/events/excessivedetentiontime to sign up for this 90-minute immersive workshop scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, July 22, as True Load Time, Inc.’s Founder and CEO Kevin Nadeau and Director of Operations Shawn Kitchen discuss: Industry history and statistics about the effect that excessive detention has on the American economy; The different (and sometimes unforeseen) ways that excessive detention can affect your bottom-line revenue; Tools to help you make informed decisions to keep the wheels moving and stay profitable; Data insights compiled from shipping and receiving locations across the country and how to use this data to inform rate negotiation; and Strategies to provide your fleet with realistic wait time expectations and appropriately plan routes, hours-of-service breaks, and sleeping schedules. Registration includes access to the July 22 live workshop as well as the recording of the April 29 workshop. Cost for TCA members is $99; for TCA non-members it is $199. Global Executive Solutions Group’s Partner George Fieser recently attended a TCA workshop series and found it to be very insightful. “Over this last year of uncertainty in our industry, the series allowed me to continue to learn alongside my peers, grow, and flourish as a professional,” he shared. “As a participant, we had the ability to talk directly to the presenters afterward and ask questions.” TCA’s Truckload Live Distance Learning series is designed to let you engage in live learning experiences without leaving your desk or committing your entire day to a program. Through a digital platform, experts share their knowledge and insights as they facilitate live online conversations in convenient, 90-minute sessions. For questions, please contact TCA’s Associate Director of Education Kim Grimmick at 571-444-0309 or by emailing Truckload Academy at [email protected].

Are you ready to improve yourself and your team in 2021? Want to earn continuing education credit? TCA has you covered, and you can even self-report directly through TCA’s website. TCA’s online learning center provides access to insightful webinars, expert-led workshops, sessions, and panels from TCA’s meeting and events. Did you miss a webinar, workshop, or TCA event? Don’t worry: you can access a recording by visiting truckload.org/education-tao. TCA is also an official North American Transportation Management Institute’s (NATMI) certification and recertification affiliate.  Let TCA be your resource as you progress through professional certification. Learn more about the following industry certification categories: Certified Director of Safety; Certified Safety Supervisor; Certified Driver Trainer; Certified Director of Maintenance/Equipment; Certified Supervisor of Maintenance /Equipment; and Certified Cargo Security Professional. Questions? Contact TCA at [email protected] or visit truckload.org/about-truckload-academy.

It has been over a year since the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) last met in person because of the COVID-19 pandemic. TCA hosted its virtual Spring Business Meetings at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, giving its membership the opportunity to join via Zoom. “Addressing the membership with tacit knowledge of our association is no simple endeavor,” said TCA’s President John Lyboldt. “So, to explain the past year in terms of organization operations must be done in a manner best described as ‘pulling back the curtains’ and revealing the inner workings of a business wholly dedicated to serving its membership.” He added that TCA’s “operations were primed for the virtual Spring Business Meetings, to accommodate an unrivaled membership experience in an environment totally new to everyone involved.” TCA’s goal at the onset of the pandemic, when the association was compelled to close its offices, was to provide uninterrupted service, basically performing in a manner that its membership assumed that TCA headquarters was fully operational. “While the halls of TCA were eerily quiet, our virtual environment created a culture of performance that proved our staff could demonstrate a work ethic and commitment of those 10 times its size,” he said. Lyboldt said the TCA staff was faced with providing an atmosphere that simulated its very real, brick-and-mortar counterpart. A prime example was the pivot to creating a virtual Safety & Security Meeting to replace the usual in-person event last June. “The membership embraced this evolution, to the tune of over 1,200 registrants compared with 200 for the last in-person safety event, and the success didn’t stop there,” said Lyboldt. “Our educational platforms excelled, consistently garnering 600-plus registrations on meaningful topics important to carrier and associate members alike. In