Alabama Trucker, 4th Quarter 2013

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The Alabama Trucking Association's annual golf tournament delivers once again, earning more funds than ever before for our political action committee, TRUK PAC. Also inside, the third and final installment looking at the Association's 75 years of championing the state's trucking industry. Plus, industry news from the SMMC and around the country.

Transcript of Alabama Trucker, 4th Quarter 2013

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ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH 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 ServicesJane Nixon, Executive Assistant Lynn Thornton, BookkeeperFord Boswell, Director of CommunicationsBrandie Norcross, Administrative Assistant

ATA WCSIF Staff

Kimble Coaker, CEO & Fund AdministratorDon Boatright, COODebra Calhoun, Office ManagerKimberly Best, Payroll/Audit CoordinatorRick 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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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

SMMC Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Trucking News Roundup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Buyers’ Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ATA Events and New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Another Great Showing forGolf Classic

ATA’s Annual Golf Classic outdid itself onceagain, raising nearly $200,000 and besting the previ-ous year’s fundraising total by $20,000. That amount,after expenses, brings ATA’s lone political fund to nearly$1 million in reserves for upcoming state and local po-litical races.

ATA History, Part 3 – TheModern Era

This issue we present our third and final install-ment on the history of the Alabama Trucking Associa-tion. Since 1988, the Association’s membership hasnearly doubled, with member participation and finan-cial support now at an all-time high. Meanwhile, mem-

bership services continue to improve and grow under the leadership of a committed execu-tive board that includes some of the industry’s best and brightest executives. And despite re-cent economic stress, ATA continues to break fundraising records for political action andmembership support.

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willing to consent to a court order thatwould accomplish the following:

● Reduce the property tax on all Alabamamotor vehicles registered under the IRP by afraction equal to the percentage of milesthey travel outside Alabama;

● Reduce the property tax on all trucksregistered under the IRP in other jurisdic-tions that have a tax situs in Alabama andare thus at risk of paying a property tax inAlabama by the same fraction;

● The changes will be effective immedi-ately, including retroactively for previous taxyears not barred by the two-year statute oflimitations;

● Trailers moving with the trucks are ap-portioned on a fleet basis.

We anticipate that the Court will ruleearly December, perhaps before this publica-tion reaches you. If the Court accepts theterms of the settlement, an Alabama-basedmotor carrier fleet that travels 50 percent ofits miles inside the state, will received a 50percent tax reduction.

However, this is not the end. ATA nowturns its attention to the method by whichthe State appraises the value of motor vehi-cles based on the manufacturer’s suggestedretail price (MSRP). ATA maintains that themotor vehicle property tax should be basedon the vehicle’s fair market price. I know ofno trucker who pays the MSRP for a newtruck. This inflated assessed value adds hun-dreds of dollars to your tax bill once thenew truck is purchased, and on each reoc-curring year that you own it. Recently, theATA Board of Directors approved filing suitto address this issue.

As ATA continues its efforts to improvethe State’s business climate for truckers, weask that the membership remain engaged andinformed. ATA remains committed to show-ing the value of your membership, and we arethankful for your company’s support.

From the President

Frank Filgo, CAEPresident and CEO

Alabama Trucking Association

‘ATA has long advocatedthat the Alabama

property tax on motorvehicles involved in interstate commerce

should be apportionedbased on miles traveled

in Alabama.’

Since September 2012, the AlabamaTrucking Association has been in theCircuit Court of Talladega County

contesting the state’s methodology of deter-mining the amount of property taxes as-sessed on motor vehicles involved in inter-state commerce.

Currently, Alabama collects property taxeson state registered motor vehicles as if theirfull use is within the state. If the motor ve-hicle travels through another state having amotor vehicle property tax, they are obligat-ed to pay an additional tax based on milestravel within their boundaries.

ATA has long advocated that the Alabamaproperty tax on motor vehicles involved ininterstate commerce should be apportionedbased on miles traveled in Alabama. This isthe common practice of other states whichcollect property taxes on motor vehicles.

Two years ago, ATA proposed legislationto eliminate the property tax, and to replaceit with an apportioned supplemental fee ap-pended to the truck registration fee. Itwould reduce the tax on Alabama motorcarriers but replace lost revenue with a taxon out-of-state carriers that traveled in Ala-bama. To our astonishment, the legislativeproposal was rejected by the Alabama De-partment of Revenue.

That being the case, ATA implementedPlan B, which requires a legal fix. ATAjoined suit with a Georgia-based firm thathad recently created a terminal in Alabamaand had been assessed a flat based propertytax on its motor vehicles, disregarding thefact that its fleet of vehicles traveled only apercentage of its miles in Alabama. TheGeorgia firm maintained that its propertytaxes should be apportioned. ATA agreedand joined the suit.

After months of exploring ways that thematter could be agreed upon by consent, thestate recently reached a point where it is

Settlement sought in suit contesting Alabama’s property tax

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Broken ATA’s Annual Golf Classicoutdoes itself once again,besting the previous year’sfundraising total by nearly $20,000.By Ford Boswell

PRATTVILLE, Ala.—It seems as thoughit’s become almost a given—and maybe

even expected—but ATA’s 2013 Golf Clas-sic, held here Oct. 1 eclipsed the previousyear’s fundraising amount, grossing nearly$200,000, which after expenses will net theAssociation’s political action committee,TRUK PAC, more than $150,000.

That amount brings ATA’s lone politicalfund to nearly $1 million in reserves for up-coming state and local political races.

This year’s tournament Chairman, WillBruser of TruckWork Kenworth, with thesupport of his event finance committee,spearheaded fundraising efforts, setting thebar high and accomplishing all set goals.Bruser and committee secured nearly 120corporate sponsors.

That committee was composed of JoeBlack, McGriff Tire Co.; Jack Brim of B. R.Williams Trucking, Inc.; Fenn Church,Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc.;John Collier, Transport Trailer Center; Rod -ger Collins, Industrial Warehouse Services;current ATA Chairman of the Board KevinSavoy, Greenbush Logistics, Inc.; Bill Waech -ter, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works, Inc.;and Wayne Watkins, Watkins Trucking Co.

Bruser contends that among ATA’s great-est attribute is its membership’s continuoussupport, both in terms of financial dona-tions and individual member’s talents, timeand resources. He says the support of themembership has been incredible through

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Recordthe years, and the 2013 Golf Classic contin-ued that trend.

