Truckload Authority

While motor carriers across North America may differ in size and leadership style, two factors directly affect every company’s financial bottom line — fostering a culture of safety and implementing an effective process for recruiting and retaining quality team members. During the Truckload Carriers Association’s virtual Spring Business Meetings, held April 19-20, industry thought leaders TCA Profitability Program (TPP) Retention Coach Ray Haight, along with Jetco Delivery CEO Brian Fielkow, an accomplished author, trainer, speaker, and facilitator of Making Safety Happen, moderated a session to help senior leaders ensure their companies’ success. “Strong leadership is key to achieving success in both (a company’s) safety program and the retention program,” noted Haight. “Laser focus on the issue at hand is critical to success.” The session, presented as a free-flowing conversation with audience interaction, explored the following topics: Why safety and retention efforts fall off track — and how to put them back on track; More than money: What drives world-class retention and safe behavior; The power of process; How to build trust among your team; and Your culture is your secret weapon: Tips for building a culture that generates safe outcomes and that is highly valued by employees. During the session, Haight and Fielkow shared insights on how a carrier’s safety processes impact its employee retention, and how both factors can make or break the company’s profit margin. “Companies that excel in retention also lead the way in safety,” shared Fielkow. “They are likely the most productive and profitable, too. This is because all of the competencies are tied to culture: Everything grows in a healthy culture, and everything wilts in an unhealthy culture.” Driver turnover is a key concern for most truckload carriers, and Fielkow warns against becoming fleet managers and other management staff becoming complacent if a company’s turnover rate is lower than the national average. “If annual driver turnover in the industry is 100%+ and yours is 60%, don’t kid yourself,” he shared. “You may beat the average, but the numbers are still bad.” The same goes for a company’s safety ratings. Accepting fewer crashes than the average only makes a company “less bad,” he continued. “Safe outcomes and the retention of ‘best of the best’ employees both require a commitment to be world class,” he advised. “’Less bad’ is not a worthy goal.” Developing a mindset of safety among drivers and working to retain quality employees should extend far beyond the initial driver orientation. “If your company is like mine, you might have higher turnover among employees in their first year,” said Fielkow. “It can take a year to fully integrate an employee into your culture. The typical one-week new-hire orientation program is insufficient. Develop a longer-term integration initiative.” A carrier’s turnover rate — whether good or bad — can be related to the performance and mindset of every member of the team, from the highest-level executives to the support staff. However, Fielkow noted, raw turnover data may not be the best measure of the success of a company’s middle management: Sometimes an employee is simply not a good fit, or does not meet the company standards, and needs to go. “If you have an employee who demonstrates unsafe behaviors, try to coach them. If the coaching effort fails, the employee needs to go,” he said. “Measuring managers on raw turnover may unintentionally incentivize them to keep employees who will cost you dearly in the long run. If managers weed out uncoachable team members, they are guarding your gates and should be commended.” Haight points to a carrier’s dispatch team as a crucial element to both safety and employee retention. “I believe the relationship between dispatch and driver is critical to success, and tying driver turnover to a number on each board is critical,” he explained. “I am never looking for ‘bad guys’ in the exercise though, but heroes that others can learn from.” On this point, Haight and Fielkow have a slight difference of opinion, with Fielkow placing the responsibility on the company’s culture as a whole. “I agree that the individual dispatcher should be measured on safety and retention outcomes,” said Fielkow. “However, if the frontline manager operates within a dysfunctional organization, he or she is doomed from the start. Key dysfunctions include abdicated leadership, acceptance of subpar results, and failure to view safety and retention as core strategic initiatives.” While Haight and Fielkow may differ slightly on some factors regarding safety and retention, when it comes down to “where the rubber meets the road,” so to speak, the two have a united message: Clear, effective communication between all levels of a company’s team is vital to fostering a culture of safety, as well as to attracting — and keeping — top-quality drivers.

