Alabama Trucker, 3rd Quarter 2013

ALABAMA TRUCKER • 3RD QUARTER 2013 1

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

Officers Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kevin SavoyVice Chairman . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne WatkinsTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce MacDonald Immediate Past Chairman . . . . . . .Jack Brim

ATA Board of Directors Dennis Bailey, Robert Barnett, Aubrey Baugh,Rhonda Bees, Joe Black, Gary Bond, RayBrock, Greg Brown, Will Bruser, Mike Callahan, Dan Carmichael, Fenn Church,Mark Coffman, Jeff Coleman, John Collier,Rodger Collins, Driscoll Colquett, BrentCook, Gail Cooper, Al Cox, Jerry Davis, Ranny Davis, Joe Donald, Edmund Doss,Mack Dove, Russ Elrod, Dean Flint, JackFricks, Terry Kilpatrick, Jason King, MarkKnotts, Jerry Kocan, Drew Linn, Alan Love,Jeff McGrady, Barry McGriff, Tom McLeod,Buck Moore, E.H. Moore, Jr., Ross Neely, Jr.,Tommy Neely, George Overstreet, ButchOwens, Clay Palm, Jim Pickens, Mike Pursley, David Rouse, Bill Scruggs, Danny Smith,Harold Sorrells, Ronnie Stephenson, PaulStorey, James Suttles, Bill Ward, Scott White,David Wildberger, Skip Williams, T.J. Willings, Keith Wise.

ATA Staff

J. Frank Filgo, CAE, President & CEO Tim Frazier, CDS, Dir. of Safety & Member Services

Jane Nixon, Executive Assistant Lynn Thornton, BookkeeperFord Boswell, Director of CommunicationsBrandie Norcross, Administrative Assistant

ATA WCSIF Staff

Kimble Coaker, CEO & Fund AdministratorDebra Calhoun,Office ManagerKimberly Best, Account RepresentativeRick Hunter, LSP, CDS, Director of Loss Control Scott Hunter,MS, CDS, Loss Control EngineerDuane Calhoun, CDS, Loss Control EngineerKim Sims, Administrative AssistantKim Campbell, Underwriter CoordinatorTodd Hager, Director of ClaimsKatie Edwards, Accounting Specialist

Published quarterly by the AlabamaTrucking Assn., P.O. Box 242337, Mont gomery, AL 36124-2337.

ADVERTISING RATES: Quoted upon request.

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Alabama Trucking Association

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334-834-3983 • www.alabamatrucking.org

Alabama TruckingAssociation

D E P A R T M E N T S

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safety Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Trucking News Roundup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

On top of his game

ATA’s new Chairman Kevin Savoy has earneda reputation of a forward thinking executivewho is never satisfied with the status quo. His mind isalways fermenting ideas to improve things—whether it’sfor the youth football teams he coaches, his work withGreenbush Logistics, or its parent company, GreatSouthern Wood.

ATA History, Part 2—Going ProThe four decades from the 1950s throughthe 1980s are some of the most exciting inAlabama Trucking Association history, as the Associationrepeatedly rose to the challenge on issue after issue andworked to represent state trucking interests.

44

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2 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 3RD QUARTER 2013

and this year is no different. I’m pleased toannounce that more than 112 member firmsare sponsoring the event. ATA is apprecia-tive of Classic Chairman Will Bruser ofTruckworx Kenworth and his finance com-mittee for setting a new record for totalsponsorship dollars raised. The event’s suc-cess means that our industry’s PAC is on tar-get to have $1 million to support pro-truckcandidates in the 2014 elections.Our success to elect pro-truck candidates

will better enable our Association to attain afair and equitable property tax on trucks in-volved in interstate commerce. Currently,there is no apportionment for miles traveledoutside the state. Furthermore, we maintainthat the appraised value of a newly pur-chased truck should be based on its fairmarket value rather than the suggested man-ufacturer’s retail price. And, we will contin-ue to advocate a one-stop shop for truckregistration. These initiatives are good fortrucking, and good for our state.Your Association is constantly on the move.

And now, under the leadership of ChairmanKevin Savoy of Greenbush Logistics, Inc., weare confident that this Association will contin-ue to maintain a safe and efficient Alabamatransportation goods movement system.Thank you ATA members. With your

support, we will move this state forward.

From the President

Frank Filgo, CAEPresident and CEO

Alabama Trucking Association

‘Your Association is constantly on the move.

And now, under theleadership of Chairman

Kevin Savoy of Greenbush Logistics, Inc.,we are confident that thisAssociation will continue

to maintain a safe andefficient transportationgoods movement system

for Alabama.’

As we celebrate ATA’s 75th Anniver-sary, we can best honor the accom-plishments of the past by embracing

the challenges that face us.Recently, the ATA and the Workers’ Comp

Fund expanded its building’s conferenceroom to better accommodate the delivery ofmember services. The inaugural event held inthe new room was the recent ATA Installa-tion of Officers’ ceremony. More than 150 at-tendees were able to assemble and comfort-ably participate in the event. Previously wewere limited to about 60 people standing.Since then, the new facility has hosted

several meetings of the Alabama Dept. ofPublic Safety, the Wiregrass SMMC Chap-ter’s Roundtable Discussion on EOBRs, anAffordable Health Care (AHC) orientation,among other major events. On October 24,the Wiregrass SMMC Chapter will host a“mock trial” to emphasize the negative im-pact such an ordeal can have on a motorcarrier company. The leadership of ATA andthe WCSIF is to be commended for theirforesight to expand our educational andmeeting capabilities. On October 1, ATA will host its Annual

Golf Classic, presented by McLeod Soft-ware. Proceeds from the event go to ATA’spolitical action committee TRUK PAC.Each year the Classic gets bigger and better,

Embracing theFuture

ATA’s newly remodeled and expanded conference room can accommodate up to 120 in a classroom style setting.

Article and photos by Ford Boswell

ABBEVILLE, Ala.—Greenbush Logistics’Kevin Savoy was installed as the AlabamaTrucking Association’s newest Chairman ofthe Board of Directors during a ceremonyin June. Yet, his quick rise to the top of theAssociation shouldn’t surprise anyone whohas worked with him. His track record ofsuccess is extensive, earning him a reputa-tion as someone who gets things done. Andwhen he’s involved with a project, he goesall-out, constantly seeking to improve theprocess for the good of the team. Savoy’s installation was held at the Asso-

ciation’s newly remodeled conference roomin front of approximately 150 family,friends, and guests. Within minutes of ac-cepting the Chairman’s gavel, he outlined a10-point plan that included engaging thecurrent membership (especially fleet ownersand managers); attracting new members;improving the industry’s public image withhelp from the American Trucking Associa-

tions; and improving and expanding servic-es for members (See his complete agenda onpage 7).For the most part, Savoy is a quiet leader,

but his mind is always fermenting ideas toimprove things — whether it’s for the youthfootball teams he coaches, his work withGreenbush Logistics, Inc., or his associationwith its parent company, Great SouthernWood Preserving, Incorporated (GSW).

Yet, the rub on most “idea men” is thatmany lack the wherewithal to implementand follow through even with the best of in-tentions. Not Savoy. Time and time again,when asked to lead, he has led — alwaysleaving a project in better shape than hefound it. In his mind, if you’re not changing,you’re falling behind. And those who haveworked alongside him know he’s a man whocommits to a plan and achieves results. His work with the Association’s Annual

Golf Classic, the group’s sole fundraiser forits political action committee TRUK PAC,is a prime example of Savoy’s constant driveto raise the bar and deliver the goods.In 2010, Savoy was appointed by then

ATA Chairman Gail Cooper of Boyd Bros.Transportation to serve as Chairman of theATA Golf Classic Committee. Savoy hadexperience with GSW founder JimmyRane’s annual charity golf tournament thatprovides college scholarships for deservingstudents. “I remember I was in a board meeting

Greenbush Logistics’ Kevin


Savoy: Raising the Bar

several years ago where we were discussing(ATA’s) tournament format, basically justmaking suggestions and offering ideas,”Savoy says. “I threw out some ideas andsuggestions that worked for Jimmy’s tourna-ment. I pretty much put myself out there,and the board’s consensus was, ‘Okay, well,then you need to be golf chairman.’ That’sreally how I got the job.”Savoy immediately went to work on a

business plan to pitch and recruited WendyGay with the Jimmy Rane Foundation tohelp. To reach the fundraising goal, he

closed participation in the actual golf tour-nament to only those whose companiessponsored the event, and linked the numberof players for each company to the level offinancial sponsorship. This was done topromote sponsorship among the Associa-tion’s Allied members rather than some justsending their representatives only to play inthe tournament.ATA’s Frank Filgo recalls having some

reservations about Savoy’s vision for restruc-turing the tournament. “I didn’t think hisproposal had a chance, quite honestly,” ad-

mits Filgo. “I was sure the board wouldn’t gofor the changes, but Kevin can be quite per-suasive, especially once you realize that he isgoing to work very hard to push somethinghe really believes in. He has a pretty exten-sive track record of getting things done.”Savoy also reorganized tournament spon-

sorship levels, creating a single major spon-sor for the event that earned top billing. Es-sentially, the major sponsor level is awardednaming rights to the tournament for thatyear — much like a college football post-season bowl game or a professional sports

Greenbush Logistics delivers Great Southern Wood products across the country and backhaulsraw materials to its 15 plants.

Each terminal offers a maintenance crew and full-service shop to maintain the assigned fleet.


All smiles: Savoy visits with Great Southern Wood’s Gulf Coast Region general manager Bob White.

team stadium. The first year, McLeod Soft-ware, headed by ATA board member TomMcLeod, stepped up to be PresidentialSponsor.Savoy’s new structure enabled ATA’s Golf

Classic to raise the most cash in the event’shistory – bringing in more than $164,000in sponsorships for an event that had previ-ously never raised more than $92,000. Theaccomplishment was also an impetus forplacing ATA’s TRUK PAC among the state’stop political action committees. Following this success, Savoy was asked to

spearhead the 2011 tournament, and onceagain he and his committee raised the barand brought in a record amount of funds.Thanks are due in part to Marmon Tech-nologies, which eagerly signed on as thetournament’s Presidential Sponsor. The 2011event broke the previous year’s mark nettingmore than $178,000 in pledges from morethan 82 trucking-related businesses.“Of course, there was some trepidation,

to say the least, and I had to sell my ideasto the P&F committee and then to theboard, but once we got everyone on thesame page, the membership really steppedup to make our tournament an industryleader for its format and membership sup-port,” Savoy says.“A lot of times, if someone offers an idea

to the Board, that person is given the oppor-tunity to run with it,” says Filgo. “Kevin’s ex-perience with other charity golf tournamentsmade him a perfect choice to take this Asso-ciation’s main political fundraiser to anotherlevel. It was quite a remarkable feat, especial-ly in a down economy, and one that to thisday reverberates for our group. It was with-out a doubt the reason he is consideredamong this Association’s most dedicated

members. I expect great things for his termas ATA Chairman.”