Addressing the more than 250 golfers asthey prepared to take to the courses, Brusersaid, “As you know, the funds raised todayare earmarked to support pro-truck politicalcandidates. By participating in this tourna-ment, you are supporting candidates whounderstand the vital role that trucking playsin our state’s economy, and you are support-ing efforts to defeat those who don’t sharethis understanding. With the success of thisevent, your TRUK PAC is on target to raise$1 million dollars for the 2014 elections.”

McLeod Software was the PresidentialSponsor for this year’s event—the secondyear since the tournament was restructured

in 2010 that McLeod Software has been apremier sponsor. According to Bruser,McLeod’s early commitment of $15,000sparked this year’s sponsorship drive andserved as a catalyst for record participation.

Additionally, seven firms individuallycontributed $5,000 (Senator Level) to theevent (each was assigned as a patron spon-sor for various tournament events andamenities), including ATA Workers’ CompFund, which sponsored lunch and dinner atthe 19th Hole Party; J & M Tank Lines,Inc., Putting Green Sponsor; GreenbushLogistics, Inc., Closest to the Pin sponsorfor all three courses; Southland Internation-al Trucks, Longest Drive sponsor on allthree courses; Truckworx Kenworth, Hole-

In-One sponsor on all three courses, ActionResources, Longest Drive on all three cours-es, and Marmon Highway Technologies,Driving Range.

There were also 46 $2,000 (LegislatorLevel) sponsors, 44 $1,000 (Judge Level)sponsors, and 18 $500 (Patron) sponsors(see the following pages for full list).

This year’s tournament was held at theRobert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Capitol HillCourse in Prattville, Ala., which is rankedamong the top 50 courses in America, accord-ing to Golf magazine. It is also home to theNavistar LPGA Classic held each October.

Next year’s event is tentatively set forTuesday, September 30, 2014 and will beheld again at the RTJ Capitol Hill Course.

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As the Alabama Trucking Association’s75th year of promoting and protect-ing the interest of Alabama truckers

and trucking related business draws to a close,this issue Alabama Trucker wraps its review ofthe group’s storied history.

Previous issues focused the Association’smajor events and milestones, starting in1938 in a Birmingham hotel banquet roomwhen a group of concerned truckers gatheredto discuss growing regulatory issues; the yearsof industry growth following World War II;

and ending at the group’s 50-year anniver-sary in 1988.

The following article examines the Associa-tion’s Modern Era—an epoch that has provedto be the Association’s most prolific in termsof growth, industry leadership, and politicalsuccess.

Since 1988, the Association’s membershiphas nearly doubled, with member participa-tion and financial support now at an all-timehigh. Meanwhile, membership services con-tinue to improve and grow under the leader-

ship of a committed executive board that in-cludes some of the industry’s best and bright-est executives.

And while the trucking industry today isstill somewhat hamstrung from the recenteconomic downturn, ATA continues to breakfundraising records for political action andmembership support, placing the Associationamong the state’s leading trade associations—and beyond.

New EraAs the Association moved into the 1990s, a

major obstacle facing Alabama trucking firmswas a sharp spike in workers’ compensationinsurance rate. Unable to find adequate cover-age or saddled with skyrocketing rates, fleetmanagers looked to the ATA for assistance.

Other trade organizations had success indoing so, and the ATA Board of Directorsbelieved that it was time that it did thesame for the state’s trucking industry. Bythis time, however, the Alabama Legislaturehad placed a moratorium on such groupsuntil laws could be written and passed toeffectively regulate them. Then, in the fallof 1992, amid pressure from the businesscommunity, legislators passed guidelines onself-insurers funds, thus paving the way forATA to set up its own. By January 1993,the ATA Workers’ Compensation Fund offi-cially began operation.

In 1995, long-time President and CEOJames Ritchie retired after nearly 40 years ofleading the Association. A search committeewas created to find the best person for thetask of leading the Association through itsnext phase of growth. Former Chairman of

Alabama Trucking Association and the ATA Workers’ Comp Fund moved into their current headquarters in 2006.

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the Board Hubert Rogers of Golden Flakewas tapped head of the search committee.

After vetting several candidates, thegroup chose to employ association veteranFrank Filgo as president. Filgo brought awealth of association management experi-ence and solid connections in political lob-bying through his work with the Associa-tion and his previous job with the AlabamaAlliance of Business and Industry, amongothers.

Filgo’s appointment was seen as a nod tothe next group of leaders for the Associationwhose vision was to create a more member-driven organization. Internal processes, suchas selection of ATA leaders and committeemembers—even the group’s finances, weremade more open to the membership-at-large.

During the time leading up to Filgo’s ap-pointment, the newly formed ATA Worker’sComp Fund experienced mismanagement,leading to the removal of its then-administra-tor. After the shakeup, the Association hiredits current Fund Administrator and CEOKimble Coaker to stabilize, improve and growthe fledgling fund.

Moving AheadAs the 1990s came to a close, the Alabama

Trucking Association and the ATA Workers’Comp Fund were now on course to reachnewer heights of leadership and value to Ala-bama truckers. Each side brought in staff toincrease efficiencies and offer more and betterservices, and also improve public opinion ofthe trucking industry.

On the Association side, former ATA Di-rector of Safety Gene Vonderau was hired

in 1999 to build the Association’s Safety &Main tenance Management Council. At thetime ATA’s safety council was merely asmall, close-knit group of safety and main-tenance fleet managers whose primary focuswas executing ATA’s safety awards and truckdriving championships, which after a longhiatus were restarted in the late 1980s andhad become one of the group’s more popu-lar events.

Vonderau, who today remains a member ofthe Association, had been involved withtrucking for more than 40 years, starting indriver training and then overseeing safety de-

partments for some of Alabama’s largest andmost successful trucking firms. Over the yearshe worked to improve member participationand improve the Association’s stature amonglocal, state and federal regulatory agencies andlaw enforcement.

As a new decade approached, the Associa-tion focused intently on coming up to speedwith recent advances in technology. The risein popularity of the World Wide Web pushedthe Association’s leadership board to create acommunications department and hire staff toimprove existing communication, marketingand public relations efforts, with focus on im-

ATA’s Safety and Maintenance Management Council has grown

considerably in recent years. Today thegroup serves as a champion for fleet safety

in Alabama, offering training, servicesand recognition for fleet managers.

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proving print publications and the creation ofthe Association’s first Web site domain,www.alabamatrucking.org—which was creat-ed in April 1999, and a full Web sitelaunched two years later. Since then the sitehas incurred numerous updates and changes.