The Truckload Carriers Association is eager to host Truckload 2021: Las Vegas — its annual convention — at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort September 25-28. This year’s event features: Truckload-specific educational sessions from industry-leading experts; Insightful panel discussions and engaging keynote speakers; Dozens of unique networking opportunities with trucking’s most engaged leaders; and Dedicated exhibit hours to learn about the latest products and technology for your fleet. Saturday, September 25 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Registration 12 p.m.-5 p.m. — Exhibitor Move-in 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Officers’ Meeting (invite only) 6 p.m.-7 p.m. — Kick-Off Reception 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Past Chairmen’s Reception and Dinner (invite only) Sunday, September 26 6:45 a.m.-7:15 a.m. — Sunday Service (nondenominational) 7 a.m.-6 p.m. — Registration 7 a.m.-9 a.m. — Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Committee Meetings 8 a.m.-3 p.m. — Exhibitor Move-In 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Lunch 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. — Trucking in the Round Educational Sessions 2 p.m.-3:15 p.m. — Executive Panel 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m. — Board of Directors Meeting 4:45 p.m.-7 p.m. — Exhibition and Reception Monday, September 27 7 a.m.-2 p.m. — Registration 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. — Breakfast sponsored by CAT Scale 8:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — General Session 10:15 a.m.-11:30 p.m. — Exhibition and Demos 11:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m. — Exhibition and Lunch 12:45 p.m.-2 p.m. — Executive Panel 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. — Trucking in the Round Educational Sessions 3:45 p.m.-4:45 p.m. — Best Fleets to Drive For Reception 5 p.m.-6 p.m. — Freightliner Reception 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Truckload Strong (Off-Site Event – Additional Fee) sponsored by Freightliner Tuesday, September 28 7 a.m.-2 p.m. — Registration 7-a.m.-8:30 a.m. — Breakfast 8:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — General Session 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Exhibition and Demos 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — Exhibition and Lunch 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. — Executive Panel 2:45 p.m.-4 p.m. — Trucking in the Round Educational Sessions 5 p.m.-6 p.m. — Closing Reception hosted by ACT1 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Closing Banquet hosted by ACT1 Want to learn more about the Association’s initiatives, 2020 accomplishments, and what’s in store for 2021? Be sure to attend TCA Chairman Dennis Dellinger’s address during Monday’s general session, as well as an address from both TCA’s Incoming Chairman Jim Ward and TCA President John Lyboldt during Tuesday’s general session. Join a myriad of committee meetings which will be held Sunday, September 26. You do not need to be a committee member to attend. Additionally, more than 20 Trucking in the Round workshops are scheduled during the event. Make plans to attend the following: Strategies to Improve Freight Network Profitability; Building Business Value in a Tough Economy; Financing During an Unprecedented Disruption: How to Manage When Government Money Runs Out; A Strengths-based Approach to Building Resilience; Keeping Connected with Your Remote Workforce; Heartfelt Leadership: What, Why, and How?; Insuring Your Fleet in Today’s Challenging Market; Implementing and Defending the Independent Contractor Model; Connecting Your Organization with Technology; Data Will Shape the Fleets of the Future; The Negotiating Leverage Carriers Have Been Searching for in the Market; Collaboration — The Bottom-line Impact and Sustainability; Lease Purchasing: An Innovative Playbook; 2021 Best Fleets to Drive For: Statistics, Trends, and Innovations; Benchmarking — Turning Data into Action; It’s Not Pay, It’s a Phone Call; Embracing Recruiting Technology in a Remote World; Making Driver Turnover a Problem of the Past; Cybersecurity and the Transportation & Logistics Industry; Streamlining Driver Performance Coaching; Safety, Retention & Your Bottom Line; Up In Smoke? Marijuana Decriminalization & The Trucking Industry; Eagle Eye or Ostrich — The More You Know, the Safer You Are; and Risk Managing Customer Contracts. For detailed descriptions of each session, visit truckload2021.com/sessions. Thanks to International Trucks, Daymond John of ABC’s “Shark Tank” will be the keynote speaker on September 27. John — a young entrepreneur and industry pioneer — has evolved from one of the most successful fashion icons of his generation to a highly sought-after branding expert, author, and consultant, and as a speaker in business and motivational genres. Attendees are encouraged to attend Monday’s general session as he shares his awe-inspiring journey and provides a roadmap for those who aspire to succeed in business and in life. Thanks to Pilot Flying J, world-renowned expert in speed reading and brain performance Jim Kwik will be the event’s featured speaker. After a childhood brain injury left him learning-challenged, Kwik created strategies to dramatically enhance his mental performance. Attendees are encouraged to attend Tuesday’s general session to learn how to unleash their true genius and brainpower. Be sure to plan to attend the three general sessions as each one will provide an insightful panel discussion featuring industry professionals. Sunday: The View of the Industry —The Executive Perspective from Across the Border; Monday: Navigating Insurance Pressures in the Trucking Industry; and Tuesday: The Executive Vision: 2021 and Beyond. Here is the schedule for the committee meetings to be held Sunday, . In addition to the 20-plus educational sessions, numerous networking opportunities, and a robust exhibit hall set for Truckload 2021: Las Vegas, TCA’s 83rd Annual Convention, make plans to attend insightful committee meetings to have your voice heard. As with other associations, committees guide TCA’s administrative, advocacy, operational, outreach, and policy efforts. All committee meetings will take place on the morning of Sunday, September 26, at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort. Those interested in joining a committee should visit truckload.org/committee-program-leadership to learn more. Committee membership is a one-year term in conjunction with TCA’s Annual Convention schedule. Below is the schedule for committee meetings (all times are Pacific Daylight Time, room locations will be announced at a later date): 7:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. Regulatory Policy Committee Recruitment & Retention Committee 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Communications & Image Policy Committee Highway Policy Committee 10:45 a.m. – 12 noon Membership Committee Independent Contractor Practices Policy Committee Scholarship Committee* (Board of Trustees only)