Turning YellaSavoy, originally from Mobile, Ala., at-

tended Auburn University to earn a degreein Forest Products. During his time there,he performed research with the ForestryDepartment, and even pursued a master’sdegree in chemical engineering for a while,but eventually decided to start his career.“The more I got into (the master’s pro-gram), the more I realized that it really was-n’t what I thought it was going to be,” herecalls. “I decided to get out after a year andgo to work, and see where things took me.”Upon leaving the graduate program, he in-

terviewed with a few big names in forestproducts, as well as several small lumber andflooring manufacturers, assuming that he’dfind work in mill management. Eventually,he landed an interview with Jimmy Rane ofGreat Southern Wood, who was knee-deep ina major expansion project that included com-plete overhauls of the company’s two maintreating facilities in Abbeville and Mobile.“Jimmy and I met in his office for an

hour or so, discussing his plans for the fu-ture, and what I was looking to do forwork,” Savoy says. “He was already in theprocess of rebuilding the plant here inAbbeville and wanted to do the same thingin Mobile. He asked if I would be willingto oversee the building projects. I wasn’tsure that I had enough experience to handlea project of that size.”But Rane saw something in the young

Savoy and reassured him that he was indeedthe right man for the job. “My father

Chairman Kevin Savoy’s10-point Plan for FY 2013-2014

1Finalize, through the courts and/or thelegislative process, the issue of appor-

tionment of property tax for IRP vehicles.

2Improve ATA’s legislative effectivenessand influence by identifying and sup-

porting “pro-truck” candidates in the up-coming 2014 Elections.

3Raise $250,000 for TRUK PACthrough the Classic event and dues

assessments/contributions.

4Due to the anticipated increase inmotor carrier audits, increase ATA’s pre-

audit compliance reviews for member motorcarriers.

5Assist member motor carriers to complywith the new Hours of Service regula-

tions.

6Grow ATA’s education and training pro-grams utilizing ATA’s newly expanded

meeting room facility. Examples: Oba-maCare Workshops, Compliance Seminars,etc.

7Develop and coordinate Image Cam-paign designed to improve public’s per-

ception of the importance of trucking.

8Refocus Alabama’s motor carrier empha-sis on proper freight securement prac-

tices involving the transport of metal coils.

9Solicit increased member participationof key Alabama motor carriers in the

Association’s events and programs.

10Better engage and network with themembership through the Associa-

tion’s web-based member management soft-ware entitled YourMembership.

Continued on page 38

Driver training facility at the Abbeville terminal Shop employees utilize computer software that accesses and tracks parts inventory for repairs.



Early architectural drawings for the Associations Building in downtown Montgomery.


The four decades from the 1950sthrough the 1980s are some of themost exciting in Alabama Trucking

Association history, as the ATA repeatedlyrose to the challenge on issue after issueand worked to represent state trucking in-terests. Those years also span some of themost significant developments in the U.S.trucking industry, as the nation flexed itspostwar muscles.Overall U.S. economic growth during

the period was astounding, with truckingplaying a large role in overall economic de-velopment, spurred by the newly createdInterstate Defense Highway System andAmerica’s great suburban expansion andbuild-out.From its inception in 1938 through

World War II and beyond, ATA promotedAlabama trucking interests on issues rang-ing from weights and tariffs to taxation,fees, reciprocity with other states’ truckingregulations and fee structures and more.But the economic growth in the comingfour decades following World War II woulddemand an organization that not onlyserved as a regulatory watchdog but also akey mechanism to raise the overall level ofAlabama’s trucking industry in terms ofprofessionalism and safety.One of the biggest developments in the

1950s was the hiring of James Ritchie in1957 as a new general manager for the 20-year-old organization. A World War II vetwho came from the Nashville Chamber ofCommerce, Ritchie signed on and stayedon the job 38 years before retiring in 1996as ATA President and CEO.Along the way, Ritchie led ATA’s signifi-

cant growth and influence at both state andnational levels in the trucking industry. Hedeveloped into a highly effective associationexecutive, garnering multiple state and na-tional awards in the industry.After locating enough furniture to fill the

ATA offices in the old Bell Building indowntown Montgomery his first few dayson the job, one of Ritchie’s initial moveswas producing the ATA annual convention.Under Ritchie’s leadership, the conventiongained a much higher level of order, deco-rum and dignity—reflecting the increasedprofessionalism promoted by some of ATA’slongtime leaders.Big Alabama trucking news in the 1950s

included the state’s first National TruckDriver of the Year, Reuben Thomas, who

drove for the Sessions Co. in Enterprise.While in North Carolina, Thomas savedthe life of a woman trapped in a burningcar and was given a “Driver of the Month”award from ATA’s Council of Safety Supervisors.He also received an Arthur Godfrey

“Gentlemen of the Highways” citation pre-sented by the TV personality and AmericanTrucking Associations and was ultimatelychosen as the national organization’s “Driver of the Year” in 1957. ATA hosted aluncheon in Montgomery where he wasgiven the award.Meanwhile, the Association continued

to expand its representation of state truckers. In 1958, the ATA membershipvoted to designate the Board of Directorsthe governing body instead of the executivecommittee. Later in the year ATA estab-lished the Customer Relations Council,which sought to improve marketing andpublic relations and overall c ustomer goodwill.By the end of the decade, a number of

committees were working on issues andmaking recommendations to the ATAboard. In 1959, ATA committees includedBudget and Finance, Convention, Duesand Schedules, Highway, Legislative andMembership.The ATA’s development continued in

1961, when the ATA board approved pur-chase of property to acquire its own officefacility on South Union Street, and the or-ganization moved in October 1961.Also in 1961, ATA was instrumental in

having a 21-year-old mileage tax repealed inthe state legislature. In 1962, ATA was one

Former Alabama CEO James Ritchie


of the original state groups closely in-volved in formation of and implemen-tation of the Emergency Motor Trans-port Board to assure smooth function-ing of motor transport in a nationalemergency.A special ATA convention in 1963

celebrated the association’s 25th anniver-sary with a major event in Biloxi, Miss.where founding and charter memberswere honored. Continuing to look toward expan-

sion, by 1964 the ATA board had ap-proved a plan to buy property onAdams Street that would not onlyhouse ATA, it would also encompassrental space to help retire the debt re-quired for such an investment. By fall1965, the building featuring more than17,000 sq. ft. in overall office space was oc-cupied by ATA.Called the Associations Building, a

grand open house for ATA’s new facilitywas held in early 1966. Early tenants to occupy space available included the

Alabama Furniture Association, AlabamaPetroleum Council and Alabama LP GasBoard. Over the years—due to its tenantswho shared a mission similar to ATA’s inpromoting certain interests in Alabama—the building became a well-known gather-ing spot for business people, associationmembers and activists who were pursuing

issues or seeking to work with Ala-bama government.Key initiatives in the 1960s include

a major program held in 1966 in Ala-bama through ATA in conjunctionwith the Trucking Safety Institute andAmerican Trucking Associations—theMotor Fleet Supervisors Safety Pro-gram—at the time the only such pro-gram in the South. That same yearATA was given its 6th consecutive na-tional ATA safety award for efforts inthat area, with the ATA’s July 4th“Lights on for Safety” program cited.By early 1967, ATA was working

with the State Dept. of Education’sVocational Division to establish a driv-

er training school at Walker County StateTrade School in Sumiton. The ATA provid-ed help through an advisory committee,and the school’s first 14-member class allfound jobs immediately upon graduation.In one 15-month period from 1968-69, theschool graduated 119 students, with 106taking jobs in the industry.

Associations Building as it appeared following exterior upgrades performed in the early 1990s.

National Truck Driver of the Year for 1958 Reuben Thomas and family


The ATA also provided extensive educa-tional opportunities for its members, rang-ing from transportation forums to salesseminars, safety programs and supervisortraining classes to name just a few.By the early 1970s, ATA was on the

move. That year the annual convention washeld outside the U.S. for the first time, inthe Bahamas, and through the nationalATA, Alabama’s Trucking Associationhelped arrange shipping of a historic moonrock that was brought to Montgomery for apublic exhibit.Meanwhile, in 1970 DOT clinics in

driver qualifications, first initiated by ATA,were adopted by the federal Dept. of Trans-portation and used as a national educationprogram that resulted in 700 clinics withmore than 45,000 participants across NorthAmerica.In 1975, ATA commemorated the 25th

year of the Basic Fleet Supervisors SafetyCourse. The same year saw the first annualMaintenance Course, sponsored by theATA Maintenance Council with the help ofthe state education department.Three years later, for the first time ever

an ATA member was elected governor, withFob James sworn in January 1979. Themove was a harbinger for ATA itself, whichbecame more involved in the state and na-tional political process, joining the AlabamaAlliance of Business and Industry (business’political research arm) at its formation in1981. The organization’s leadership contin-ued its political development when long-time ATA member Sonny Callahan waselected to U.S. Congress in 1984.The political process gained more atten-

tion from ATA leading up to and in theearly 1980s as Congress passed the MotorCarrier Act of 1980 that deregulated thetrucking industry in the U.S. Along theway, ATA was deeply involved in lobbyingstate and federal officials to ensure Alaba-ma’s trucking interests.In 1983, Jim Ritchie was given a plaque

to commemorate his 25 years with ATA asthe organization celebrated its 45th anni -versary.A year later, Alabama saw its second and

last national driver of the year, as N.F. Plunkett, who drove for Chevron USA outof Birmingham and was named ATA’s Alabama Driver of the Year in 1983, waspicked as the national ATA’s Driver of theYear in 1984.At age 60, Plunkett had compiled a spot-

less safety record in 37 years of driving thatincluded an accident-free 2.5 million miles

on the road. He traveled throughout thecountry that year promoting the truckingindustry and trucking safety.In 1985, longtime ATA member and

1978 ATA chairman Earl Dove was electedchairman of the American Trucking Associ-ations, becoming only the second Alabamatrucker to hold that post.In the mid-1980s, following national

DOT studies that showed accidents had in-

creased significantly since deregulation,ATA worked with state officials to have thefederal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Pro-gram (MCSAP) funded and implementedin Alabama. By 1987, ATA had sponsoredeight MCSAP schools in the state that hadmore than 400 participants.In 1988, when ATA celebrated its 50th

anniversary, the organization also held a“note burning” party as the last parking lotmortgage note on ATA facilities was retired.At the 1988 ATA convention in Panama

City Beach, Fla., those in attendance cele-brated the organization’s growth and suc-cesses during its 50 years of existence.“As the Alabama Trucking Association

celebrates its 50th anniversary, its concernas a broad-based motor carrier membershiporganization exists over the viability and fu-ture of an essential industry to the Alabamaand American economy,” said JamesRitchie.The longtime ATA executive noted

trucking’s unique role in the economy as aservice to facilitate economic growth anddevelopment.“While the economy may ebb and flow,

the trucking industry will always be posi-tioned and ever ready to meet Alabama’sand the nation’s transportation needs,”Ritchie continued. “In that, the AlabamaTrucking Association is prepared and quali-fied to serve and assist.”Compiled and edited by Dan Shell, a

writer and editor based in Montgomery, Ala.Alabama’s second and last National Truck Driver of the Year(1984) N.F. Plunkett

Alabama Trucking Association building in Montgomery, circa 1958.

read—all the information available to complywith the regulatory requirements. Thereshouldn’t be any excuses.With regard to a driver complaint, the

FMCSA has a responsibility to investigate theseconcerns in a prompt, timely manner. Nodoubt, these complaints typically come fromdisgruntled drivers, and are usually based ondispatch procedures, pay issues, or a companyleaning too heavily on drivers to operate be-yond the hours-of-service requirements.So with that in mind: Are you listening to

your drivers? Do you hear when a driver warns,“this load is dispatched too tight,” or maybe“I’m out of hours?” Think about. Most driversknow when something isn’t right—and a goodone will speak up. The upshot is: It’s our responsibility to set

the driver up for a successful trip. As a trustedmentor once told me, “Set a person up for suc-cess, and give them the tools to do their job,and they will succeed. Set them up for failure,and they will most always fail.” As you conduct your daily business and re-

view the mountains of paperwork you’re facedwith every day, don’t overlook the human ele-ment it takes to get the job done. Regulations,policies and procedures are something we allendure. Customer requests, freight volume andequipment issues can cloud our judgment fromtime to time. Making the right decision basedon the right thing to do will decrease the op-portunity for disgruntled drivers.A good safety department should have

things under control in regard to regulationsand compliance. Know the requirements andfollow the guidelines set forth by the FMCSR.Do those things and a notification from thefeds will not catch you off guard, and will mostalways guarantee compliance.Conversely, failure to listen to your drivers

can almost guarantee that unresolved issues arecoming. We can’t please everybody all the time,but we do need to look for the red flags thatcan lead to a complaint. Who better to involvein your planning procedures than those whoare on the roads every day getting the job done?Are you listening? You should.