essence, in the middle of a global pandemic, at a time where even staff was denied face-to-face contact, we are proud to have produced valuable information with timely speakers in a manner that our membership has fervently supported.” TCA’s daily COVID briefs were not only noticed but also acknowledged for their timeliness, reliability, and fact-based content, commented Lyboldt. “The opportunity to provide information to the members that needed it became a daily driven duty that staff worked tirelessly to create and maintain, on top of the other routine parts of their jobs,” he said. Over the past few years, the TCA government affairs department had developed a plan for constant contact with senators and members of the House of Representatives. The pandemic required a change in plans for contacting lawmakers and forced the cancellation of the annual Call on Washington during which TCA officers, members, and staff usually visit in person with lawmakers. Lyboldt added that even today, Capitol Hill offices remain closed until further notice, with many informing TCA that Labor Day can be viewed as a limited target date in which some will be allowed entry in to the hallowed halls of Congress. The closures, however, didn’t impact the nature of TCA’s ongoing contact with lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Transportation. “TCA has transitioned to virtual visits, using Zoom to organize visits with congressional staff and representatives to tell our story, message our policies, and quite frankly, inform our elected officials of the ramifications that potential legislation may have on our industry,” said Lyboldt. “I can attest that our positions do not fall on deaf ears. Our message has been heard, and TCA is being recognized as an organization willing to help and eager to assist.” As a regular part of the truckload story, TCA opinions and viewpoints are consistently recognized in comments filed with the DOT. Also, Lyboldt noted that Vice President of Government Affairs David Heller was recently appointed to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safety Advisory Committee. “It’s a role I am confident that he will succeed in,” added Lyboldt. Lyboldt said a recent addition to TCA’s communication with its members is Capitol Recap, a vehicle designed to educate members on the undertakings of the government affairs department and the positions that members have determined through the association’s sound policy committee work and dedicated involvement. Included in the e-newsletter is a podcast feature that captures unscripted dialog with staff about the critical discussions being undertaken on Capitol Hill. “This government affairs endeavor can pivot to be reflective of issues that may require, from time to time, your immediate attention,” said Lyboldt. “Breaking news, member involvement on an actively moving piece of legislation, and even an opportunity to contact your representative has made this a vehicle of member involvement like no other.” In closing, Lyboldt called for member involvement in the association. “Our mission of success does not get better unless we have members who are vested within the association,” said Lyboldt. “Oh, and welcome to the end of the tunnel.” Lyboldt recently completed his fifth year at TCA president.

Even though continuing COVID-19 gathering restrictions prompted the Truckload Carriers Association to move Truckload 2021: Las Vegas from April to September in hopes of having an in-person annual convention, TCA members still had the opportunity to share thoughts, shape policy, and attend informative sessions during April. TCA’s Spring Business Meetings, held virtually April 19-20 and open only to association members, included strategic committee and board meetings, as well as a timely and relevant educational session. The event also featured a U.S. congressional speaker. Thanks to event sponsor DriverFacts, TCA members were able to attend the meetings free of charge. DriverFacts President and CEO Dave Widly, along with his wife and company co-owner, Lori Widly, recognize the importance of TCA’s work, and felt it was important to ensure members had the chance to freely participate in the sessions, according to DriverFacts Director of Business Development Mylene Patterson. “DriverFacts has been involved with TCA for 14 years and serves on committees, provides information, products, and services in our areas of expertise such as compliance, safety and driver retention,” explained Patterson. “We support TCA whenever and however we can.” During the first day of the session, Monday, April 19, more than 200 TCA members had the opportunity to attend a variety of committee meetings, including Communications and Image Committee, Highway Policy Committee, Independent Contractor Practice Policy Committee, and