In December, John Lyboldt completed five years as president of the Truckload Carriers Association. It has become tradition for the president to discuss the state of the association as it transitions from one year to the next in an interview with Truckload Authority. The following are excerpts from an interview in late January. On industry issues: some completed in 2020, others carrying over into 2021 Lyboldt hailed the new hours-of-service rule as a success. Implemented on June 1, 2020, the new rule provides professional truck drivers more flexibility in how they operate each day. However, the industry was hoping for even more flexibility in the sleeper berth provision, which can now be split 8/2 or 7/3. FMCSA recently announced a pilot program to study the feasibility of 6/4 or 5/5 splits. “That could even improve flexibility in our opinion,” noted Lyboldt. Not pleasing to the industry was the Department of Health and Human Services’ issuance late last year of proposed mandatory guidelines for federal executive workplace drug-testing programs that include guidelines for hair testing. “When they introduced their decision, we were not happy with it at all,” said Lyboldt of the guidelines, which would require a second type of sample to be drawn along with hair testing. He mentioned other concerns TCA is watching closely and engaged in, such as lawsuit abuse creating nuclear verdicts, minimum insurance, energy and the environment, protecting independent contractors, labor issues, F4A, truck size and weight, and electronic logging device exemption requests. President Joe Biden “He’s known as a center-left Democrat,” shared Lyboldt. “I think some of the things that we were expecting are starting to happen with regard to COVID-19 vaccinations and a second round of relief checks.” Lyboldt also noted that he thinks President Biden will support “closing the gap between the rich and the poor.” “He does believe in progressive tax with a value-added tax, known as a wealth tax, and with breaks and subsidies for those under the poverty line,” continued Lyboldt. “He is definitely a friend of the trade unions. He is concerned about global warming and the environment and immigration. We will be engaged in conversations on these, as well as federal tax reform, trade, and transportation infrastructure funding to name a few.” Conference call with incoming deputy secretary of the U.S. DOT Last November, Lyboldt was invited by American Trucking Associations’ Chris Spear to participate in a conference call with Polly Trottenberg, who was recently named Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and others on President Biden’s transition team. “The call was very productive,” said Lyboldt. “We shared a great deal of information about our associations’ priorities, concerns, and issues facing the trucking industry. We are looking forward to working with the DOT and FMCSA to address priorities. We are confident that by working together we can accomplish a great deal. We were encouraged, as they really were interested in what we had to say, and with the questions and comments they shared with us.” What is needed to prop up the Highway Trust Fund? “We have been talking about how the trucking industry would support a fuel tax increase that would create a huge infusion of funds into the Highway Trust Fund with low administration expense,” said Lyboldt. “President Biden is focused in his first hundred days on COVID-19; however, infrastructure will be front and center, and soon.” It appears at the time of this writing that a fuel tax increase will continue to be challenged, as the vehicles miles tax is on the table and being discussed. Something must be done because industry stakeholders believe the fund will go broke this year. “Transportation infrastructure funding is the challenge, as we all know. Finding a sustainable solution now is a must, and the pressure is being felt by many,” said Lyboldt. Trucking’s response to COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a new set of challenges for truck drivers and the industry, Lyboldt said, adding, “drivers have really stepped up” despite the circumstances. “They stayed on the front lines and moved the freight that was needed at hospitals, grocery stores, and other service providers,” he shared. “There were so many proud moments where we had truck drivers going down the streets and people were passing out free lunches to them to honor them and show their support.” Carriers and logistics groups also stepped up to ensure drivers were taken care of throughout the pandemic in many instances, such as when Pennsylvania started closing rest areas. “Drivers have to have food available to them. You must be able to get fuel and be able to sleep. I’m extremely impressed with the carriers and their logistics groups, their backroom people, the drivers, and everyone with regard to the shippers just keeping the freight moving,” added Lyboldt. On increasing the strength of TCA programs As the pandemic has continued throughout 2020 and into 2021, TCA has tackled virtual meetings and program in stride. “Our educational content and programs, including webinars, our annual meeting, safety meeting, refrigerated meeting, and independent contractor/open deck content, are getting good traction,” shared Lyboldt. “Our webinar attendance has skyrocketed. We used to have 80 people register and 40 actually attend our webinars. Now we have anywhere from 400-700 register for these sessions. We have sponsors for the webinars who have been incredibly supportive so the membership can attend the webinars at no charge.” In fact, a virtual setting has provided opportunities for growth in TCA’s offerings and added benefits for sponsors. “What we are finding now is many of the sponsors want to do two, three, or more in one year. It produces good results for them,” he said. “Our virtual ‘Making Safety Happen’ program led by Brian Fielkow just started its second cohort. The Truckload Academy offerings and course completions are growing as well.” Applications for TCA’s annual scholarships saw notable growth as well. “When you look at the scholarship success that we had, we had so many more people applying,” said Lyboldt. “It took us by storm, but our judges were able to handle it. We ended up giving out more than 50 scholarships this year.” Additionally, TCA’s other contest and recognition submissions have skyrocketed. “Entries to our Driver of the Year, Best Fleets to Drive For, and Fleet Safety Award are off the charts,” noted Lyboldt. “Since October, we’ve honored dozens of drivers as Highway Angels from nominations that are pouring in. Our membership division is doing very well. It’s being led by Zander Gambill, who has just been promoted to vice president. He and his team are having conversations, serious conversations, with people about what we do for them and why we do what we do.” Government affairs continues to be “the voice of truckload” through TCA’s Zoom meetings with legislators and regulators. The work has been vigorous in TCA’s policy and advisory committees, as the group are focused on its priorities. TCA’s meetings and events department has had to navigate the pandemic challenges, and has done this very well. “Moving the annual meeting from Nashville to Las Vegas was no small task.” said Lyboldt. The use of virtual platforms has made a significant difference in TCA’s ability to provide the membership with solutions, information, and vital resources during the most challenging times. The membership survey has produced a number of initiatives to improve the association’s membership, experience, and value. “Thank you to all of the members who are working hard on the association’s behalf. Your efforts and contributions have had an impact and have been very helpful,” said Lyboldt. Buckle up, members. TCA’s staff is poised and ready for yet another exciting year.  