You’ve just received a notification fromthe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad-ministration (FMSCA). So, what do

you do now? Do you panic, or do you take comfort that

your house is in order and you’re ready?Over the past few months I have received a

few calls from carriers that have received noti-fication that the federal Department of Trans-portation (DOT) is coming for a visit. Often,that notification comes on a Thursday, withword that DOT reps will be onsite the fol-lowing week. Different carriers have different reactions to

the notice: Some are ready at all times for anytype review for their house is in order regardingcompliance, while others respond with a pan-icked call seeking assistance for the review.Usually, I’m asked, “What causes my com-

pany to be selected for a review?” It’s a com-plicated answer, but several factors determinewhy and when your company is selected for adread ed compliance review (CR). Your crashrate may be high; or your CSA scores mayhave alerts; or maybe your out-of-service rateis high. But the most frequent reason I hear isa driver complaint—and more often thannot, these complaints often receive immediateattention.As safety directors and company officials we

focus on reviewing scores and how many crash-es we’ve had. We review driver files, applica-tions, background checks, drug and alcoholtesting, and other required documents, but wetoo often overlook the person behind the wheel.We often overlook issues that our drivers bring(or try to bring) to our attention.We need to be very sure our documentation

procedures are in order, as this is a key area fora CR. With the dozen or so documents we arerequired to have on file we get so wrapped upin paperwork, policies and procedures, and theresult is we tend to overlook the key element ofour operation, the driver. Actually, the documentation requirements

are clearly defined in the Federal Motor Car-rier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) from Part40 through Part 399. It’s all there for us to

Tim Frazier, CDSATA Director of Safety and Member Services

‘Most drivers knowwhen something

isn’t right—and a good one will

speak up.’

Are You Listening toYour Drivers?

Safety Insights

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE


Experts say conventional fuelswill continue to power truckingAn article from Commercial Carrier

Journal’s James Jillet predicts that thoughthere will be an uptake in alternative fuelsources in the next few decades, conven-tional fuels—like diesel—and the internalcombustion engine will continue to powerthe world’s vehicles for some time. The article quotes Shell’s Richard Tucker,

general manager of technology for the company’s commercial fuels and lubricantsdivision.In the year 2050, two-thirds of vehicles

on the road will still use conventional fuels and conventional engine technology, Tuckersaid at a Shell press event in Hamburg,Germany, last week.The challenge, he said, will be in con-

tinuing to cut emissions of those enginesand keeping up with the ever-increasingamount of vehicles on the road: Tuckersaid that by 2050 another 2 billion vehi-cles will be on the world’s roads—a 60percent increase over the amount of vehi-cles in use today.But those vehicles will powered by what

Tucker called a “mosaic” of energy sources,ranging from the dominate conventionalfuels to sources like natural gas, hydrogen,solar and electricity, he said.He added that gas-to-liquid will emerge

as an alternative source of energy for vehi-cles, and Shell has invested $90 billion re-cently in a GTL facility in Qatar to researchit. GTL is a clean-burning, low-sulfur,highly low-emissions fuel when convertedto diesel, Tucker said.Natural gas will also be a big player in

the future of vehicle energy sources, he said,but it will not be “an overnight revolution.”It is a fuel source Shell’s investing in, how-ever, including its Green Corridor in Cana-da and its cross-country LNG corridor part-nership with TA.“We’re putting a lot of effort into being

world’s most innovative energy company,”Tucker said, adding that the company is in-vesting worldwide in its research facilities,including remaking its Hamburg, Germany,tech center and renovating its Houston fa-cility. It’s also made investments to itsShanghai center, he said.Part of Shell’s strategy includes partner-

ing with truck and engine manufacturers toContinued on page 20

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS

Despite drop in overall worker deaths, trucking still has high fatality rate

A preliminary total of 4,383 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in2012, down from a revised count of 4,693 fatal work injuries in 2011, according to anew report from the U.S. Labor Department.The 2012 total represents the second lowest preliminary total since the report was

first conducted in 1992. The rate of fatal work injury for U.S. workers in 2012 was 3.2per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, down from a rate of 3.5 per 100,000 in2011.Transportation incidents accounted for more than 2 out of every 5 fatal work injuries

in 2012. Of the 1,789 transportation-related fatal injuries, about 58 percent, or 1,044cases, were roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles.Among service-providing industries in the private sector, fatal work injuries in trans-

portation and warehousing accounted for 677 fatal work injuries in 2012, a decrease of10 percent over the revised 2011 count of 749 fatalities.The number of fatal injuries in truck transportation, the largest subsector within

transportation and warehousing in terms of employment, decreased 6 percent in 2012.Fatal work injuries in transportation and material moving occupations were down 7

percent to 1,150 in 2012.Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers was the subgroup within transportation and

material moving occupations with the highest number of fatal injuries. Dropping 4 per-cent, this subgroup recorded 741 fatalities in 2012.Among contractors who were employed outside the construction and extraction oc-

cupations group, the largest number of fatal occupational injuries was incurred by heavyand tractor-trailer truck drivers, with 50 deaths.


build “cost-effective packages,” Tucker said,as both groups are evolving.Frank Machatschek, another technology

manager with Shell, said the company’spartnerships with equipment manufacturershelp both parties develop a deeper technicalunderstanding of the other and the issuesthey face.Truck makers right now, he said, face two

main challenges: The rising total cost ofownership of a truck and environmentalprotection.By partnering with OEMs, Machatschek

said, Shell can create engine oil productswith extended drain intervals that offerproper engine protection and increase fueleconomy—all three of which help lower thecost of truck ownership.The second challenge, environmental is-

sues, can also be mitigated with better fueleconomy, he said, but Shell also is improv-ing its compatibility with alternative fuels

and engines with exhaust aftertreatment.Machatschek also reiterated the company

is “working on building the future energymix,” in which natural gas can be a bigplayer, he said.

New York’s McLean wins TMC-SuperTech 2013The American Trucking Associations’

Technology & Maintenance Council recog-nized Mark McLean Jr., Montgomery, N.Y.,as the nation’s top truck technician as hewas named TMCSuperTech 2013 grandchampion at the council’s ninth annual National Technician Skills Competition,held Sept. 9-11 in Pittsburgh.McLean, a technician with FedEx

Freight, was one of 129 technicians fromacross the country that competed in a dayof qualifying written and hands-on testing.The top 112 scoring technicians thencompeted in the day-long skills challengewith 14 “hands-on” skills stations that test-ed an array or troubleshooting skills, gen-eral truck maintenance, electronic diagnos-tics applications, and safety and environ-mental practices. Scores from an ASE written test were added to the total skillschallenge scores to determine the top trucktechs.

“All of the competitors as this year’s TMCSuperTech competition deserve ourcongratulations, but none more so thanMark McLean, this year’s grand champion,”said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. While a tremendous amount of attention

is paid to our industry’s drivers, and our industry’s driver shortage, we must not for-get those technicians and mechanics whotruly keep our industry rolling. Our in -dustry needs more of skilled people likeMark and the 128 other competitors atTMCSuperTech.”In addition to having the highest overall

score, McLean also scored highest in twoskills stations—Wheel End and PreventiveMaintenance Inspection.For his TMCSuperTech 2013 win,

McLean received a trip for two to the Day-tona 500 and a custom championshipleather jacket from TMC, a Snap-On Na-tional Champion tool chest, a one-year sub-scription to Michell1’s Repair-Connect.net,a $10,000 Reliance Dream Shop cabinetstocked with fasteners and supplies alongwith a $5,000 credit for 12 months to keepit supplied using the latest micro bar codescanners, Noregon JPRO fleet diagnosticsoftware and adapter valued at $3,000, a$1,000 gift card from International Truck/

News


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Decatur, AL 256-351-0744

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for the long haul.

As your Chevron Distributor, we do more than just

offer high quality motor oils, transmission fluids and

gear lubricants for your fleet. We provide effective lu-

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Whether it’s performing an oil analysis, helping with

inventory management or any other service, we’re al-

ways ready to help minimize downtime, extend main-

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Think of us as your lubrication experts


Navistar, a Midtronics EXP1000HD Bat-tery/Electrical tester, a $500 gift certificatefrom Chicago Pneumatic, a LED torquewrench from Imperial Supplies valued at$600, a $500 Stanley tool certificate, and aReplica truck from Tonkin to winner’s company.Eric Vos, FedEx Freight, Boise, Idaho,

earned a second-place finish, along with afirst-place in the Tire & Wheel skill stationand a third place in the Drivetrain skill sta-tion. He received a trip for four to the 2014running of the Brickyard 400 from Borg-Warner, a $500 gift card from InternationalTruck/Navistar, a Midtronics EXP1000HDBattery/Electrical tester, Noregon J-Pro soft-ware and adapter, and a LED torquewrench from Imperial Supplies. The Brick-yard 400 package includes round-trip air-fare to Indianapolis, two rooms in the

Omni Hotel for up to three nights, ticketsto the races to be held on Friday and Satur-day, escorted bus ride and tickets to the2014 Brickyard 400 NASCAR Race onSunday, welcoming reception on Fridayevening, dinner with the group of ThermalSystems race fans, and at the BorgWarnerhospitality suite at the races including bev-erages and snacks.Third-place finisher Jeffrey Ostby, Fedex

Freight, Spokane, Wash., also placed thirdin the Drivetrain skill station. He receivedfour tickets to the Talladega 2014 SpringRace with hotel accommodations in Birm-ingham, Ala., and $500 spending money,a $500 gift card from International/NavistarTruck, a Midtronics EXP1000HD Bat-tery/Electrical tester, Noregon J-Pro soft-ware and adapter, and a LED torquewrench from Imperial Supplies.The additional top ten finishers for TM-

CSuperTech 2013 are:4. Derek Southerland, FedEx Freight,

Knoxville, Tenn.5. Jeffrey Schlecht, Omaha Truck Center,Norfolk, Neb.6. Christopher F. Barnett, Ryder System,Crittenden, Ky.7. Christopher P. Tate, Mohawk Truck,West Seneca, N.Y.

8. Joseph P. Calaway, Wal-Mart Transporta-tion, Jonesville, Mich.9. Jonathan R. Berg, FedEx Freight, Ro-seville, Minn.10. David Bryan Lewis, Wal-Mart Trans-portation, Amelia Court House, Va.Fourth and fifth-place finishers received

Noregon J-Pro software and adapter, and aLED torque wrench from Imperial Sup-plies. Sixth through 10th received a LEDtorque wrench from Imperial Supplies.“In addition to all the winners, I’d like to

recognize all our volunteer judges, organiz-ers and judges, without whom this wonder-ful event would not be possible,” Gravessaid.TMC, a technical council of American

Trucking Associations, created the competi-tion through its Professional Technician De-velopment Committee to recognize andpromote truck technicians.