Today, visitors to the site find industrynews updated daily, Association events andannouncements, access to ATA printed publi-cations, on-line registration for ATA events,industry links, business tools and many otheroptions. Also, by integrating its site withVoterVoice grassroots software, the staff is ableto keep our membership informed about thelegislative process, and call them to actionwhen members need to contact their state orfederal legislators on a particular issue.

Political GrowthDuring the last decade, the Association en-

joyed several political victories. The first wasin 2002 when it along with other state busi-ness organizations threw heavy financial sup-port behind an Ashland, Ala. businessmanand former trucker Bob Riley, who had alsobeen successful as a U.S. congressman. Im-pressively, Riley ran against and defeated astrong incumbent Democratic Gov. DonSiegelman for the governor’s office, winningby the smallest margin of victory in state his-tory—less than 3,000 votes. Riley would goon to win a second term in 2006. Other sig-nificant political victories included the elec-tion of a pro-business state Supreme Court ofthe course of several elections; and numerouskey state Legislative races.

Regulatory SuccessIn October 2006, after several years of lob-

bying and political pressure from the Associa-tion, Alabama began offering permanent trail-er tags for trailers and multi-year tractorplates. The law provides fleet owners with noretagging, offering substantial savings ontime/labor involved in retagging trailers andtractors; considerable tax savings per trucksand trailers.

During this time, a troubling trend cameto a head in Birmingham when a rash of largemetal coils dropped from the backs of flatbedtrailers. Thankfully, noone was killed whenone of these massive metal objects landed onthe area’s infrastructure, but there were in-juries and millions of dollars in damages toBirmingham roads and bridges as a result ofthe accidents.

According to local media reports, there hadbeen nearly two dozen dropped coils on

Birmingham roads between 2003 and 2008.The accidents garnered a great amount ofscrutiny and public outcry for more regula-tion and special equipment requirements forthose who haul large metal coils. Recommen-dations ranged from increased training, drivercertification, trailer design changes; and evenchanging how coils were loaded onto flatbeds.

State officials asked the Association to rec-ommend solutions on behalf of the truckingindustry. ATA proposed stiff penalties, evenloss of commercial driver licenses, for driverswho lost loads on state highways. Accordingto Association leaders, increased regulationand most equipment suggestions were unnec-essary and would place unneeded financialstrain on good carriers. Association officialspointed to the state Dept. of Public Safety de-termination that all of the accidents were theresult of drivers failing to follow the FederalMotor Carrier Safety Administration’s guide-lines for the proper securement of metal coils.

ATA’s final proposal recommended a$1,000 fine, up to a lifetime revocation of adriver’s commercial driver license (CDL),

for gross negligence (improper/inadequate)load securement that results in a spilledload. The Association also asked for a$10,000 fine to the trucking company forimproper/inadequate load securement thatresults in a spilled load.

The Association also worked with regulato-ry officials, local politicians and industry safe-ty experts to identify ways to increase driverawareness of federal regulations on load se-curement. Initiatives included increased lawenforcement inspections around Birmingham,driver training and certification for those whohaul metal coils.

Senator Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills,and Representative Paul DeMarco, R-Home-wood, pushed legislation through the StateLegislature, and in 2009 Governor Rileysigned the legislation into law in Birming-ham. The law created stiff penalties and re-quired training and certification for driverswho metal coil loads “originated or terminat-ed in Alabama.”

The law didn’t sit well with some withinthe industry, especially those outside the state,

A law enacted by state officials in 2009 requiring training for those who haul large metal coils was eventually struck by the feds,but increased penalties remained. Since then, no major accidents involving dropped metal coils have happened.

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and earlier this year, the FMCSA granted apetition submitted by the American TruckingAssociations asking the agency to determine ifAlabama’s Metal Coil Securement Act is pre-empted by federal law. In a Federal Registernotice, the agency said the law imposes certi-fication requirements on Interstate driversthat are not required under FMCSA regula-tions and are more stringent than those im-posed by federal law. That ruling meant thestate could no longer impose the law’s train-ing requirements on interstate movements, ef-fective April 4, 2013. However, the penaltiesfor failing to properly secure large metal coilsremained.

The upshot, according to Association offi-cials, was that the controversial law did in factdo what it was intended, and there have beenno dropped metal coils in Alabama since thelaw was enacted.

There were other victories. In 2010, theAssociation fought to allow for an additionalweight allowance for vehicles fitted with auxil-iary power units. Then in May 2012, the As-sociation’s anti-indemnification legislation(AKA, the Trucker’s Bill) was signed into law,making it illegal for shippers to add certainindemnity clauses in their contracts withtruckers that can release them from liabilityfor their own negligence or criminal activity.

ATA officials said that while theoriginal legislation introduced by Rep. RonJohnson (HB-339) sought stricter language toprohibit such unfair agreements, the bill, asamended, was a significant improvement,which allowed unlimited indemnity require-ments. ATA’s law prohibits provisions that re-quire the motor carrier to indemnify againstthe shipper’s criminal acts, intentional wrong-ful acts, wanton conduct, and sole negligence.In addition, it prohibits provisions requiringindemnity when a shipper loads and seals thetrailer without inspection by the carrier andwhen the load has a latent defect that themotor carrier is not able to discover that is theproximate cause of injury or damage.

Building for the Future

In the early part of the 2000s, ATA’s boardembarked on a plan to relocate ATA’s head-quarters to the eastern section of Mont-gomery on the newly established “AssociationRow,” just off the Taylor Road and Interstate85 intersection. Several years prior, the boardwisely purchased two large commercial lotsoffering several acres for a future building andprime visibility from the interstate.

After selling the existing building and

working out an agreement to leasethe old office space from the newowners, ATA moved forward to startwork on a new 17,500 sq. ft. struc-ture to house both the Associationand ATA Workers’ Comp Fund.

Site preparation began in Sep-tember 2005. Then-Chairman ofthe Board Buck Moore of BuddyMoore trucking, said of the project,“The new building will have a huge impactfor us in terms of increased public visibilityand enhancement of membership services,”he said. “I’m very excited with the prospect ofmoving into our new building during mywatch.”

According to Association president FrankFilgo, after several years of preparation, theproject progressed smoothly and was com-pleted slightly ahead of schedule. Incredibly,the two groups were able to pay for the newbuilding without financing, thus leaving theAssociation in strong financial shape foryears to come.