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is honored to continue its partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) for the sixth year. In 2015, TCA carrier members began hauling “The Wall That Heals,” an exhibit which includes a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, to communities nationwide. The exhibit honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. “Partnering with TCA enables us to continue our mission to honor and preserve the legacy of The Wall That Heals and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War,” said VVMF Chief Executive Officer Jim Knotts. Each year a TCA for-hire member is selected to host a sponsored stop, courtesy of VVMF. The organizations are eager to share that announcement once able. TCA encourages its member companies to support the effort; those interested in transporting The Wall That Heals can visit truckload.org/VVMF for more information. Each year, VVMF receives more applications to host the exhibit than can be accommodated. For the 2021 tour schedule, preferential consideration was given to canceled sites from the 2020 tour that reapplied for 2021. Some 2020 hosts elected to apply for a date in a future year. VVMF will work closely with each community to make certain that community health and safety protocols are met. Communities will have to permit gatherings of 250 or more people. Volunteers will be required to wear masks. Visitors will be encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing to ensure the safety, the staff, volunteers, and other visitors. “Nothing is more important to VVMF than the health and well-being of our Vietnam veterans and their families,” said Knotts. “We will work to provide the best visitor experience while keeping the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors at top of mind.” On Veteran’s Day in 2020, VVMF’s Director of Outreach Tim Tetz was a guest on TCA’s Radio Nemo Show segment “Load ’em Up, Move ’em Out.” Visit truckload.org/newsroom to listen as Tetz speaks about the relationship with TCA and its members, the importance of the mobile education center, and more. The Wall That Heals 2021 Tour dates include: New Bern, North Carolina, April 8-11; Charlotte, North Carolina, April 15-18; Ocean Pines, Maryland, April 22-25; Garner, North Carolina, April 29–May 2; Grundy, Virginia, May 6-9; Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, May 13-16; Columbus, Ohio, May 28-31; Franklin, Indiana, June 3-6; Harrison, Ohio, June 10-13; Champlain, New York, June 24-27. Townsend, Massachusetts, July 1-4; Nahant, Massachusetts, July 15-18; Tonawanda, New York, July 22-25; Athens, Ohio, July 29-August 1; Clinton Township, Michigan, August 5-8; Riverview, Michigan, August 12-15; Rice, Minnesota, August 19-22; Marysville, Kansas, August 26-31; Brighton, Colorado, September 2–5; Farmington, New Mexico, September 9-12; Blackfoot, Idaho, September 16-19; Longview, Washington, September 23-26; La Pine, Oregon, September 30-October 3; Corona, California, October 7-10; Bullhead City, Arizona, October 21-24; Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, October 28-31; Sulphur Springs, Texas, November 4-7; and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, November 11-14.