CVSA says 30-min. break requirement is not an out-of-service violationIn a memo to clarify parts of the new

Hours-of-Service requirements that wentinto effect earlier this month, the Commer-

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Continued from page 20


cial Vehicle Safety Administration (CVSA)stated that violation of the new hours-of-service break requirement will not result inan out-of-service violation. However, viola-tion of the restart provisions or the 60/70-hour rule will.While not an out-of-service offence,

violating the mandatory 30-minute re -quirement does bring a severity weight of 7in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin-istration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountabili-ty system. If violating the break require-ment is counted as an out-of-service viola-tion, carriers and drivers can pursue remov-ing the OOS points on the agency’sDataQ’s review system.

Kansas driver wins National TDCGary Harms, a Wal-Mart Transportation

driver based in Olathe, Kan., was named

the 2013 Bendix National Truck DrivingChampionships Grand Champion at theannual NTDC competition held last weekin Salt Lake City.Harms’ driving skills and knowledge of

transportation and truck safety informationtopped more than 400 U.S. professionaltruck drivers at NTDC, the annual “SuperBowl of Safety” sponsored by AmericanTrucking Associations.Harms, who said he didn’t expect to win

the coveted best all-around driver award,said he carries cones in his truck and oftengoes to work an hour early to practice inthe Wal-Mart parking lot.“This competition is all about being

prepared and being safe every day,” Harmssaid.“Gary truly represents what is best about

our industry,” ATA President Bill Gravessaid in a statement.Harms, who driven for 30 years and has

logged more than 1.7 million miles behindthe wheel, began competing in his statetruck driving championships in 2007. Hesucceeds FedEx Freight’s Don Logan as Na-tional Grand Champion.This year marked Harms’ second trip to

the NTDC. He placed first in the 4-axleclass in 2011 and took top honors in this

year’s 5-axle sleeper-berth competition.Contestants were state champions in nine

truck types from all 50 states. Collectively,they have driven more than 600 million ac-cident-free miles.Wal-Mart Transportation is the trucking

component of Wal-Mart Logistics, which isin turn part of Wal-Mart Stores.With more than 6,500 trucks and almost

62,000 trailers, Wal-Mart Stores is rankedNo. 4 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list-ing of U.S. and Canadian private carriers.

CSA safety system adds new violationsThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration has added two violations tothe Safety Measurement System, one basedon new hours-of-service regulations, whilethe other is based on a more detailed description of existing controlled substancesand alcohol regulations. Both were im -plemented in the SMS July 1. If motor carriers have one or both of these violations,they will see them in the July snapshot oftheir SMS data which was released in earlyAugust.FMCSA’s new HOS regulation requires

News



drivers to take a 30-minute rest break dur-ing the first eight hours of a shift. Based ona court decision, effective August 2, 2013,FMCSA will no longer enforce the 30-minute break provision for drivers thatqualify for either of the short haul opera-tions exceptions. This new regulation andguidance can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos/index.htm.The violation related to the Controlled/

Substances Alcohol BASIC was added basedon industry and law enforcement feedbackand enables roadside inspectors to distin-guish between alcohol possession and alco-hol use, says FMCSA. SMS assigns a lowerseverity weight to alcohol possession.

Agency reviewing crash weighting plan for CSA scoringAccording to media reports, the Federal

Motor Carrier Safety Administration is con-ducting internal and peer review on itsCrash Weighting Research Plan it will re-lease this year.The agency is studying crash accounta-

bility as an accident predictor and the fea-sibility of incorporating it into a carrier’sSafety Measurement System score underthe Compliance, Safety, Accountabilityprogram. As it stands now, all crashes—even those that are clearly not the fault ofthe carrier—are weighted the same in acarrier’s CSA score.FMCSA’s study examines if police reports

have the quality and consistency to supportcrash weighting determinations. The re-search plan will help gauge if determiningaccountability would justify an annual $2to 3 million needed to analyze up to100,000 crash reports each year.FMCSA spokesman Duane DeBruyne

said the agency has used “many stakehold-ers,” including the agency’s Motor CarrierSafety Advisory Committee, to develop thestudy’s scope and objectives. “Upon its re-lease later this year, the agency will an-nounce next steps,” DeBruyne said.The agency did not indicate what types

of steps might follow or a timeline for pro-ceeding.FMCSA is working with the Department

of Transportation’s Volpe Center in develop-ing a tool to fairly establish crash accounta-bility and examine how it should affect acarrier’s SMS score. The Senate Appropria-tions Committee, which had directed theFMCSA work with the center, listed a com-pletion date of Sept. 30 for the CrashWeighting Research Plan.The committee set a Dec. 1, 2014, dead-

line for the Government Accountability Of-fice audit of agency progress with the pro-gram. The GAO examination includesgauging CSA’s effectiveness in identifyingthe highest risk carrier sand how programinterventions improve carrier safety, accord-ing to a June 27 committee report.

NYT calls background checksystem flawedIn a recent editorial, The New York

Times called the system the U.S. uses tocheck criminal backgrounds of sensitive em-ployees, including truck drivers who haulhazmat or weapons and other dangerouscargo is seriously flawed. According to the piece, the Federal Trade

Commission has rightly intensified scrutinyof the companies that provide the criminalbackground checks used by most firms andcorporations to screen job applicants. In toomany cases, the reports are out of date andincomplete, causing job seekers who mayhave been arrested but never charged—orwho have had their cases expunged or evendismissed—to be unfairly locked out of thejob market. “The new oversight is important, given

that these companies sometimes ignore afederal law that requires them to make surethat the reports are accurate,” the editorialstated. “But more oversight is not enough.Congress must also focus on the flawedpractices of the Federal Bureau of Investiga-tion, the nation’s most important providerof criminal background data. Its data, too,has unfairly damaged the prospects of peo-ple seeking work.” NYT noted that the use of F.B.I. crimi-

nal background checks to screen govern-ment employees was introduced during thecold war. But over the last several decades—and particularly since 9/11—Congress andthe executive branch have steadily expandedthe number of nonfederal jobs covered byF.B.I. checks, which are now required forschool, day care and health care workers, aswell as for truck drivers, laborers, landscap-ers and even cooks who have access to gov-ernment buildings and other sensitive areas. According to a report by the National

Employment Law Project, a research and

advocacy group, the F.B.I. performed nearly17 million work-related background checkslast year, about six times the number adecade ago. “F.B.I. background checks are widely

viewed as the gold standard but are in factwoefully flawed, often based on fallibleand incomplete data submitted to the bu-reau by state and local law enforcement,”NYT stated. “Those agencies do a goodjob of transmitting arrest and fingerprintdata but a terrible job of including infor-mation on the cases’ outcome. For exam-ple, the United States attorney general in2006 found that about half the records inthe F.B.I. database were missing final dis-position information. Employers who usedthose records would not have seen that anapplicant with an arrest record was neverconvicted. The law project report includes examples

of workers who were either turned awayfrom jobs or fired based on faulty F.B.I.background information. Federal data showthat more than 90 percent of workers whoappealed denials of security clearances fromthe Transportation Security Administrationwere successful, because the F.B.I. recordshad been inaccurate or incomplete. Fixing this broken system will require

Congressional action, according to TheTimes, which pointed to a bill introducedby Representative Robert Scott, Democratof Virginia that would require the F.B.I. touse the stricter procedures for gun-salebackground checks for employment back-ground checks. Legislation introduced byRepresentative Keith Ellison, Democrat ofMinnesota, would require the bureau to im-prove the accuracy of background checksfor people seeking work with the federalgovernment. “At the very least, the FBI should be held

to the same standards as private background-check companies, which are required to fol-low procedures for weeding out inaccurateinformation,” the editorial argued.

Livestock haulers seek exemp-tion from break requirementAccording to political newspaper, The

Hill, livestock producers want an exemptionfor truck drivers carrying pigs, cows andother animals from federal rules requiringrest breaks every eight hours on the job.The National Pork Producers Council

has filed a petition with the Federal MotorCarrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)asking the agency to remove a requirementfor daily 30-minute breaks for its truckers.Those breaks can be dangerous for live-

News


stock that have to sit in trucks during thesummer heat and winter chill, the groupsaid in its petition.Pigs, for instance, do not sweat, and are

especially prone to suffering from heatstress.As such, the trade organization asserted

that the 30-minute break requirement “willcause livestock producers and their driversirreparable harm, place the health and wel-fare of the livestock at risk, and provide noapparent benefit to public safety, while forc-ing the livestock industry and their driversto choose between the humane handling ofanimals or compliance with the rule,” theFMCSA summarized in a notice. The pork council is making the request

on behalf of a number of livestock tradegroups, including the National ChickenCouncil and the National Cattlemen’s BeefAssociation. The FMCSA will review the petition and

is asking for the public to weigh in the next30 days. In July, the FMCSA granted a 90-day

waiver of the exemption for drivers carryinglivestock, but the groups want a longer ex-emption, which can last up to two years.

FMCSA seeks new approach toscreen drivers applicants The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad-

ministration is testing a new approach toscreening new entrants into the business, inhopes of saving money and improving effi-ciency.In July the agency began a year-long test

of a pre-screening process designed to iden-tify high-risk applicants that need an on-sitesafety review and give low-risk applicants away to file their information electronically.The agency used to have 18 months to

audit all new entrants but under the trans-portation law passed by Congress last year itmust conduct the audits within a year.The agency said it does more than

34,000 new-entrant audits each year, anumber that has increased each year overthe past three and is expected to continuegrowing.It has completed between 87 percent and

92 percent of the audits on time over thelast several years, and between 65 percentand 74 percent of the applicants havepassed their audits, the agency said.In the test, which is being conducted in

five states and five Canadian provinces, cer-

tain carriers are automatically targeted foron-site inspections, while others have theopportunity to electronically submit infor-mation about their safety programs.Targeted companies include passenger

carriers, carriers that have hazmat violationsat roadside inspections and carriers withone or more CSA scores above the interven-tion threshold. Also targeted are new en-trants that have violated rules covering li-censing, out-of-service orders, hazmats anddrugs and alcohol.New entrants that clear this screening are

being sent letters explaining that they cansubmit their information to a safety auditwebsite.If the carrier has an adequate safety man-

agement program, the agency will skip theonsite safety audit. If it doesn’t, the agencywill schedule an onsite audit. If it doesn’trespond, the agency can revoke its registra-tion.The test is being conducted in Califor-

nia, Florida, Illinois, Montana and NewYork. Agency staff in Montana and NewYork is using the procedures for Canadiancarriers based in British Columbia, Alberta,Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.

State upholds trailer reciprocity

A decision by the chief administrativelaw judge of the Alabama Dept. of Revenuehas denied an attempt by the department toimpose Alabama registration fees on an in-terstate motor carrier’s trailing equipmentthat was properly registered in Maine.The carrier was headquartered in Ala-

bama, and used the state as its base for reg-istration under the International Registra-tion Plan (IRP). It registered its trailingequipment, which was not required to beregistered under IRP, in Maine, which al-lowed carriers to register such equipmentthere, whether the carrier had presencethere or not (This carrier did not). The department found that the trailers

were based in Alabama, and assessed regis-tration fees on them. The department’s the-ory was that since the IRP does not specifywhere trailing equipment is to be registered,the Multistate Reciprocity Agreement, anolder state compact of which Alabama wasa member, controlled. The MRA, according to the department,

required the carrier to register at least someof its trailing equipment in Alabama. The

judge, however, agreed with the carrier thatsection 515 of the IRP, which granted reci-procity to any trailer properly registered inany IRP member jurisdiction, trumped theMRA. He distinguished an earlier Alabama

court decision, which upheld the imposi-tion of an Alabama trailer fee, on theground that Maine had not, at the timethat decision was rendered, been an IRPmember, and so different reciprocityarrangements controlled. The judge agreed with the carrier that

section 515 of the Plan meant what itsaid. Eagle Motor Freight, Inc. v. State of Ala-bama, docket no. MV. 12-1107, decidedMay 6, 2013. See decision at http://rev-enue.alabama.gov/aljrules/12-1107.pdf.