Recruitment and Retention Human Resources Committee. Attendees were also invited to tune in for an interactive educational session presented by TCA Profitability Program (TPP) Retention Project Plan Coach Ray Haight and Jetco Delivery CEO and TCA’s Making Safety Happen facilitator Brian Fielkow. “Safety, Recruiting, and Your Bottom Line,” geared for senior leaders, explored the relationship between a company’s safety culture and driver retention. The conversation, moderated by Haight and Fielkow, allowed audience participation so that industry leaders could share their thoughts and expertise. On Tuesday, April 20, attendees were encouraged to attend meetings of TCA’s Membership Committee, Regulatory Policy Committee, and TCA Scholarship Fund Committee (open to trustees only). In addition to Tuesday’s committee meetings, attendees were given the opportunity to hear remarks from Congressional Speaker Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-1). During Pappas’ presentation, he discussed the various infrastructure proposals being considered by Congress and updated TCA members on the efforts of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to move legislation this year. Pappas also highlighted trucking-related measures that will be added to the larger infrastructure bill and shared his thoughts on how Congress will fund infrastructure moving forward. The last session of the day was TCA’s Board of Directors Meeting, during which outgoing TCA Chairman Dennis Dellinger handed the reins to incoming Chairman Jim Ward, President of D.M. Bowman, Inc. TCA received numerous positive comments from attendees, including Garner Trucking, Inc., President and CEO Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, an active TCA member who also serves as Chair of the American Trucking Associations. “TCA’s spring meetings were a great opportunity to meet virtually with legislators and regulators and allow industry peers to discuss policies and have a voice in new laws and regulations that will affect them,” she shared. “Plus, we thanked Dennis Dellinger for leading the association during a challenging year, and we welcomed new Chairman Jim Ward, who will lead TCA this next year. Thank you, Dennis and Jim, officers and gentlemen.”

Everyone has a critical role to play at Dubuque, Iowa-based Hirschbach. The company is one big team — and that’s what makes Hirschbach tick, according to CEO Brad Pinchuk. “We’re very proud to be truckers,” he explained. “The people that are not driving in our trucks, their critical job, in some shape or form, is supporting those who are.” This is the philosophy Pinchuk repeats weekly in the orientation of new drivers. It’s a philosophy that he wants all the company’s drivers and support staff to carry with them, both on and off the road. It’s also a philosophy Pinchuk held when he began his career in trucking. His first experience in trucking took place in the U.S. Army. As a platoon leader stationed in Germany, he was responsible for all the heavy equipment, including bulldozers, dump trucks, and scrapers. That equipment also included semi-trucks and drop-deck lowboy trailers, which were used to transport equipment around for different projects on the military bases. Pinchuk’s experience was primarily in moving the equipment — but he wanted to learn more. “I just always had an interest in the equipment,” he recalled. “I’d go out to someone that was trained on a piece of equipment, and I’d ask them to show me how to operate it. The soldiers always got a kick out of it,” he said with a chuckle. “Maybe I couldn’t operate it as well as they could, but some things are easier than others — and it was easy to run a dump truck back and forth. Operating a grader with 25 different controllers was a lot more complicated, but I always took an interest in it.” When Pinchuk’s military service ended, he set about finding a path to success in the civilian world. His sights were set high on entrepreneurship and becoming his own boss. He didn’t really see himself getting into trucking — but he had goals that were much like those of an owner-operator, and his talents ultimately led to the trucking industry. To achieve his goals, Pinchuk knew he needed to start small. His first role in management was with a small trucking company. When that company was bought out after a few years, Pinchuk looked for another company with which to grow. That company was Schanno Transportation, one of four companies owned by the Grojean family at the time. Pinchuk started out as Schanno’s manager 22 years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history. Eventually, the four companies merged into Hirschbach. The company now specializes in various types of refrigerated, dedicated, and specialized transportation services. “Our niche