Ryan Snyder chuckles when he recalls his mother’s reaction to the fast-paced secondary school years he and his sister experienced while growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta. “My mom always joked if my sister and I came home telling her we signed up for another thing at school, she was going to kill us, because we signed up for everything,” said Snyder, now the Truckload Carriers Association’s membership manager. “I ran track and cross country, wrestled  (he lettered and was a captain in all three) and did the morning announcement video show, and,” he said taking a quick breath, “did the sound mixing for the annual musical play.” One might say busyness and being curious about everything has played well for the 30-year-old Snyder, who now finds his days filled with conversations with TCA members who turn to the association for help improving their businesses. Had Snyder followed his initial intentions, however, he might be in an operating room rather than an office. “I wanted to be a doctor and actually applied and was accepted into pre-med classes, but I ended up changing my plans,” shared Snyder. “After going through grade, middle, and high school for 12 years, the idea of having to go to medical school and then do all the residencies — I didn’t want to be starting a career when I reached the mid-30s.” Intrigued by the recruiting films he saw during his visits to colleges, his professional aspirations changed. He thought for a couple of years about becoming a film director, but eventually graduated from the University of Alabama in 2013 with a major in communications and minor in political science. His first job out of college was a territory sales representative for a telecommunications company that no longer exists. He knew it was a dead-end career when he found out the internet packages he was selling were priced three times higher and offered less performance and features than the company’s main competition. “I had the most success with people who had outages and were upset with their current provider,” said Snyder. “What I did learn was the power of saying ‘no’ and keeping persistent.” The job lasted about seven months before he landed a job as legislative assistant for United Parcel Service (UPS) where his father was employed as an engineer. It was his professional introduction to the transportation industry, which had been a long-time fascination. At UPS, Snyder attended Congressional hearings, prepared and presented executive-level presentations and policy memos on surface transportation, postal reform, aviation, trade, pensions, and veteran affairs. He also implemented comprehensive training programs for Congressional key contact participants, among many other things. An opportunity arose to further his transportation career when he joined the American Trucking Associations (ATA) as manager of federation relations and grassroots programs. There, among other things, Snyder managed ATA’s Call on Washington program, an executive fly-in program, that attracted 450-plus members annually for education and relationship building on Capitol Hill. He established an industry scorecard tracking key votes, policy updates, and industry news that impacted ATA members, and maintained communications, built relationships, and increased engagement with the state trucking association executives. He stepped away from trucking for a little more than a year to be the political affairs manager for the American Association of Life Underwriters (AALU), a trade association dedicated to the life insurance industry, but found out he’d left the love of his career — trucking. “I quickly realized how much I missed the trucking industry,” said Snyder. “My heart was with trucking.” He joined TCA in October 2020. “I think the most exciting part of my job is working with the members,” he said. “This might sound cliché, but trucking really is the nation’s backbone. The ability to work with these members and help them improve their businesses and improve their safety is crucial. They help Americans get the stuff that they need when they need it, whether it would be food and supplies at the grocery store or the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s an honor to be working with people who are making the world a better place.” Snyder said one of the aspects TCA members appreciate is the educational outreach. “They really appreciate the programs about how to make their business grow and how they can improve safety,” said Snyder. “They also like the ability to meet with their colleagues and to discuss best practices. There is no doubt they view TCA’s value as extraordinary.” As for the future of trucking in North America, Snyder says it is “upwards and onwards.” “Think back to the beginning of the pandemic, when you went to the grocery store and nothing was stocked and there was no toilet paper on the shelf,” recalled Snyder. “Our members and our industry were the ones who worked day and night tirelessly to haul goods to bring the supply chain up to meet demands. I think, if anything, that proved how important this industry is to the day-to-day lives of every American. I can’t see the industry going anywhere but up and up.” Do TCA members share Snyder’s optimism? “Yes, absolutely,” he said. “With the vaccines that have been approved, they believe we’re heading toward a more normal life. That is also how we at TCA are viewing it. Optimistically, this year is going to be going back to normal.” Snyder appreciates the camaraderie of the industry, and especially the cooperative spirit of TCA members. “It is not cutthroat,” he said. “Everybody wants the best for one another, and everyone wants to lift each other up.” After seven years and five professional positions, Snyder is not about to leave the trucking industry. “TCA is definitely my home,” he said.  