“Through the many long hours of plan-ning and dedication by the ATA Board of Di-rectors and ATA Workers’ Comp Fund Boardof Trustees we have a facility that offers amplespace for growth and development, allowingus to better serve the state’s trucking indus-try,” he said. “Our new building appropriatelysymbolizes the stature of the trucking indus-try in Alabama.”

Rise of the SMMCUnder ATA safety director Gene Vonder-

au’s watch, ATA’s Safety & MaintenanceManagement Council flourished in the firstdecade the new millennia. Vonderau’s steadyleadership, coupled with his experience in the

industry, solidified the safety council’s twomain chapters, spurring member support andparticipation in the group’s main events—itsannual fleet safety awards and the AlabamaTruck Driving Championships.

Individual chapters grew and worked tocreate educational opportunities for fleetsafety and maintenance professionals. In2006, the SMMC (in conjunction with theATA) awarded more than $7,500 in schol-arships for safety managers to complete na-tionally recognized transportation safetycertification. Six safety professionals fromATA-member firms were selected by theATA Board of Directors to train with theNorth American Transportation Manage-ment Institute (NATMI). This programcontinues today with dozens of Alabamafleet safety managers earning certification.

Another feather in the SMMC’s cap wasrecent success at the National Truck DrivingChampionships.

Bessemer-based truck driver for FedExFreight Darrell Kimbrell was the first driverfrom Alabama to win his division at Na-tionals. According to Association officials,until Kimbrell’s win there had been a fewtop five finishers from Alabama, but never aclass winner.

For his effort, Kimbrell received $1,000 in

ATA officials have strengthened cooperationwith state regulatory officials and enforcementagencies

Continued on page 37

ATA events remain strong and well attended.

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to comply with this requirement could bequite costly for those found to be out ofcompliance.

The second part of the final rule regardingthe electronic online registration process willgo into effect October 23, 2015. This datewas selected to provide sufficient time forthe agency to launch a new URS Web site.The URS is a new electronic on-line registra-tion system that will streamline and simplifythe process and serve as a clearinghouse anddepository of information on all entities reg-ulated by the agency, including motor carri-ers, brokers, freight forwarders, intermodalequipment providers (IEP’s), hazardous ma-terials safety permit (HMSP)applicants/holders, and cargo tank manufac-turing and repair facilities.

I encourage each fleet manager whose op-eration fits any of the categories listed aboveto make sure that 1) You are current withyour registration (MSC 150), and 2) Youmake preparations for the new electronic,on-line system that will take effect October23, 2015.

The FMCSA Web page is an excellent lo-cation to find the information you need re-garding this regulation and there is an excel-lent “FAQ” section regarding the URSprocess, (fmcsa.dot.gov). Locate the “Regis-tration and Licensing” tab and click on the“More” selection. This will take you to theURS information section.

As always, feel free to contact our office ifyou have questions or need assistance regard-ing this information.

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During recent Birmingham and Wire-grass chapter SMMC meetings, wehad the opportunity to hear from

our FMCSA partners regarding recent andupcoming changes about registration require-ments.

Consider this passage taken from FederalMotor Carrier Safety Administration’s Web site:

“The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin-istration (FMCSA) published a final URSrule that will combine sixteen disparate formsthat carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, andother entities currently use to register and up-date their information with the agency into asingle, electronic smart-form. The new sys-tem will increase efficiency by streamliningthe registration process and enable FMCSAto maintain more accurate information onthe entities they regulate. The streamlinedweb-based system will begin operating in2015. At that time, all new applications andupdates to existing records will be handledthrough the new system.”

The first part of the final rule took effectin November of this year. Enforcement pro-visions for failing to file biennial updates ac-cording to the schedule in 49 CFR390.19(b)(2), and (2) a prohibition on oper-ating with an inactive USDOT number willtake effect. For carriers and other entitiesthat have been slack or even failed to updateyour MCS 150 biennial report, now is thetime to make sure your registration is cur-rent. According to FMCSA officials, failing

Tim Frazier, CDSATA Director of Safety and Member Services

‘The URS is a newelectronic on-line

registration system thatwill streamline and

simplify the process andserve as a clearinghouse

and depository of information on all

entities regulated by the agency…’

Demystifying the UnifiedRegistration System

Safety Insights

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

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SMMC holds mock trial and legaltraining session

Unfortunately, litigation is a harsh realityfor the trucking industry, and being readyfor a lawsuit or trial is the key to protectingyour firm against catastrophic financial loss.To better prepare its members for the eventof an actual court case, the Alabama Truck-ing Association’s Safety & MaintenanceManagement Council held a mock trialOct. 24 at the Association’s headquarters inMontgomery.

Even before one of your drivers is in-volved in an accident, it’s always best toevaluate your entire operation from shop

floor to executive office to ensure yourcompany is ready to protect itself. Don’t becaught flatfooted.

Attorneys from the law firm of HandArendall, LLC conducted the trial, whichwas loosely based on an actual truck acci-dent that happened several years ago nearGreenville, Ala.

ATA and SMMC members, as well asstate law enforcement officials, served aswitnesses and other courtroom players witheach side presenting their case exactly asthey would in a real courtroom.

According to ATA director of safety, TimFrazier, said SMMC’s mock trial was de-signed to give attendees clear insights into

following areas of courtroom litigation: dosand don’ts of litigation; what information islikely used by trial lawyers; what attorneyslook for in the discovery process; how com-pany policy, driver information and mainte-nance records are viewed in litigation; andhow to best prepare your company for liti-gation and what pitfalls to avoid.

After the trail, attendees were split in tofour juries, with each electing a foreman.Interestingly, the juries all came with differ-ent verdicts and penalties for the trail.

“We were thrilled with the response fromthose who attended the event,” Frazier said.“The response I received was excellent. Every-

Continued on page 14

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL NEWS

SMMC member Candy Woodruff (left) of Eagle Motor Freight in Montgomery, Ala. takes the witness stand as judge TracyMiller of Hand Arendall presides.

Dennis Bailey of Wal-Mart Transportation, Cullman, Ala.served as an expert witness.

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14 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

one I talked with told me they found theevent extremely well done and informative.Also, this was one of the first training sessionswe scheduled when the Association complet-ed its new conference room, and everythingwent very well from the production side.”