Greenbush’s Barnes chosen fornational ATA leadership program

Greenbush Logistics Director of Opera-tions Larry Barnes has been selected from agroup of nationwide applicants as one oftwelve participants in a new leadership de-velopment program sponsored by the

American Trucking Association.The program called LEAD ATA is a one-

year program, created to engage the truck-ing industry’s best and brightest and preparethem to becomeour leaders of to-morrow. Partici-pants gain real-world experienceand in-depth indus-try insights notavailable throughany other program.By selecting a di-verse group of can-didates, this pro-gram will representthe many different segments, regions, andfleet sizes that make up our industry.The program is designed to highlight the

many facets of ATA and so members canlearn how to more effectively serve thetrucking industry. Participants gain a betterunderstanding of the regulatory and legisla-tive process, how it directly affects theirbusiness, and what role ATA plays in thatprocess on their behalf. These emerging trucking executives will

develop a vast network of industry peers,enhanced leadership and management skills,and a thorough understanding of the ATAand the industry it represents. Graduates ofLEAD ATA will possess all of the tools nec-essary to lead their companies and our in-dustry into the future.

Oregon, other states pursue alternatives to fuel tax

According to Keith Goble of Land Line,a new Oregon law encourages motorists toexperiment with a per-mile road tax as statelawmakers throughout the country push thefederal government to ante up for similarprograms.The National Conference of State Legis-

latures wants the feds to create a $20 mil-lion fund to help states look for alternativesto fuel taxes to pay for road and bridgework.A resolution adopted at the NCSL’s an-

nual conference in Atlanta would allot upto $2 million to states. The money wouldbe used to support state-level pilot pro-

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ATRI releases analysis of trucking costs

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released results of its2013 update to An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking. The research, whichidentifies trucking costs from 2008 through 2012 derived directly from fleets’ financialand operational data, provides carriers with an important high-level benchmarking tooland government agencies with real world data for future infrastructure improvementanalyses.The average marginal cost per mile in 2012 was $1.63, a slight decrease from the

$1.71 found in 2011. After the Great Recession and a sharp decline in fuel prices resultedin decreased industry costs between 2008 and 2009, industry costs steadily rose through2010 and 2011. The slight decrease in average operating costs in 2012 was most likelydue to the weak economic recovery and softening freight conditions experienced in thesecond half of the year.“Although we have seen conditions improve since the Great Recession of several years

ago, an uncertain economic future means we have to be ever diligent in watching costs.ATRI’s report provides critical financial data for carriers to use in benchmarking fleet per-formance and seeking opportunities for improved operations,” remarked Phil Byrd, Sr.,President and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express and First Vice Chairman of the AmericanTrucking Associations.Since its original publication in 2008, the Operational Costs of Trucking reports con-

tinue to be one of the most requested ATRI reports among industry stakeholders. In ad-dition to average costs per mile, ATRI’s report documents average costs per hour and in-cludes cost breakouts by industry sector. A copy of the report is available from ATRI’sWebsite www.atri-online.org.

Larry Barnes


grams to come up with other options to theexcise tax.Oregon state Senator Bruce Starr intro-

duced the resolution. He wrote that “rev-enues for our transportation system contin-ue to decline with vehicles becoming evermore fuel efficient and changing travel pat-terns nationwide.”Starr indicated that the nation’s trans-

portation infrastructure faces a funding gapof nearly $94 billion annually based on cur-rent spending.Starr also worked on a new rule signed

into law by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber.Previously SB810, the new law implementsa vehicle miles traveled fee for motorists.Truckers driving in the state already pay atax based on weight and distance traveled.The state’s new program for motorists

will start in 2015 using volunteers. As manyas 5,000 motorists will pay by the mileusing GPS technology or at the pump via awireless transponder.Meanwhile, volunteers will continue to

pay fuel taxes at the pump. The state willreimburse motorists the difference betweenthe fuel taxes and the amount owed inmileage taxes.The motorists’ mileage tax rate will be

1.5 cents per mile.Elsewhere, Nevada transportation offi-

cials are moving forward with a study onroad-funding options. Specifically, the de-partment will look at a VMT tax.Gov. Brian Sandoval said he wants the

study done in time for the 2015 regular ses-sion. The Nevada Legislature only meets forregular work during odd-numbered years.

Kevin Savoy tapped to serve asATA Chairman

The AlabamaTrucking Associa-tion has electedGreenbush Logis-tics’ Kevin Savoy toserve as its top elect-ed official for fiscalyear 2013-2014.Savoy, Vice Presi-

dent of Logistics forGreenbush, was in-stalled as the Associ-ation’s Chairman ofthe Board of Directors at ceremony at thegroup’s headquarters in Montgomery, Ala.in June and will serve one year. Nearly 200Association officials, guests and other digni-taries, including state legislators, public offi-cials, family and friends were present to wit-

ness outgoing Chairman Jack Brim of B.R.Williams Trucking hand over the reins ofthe Association to Savoy. “This is without question the highlight

of my career,” said Savoy, who oversees day-to-day operations from Greenbush, a sub-sidiary of Great Southern Wood, Inc. inAbbeville, Ala. “I am honored to lead thisAssociation, and look forward to workingwith our executive board, the ATA member-ship, and the Association staff to make Al-abama’s trucking industry stronger.”In his acceptance speech, Savoy laid out

his agenda for the coming year, which in-cludes initiatives to bolster member num-bers, increase existing membership involve-ment in ATA events and special projects—especially among trucking firms; and fortifyand improve the industry’s public image for

economic development and industry safetyand professionalism.“When I see television ads or news items

that unfairly attack our industry or call intoquestion our commitment to safety, it reallydisturbs me,” he said. “We have some of thesafest trucking businesses in the country,and their employees are extremely dedicatedto safety. I want to increase the public’sawareness to our commitment to makingAlabama’s highway safe for all travelers.”

Cargo thefts up slightly

Cargo thefts were up 1 percent in the pe-riod from May-July 2013 compared withthe previous period, February-April 2013,


Southland holds Open House for its Huntsville location

Last month, Southland International Trucks held an Open House for its newest dealer-ship in Hunts ville, located at 14010 Alabama Highway, just off of Exit #3 on I-565, 3miles east of I-65 and within 4 miles of the Navistar engine plant. The location offersstock new and used trucks, trailers, and rental and lease trucks from its Idealease division.For service, the dealership has 16 bays with more than 35 employees—and a full parts in-ventory with delivery drivers. The service center offers a mobile repair truck, diesel partic-ulate filter machine, and a natural gas repair bay. Also, the dealership has a fully opera-tional training facility available.

Southland-Huntsville staff is ready to serve.

Kevin Savoy


according to a FreightWatch InternationalSupply Chain Intelligence Center report.A total of 185 thefts were reported in

May (69), June (88) and July (61). The av-erage loss per incident was valued at$147,260, up 23 percent from the previousquarter.Food and drink were the most common-

ly stolen goods at 25 percent of the total,and electronics were next at 17 percent, ac-cording to the report.California remained the state with the

most thefts, with Texas ranked second. The55 thefts in California accounted for 25percent of all incidents across the UnitedStates. Texas had 34 thefts (16 percent ofthe total), while Illinois reported 31 (14percent), making it ranked third. Floridadropped from third position to numberfour, having experienced 23 thefts (11 per-cent) in the rolling quarter.Following the usual trend, incidents in-

volving theft of trailer/container, 165 in all,were most common and accounted for 76percent of all thefts. Thefts involving decep-tive pickup remained the same as the previ-

ous three months at 19 incidents, compris-ing 9 percent of all thefts.

IRP & IFTA Changes Now Effective

Several changes of importance to motorcarriers became effective at the beginning ofJuly this year in both the International Reg-istration Plan and the International FuelTax Agreement, as the result of amend-ments adopted by those organizations acouple of years ago.In IRP, new rules for audit and record

keeping are now in effect. In general, theseallow somewhat more flexibility to carriersin the way they maintain IRP records. Inparticular, states are required to accept foraudit those records produced by vehicle-tracking systems, such as those relying onGPS, provided those records contain whatan auditor needs to do an audit. Thechanges to the Plan also provide a newpenalty provision for carriers whose recordsare inauditable or entirely missing: a 20 per-cent increase in IRP fees for thefleet. IFTA’s change is in the rate of intereststates charge for underpayments, includingthose discovered on audit. Previously, IFTA’s interest rate had been a

punitive 12 percent a year. Now the rate is2 percent higher than the rate the InternalRevenue Service charges onunderpayments. So, as of July 1, this year,IFTA’s rate is only 5 percent rather than12. There is more information on this onIFTA’s website – www.iftach.org, under In-terest Rates.

Final URS Rule a step closer

According to American Trucking Associa-tions officials, the federal Office of Manage-ment and Budget recently finished its re-view of the final rule proposed by the U.S.Department of Transportation on the Uni-form Registration System and sent it backto DOT. According to Natioanl ATA, it’sunclear at this point what’s in the rule; whatchanges OMB may be requiring DOT tomake in its proposal; when the final rulemight be published in the Federal Register;and when the rule might be effective. The URS rule, which has been in the

works for more than a decade, has nothingto do with the Uniform Carrier RegistrationAgreement or UCRA. But instead, it’s therule implementing a major overhaul of thesystems that DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier


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Safety Administration uses to register andregulate interstate motor carriers, includingthe systems for issuing operating authority,regulating motor carrier insurance, and theagent-for-service-of-process requirements. Earlier drafts of the rule contained a re-

vised Form MCS-150 which ATA com-mented seemed far too complex and un-wieldy.

Federal tax benefits expiringwith 2013

According to the American Trucking As-sociations, federal bonus depreciation is dueto expire at the end of calendar year 2013,and the amount of equipment which busi-nesses may expense is due to shrink signifi-cantly at the same time. Bonus depreciation allows businesses to

write off 50 percent of new assets placed inservice this year, including rolling stock. Congress is unlikely to extend this provi-

sion before 2013 is over, and may not seefit to reenact it in the future. Businesses are

also currently permitted to expense (that is,write off completely in the year of purchase)up to $500,000 of assets put into serviceduring 2013, although this benefit phasesout to the extent the business’s total of newassets exceeds $2 million.Next year, the cap on such expensing will

be reduced to less than $150,000, with thephase-out beginning at a correspondinglylower amount of total expense.

Out-of-Service rates fall forRoadcheck 2013

Law enforcement officers found lowerrates of out-of-service violations in commer-cial vehicle inspections during a three-dayenforcement blitz earlier this year comparedwith last year’s event, the Commercial Vehi-cle Safety Alliance Violations that resulted in truck or bus

drivers being pulled off the road fell to 4.2percent, from 4.6 percent in 2012 and tiedwith the record low from 2011, CVSA saidin a Sept. 11 statement. The vehicle out-of-service violation rate was 20.6 percent com-pared with 20.9 percent last year.“The strong enforcement presence in-

volved in Roadcheck and throughout theyear is a critical component in our safety ef-

forts across North America,” Colorado StatePatrol Maj. Mark Savage, who is CVSA’spresident, said in a statement. “Inspectorsare making a huge impact, and they are tobe commended for their efforts.”State, federal and local officers conducted

47,771 Level I inspections during the June4-6 event. Level I is the standard, compre-hensive commercial-vehicle inspection thatincludes hours of service, seat belts, brakes,exhaust systems and driver licenses.Inspectors focused on cargo securement

in this year’s Roadcheck and found an 11.7percent out-of-service rate from violations,below last year’s 12.3 percent, CVSA said.—Transport Topics

Great West recognizes severalATA member fleets for safety

Nine Alabama Trucking Associationmember firms have were selected to receivenational recognition from Great West Casu-alty Co. recently in the insurance provider’sannual National Safety Awards Program.Alabama carriers that received Platinum

awards are Barnett Transportation ofTuscaloosa; Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc. ofFrisco City; Charles G. Lawson Trucking,




Locations:Troy, ALMark Knotts800-807-1412

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Nashville, TNSean Dickerson800-600-0991

A trucking company needs thebest representation they can havein all facets of their business. Re-gions Insurance, as one of thepremier truck agencies in thecountry, will provide that profes-sional representation and con-struct an insurance program toeffectively and efficiently protectyour assets. Call today to set upa consultation and quote.