For most of the world’s population, 2020 brought never-before-seen challenges, beginning with a global pandemic caused by a new coronavirus. As 2020 came to a close and 2021 dawned, the number of COVID-19 cases — along with deaths related to the disease — continued to climb. The pandemic brought the trucking industry into the international spotlight as professional drivers put in countless hours on the road, working to provide hospitals and pharmacies with medical supplies, and grocery stores stocked with essentials (who could ever forget the great toilet-paper shortage?). For most truck drivers, those hours spent on the road were “all in a day’s work.” Many were surprised when they were greeted with cheers as they made their deliveries. As 2020 progressed, some of that appreciation faded — but drivers continued to work behind the scenes, making sure vital supplies, as well as little luxuries, reached their destinations in a safe and timely manner. On Sunday, December 13, 2020, truck drivers and other members of the transportation industry once again found themselves in the spotlight as the first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) departed Pfizer’s Portage, Michigan, facility. That day was the start of the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history, an effort that health officials are encouraging the public to embrace. As transport trucks stood ready to distribute those first rounds of vaccine, Pfizer employees — dressed in bright yellow shirts, blue hard hats, and insulated gloves — worked quickly to pack vials into boxes and place them into freezer cases with dry ice. These cases, which were tracked with GPS sensors, then traveled via truck to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to be loaded onto cargo planes for distribution around the U.S. In addition to global ground carriers such as FedEx and UPS, Massachusetts-based Boyle Transportation was part of that December 13 vaccine rollout, with two teams of drivers participating in the first convoy to leave Pfizer’s Michigan facility. “It was an honor for us to play a small role in that historic event,” said Boyle’s Company Co-president Andrew Boyle. “There were so many eyes watching, and people crying, seeing your vehicle go by — that’s quite a humbling experience.” Since that December vaccine launch, the FDA has approved a second COVID-19 vaccine, this one manufactured by Massachusetts-based Moderna, and more vaccines are on the horizon as the coronavirus continues to mutate and spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pfizer’s vaccine must be held at a frigid minus 112 to minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, Moderna’s vaccine can be held at a balmy minus 13 to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The packaging, transport and administration of either vaccine relies on a complex web of suppliers of products ranging from glass vials to dry ice and freezer containers, and each item must be safely and quickly delivered to its destination. Drivers with Load One LLC, based in Taylor, Michigan, are working to deliver the supplies needed to manufacture and transport COVID-19 vaccines, according to the company’s Vice President of Sales Chad Tabor, who said the carrier specializes in time-critical, high-value shipments. “We provide a solution that moves on an exclusive-use truck, meaning the freight is not mixed with other freight, and the only handling of the actual freight is by the shipper and the consignee,” explained Tabor. “Naturally, this makes us a good fit for a situation such as the fight against a pandemic, where every second matters.” In addition to transporting COVID-19 testing supplies and storage components for vaccines, Load One has been tasked with delivering high-value medical equipment to laboratories where scientists are working to develop new vaccines. “We couldn’t be more proud of the opportunity to support our country in the fight against this disease, which has claimed so many lives,” stated Tabor. “Everyone at Load One is happy to answer the call to action, from our drivers moving the freight on a daily basis, to our operations and sales team who work with our customers to ensure we provide the best possible service we can. We will continue to fight it the best way we know how.” While much of the transportation of vaccines and related supplies will rely on air cargo and last-mile delivery services, Boyle stressed that over-the-road ground freight will continue to play a vital role in transport. “Up to this point, there have been heroic efforts by the drug developers, the clinical trial participants and the regulators,” said Boyle. “But now, we’re at a point where the execution is going to rely, in large part, on blue-collar transportation and logistics professionals — people on the loading dock, professional truck drivers and mechanics, the air cargo handlers, pilots, and then ultimately the package delivery drivers. Those are our people. We’re not scientists, but we can play our role. We’re not physicians or nurses, but we can play our role. “Let’s remember, there are millions of people without a job right now,” he continued. “There are millions of people who can’t feed their family members, and there are millions of kids who can’t go to school. We have an opportunity to apply our trade and contribute to solving that problem. What greater honor is there?”

Since 2015, Kriska Transportation Group (KTG) has been on a buying spree. The Ontario, Canada-based company has completed 10 acquisitions in less than six years, expanding its presence in Canadian and cross-border trucking and logistics markets. David Tumber, whose tenure as chief operating officer aligns with this spate of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), said the market is ripe for continued expansion. “[M&A] is common in our industry, and I think we will see more consolidation in the coming years, at least in the Canadian marketplace,” he said. “There’s a lot of first- or second-generation truckers out there who are getting on in years, and if they don’t have an obvious exit strategy or succession plan within the family, they’ll likely look to sell in the next few months to the next few years. We think it’s only going to pick up, especially coming out of the pandemic.” Tumber said KTG isn’t the only company that’s been actively gathering acquisitions. “I definitely don’t think we’re an outlier. I think there’s plenty of examples of those who have a similar growth strategy,” shared Tumber. “It’s such a tough industry to grow organically; it’s so highly commoditized, and drivers are so hard to come by. Good, loyal customers are hard to find, as are good employees in general.” KTG itself was formed via the merger route when Kriska Holdings Ltd. (aka Kriska) partnered with The Mullen Group in 2014 to acquire Mill Creek Motor Freight of Ayr, Ontario. From Kriska and Mill Creek, the holdings have grown to include nine other companies, all of which were headquartered in Ontario or Quebec. These holdings include JMF Transport and TransPro Freight Systems (since 2015), and Icon Transportation Logistics