SMMC members Candy Woodruff ofEagle Motor Freight in Montgomery, Ala.;Dennis Bailey and Louie Haynes of Wal-Mart Transportation, Cullman, Ala.; andRandy Watson of Evergreen Transportation,Evergreen, Ala., served as witnesses duringthe trial.

Craig Campbell, an associate in the Liti-gation Section at Hand Arendall LLC inMobile, represented the defense; and BuzzyRiis, also an attorney from Hand Arendallspecializing in general civil litigation with aconcentration in personal injury, truckingdefense, and construction defense litigation,represented the plaintiff. Another HandArendall attorney, Tracy Miller, served asjudge. Miller defends trucking companiesand other businesses in accident-related liti-gation and employment law matters.

“We are grateful to all who participatedand attended the event,” Frazier said. “Weplan to do more of these in future. If ourmembers have ideas for similar sessions,please contact me.”

DVDs of the event are available to mem-bers free of charge. If interested, contactFord Boswell at [email protected].

Mock Trial cont’d

Buzzy Riss argues for the plaintiff.

Attendees were separated into four juries with each electing a foreman and coming up with a verdict for the case.

Interestingly, each jury came up with entirely different verdicts for the trial. According to Arendall attorneys, this is not surpris-ing, as many factors outside of the actual events of a case can sway a decision.

The event was produced by attorneys from the law firm of Hand Arendall LLC in Mobile.

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18 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

SMMC Roadside

ATA’s SMMC Wiregrass chapter held its fall roadside inspection October 17 near Ozark, Ala.,showcasing the group’s commitment to highway, commercial vehicle, driver and fleet safety. Thebiennial event allows SMMC members to work alongside state Motor Carrier Safety Unit offi-cers in actual vehicle and driver inspections. Performing actual inspections allows for a betterunderstanding of how trucking is regulated for safety. The event drew about 40 SMMC mem-bers, state MCSU troopers, and students from the Diesel and Heavy Machinery Mechanicsprogram at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College MacArthur Campus in Opp, Ala.

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:16 AM Page 18

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WH Thomas Oil Co.Clanton, AL 205-755-2610

Decatur, AL 256-351-0744

www.thomasoil.com

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:16 AM Page 20

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-

brication solutions that can reduce your operating

costs and improve your bottom line.

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-

tenance intervals and the life of your engines so your

entire business is always in high gear.

And that’s good for your bottom line

Think of us as your lubrication experts

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22 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

Lawmakers introduce legislationto halt HOS 34-hour restart

Reps. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), Tom Rice(R-S.C.) and Michael Michaud (D-Maine)have introduced legislation that would putthe brakes on the 34-hour restart provisionof the current federal hours-of-service rulesuntil an independent review is conducted.

The bill, H.R. 3413, would stayFMCSA’s restart changes until the Govern-ment Accountability Office completes a fullassessment of the data and rationale theagency used in issuing its rule.

A recent study by the American Trans-portation Research Institute found that thechanges FMCSA made to the restart will ul-timately have a net annual cost of up to$376 million, rather than the net benefit of$133 million the agency claimed in its rule.

While only in effect for four months, therule is already causing significant disruptionin the trucking industry. ATA memberSchneider National, for example, reportedthat while productivity has slipped 3-4 per-cent, there’s been little change in the fleet’ssafety performance and an increase in driverdissatisfaction.

FMCSA closes another carrierfor safety inadequacies

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin-istration recently continued its heavy handtoward bad carries, closing its eleventh carrierof the year for severe fleet safety violations.According to Commercial Carrie Journal, theagency shut down the five-truck fleet Moon-light Express, based in Cherryville, N.C., byissuing the fleet an imminent hazard out-of-service order for severe violations related todriver drug testing, hours-of-service andequipment upkeep.

The agency issued the out-of-serviceorder Oct. 30. FMCSA says an investiga-tion into the company last month revealedits equipment did not meet minimum stan-dards set by federal regulations, nor was thecompany inspecting, repairing or maintain-ing its vehicles up to standard.

Also, multiple times, the company alloweddrivers with suspended CDLs to operate itstrucks. It also failed to make sure its driverscomplied with federal hours-of-service regu-lations and did not conduct federally re-quired drug and alcohol tests of its drivers.

In addition to the 11 trucking companiesplaced out-of-service this year, FMCSA hasalso shut down 10 CDL holders.

Former safety exec and AlabamaSMMC leader Bob Bonich dies

Former safety executive and a long-timeAlabama Trucking Association safety coun-cil leader Bob Bonich died Friday, Oct. 11at his home in Knoxville, Tenn. He was 77.

By all accounts, Mr. Bonich led an inter-esting and well-rounded life. A son of Yu-goslavian immigrants who passed throughEllis Island in 1909, Mr. Bonich never tookanything for granted, making the most fromevery opportunity, whether it was winning afootball scholarship from the University ofKentucky during the Paul “Bear” Bryant era,to pulling down six figures at a large, nation-al trucking firm, or rebuilding his career inAlabama after a professional setback thatwould have buried a lesser man.

In an interview with Alabama Trucker in2004 announcing his retirement after 40years in the industry (the last 15 of that withthe former Suttles Truck Leasing), he attrib-uted his drive to succeed and hard-workingnature to his upbringing in Kentucky.

“My dad worked in the coalmines near ourhome,” Mr. Bonich told Alabama Trucker.“He always took pride in his work ethic andability to give his family a better life than hehad. He couldn’t read or write English, but heput six of us through college. It amazes me.”

After retirement Mr. Bonich and his wifeof 57 years, Doris, moved to Knoxville tobe closer to family and he spent his remain-ing days there. He occasionally took onconsulting work in fleet safety, but mostlyhe just enjoyed retirement.

He is survived by Doris; their son anddaughter-in-law, Chris and Danielle Bonichof Atlanta, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law,Julie and Bob McClellan of Knoxville,Tenn.; his remaining family and manyfriends who will miss him greatly.

Short-haul truckers exempt from30-minute break

In October, the Federal Motor CarrierSafety Administration officially exemptedshort-haul drivers from the mandatory restbreak provision of its hours-of-service regu-lations. FMCSA made that exemption offi-cial with a final rule that published in theFederal Register on Monday, Oct. 28. Thefinal rule exempts two distinct types ofshort-haul drivers. According to Land Linemagazine, the final rule exempts all drivers(whether they hold a CDL or not) who op-erate within 100 air-miles of their normalwork reporting location and satisfy the timelimitations and record keeping require-ments. The rule also exempts all non-CDLdrivers who operate within a 150 air-mileradius of the location where the driver re-ports for duty and who satisfy the time lim-itations and recordkeeping requirements.