is in the temperature-controlled space, primarily moving food products and pharmaceuticals around the country,” Pinchuk explained. Before the merger, the four companies were more focused on being long-haul carriers. While Hirschbach still prioritizes those services, the merger allowed the company to become bigger and better, according to Pinchuk. In addition to spurring company growth, the merger propelled Pinchuk into the role of CEO. In the past eight years, Hirschbach has grown from a team of 450 to more than 2,200 drivers. Hirschbach is now on-site at over 20 locations, managing large trailer pools and yards. The company has developed a proprietary software system that provides visibility of the carrier’s inventories and trailers at facilities, giving its customers added peace of mind. “We love winning in many different ways,” noted Pinchuk. “One of those ways is not just growing with our customers and earning more business, but a lot of them recognize our annual awards, and we work really hard to earn those awards. We are very successful at being recognized by our customers as either their best transportation provider or if they recognize a small group being recognized within an elite group of carriers.” Those awards include the Smartway Elite Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each year, the award is handed out to only five companies. Hirschbach has been one of those companies the last five years in a row. “We work really hard on the environment and we’re known for being very progressive,” he shared. “We’ve got electric trucks.” For Pinchuk, being progressive means constantly trying to be the best in every area. Hirschbach has a mission to maintain clear communication with its customers and employees. This also includes adding Pinchuk’s own personal touch. Every Friday, he sits down to do a podcast, dubbed “In the Box with Brad,” for all of Hirschbach’s drivers. Through their app, drivers can access and listen to the podcast live, providing feedback or asking questions of their CEO. Not only does Pinchuk strive to create open communication with his employees, but he said he also wants the workplace to be fun, a place with “quite a flair.” “Art is a big part of who we are,” he related. Years ago, Hirschbach was asked to donate an old truck for a live graffiti demonstration during an art event in Dubuque. Upon seeing the finished piece, company representatives realized the bold graffiti style resonated with their drivers and their brand. Eventually, they had the graffiti artist, Mario Gonzalez, also known as “Zore,” design a dozen more trailers, then 10 more. The graffiti art is now a part of Hirschbach’s branding and provides inspiration in its offices. “We like to be noticed,” said Pinchuk. “The message is that we look different because we ARE different. We’re different, we believe, in a very positive way.” With his teamwork mentality, Pinchuk has found a new love for his role, noting that it also fulfills what he wanted most — to become an entrepreneur. “I love solving customer’s needs,” he said. “I love forming strong relationships with customers and organically growing with them and continuing to serve their needs.” Pinchuk’s love of solving customer needs and improving in every area of Hirschbach carries over into the company’s style of employee management. “We have a very dynamic culture, and it manifests itself in so many different ways,” he said. “I love creating opportunities for people. I love giving the people who earn through their performance … more responsibility and helping them achieve their personal goals, professionally or financially.” Pinchuk said he believes creating opportunities, and measuring productivity with equitable compensation is what helps Hirschbach retain its drivers. There are driver options to keep them close to home every night, as well as opportunities for drivers to be trainers. “There’s lots of different levels for what their individual needs are, whether from a home-time perspective or different opportunities financially,” he added. “We do a lot of continuous improvement and training, and lots of awards and recognition (for drivers). We have a big banquet every year where we bring in tons of drivers and recognize the outstanding jobs they do.” When Pinchuk reflects on what he is most proud of at Hirschbach, he says it will always be the customers, and the fact that the Hirschbach team is fully committed to its clients. “Really, taking care of our people is how servicing our customers starts,” he explained. “It starts with having good people and treating them the best we can — supporting them, training them, giving them opportunities, and building a dynamic culture.” Without quality team members performing a critical role, there would be no Hirschbach, Pinchuk concluded.