Ltd., Trailwood Transport and Nexus Freight (since 2019). Another company, refrigerated carrier BTC Express, was bought in 2018 and integrated into Kriska. Additionally, KTG acquired logistics brokerages Service Freight Systems in 2017 and Champion Express in 2019. Already in 2021, the company has completed two mergers, Round the Lakes Motor Express and Ready to Load Logistics. Tumber said the strategy for identifying the right company to pursue is a multi-pronged approach. “Capacity is certainly a component of it, as is revenue diversification,” he said. “Across the businesses that we now own that operate independently, none of them are on a hot streak at the same time and none of them are all down at the same time. When a market segment is challenged, it’s offset by another one that’s thriving. We’ve seen a lot of that, whether it be an industry vertical or a service type.” Of course, the rules of diversification as a hedge against risk went out the window in 2020 when every aspect of the trucking industry was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada as well as in the U.S. Tumber said as a cross-border carrier, there was more similarity than differences in the two countries’ response to the pandemic. “(In the) early days of COVID, on both sides of the border, everybody was living minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day in a state of unknown,” he said. “Our operations group stayed in very close contact, and that was one benefit of being a bigger company. Not one of our general managers was stranded on an island on their own trying to figure this out. “I think in Canada, broadly speaking, our population was pretty quick to understand and adapt to wearing a face mask from a civic duty perspective,” he continued. “I think there was probably more resistance in the States among populations that were slower to buy into that as a necessary action.” Tumber said one byproduct of the Canadian perspective toward the virus is many drivers were more willing to stay on the sidelines out of fear of contracting the disease. This presented management with stiff challenges, not only in terms of conducting regular business, but also in luring drivers back, especially once government subsidies started kicking in. “The Canadian government was exceptionally generous to individuals and businesses who were impacted by COVID, so that would be a major difference between our two federal approaches to the economy and to the people,” he said. “We had probably 10% of our capacity decide the world was too dangerous for them and they weren’t going to drive. They were going to collect their benefits from the government and wait for this thing to pass.” While most drivers did eventually return to work, Tumber said health concerns persist as mitigation efforts vary widely across provinces. “The provinces, much like the states, have reacted differently,” he said. “In Ontario and Quebec where our businesses are, I think we started off controlling this and doing a good job on the front end, but we’ve probably done a pretty poor job in trying to stamp it out. It’s lingered and cases have grown, and we probably weren’t aggressive enough for long enough to get rid of this, which is exactly the same situation in the U.S.” The pandemic is just the latest challenge when it comes to personnel, Tumber added. Driver shortages have been and continue to be a challenge for the industry and a major hindrance to growth. “When you break it down to its simplest form, it’s tough to pull the wool over someone’s eyes and say trucking is something different than what it is,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’re getting behind the wheel of a truck and hauling products, sometimes across the country, and that takes you away from home. It’s the reality of the business. So, how do you make that attractive to somebody who, in a strong economy, has plenty of other options? “Driver pay is something that will always be under the microscope and where the market warrants it, we do our best to increase the wages of our drivers,” he noted. “But I think it’s got a long way to go before it crosses that threshold of indifference. We’re a long way from that still, as an industry.” Until it does, the company will continue to look for opportunities in the M&A market, purchasing outfits that add value and, not coincidentally, drivers as well. From there, Tumber said the onus lies on KTG and its culture to retain these. “There’s a lot of companies out there who are acquiring businesses, stripping them down, and giving little consideration to what’s made them unique and special in their history,” he said. “We’re different in that way. We’re a group that considers the businesses we buy as part of the family. We’re a group that considers the businesses we buy to have uniqueness that is worth preserving. “I know that’s resonated with the businesses we’ve bought. The business owners care about their people and want to make sure that their people are being acquired by other good people. That’s important to us,” he concluded.

Truckload Carriers Association Vice President of Government Affairs David Heller has been named to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC). The MCSAC provides advice and recommendations to the FMCSA administrator on motor carrier safety programs and regulations. Initially chartered by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on September 8, 2006, MCSAC membership is balanced and is composed of up to 25 experts from the motor carrier safety advocacy, safety enforcement, industry, and labor sectors. Members are recommended by the administrator and appointed by the secretary for two-year terms. “I am proud to have been appointed by FMCSA to this prestigious committee, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to provide input on the unique needs of the truckload community to this group,” shared Heller. “I look forward to working with my distinguished colleagues on the committee as we discuss the critical issues affecting our industry in the year ahead.” “TCA is honored that one of our own has been appointed to this important regulatory advisory committee,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. “The voice of truckload continues to ring loud and clear among our nation’s policymakers, and Dave’s appointment to MCSAC highlights the work TCA is doing to elevate our members’ needs in Washington.” MCSAC members are chosen from a field of many qualified candidates who possess a wide range of motor carrier experience and expertise. “The MCSAC members provide invaluable insight into all parts of the motor carrier industry and are critical in shaping FMCSA’s priorities and initiatives,” shared then-FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck when the announcement was made. “The 2021 membership features a strong and diverse set of members from industry, safety, labor, and enforcement. We are particularly proud of the committee’s record number of female members for 2021. The agency looks forward to working with all committee members in the coming year and working to advance our shared safety goals.”