News

National ATA names its top fleet safety winnersThe American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council recently an-

nounced its 2013 award winners at its Safety & Human Resources National Conference& Exhibition in Sparks, Nev.

The ATA President’s Trophy recognizes the three companies whose fleets have beenjudged to have the best overall safety programs from the Truck & Industrial Safety Contests. These contests judge motor carriers from across the U.S. on their safety ac-complishments and safety records relative to others within their operation type and size.The top three ATA President’s Trophy recipients are honored for their superior safetyachievements, outstanding commitment to industry-wide safety and extensive promo-tion of safety among all highway users.

2013 ATA President’s Trophy, sponsored by: Great West Casualty Co.:● Large fleet winner (over 100 million miles annually)

FedEx Ground, Moon Township, Pa.● Mid-size fleet winner (between 25-100 million miles annually)

Duie Pyle, West Chester, Pa.● Small fleet winner (under 25 million miles annually)

CVS Transportation, L.L.C., Woonsocket, R.I.

ATA National Driver of the Year, sponsored by Custard Insurance Adjusters: Gary Babbitt, Central Freight Lines, Dallas, Tex.

National Safety Director of the Year, sponsored by Great West Casualty Co.: Jerry Waddell, Cargo Transporters, Inc., Claremont, N.C.

National Safety Professional Award of Excellence, sponsored by Meritor WABCO:Jason Wing, ABF Freight System, Little Rock, Ark.

Excellence in Safety: Sponsored by: Great West Casualty Co.: North Carolina TruckingAssociation

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ATRI ranks industry’s top concerns

By Rebecca Brewster

Since 2005, the American Trucking Asso-ciations has turned to the American Trans-portation Research Institute (ATRI) to sur-vey trucking industry stakeholders to iden-tify the top issues of concern. And for the2013 annual survey, there was no shortageof topics for the industry to choose from.

First and foremost were the changes to thefederal Hours-of-Service rules which took ef-fect July 1st of this year. Included in the newrules were limitations placed on the use ofthe 34-hour restart and a mandated 30-minute rest break for drivers before drivingafter 8 hours on duty. While the safety im-pacts of the HOS changes have yet to befully understood, the productivity impactswere immediately felt. Prior to the July 1stchanges, ATRI published research whichquantified potential impacts from the newrules, including productivity costs to the in-dustry of as much as $376 million annuallyjust for the restart changes. Compared to thepotential benefit to the industry of $133 mil-lion estimated by the Federal Motor CarrierSafety Administration (FMCSA), it’s clear tosee why industry had concern.

That concern was not unfounded. OnNovember 18th ATRI released its latestHOS analysis, this time clearly document-ing actual impacts on motor carriers anddrivers operating under the new rules.Among those impacts: 80 percent of carriersreported a productivity loss; nearly 70 per-cent of drivers reported pay decreases; andmore than 80 percent of drivers reported anegative impact on their quality of life, with66 percent reporting increased fatigue levelsoperating under the new rules. The impactson driver wages alone for all over-the-roaddrivers could total $1.6 billion to $3.9 bil-lion in annualized loss. These real-worldimpacts were the subject of a November21st congressional hearing by the SmallBusiness Committee’s Subcommittee onContracting and Workforce.

But hours-of-service isn’t the only issuefacing the industry. The industry is still sort-ing through challenges and conflicts withFMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability(CSA) initiative, now in its third year. Since

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24 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

Continued on page 26

1 Driver Shortage1 Examine the competitiveness of truck driver pay and benefits as compared to other industries.2 Work with state and federal authorities to consider a graduated CDL program to safely attract new and younger

drivers.3 Continue work to streamline the transition from a military CDL to a civilian CDL in order to attract more veterans to

the trucking industry.

2 Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)1* Push for a crash accountability determination process that removes non-preventable crashes from carrier scores.1* Utilize Inspector General and Government Accountability Office findings to push FMCSA to correct flaws in the

scoring system.3 Quantify the impact of disparate state enforcement practices on carrier CSA scores and advocate for more uniform

enforcement.

3 Hours-of-Service1* Quantify the impacts of 2013 HOS changes on industry operations, productivity and safety.1* Research and advocate for more innovative and flexible strategies for fatigue management than prescriptive HOS

rules.3 Advocate for increased flexibility in the current sleeper berth provision.

4 (Tie) Transportation Infrastructure/Congestion/Funding1 Utilize the congressionally-mandated National Freight Policy and National Freight Network as tools to ensure ade-

quate investment in critical highway infrastructure.2 Identify the worst truck bottlenecks as a means for targeting government infrastructure investments.3 Advocate for fuel tax increases to efficiently fund the surface transportation system and ensure those funds are not

diverted to non-highway projects.

4 (Tie) Economy1* Advocate for reforming/repealing ineffective and burdensome regulations that add to industry costs without provid-

ing benefits.1* Pressure Congress to change its pattern of short-term extensions and inaction that creates more uncertainty in the

economy.3 Continue to advocate for policies that will stimulate the economy.

4 (Tie) Driver Distraction1 Advocate for a nationwide ban on hand-held cell phone use and texting for all motorists.2 Continue to promote research to better understand the size of the distracted driving problem. 3 Encourage harsher penalties and more aggressive enforcement of distracted driving violations for drivers of all

vehicle types.

7 Driver Health/Wellness1 Encourage increased availability of exercise facilities and healthy food choices at truck stops/travel plazas.2* Create a model health and wellness program based on national best practices to provide guidance for carriers.2* Promote research that quantifies the return-on-investment potential of driver health and wellness programs.

8 (Tie) Fuel Supply/Fuel Prices1 Advocate for measures that limit financial market speculation on energy which can cause price fluctuations/volatility.2 Continue to support expanded use of domestic energy sources to improve the reliability of our energy supply.3 Support effective technologies and proven methods for improving fuel efficiency that could lower fuel costs.

8 (Tie) Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate1* Advocate for FMCSA to include provisions that retain existing Hours-of-Service (HOS) exemptions and provide sup-

porting document relief in an ELD mandate.1* Encourage FMCSA to issue the congressionally-mandated ELD rule in a timely fashion.3 Ensure that the ELD mandate does not require storage or transfer of data unrelated to HOS record of duty status.