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Hope Hull; H.D. Edgar, Opp; HarmonyHill Trucking, Union Town; HeritageFreight Warehousing & Logistics, Sylacau-ga; J & D Burgess, Inc. Anniston; PelhamTank Lines, Pelham; Wright TransportationInc., Mobile; and Young Transport LLC,Mobile.Great West’s National Safety Awards pro-

gram recognizes truckload and less-than-truckload with honors based on a fleet’syear-end preventable accident results. Carri-ers are eligible to receive a Platinum, Gold,Silver or Participatory award. The programdrew more than 750 applicants from acrossthe U.S.

New FMCSA broker bond require-ments set to take effect Oct. 1

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Ad-ministration has issued its guidance for bro-kers and freight forwarders to comply withthe new bond amount of $75,000, whichtakes effect Oct. 1.The mandated provisions, which upped

the broker bond from $10,000 to $75,000,were enacted as part of the highway fund-ing law, Moving Ahead for Progress in the21 Century Act, or MAP-21, which wassigned in July 2012.The current bond amount of $10,000

hasn’t been changed since before 1980.Since that time, the number of brokers en-tering the trucking industry has increaseddramatically. While there are many rep-utable brokers in the industry, there aresome bad brokers who rely on the low bondamount not to have to pay truck drivers thefreight charges they are owed. “By increasing the bond amount, in addi-

tion to other changes, the bond companieswill better scrutinize the brokers applying forbonds to assure themselves that the bondwon’t be abused and that truckers using thebroker will be paid,” wrote Todd Spencer, ex-ecutive vice president for OOIDA, in a LandLine article explaining the need to raise thebroker bond to $75,000.All brokers and freight forwarders who

engage in interstate brokerage or freight for-warding operations must register withFMCSA reflecting the new minimum secu-rity amount of $75,000. Motor carrierswho occasionally broker loads must registerboth as motor carriers and as brokers, ac-cording to the FMCSA guidance.

The maximum civil penalty for brokersand freight forwarders who engage in inter-state operations and who do not registerwith FMCSA is $10,000.The agency will be providing a 60-day

phase-in period beginning Oct. 1 to allow“the industry to complete all necessary filings.”On Nov. 1, the agency will mail notifica-

tions to all brokers and freight forwardersthat have not met the $75,000 minimumfinancial security requirement. The guid-ance states that FMCSA will provide 30days advance notice before revoking freightforwarder and broker operating authorityregistrations.As a provision outlined in MAP-21, bond

companies and trust fund institutions mustelectronically report to FMCSA when bondsare canceled and the agency is to immediatelysuspend the registration of the broker andpost notification on the agency’s website.As part of the initial phase-in period,

FMCSA will accept complaints regardingunregistered brokerage activities through itsNational Consumer Complaint Databaseand will continue to develop “a comprehen-sive enforcement program” in the attemptto determine the number of unlicensed bro-kers within the motor carrier industry.—Land Line Magazine



owned an HVAC company, so I grew uparound construction, but I really didn’t havemuch experience in it myself,” Savoy says.“(Rane) told me he was confident I couldhandle it, and asked me to join GreatSouthern. Honestly, that’s been the historythe two of us have had in the 20 years I’vebeen here. It seems it’s always been a situa-tion when Jimmy kind of threw me to thewolves, so to speak, but he has alwaysseemed to have full confidence in me.”Savoy admits that he at first leaned on

the expertise of engineers, building code of-ficials and various contractors to get a quickgrasp of the process. But with his own tech-nical experience from graduate school aswell as his keen organizational skill, hequickly came up to speed. By the time hestarted the second project, he was well pre-pared to hit the ground running.With the two plants completed, he stayed

on as production manager in Mobile, an as-signment that allowed him to work onstream lining processes and mill flow. Savoywas able to take a step back to assess the man-ufacturing process, including the logistics ofreceiving raw material (lumber) and the ship-ment of treated lumber to various customers.In 1995, GSW was looking to expand

into North Alabama and Savoy was tappedto lead the project. He found himself notmerely overseeing construction but im-mersed in the entire project start to finishspearheading site acquisition and develop-

ment, negotiating incentives from the localgovernment, hiring contractors, and procur-ing equipment. He then moved to Tus-cumbia to oversee construction of the treat-ing facility that was to be built from a greenfield. “This was a new experience for me,and one that I found more rewarding be-cause it was a complete project,” he says.

Forestry to TruckingAround 1998, the Tuscumbia terminal

was losing money, and Savoy was asked todetermine why. What he uncovered wasthat their trucking rate schedule didn’t real-ly work as it did for other GSW facilities.“Since the Tuscumbia plant wasn’t locatedin the Pine Belt (the region of the Southeastwhere stands of Southern Yellow Pine treesare historically abundant and where many

pine lumber manufacturers are located), ourdeliveries to places like Memphis andNashville didn’t give us the opportunity tobackhaul raw materials, so we were dead-heading more than we should,” he says.Management was then faced with either

increasing rates or finding other things tohaul. “So I went through the process get-ting our authority, and setting us up as afor-hire carrier,” he said. “We originally setit up as a DBA, Great Southern Trucking,and operated that way for several years.”At that time, GSW only had five termi-

nals with each terminal manager operatinghis own trucking fleet. There was no cen-tralized organization for the trucking side.“We basically operated five trucking compa-nies — we were too fragmented, basically,”he explains. “It was difficult to consolidatethings. We didn’t have a single operationsperson overseeing the trucking side, and westruggled with that for several years.”But despite these internal struggles, the

trucking side thrived, and what started as a65-truck private fleet quickly grew to morethan 280 trucks within six years. By 2004,the need for more centralized operations be-came too much to ignore. “We grew to ascale where we needed to be spun off intoour own entity,” he says. “We had grown toa size where we could stand alone.” Savoy was tapped to oversee the new

trucking operation which company ownersnamed Greenbush Logistics, Inc. (named



Great Southern Wood’s pressure treating facility at Abbeville, Ala.


“Trucking’s Voice in Alabama”

ACT ____________________

ATU ____________________

MAG __________________

MC ____________________

GC ____________________

YR ____________________

LTR/PLQ ________________

BC ____________________

DC ____________________

400 ____________________

WCSIF __________________

CONTACT SHEET __________

WINFAX ________________

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

CODE # _________________

Application For Membership

Motor Carriers:� Domiciled In Alabama � All other For-Hire

� Household Movers � Private Carriers

Allied Industry:� Local and State Suppliers � Nat’l Concerns, small items

� Nat’l Concerns, major items

DIVISION

CONTRIBUTIONS OR GIFTS TO THE ALABAMA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, INC., ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE AS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.HOWEVER, THEY MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS ORDINARY AND NECESSARY BUSINESS EXPENSES.

Your Dues Amount: $ __________________ (see schedule on reverse)

Firm Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: (PO Box) ____________________________________(Street)__________________________________________________

City __________________________________________State __________________________ Zip ________________________

Telephone:__________________________________Fax ______________________________800/ __________________________

Email address: ________________________________________Website Address: __________________________________________

Type of Business: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Official Representative : __________________________________________________Title: __________________________________

Alternate Representative: __________________________________________________Title: __________________________________

Signed: ______________________________________Date: ____________Referred by:____________________________________

PO Box 242337 • Montgomery, AL 36124-2337 • Phone: (334)834-3983 • Fax: (334)262-6504

Date_____________________

Check # __________________

Dues Amt ________________

Mbr Class ________________

Mbr Type _________________

Dues Cat _________________

Freq_____________________

Exp Date__________________

Nxt Bill Date _______________

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CG Dist __________________


CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT – The amount of dues paid by individual members of the Alabama Trucking Association is confidential informa-tion and is not subject to publication. Dues information can only be released by ATA to the principal representative of the member in question, andrequests by other persons or parties will not be honored. Members are strongly urged to honor this privacy statement and to not share their confi-dential dues information with other ATA members or the general public.

A. Motor Carriers - Domiciled in Alabama

B. All Other For-Hire and Private Carriers - Schedule based on miles traveled in Alabama

C. Allied Industry – Annual Dues• Local and State Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300

• National Concerns (distributors or manufactuers of accessories, parts and small equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400

• National Concerns (distributors or manufacturers of major equipment, integrated product lines, leasing companies and companies marketing statewide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600

1) Gross Annual Revenue Annual Dues 2) Gross Annual Revenue Annual Dues

1,000,0005,000,00010,000,00015,000,000

Underand not overand not overand not overand not over

$999,9994,999,9999,999,999

14,999,99919,999,999

From0

500,0011,000,0012,000,0013,000,0014,000,0015,000,0016,000,0017,000,0018,000,0019,000,001

To500,000

1,000,0002,000,0003,000,0004,000,0005,000,0006,000,0007,000,0008,000,0009,000,00010,000,000

Annual$200250360510640750870960

1,0401,1501,250

From10,000,00111,000,00112,000,00113,000,00114,000,00115,000,00116,000,00117,000,00118,000,00119,000,00120,000,001

To11,000,00012,000,00013,000,00014,000,00015,000,00016,000,00017,000,00018,000,00019,000,00020,000,00025,000,000

Annual$1,3201,4101,4951,5751,6501,7201,7951,8651,9502,0302,500

20,000,00025,000,00030,000,00035,000,00040,000,000

and not overand not overand not overand not over

and over

$24,999,99929,999,99934,999,99939,999,999

$500600900

1,2001,500

$1,8002,1002,4002,7003,000

1) Gross Annual Revenue Annual Dues 2) Gross Annual Revenue Annual Dues

250,001300,001400,001

and not overand not overand not over

$300,000400,000500,000

$420480540600

$780900

1,200

Schedule of Membership Dues

Below $500...................................................................Annually$500 - $1,200 ......................................................Semi-Annually

Above $1,200 ................................................................Monthly

Payment Schedule (Dues payable in advance)