It is a traditional rite of passage at the Truckload Carriers Association’s annual convention: The outgoing chairman stands before the audience of some 1,200 members, commending them for a job well done during the year that just ended. Shortly thereafter, the incoming chairman stands before the same audience, thanks them for the privilege of serving as chair, and talks about how much TCA has to offer and how the association has impacted him. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that traditional rite took on a different look as outgoing Chairman Dennis Dellinger and incoming Chairman Jim Ward delivered their remarks via video to participants at TCA’s virtual Spring Business Meetings. OUTGOING CHAIRMAN DENNIS DELLINGER “Everything turned upside down,” said Cargo Transporters, Inc.’s President and CEO Dellinger. “Little did we know that the association calendar would be altered in such a dramatic way, allowing no in-person meetings.” But, despite the drastic changes, TCA had a good year. “This past year, TCA, much like the industry we are a part of, called on us to unite, to stand proud, and to succeed as an association,” said Dellinger. “Though I can’t boast improved numbers at in-person meetings this past year, I can tell you the business of this association continued in a manner that has made me proud to serve as your chairman during these unprecedented times.” Dellinger said it would have been quite simple for TCA to fold the tent and go home … to have packed it in for a year and just write it off to a global pandemic. “Yet because of the strength of our membership and the determination of our staff, the exact opposite has happened,” he shared. “The TCA staff went into response mode. Like clockwork, each morning at 10:30, the daily COVID-19 briefing was sent, reaching beyond our membership, delivering fact-based information in a time of uncertainty. It was well received by an industry that was deemed essential, and one that answered the call of duty, when many other industries found themselves closing up shop.” Dellinger cited multiple TCA success stories from his tenure as chairman. As with most meetings in 2020, TCA had to shutter its in-person Safety & Security Meeting last June, which typically garners 200 safety professionals. The virtual event was wildly successful, attracting more than 1,200 individuals. Additionally, office closures on Capitol Hill derailed the annual Call on Washington last September, as well as and on-site Fall Business Meetings, but TCA pivoted to host a successful virtual meeting featuring Rep. David Price (D-NC-4) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MISS) discussing truckload issues with attendees, as well as answering questions as follow up. “After being thrust into an environment best described as virtual-centric, demand for educational and recognition programs saw exponential participation growth,” shared Dellinger. “Webinar registrations continued to generate in excess of 600 participants, affirmation that the topics are relevant and that sponsorships justify dollars spent.” Dellinger asked virtual attendees, “How do we keep up the current momentum?” “Prior to my chairmanship, we had individuals with the foresight to understand the importance of a transition that recognizes success and prior accomplishments while maintaining continuity and completing objectives and goals that define the association,” commented Dellinger. “This unpredictable year, COVID-19 and all the other obstacles have tried to place hurdles, but our membership, with ardent resolve and steadfast direction, has not lost stride, clearing the way for an even smoother transition and a stronger TCA tomorrow.” Dellinger said this will be a year that he will always remember. “I have witnessed the determination of an industry destined to serve its country, the passion of our membership anxious to support its association, and finally, the dedication of a staff devoted to moving the association forward,” he said. “We have been blessed with an industry that breeds a willingness to succeed and a desire to prosper. While my time as chairman has reached its end, my time as a member of TCA has not. I look forward to tomorrow and what it holds for this association I love dearly. Thank each of you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your chairman. It has been an absolute honor.” INCOMING CHAIRMAN JIM WARD “I had hoped to address the convention audience in person, but obviously the environment surrounding this pandemic has prevented that from happening,” said D.M. Bowman Inc.’s President Ward. Ward said his 43 years in the transportation industry, 30 of those in trucking, have led to a lifetime of transportation experiences — and the rewards and challenges associated with them. That includes time spent as a member and officer of TCA. “I have experienced the platform that membership in this great organization offers,” shared Ward. “In my time as a member, an officer, and now, your incoming chair, justifying the dues to TCA was a simple endeavor. There is tremendous value in being associated with like-minded people who are dealing with similar situations.” Ward noted that over the years TCA has put a price tag on something each member treasures, more so now than ever before. Ward said TCA members have been able to surround themselves with people that live the same lives, deal with the same problems, and celebrate the solutions that may not always come easily. “TCA has provided the very foundation for my wife, Starla, and me to build a network of professionals and dear friends through the years,” commented Ward. Ward’s trucking career began at Western Maryland Railroad. In 1986, he transitioned to D.M. Bowman which was founded 62 years ago when Don Bowman climbed into his B model Mack to haul coal. In 1966, the company obtained ICC authority and joined TCA at the same time. “Yes, you heard that right, and maybe even did the math. D.M. Bowman has been a member of this organization for 55 years and is a better company today because of our participation,” said Ward, who expressed excitement about the opportunity to see the membership in person at Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. “This revamped schedule demonstrates the time in which we live, and also shows the flexibility of the association to pivot so that our membership wants and needs remain at the forefront when it pertains to steering this organization,” Ward concluded.