10 Driver Retention1 Help improve work/life balance, healthy lifestyles and family relationships for drivers.2 Study the effectiveness of carrier retention programs that financially incentivize drivers for safe driving performance.3 Research the basis for driver turnover by personality type, compensation models and industry business/operating

models. * indicates tie for strategy ranking

State Top Industry Issues Report 2013

Alabama23 - State Total Responses

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:16 AM Page 24

ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013 25

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26 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

its nationwide rollout in December 2010, in-dustry groups have identified a number ofchallenges within CSA. Two of the most sig-nificant areas of concern surrounding CSAare the lack of crash accountability in CSAscoring and the inability of CSA scores to ac-curately predict carrier safety performance.ATRI released research in 2012 found thatonly three out of five publicly available Be-havior Analysis Safety Improvement Catego-ry (BASIC) scores were positively correlatedwith crash rates. The impacts on motor carri-ers whose safety performance is being evalu-ated based on BASIC scores with no rela-tionship to crash risk is a problem that mustbe addressed.

Combined, HOS and CSA areexacerbating an already signifi-cant driver shortage. Add to thatthe increased freight demand re-sulting from the economic re-bound over the past few yearsand it’s no surprise that findingqualified drivers is once againnear the top of the list of indus-try concerns. And though it nolonger places first among indus-

try stakeholders, the stateof the nation’s economycontinues to be a topissue in the annual sur-vey, placing 4th in the2013 list of critical indus-try issues.

Rounding out the topfive issues in the annualsurvey is the ElectronicLogging Device (ELD)mandate. In 2011,FMCSA was forced to vacate a proposedELD rule due to a court decision regardingconcerns over driver harassment. FMCSA isexpected to release a supplemental notice ofproposed rulemaking (SNPRM) in the nextseveral months that will address ELD per-formance standards, requirements for the useof ELDs, requirements related to HOS sup-

porting documents, and as-surances that ELD man-dates will not result indriver harassment. De-pending on the nature ofthe proposed rule, thisissue may see a higher levelof concern in the futureyears’ surveys.

Issues 6-10 in the 2013annual survey are all criti-cal and impact motor car-

riers on a day-to-day basis and the inter-con-nectivity of the issues is unmistakable. Withthe recent changes to the HOS rules, TruckParking (#6 on the survey) has become evenmore of a challenge for drivers as they lookfor safe places to park for their mandated 30-minute rest break. Solutions for improvingDriver Retention (#7) become increasingly

difficult in today’s environmentwith the impacts on drivers fromCSA and the HOS changes.

Issues #8 and #9 (Fuel Pricesand Infrastructure/Congestion, re-spectively) impact your bottomline and without meaningful andsignificant infrastructure invest-ment, congestion will worsen andfuel costs as a percentage of the in-

Continued on page 28

RROUNDUPOUNDUPTTRUCKINGRUCKING IINDUSTRYNDUSTRY 2013 TOP INDUSTRY ISSUES

1. Hours-of-Service2. CSA3. Driver Shortage4. Economy5. Electronic Logging Device Mandate6. Truck Parking7. Driver Retention8. Fuel Supply/Fuel Prices9. Infrastructure/Congestion/

Transportation Funding10. Driver Health/Wellness

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28 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

dustry’s overall operating expenses will contin-ue to climb. In ATRI’s 2013 update to theOperational Costs of Trucking research, fueland oil was the single highest motor carriercost center, even more costly than driverwages and benefits combined.

The #10 issue in the 2013 annual survey,Driver Health and Wellness, must become apriority for motor carriers and drivers alike ifthe industry is going to keep the professionalmen and women now employed in the in-dustry and attract new entrants. In additionto obvious lifestyle benefits, an improvementin driver health may also have positive impli-cations for industry safety as research hasfound a positive correlation between driverhealth and driver safety.

The Top Industry Issues Survey providesan important indicator of where the indus-try’s attention is focused and which issuesmay rise to prominence in the near future.It’s an important tool for providing directionto industry groups at the state and nationallevels in terms of the issues and strategiesthat motor carriers believe will have the mostimpact on the industry for years to come.Armed with this information, state trucking

associations and the American Trucking As-sociations are better equipped to address theissues more broadly and proactively.

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3)not-for-profit research organization. It is en-gaged in critical research relating to freighttransportation’s essential role in maintaining asafe, secure and efficient transportation sys-tem. A copy of the 2013 Top Industry IssuesSurvey analysis report is available from ATRIat www.atri-online.org.

Rebecca Brewster is president & CEO for ATRI,she may be reach ed at [email protected].

ATA member earn EPA SmartWay Excellence Awards

Birmingham-based flatbed carrier P&STransportation has earned the Environmen-tal Protection Agency’s 2013 SmartWay Ex-cellence Award for its efforts leading thebusiness community to a clean, efficientand more sustainable future for goodsmovement.

SmartWay carrier awardees are recog-nized for top environmental performance.EPA identified partners in good standingthat are leaders in freight efficiency basedon their SmartWay data within their fleettype and size categories. Large and medi-um/small carriers were selected based on

their performance within 14 fleet categories.Other trucking companies receiving

SmartWay Excellence Awards include:Menlo Worldwide Logistics; Ryder Integrat-ed Logistics Inc.; Transplace; YRC World-wide Inc.; Marten Transport LTD; Lowe’sCompanies Inc.; Toyota Logistics Services;Tennessee Express Inc.; System TransportInc.; Con-way Freight; Penske LogisticsLLC; Tennant Truck Lines Inc.; JBS Carri-ers Inc.; Prime Inc.; Keen Transport Inc.;Con-way Truckload; Covenant Transport;CRST Van Expedited Inc.; Knight Trans-portation Inc.; Swift Transportation Co.;Werner Enterprises; Mesilla Valley Trans-portation and NFI Industries Inc.

Graves Says ATA, trucking continuing to thrive despite challenges

American Trucking Associations Presi-dent and CEO Bill Graves said the industrycontinues to play a central role in the U.S.economy, despite the myriad of challengesfacing the industry and called on truckingto embrace looming changes.

“Trucking is a core building block in theeconomic foundation of America,” Gravessaid today in his annual State of the Indus-

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30 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

try address. “We stand along with workingmen and women, the entrepreneurs who arewilling to put capital at risk, with plantsand equipment, energy, water, chemicals –all the fundamental elements that make upthe economy.”