D. Household Movers - Based on intrastate revenue only - includes tariff participation

100,001150,001200,000

Not Overand not overand not overand not over

$100,000150,000200,000250,000


after Rane’s father’s boyhood neighborhoodin Wisconsin). Savoy admits he isn’t your typical trucker

with regard to how he entered the industry.In fact he’d never driven a large truck untilhe started working for GSW. But throughhis leadership, education, work experience,and his continuing education efforts atHarvard Business School, where he earnedhis Executive MBA (an accomplishmentseveral key executives at GSW have alsoearned throughout the years), and also withthe dedication of dozens of key managersand pivotal employees, Greenbush has be-come a very strong and profitable business.Key Greenbush managers are Director ofOperations Larry Barnes; Safety Director/Risk Manager Doug Chamness; and Direc-tor of Maintenance Ed Klein.Today, thefirm maintains a fleet of 260 trucks; aboutas many drivers; and a mix of more than400 trailers of various makes and models.In 2012, the company generated more than$80 million in annual revenue.According to Savoy, GSW products make

up 90 percent of what the company hauls,with the remainder of freight coming fromtraditional flatbed commodities such as steel,lumber and other building products. Thecompany has 15 terminals (located at eachGSW plant). Locations include Abbeville,Ala.; Mobile, Ala.; Conyers, Ga.; MuscleShoals, Ala.; Columbus, Tex.; Sumter Co.,Fla.; Jesup, Ga.; Buckner, Mo.; Glenwood,Ark.; Mt. Pleasant, Tex.; Brookhaven, Miss.;Mansura, La.; Rocky Mount, Va.; Hager-stown, Md.; and Fombell, Pa. Savoy says thecompany’s growth and success is a direct re-sult of having a strong team from truck cabto maintenance shop to board room. Looking ahead, he says the trucking side

is at a good place in terms of size, scope andreach, but there are other areas he’d like to

flesh out, specifically on the logistics side.“We have a third-party logistics division

that we want to grow,” he explains. “We re-cently added some personnel there, and wesee that as an opportunity for us. Our intentis to spin that off into its own entity, outfrom under the Greenbush name. There areother areas with overseas export and owner-operators that we want to explore, as well.”With so much on his plate it can be hard

to prioritize responsibilities, but Savoy man-ages to keep it all in check. “Without adoubt my first priority is family,” he says.“You only get one shot to raise your chil-dren, and I’m not going to miss out on it.That’s why I enjoy coaching my children’sfootball teams and spending time with thekids outdoors or at the beach.” Savoy and hiswife Ashleigh live in Dothan with their threechildren, Davis, Emma and William. “Theykeep me on my toes, but they also help keepme grounded. Family always comes first.”Larry Barnes joined Greenbush Logistics

in 2005, and today serves as the company’sdirector of operations. He believes thatKevin is uniquely qualified to lead ATA asChairman. “Kevin’s laid back and soft spoken ap-

proach will fool you from a distance, but heis, without a doubt, the best I have seen athaving a broad mastery of content acrossthe many verticals he is responsible for,”says Barnes. “I’ve had the privilege of work-ing for Kevin for eight years now, butlearned early on that he is the true epitomeof wise counsel and solid leadership. Theonly thing that trumps his sound mind andjudgment when discussing vision and strate-gy is his canny ability to navigate the cor-rect path for ensuring successful execution.”Goals are set and the bar has been raised,

and Savoy says he’s ready to get the ballrolling. From all indications ATA is in goodhands.


ADVERTISING/PUBLISHINGRandall-Reilly Business Media & Information(205) 349-2990www.rrpub.com

BUS SALES & SERVICESouthland International Trucks, Inc.(205) 942-6226www.southlandtrucks.com

Transportation South, Inc.(205) 663-2287www.thebuscenter.com

Ward International Trucks, LLC(251) 433-5616www.wardintltrucks.com

CHEMICAL PRODUCTSRushing Enterprises, Inc.(334) 693-3318www.rushingenterprises.com

COMMUNICATIONS/ELECTRONICSFleetmatics(727) 674-2912www.fleetmatics.com

J.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc.(920) 722-2848www.jjkellerservices.com

Omnitracs, Inc.(770) 271-3654www.omnitracs.com

PeopleNet(888) 346-3486www.peoplenetonline.com

Rand McNally(501) 835-1585www.randmcnally.com

DRIVER STAFFINGBest Drivers(205) 916-0259www.bestdrivers.com

EDUCATION & TRAININGJ.J. Keller & Assoc., Inc.(920) 722-2848www.jjkellerservices.com

JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC(205) 329-8182(205) 945-8550www.jptsc.com

Transportation Safety Services(251) 661-9700www.transportationsafetyservices.com

Trucking Partners, LLC(256) 737-8788www.truckingpartners.com

USA Driver-s, Inc.(205) 661-0712www.usadrivers.com

ENGINE MANUFACTURERSCummins Mid-South, LLC(901) 488-8033www.cumminsmidsouth.com

Thompson/Caterpillar(205) 849-4365www.thompsontractor.com

Westport HD div. of Westport Innovations, Inc.(251) 635-7143www.westport.com

EQUIPMENT LEASINGEagle Equipment Leasing LLC(205) 999-5410

H.E.C. Leasing, LLC(615) 471-9300www.hecleasing.com

KLLM/Equipment Solutions LLC(205) 515-1478www.kllm.com

Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc.(251) 653-4716www.southerntruck.net

Southland International Trucks, Inc.(205) 942-6226www.southlandtrucks.com

Star Leasing Co.(205) 763-1280www.starleasing.com

Transport Enterprise Leasing LLC(423) 463-3390www.transportenterpriseleasing

Truck & Trailer Leasing Corp.(256) 831-6880

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURINGBigBee Steel(256) 383-7322www.bigbee.com

Eaton Corp./Roadranger Field Marketing(334) 398-1410www.roadranger.com

EQUIPMENT PARTS/ACCESSORIESAncra International, LLC(334) 306-4372www.ancra.com

Dothan Tarpaulin Products, Inc.(800) 844-8277www.dothantarp.com

GFA, Alabama(205) 481-1090www.gfany.net

Imperial Supplies LLC(920) 494-7474www.imperialsupplies.com

Kinedyne Corp.(334) 365-2919www.kinedyne.com

Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems(334) 798-0080www.arvinmeritor.com

Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc.(205) 323-2877www.metrotrailer.net

Paccar Parts/Kenworth(205) 679-7925www.kenworth.com

Star Truck Parts(205) 324-4681

Southern Truck & Equipment, Inc.(251) 653-4716www.southerntruck.net

Thermo King of B’ham-Dothan-Mobile-Montgomery(205) 591-2424www.midstatetk.com


W.W. Williams(205) 252-9025(334) 279-6083www.wwwilliams.com

ESTATE AND BUSINESS PLANNINGChristian & Small LLP(205) 795-6588www.csattorneys.com

FINANCIAL SERVICESBancorpSouth Equipment Finance(205) 422-7111www.bxsequipmentfinance.com

Electronic Funds Source LLC(615) 777-4619www.efsllc.com

Freight Capital(800) 775-0391www.freightcapital.com

GE Capital (770) 960-6307www.ge.com

People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.(205) 856-9354www.peoples.com

People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.(205) 664-9374www.financialfederal.com

PNC Financial Services Group(251) 441-7286www.pnc.com

Renasant Bank(334) 301-5955www.renasantbank.com

ServisFirst Bank(205) 949-3433www.servisfirstbank.com

INSURANCEAmerican Claims Service, Inc.(205) 669-1177

Aon Risk Solutions(501) 374-9300www.aon.com

Aronov Insurance, Inc.(205) 907-9622www.aronovinsurance.com

The Baxter Agency(334) 678-6800www.baxteragency.com

BB & T Insurance Services(912) 201-4706

Benton & Parker Insurance Services(770) 536-8340www.bentonandparker.com

Brett Rucker AFLAC(423) 503-9628www.aflac.com

Caribou Insurance Agency, Inc.(205) 822-7577www.caribouins.com

Cottingham and Butler(563) 587-5521www.cottinghambutler.com

Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc.(770) 729-8160www.custard.com

Great West Casualty Co.(865) 670-6573www.gwccnet.com

Hudgens Insurance, Inc.(334) 289-2695

Johnson-Locklin & Associates(205) 980-8008www.johnson-locklin.com

The Kennion Group, Inc.(205) 969-1155www.kennion.com

Liberty Mutual Group(804) 380-5169www.libertymutual,com

Liberty National Life Insurance(256) 596-0930www.libnat.com

Liberty Truck Insurance(205) 352-2598

Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance Agency, Inc.(251) 473-4600

Marvin Johnson & Associates, Inc.(812) 372-0841www.mjai.com

McGriff, Siebels & Williams, Inc.(205) 252-9871www.mcgriff.com

Joe Morten & Sons, Inc.(865) 670-6544www.joemorten.com

S. S. Nesbitt(205) 262-2620www.ssnesbitt.com

Palomar Insurance Corp.(334) 270-0105www.palomarinsurance.com

Regions Insurance, Inc.(501) 661-4880www.regions.com

Regions Insurance/Barksdale Bonding(334) 808-9441www.barksdalebonding.com

Reliance Partners, Inc.(877) 668-1704www.reliancepartners.com

Trans Con Assurance, LTD(205) 978-7070

Turner & Hamrick L.L.C.(334) 566-7665www.turnerhamrick.com

York Risk Services Group(205) 581-9283www.yorkrsg.com

Zurich(800) 553-3055www.zurichna.com/zdu

MEDICAL/DRUG & ALCOHOLSERVICESAlabama Specialty Clinic(256) 736-1460www.ascoccupationalhealth.com

Bradley Screening, LLC(334) 272-3539www.bradleyscreening

Brookwood Medical Center(205) 807-4977www.bwmc.com

Carlisle Medical, Inc.(251) 344-7988www.carlislemedical.com

Employers Drug Program Mgmt., Inc.(205) 326-3100www.edpm.com

ErgoScience, Inc.(205) 879-6447www.ergoscience.com


Safety First-Div. of Behavioral HealthSystems(205) 443-5450www.bhs-inc.com

PETROLEUM PRODUCTSClean Energy Fuels(423) 341-1779

Corridor Clean Fuels, LLC(256) 894-0098

Jack Green Oil Co., Inc.(256) 831-1038

Kimbro Oil Company(615) 320-7484www.kimbrooil.com

Major Oil Company, Inc.(334) 263-9070www.unitedfoodandfuel.com

Slidell Oil(334) 262-7301

The McPherson Companies, Inc.(888) 802-7500www.mcphersonoil.com

W.H. Thomas Oil Co., Inc.(205) 755-2610www.whthomasoil.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICESAccounting Firms:Aldridge, Borden & Co.(334) 834-6640www.aldridgeborden.com

Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC(334) 271-6678www.cricpa.com

Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP(317) 580-2068www.ksmcpa.com

Attorneys:Austill, Lewis & Pipkin, P.C.(205) 870-3767www.maplaw.com

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell &Berkowitz, P.C.(205) 328-0480www.bakerdonelson.com

Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A.334-387-7680www.ball-ball.com

Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver &Sisson(205) 822-2006www.carrallison.com

Alabama Trucking Assn.’s Buyer’s Guide lists those companies that have taking an active role in support-ing Alabama’s trucking industry by becoming members of the Association. We ask that each time youplan a purchase that you consult this guide and give ATA members the opportunity to gain your business.These companies proudly support your association and deserve your support, as well.

2013 ATA Buyer’s Guide

We make every effort to ensure this list is correct. For changes or corrections to your company’s listing, contact Jane Nixon at [email protected].