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), and its partners Overdrive and Truckers News, have released the names of the 2020 Company Driver of the Year and 2020 Owner-Operator of the Year finalists. Each year, the Driver of the Year Contests recognize company and owner-operator professional truck drivers who provide safe and reliable transportation of North America’s goods. The top finalists were selected based on their demonstrated ability to operate safely on public highways, their efforts to enhance the public image of the trucking industry, and their contributions to their local communities. Thanks to the generosity of long-time sponsors Cummins, Inc., and Love’s Travel Stops, each grand prize winner will receive $25,000, while the two runners-up in each division will win $2,500. Company Driver of the Year Finalists Betty Aragon Betty Aragon of Tucumcari, New Mexico, drives for Wilson Logistics, Inc., based in Springfield, Missouri. Wilson Logistics Founder and CEO Darrel Wilson said he considers Aragon a pioneer for women truck drivers and a consummate professional. “Betty’s career began in 1977 when she purchased her first truck with the help of her father and she has over 5 million safe driving miles without a single accident citation or negative roadside inspection,” said Wilson. “Betty’s genuinely kind heart and dedication to her family, safety, and trucking makes me proud to have a professional like her representing our company and industry.” Wilson Logistics Vice President of Safety and Training Scott Manthey added that when Aragon started driving there were no facilities for women drivers. “Yet Betty persevered though these times,” shared Manthey. “It is people like Betty who have helped over-the-road trucking mature to the thriving industry it is today.” Aragon has been driving for Wilson Logistics since July 2009. Dennis Cravener Dennis Cravener of Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been driving for Givens Transportation, Inc., based in Chesapeake, Virginia, since 1972. This year, Cravener will reach the 6-million-mile mark. “Givens has been incredibly fortunate to have Denny as part of our team for so long, but every carrier should really be proud to know he is out on the road representing our industry,” said Givens Transportation President Trevor Dunlap. “Certainly, his steadfast work ethic and dependability to complete dispatches make him the most reliable of drivers. However, it’s his initiative and mentorship that make him so special. It is impossible to know how many driver miles Denny has impacted, but it’s easily in the hundreds of millions with the number of drivers he has influenced during his career.” Givens Transportation, Inc., Safety Director Richard Salazar noted Cravener drives mainly to the Northeast section of the country and sees all road conditions, whether it be dry, wet, icy, or snowy where arguably road congestion is the worst. “Dennis is very safety-conscious, highly competent, and a proven professional who adds depth and stability to Givens Transportation,” said Salazar. Owner-Operator of the Year Finalists Glen Horack Glen Horack of Elkland, Missouri, has been leased to Prime, Inc., based in Springfield, Missouri since 1996. Prime, Inc., President and former TCA Chairman Robert Low said Horack has had a 100% on-time service during his entire time with the company. “Having drivers like Glen is what makes this company so successful,” said Low. “He continues to give the best service to our customers and does whatever we ask of him. I am honored to have someone like him working with our company and am proud to consider him as part of our Prime family.” Prime, Inc., Safety Director Steve Field noted Horack and his wife, Karla, often make a dedicated floral run to Canada and back. “They have had to deal with all kinds of weather including ice, snow, and high winds, but continue to deliver the load on time, every time,” said Field, adding that Horack is always working to improve the image of trucking through community involvement and his daily behavior in front of customers and the motoring public. Douglas Schildgen Douglas Schildgen of Waterloo, Iowa, has been leased to Waterloo-based Warren Transport, Inc., since 1976. “Doug is one of our finest and has made a lasting impression on how professional and dedicated he continues to be,” said Warren Transport, Inc., President James Schommer. He commended Schildgen for his distinct ability to help others. “He provides direct input he believes will help others succeed,” added Schommer. “From other contractors, safety staff, dispatch, and senior leadership (including myself), his wisdom and common-sense approach benefits us all.” Warren Transport, Inc., Director of Safety Robert Sullivan said Schildgen understands safety has no excuses. “Doug’s record sets him apart from most of his peers as he maintains his accident/injury free record by committing himself to safety before and after he steps into the cab,” said Sullivan. Bryan Smith Bryan Smith of Asbury, Iowa, has been leased to Tucker Freight Lines, based in Dubuque, Iowa, since 1993. Tucker Freight Lines President and CEO Al Tucker said that since buying the company in 2018, Smith has impressed him by the way he is involved with his community and family, all while running close to 100,000 safe miles a year over the road. “If you get to know Bryan, you will quickly learn that trucking is not the most important thing in his life,” said Tucker. “If Bryan is at the terminal during the week, you can count on seeing his truck sit in the yard until after he gets his three girls off to school. If he has to stop by the terminal when he is off duty, one or more of the girls will be with him. He spends his off time with the people that matter most.” Tucker Freight Lines Safety Director Cody McClain noted Smith not only passed 3 million safe miles during 2020, he did it while hauling equipment and building materials. “These are some of the most difficult and dangerous items to haul in the industry,” said McClain. “Bryan always takes the time to ensure his and everyone else’s safety.” McClain said Smith is also a go-to resource for new drivers with any questions. Each owner-operator finalist will be showcased by Overdrive magazine and each company driver finalist will be showcased by Truckers News. Grand prize winners will be announced at TCA’s Annual Convention – Truckload 2021: Las Vegas – on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. For more information on the Driver of the Year Contests, visit truckload.org/DOY.