(as of 6/13/2013)

Christian & Small, LLP(205) 795-6588www.csattorneys.com

DeLashmet & Marchand, P.C.(251) 433-1577www.delmar-law.com

Ferguson, Frost & Dodson, LLP(205) 879-8722www.ffdlaw.com

Fisher & Phillips, LLP(404) 231-1400www.laborlawyers.com

Friedman, Dazzio, Zulanas & Bowling, P.C.(205) 278-7000www.friedman-lawyers.com

Hand Arendall LLC(251) 432-5511www.handarendall.com

James M. Sizemore, Jr.(256) 409-1985

McDowell Knight Roedder & Sledge, LLC(251) 432-5300www.mcdowellknight.com

Porterfield, Harper, Mills,Motlow & Ireland PA(205) 980-5000www.phm-law.com

Starnes Davis Florie LLP(205) 868-6000www.starneslaw.com

Webster, Henry, Lyons, White, Bradwell & Black, P.C.(334) 264-9472www.websterhenry.com

Zieman, Speegle, Jackson & Hoffman LLC(251) 694-1700www.ziemanspeegle.com

Other Services:Ahern & Associates LTD(602) 242-1030www.ahern-LTD.com

Direct Chassislink(704) 571-5408www.chassislink.com

The Earl Dove Co., LLC(334) 793-7117

George L. Edwards & Associates(334) 745-5166

Help, Inc. Provider of PrePass(931) 520-7170www.prepass.com


Jeffers Trucking, Inc.(205) 808-1112

JP Transportation Safety Consulting, LLC(205) 329-8182(205) 329-8183www.jptsc.com

McLeod Software (205) 823-5100www.mcleodsoftware.com

Mobile Asphalt Co., LLC(251) 408-0770www.mobileasphalt.com

Motor Carrier Safety Consulting(205) 871-4455

Power South Energy Cooperative(334) 427-3207www.powersouth.com

Securance Group, Inc.(334) 272-1200www.securancegroup.com

Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc.(205) 664-2000www.specenviro.com

Tax2290.com/ThinkTrade Inc.(866) 245-3918www.tax2290.com

TMW Systems, Inc.(216) 831-6606www.tmwsystems.com

Transportation and Logistical Services, Inc(205) 226-5500www.tlsincorp.com

Transportation Billing Solutions, LLC(205) 788-4000

Transportation Compliance Services, USA(228) 872-7160www.dottrucksafety.com

Transportation Safety Services(251) 661-9700www.transportationsafetyservices.com

Transportation Support, Inc.(205) 833-6336www.transportationsupport.com

TripPak SERVICES & ACS Advertising(801) 349-2433www.acsexpeditedsolutions.com

Trucking Partners, LLC(256) 737-8788www.truckingpartners.com

Welborn & Associates, Inc.(423) 822-1608www.transportcap.com

Real Estate:Mary Lou’s Team RE/MAX, Inc.(205) 566-5911www.marylousteam.com

Repairs:Big Moe Spring & Alignment ofB’ham, Inc.(205) 780-0290

Birmingham Frame & Alignment, LLC(205) 322-4844birminghamframeandalignment.com

Carl Carson Truck Center, Inc.(205) 592-9966www.carlcarson.com

Carrier Transicold South(404) 968-3130www.ctsouth.com

Carroll Truck Repair, Inc.(205) 983-3375

Childersburg Truck Service, Inc.(256) 378-3101www.childersburg-truck.com

Coffman International Trucks(334) 794-4111www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com

Eufaula Trucking Co., Inc.(334) 687-0391

H & M Trailer Repair, Inc.(334) 262-0692

Lazzari Truck Repair, Inc.(251) 626-5121

Metro Trailer Repair Co., Inc.(205) 323-2877www.metrotrailer.net

Rowe Management Corp.(205) 486-9235www.rowemachinery.com



W.W. Williams(205) 252-9025(334) 279-6083www.wwwilliams.com

TIRE DEALERS & MANUFACTURERSBest-One Tire & Service(615) 785-2834www.bestonetire.com

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions(770) 317-5777www.trucktires.com

Butler Industrial Tire Center, Inc.(334) 376-0178

Columbus Tire Co., Inc.(706) 321-8133www.columbustireco.com

GCR Tire Centers(205) 914-6818

McGriff Tire Co.(256) 739-0710www.mcgriffindustries.com

McGriff Treading Co., Inc.(256) 734-4298www.mcgriffindustries.com

Michelin North America(864) 201-6177www.michelintruck.com

Snider Fleet Solutions(404) 361-0130www.snidertire.com

Tire Centers, LLC (TCI)(205) 252-3150www.tirecenters.com

Ventech USA(707) 499-7765www.ventechusa.com

Waste Two Energy(251) 452-3690

Wilks Tire & Battery Service, Inc.(256) 878-0211www.wilkstire.com

Yokohama Tire Corp.(317) 385-2611www.yokohamatire.com

TRAILER DEALERS/ MANUFACTURERSC & C Trailers, Inc.(334) 897-2202

Dorsey Trailer(334) 897-2525www.dorseytrailer.net

Empire Truck Sales, LLC(601) 939-1000www.empiretruck.com

Equipment Logistics, Inc.(256) 739-9280

Fontaine Fifth Wheel NA(205) 421-4300www.fifthwheel.com

Great Dane Trailers(205) 324-3491www.greatdanetrailers.com

Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc.(251) 438-5521www.gulfcity.com

Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co.(251) 476-2744www.gulfcoasttruck.com

R C Trailer Sales & Service Co., Inc.(205) 680-0924www.rctrailersales.net



Tennessee Valley Recycling LLC(256) 353-6351www.tvrllc.com

Transport Trailer Center(334) 299-3573

Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama LLC(334) 794-7345www.utilityalabama.com

TRUCK DEALERS, MANUFACTURERSAction Truck Center(334) 794-8505www.actiontruckcenter.com

Birmingham Freightliner(205) 322-6695www.birminghamfreightliner.com

Capital Volvo Truck & Trailer(334) 262-8856www.capitalvolvo.com

Coffman International Trucks(334) 794-4111www.coffmaninternationaltrucks.com

Daimler Trucks NA LLC(404) 368-6860www.freightlinertrucks.com

Eagle Equipment Leasing LLC(205) 999-5410

Empire Truck Sales, LLC(601) 939-1000www.empiretruck.com

Fleetco, Inc.(615) 256-0600www.fleetco.net

Four Star Freightliner(334) 263-1085 (Montgomery)www.fourstarfreightliner.com

International Truck & EngineCorp./Navistar(813) 382-3113www.internationaldelivers.com

Kenworth of Huntsville, Inc.(256) 308-0162www.kenworthofalabama.com

Long Lewis Western Star(205) 428-6241www.longlewistrucks.com

Mack Trucks, Inc.(678) 201-4770www.macktrucks.com

Neely Coble Co.(256) 350-1630www.neelycoble.com

Nextran Truck Corporation(205) 841-4450www.nextrancorp.com

Peterbilt Motors Co.(615) 208-1800www.peterbilt.com

Peterbilt of Montgomery & Birmingham LLC(800) 264-4555www.peterbilttruckcenters.com

Rush Truck Center-Mobile(251) 459-7300www.rushofmobile.com


Taylor & Martin, Inc.(662) 262-4613www.taylorandmartin.com


Truckworx Kenworth - Birmingham(205) 326-6170www.TRUCKWORX.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Dothan(334) 712-4900www.TRUCKWORX.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Montgomery(334) 263-3101www.TRUCKWORX.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Mobile(251) 957-4000www.TRUCKWORX.com

Truckworx Kenworth – Huntsville(256) 308-0162www.TRUCKWORX.com

Volvo Trucks North America(336) 393-2975www.volvotrucks.volvo.com


TRUCK & EQUIPMENT AUCTIONEERSTaylor & Martin, Inc.(662) 262-4613www.taylorandmartin.com

TRUCKSTOPSLove’s Travel Stops, Inc.(405) 202-4451www.loves.com

Oasis Travel Center, LLC(251) 960-1148

Pilot Flying J(800) 562-6210www.pilotflyingj.com

TravelCenters of America/Petro Shopping Centers(404) 231-4142www.tatravelcenters.com

VEHICLE LEASINGSouthland International Trucks, Inc.(205) 942-6226www.southlandtrucks.com



ATAATA & & e v e n T se v e n T s

New Members (as of 9-13-2013)

newnew membeRsmembeRs

A D V E R T I S I N G I N D E X

ADVERTISER PG. NO. PH. NO. WEB ADDRESSATA WCSIF BC (334) 834-7911 www.atacompfund.orgThe Baxter Agency 29 (800) 873-8494 www.baxteragency.comBell & Co. 32 (501) 753-9700 bellandcompany.netCarrier Transicold South 15 (205) 328-7278 www.trucktrailer.carrier.comGreat Dane IBC (800) 383-0094 www.greatdanetrailers.comGreat West Casualty Co. 36 (800) 228-8053 www.gwccnet.comGreenbush Logistics 35 (877) 585-4749 www.greenbushlogistics.comInfiniti-I 37 (205) 585-3895 [email protected] Trucks IFC (800) 844-4102 www.navistar.comIra Phillips 14 (800) 673-6256 www.iraphillips.comJP Transportation Safety Consulting 37 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.comJ.J. Keller 33 (888) 473-4638 ext. 7892 www.jjkellermobile.comJohnson Locklin 24 (251) 947-3015 www.johnson-locklin.comNextran Truck Center 3 (800) 292-8685 www.nextrancorp.comPalomar Insurance 20 (800) 489-0105 www.palomarins.comParman Energy 25 (888) 350-5576 www.parmanenergy.comRegions Insurance 35 (800) 807-1412 www.regionsinsurance.comThompson Cat 8-9 (205) 849-4288 www.thompsontractor.comTransport Enterprise Leasing LLC 34 (423) 463-3389 transportenterpriseleasing.comTruckworx Kenworth 21 (800) 444-6170 www.truckworx.comTurner & Hamrick 26 (888) 385-0186 www.turnerhamrick.comWH Thomas Oil Co. 22 (205) 755-2610 www.thomasoil.comW.W. Williams 27 (800) 365-3780 www.wwwilliams.com

BLU (Transfuels, LLC)3760 Commons LaneSalt Lake City, UT 84104Phone (801) [email protected]. Joe Fazio

C & W Global2301 24 Ave NBirmingham, AL 35234Phone (205) [email protected]. Ray Williams

Himber Trucking LLC 230 Beech DriveKillen, AL 35645Phone (256) 710-4344Ms. Ashley Himber

HMGT, LLC6211 Fairfax BypassValley, AL 36854Phone (334) [email protected]. Simon Lee

J & G Moving and Storage, Inc2450 Industrial Blvd SouthElba, AL 36323Phone (334) [email protected]. Scott Miller

Mack Transportation,LLCP. O. Box 1065Guntersville, AL 35976Phone (256) [email protected]. Mike McCormack

Miller Relocation Services4967 Horst Hill RoadBirmingham, AL 35210Phone (205) [email protected]. Dustin Blomeyer

MTB Transport, LLC3600 A Richard Arrington Jr.Blvd NBirmingham, AL 35234 1552Phone (205) [email protected]. Chip Hall

New Latitude2161 Hwy 33Pelham, AL 35124Phone (205) [email protected]. Chris Walker

Raughley Transfer6 Office Park Circle Suite 100Birmingham, AL 35223Phone (205) [email protected]. Blake Beard

Starnes Davis Florie LLPP. O. Box 598512Birmingham, AL 35209Phone (205) [email protected]. Arnold W. Umbach

T & L Transport1348 North County Rd 49Slocomb, AL 36375Phone (334) [email protected]. Linda Wilson

The Trucking Summit4433 Touhy Ave Suite 240Lincolnwood, IL 60712Phone (917) 502-0139Ms. Marie Steele

Top Shelf Logistics LLCP. O. Box 2467Clanton, AL 35046Phone (205) [email protected]. Karen Graves

Alabama Trucker (AT), the official publi-cation of the Alabama Trucking Association(ATA), is an award-winning trade publica-tion highlighting the Association's activitieswhile documenting the business environ-ment of the day.

AT is published quarterly and distributedto more than 2,500 trucking executives,regulatory officials, and political figures.

Want to reach decision makers at morethan 1,500 Alabama-based trucking firms?Consider this: Advertising in AT reaches themost concentrated readership of truckingprofessionals in the state. Our rates are af-fordable, but on top of that, your helpingATA send positive messages about one ofthe state's largest employers.

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Alabama Trucker, 3rd Quarter 2013

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