Specifically, Graves pointed to challengesfrom Washington, the rail industry and eco-nomic pressures as being threats to the in-dustry.

“Political change is underway and manyof the traditional allegiances the businesscommunity has had with the RepublicanParty are necessarily going to need to be re-evaluated,” said Graves, pointing a finger atTea Party sympathizers. “While it’s appro-priate, and there is certainly merit in advo-cating for reduced government spending,smaller government, reducing our debt,limiting regulations and controlling thereach and intrusive nature of the federalgovernment—insisting on having thingstheir way, without a hint of willingness tocompromise and threatening to ‘burn thehouse down’ otherwise, is a combination offoolish, ill-advised, reckless and detrimentalactions to the future of this country.”

Actions by Republicans in Washington,Graves said, will serve to hurt Republicansnationally and boost Democrats.

“If I was your political broker, my advicewould be that you sell your Republicanshares and buy the Democrats,” he said.

Graves also talked about the necessity tochange, specifically to increase, the fuel tax toaddress the nation’s infrastructure needs, cit-ing recent comments by former Transporta-tion Secretary Ray LaHood – once an oppo-nent of raising the tax – advocating a tax hike.

“Our position in support of a fuel tax in-crease is absolutely the right position totake—and everyone on Capitol Hill knowsit—they all know it,” he said. “Ray LaHoodalways knew it, the President knows it,every member of Congress knows it, we’rejust fighting the plague of intellectual am-nesia that’s overwhelmed Washington onthis and so many other issues.”

Graves also cited coming changes that willhave a positive impact on trucking: improvedfuel efficiency standards, electronic logging,creation of a drug and alcohol testing clear-inghouse and increased use of natural gas topower trucks; and changes whose impact ismuch less certain: new hours-of-service rules,the expansion of CSA and pressures on ca-pacity and the driver shortage.

Graves took the opportunity to take a jab

at the ubiquitous “Freight Rail Works” cam-paign, asking that “if it works so well, whydoes it require a $100 million ad campaignto tell everyone it works?”

Ultimately, he said the industry’s greatestthreat was also a strength: its incredible di-versity.

“This industry’s biggest obstacle to suc-cess is not the railroads; it’s not the politicalenvironment or the policy and regulatoryenvironment in Washington DC or statecapitols. It’s not high diesel fuel prices or ananticipated shortage of drivers. The biggestchallenge we face will come from the in-credible diversity of our industry and theeasily fragmented constituency that we are,”Graves said. “There’s an old saying about‘hanging together or hanging alone.’ TheATA record of success in successfully ad-vancing your agenda and protecting yourinterest is one I’m very proud of. “

For full text of Graves’ speech, visit Na-tional ATA’s Web site, www.truckline.org.

IFTA/IRP audit workshop set forFebruary

The IFTA/IRP Audit Workshop, put onevery year by the International Fuel TaxAgreement and the International Registra-

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32 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

tion Plan, is set February 24-27, 2014, inFt. Lauderdale, Fla. Committee meetingswill follow the workshop on February 28,including the meeting of the IFTA IndustryAdvisory Committee.

The workshop is always one of the bestIRP and IFTA meetings of the year, in atten-dance, subject matter, and discussions. Thisyear, expected hot topics will be the continu-ing rewrite of IFTA’s audit and record-keep-ing rules and the audit aspects of the FullReciprocity Plan recently adopted by IRP.

Most of the states and provinces will like-ly send representatives to this meeting; it’simportant to have a good industry atten-dance as well.

For more information, or to register, gothe IFTA website, www.iftach.org.

Short-haul truckers exempt from30-minute break

In October, the Federal Motor CarrierSafety Administration officially exemptedshort-haul drivers from the mandatory restbreak provision of its hours-of-service regu-lations.

FMCSA made that exemption officialwith a final rule that published in the Feder-al Register on Monday, Oct. 28.

The final rule exempts two distinct typesof short-haul drivers.

According to Land Line magazine, thefinal rule exempts all drivers (whether theyhold a CDL or not) who operate within100 air-miles of their normal work report-ing location and satisfy the time limitationsand record keeping requirements.

The rule also exempts all non-CDL driv-ers who operate within a 150 air-mile ra-dius of the location where the driver reportsfor duty and who satisfy the time limita-tions and recordkeeping requirements.

ATA Truck Tonnage Index Decreased 2.8% in October

The American Trucking Associations’ ad-vanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire TruckTonnage Index fell 2.8 percent in October,the first decrease since July. In September,the index was up 0.5 percent. September’sincrease was less than the preliminary 1.4percent gain ATA reported on October 22,2013. In October, the index equaled 124(2000=100) versus 127.5 in September. October’s level was the lowest since April.Compared with October 2012, the SA

index surged 8 percent, which is the largestyear-over-year gain since December 2011.Year-to-date, compared with the same peri-od in 2012, the tonnage index is up 5.5percent.

The not seasonally adjusted index, whichrepresents the change in tonnage actuallyhauled by the fleets before any seasonal ad-justment, equaled 133 in October, whichwas 4.9 percent above the previous month(126.9).

“From May through September, theindex surged 3.5 percent, including onlyone monthly decrease over that period,”said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.“It isn’t surprising for volumes to fall backsome after such a good run.”

“Despite October’s month-to-month de-crease, we saw a very robust year-over-yearincrease and I’m seeing some good signs outof the trucking industry that suggests theeconomy may be a little stronger than wethink,” he said. “Specifically, the heavyfreight sectors, like tank truck, have beenhelping tonnage this year. But in the thirdquarter, generic dry van truckload freightsaw the best quarterly gains since 2010. Iview this positively for the economy. I viewit positively for trucking. Now, we have tosee if it continues.”

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34 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

Public Safety names its 2013 Examiner of the Year

The Alabama Department of Public Safety’s tapped Stacy Fuqua as its annual Examiner of the Year at an awards luncheon in Montgomery,Oct. 30.

One of four nominees, Fuqua was named this year’s top Driver Li-cense examiner during a program designed to recognize examiners fromacross the state who continue to consistently strive for excellence in theirwork and service to the public.

At this year’s luncheon, Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey spoke to Fuquaand nominees Angra Coachman (Glencoe), Valentina Green (Tuscaloosa)and Deanna Williams (Ozark), and she thanked them for their dedica-tion to the department and to the state.

“You represent the unsung heroes of this great state,” Ivey said, em-phasizing how members of the Driver License Div. ensure public safetyat the “first level of entry” and come into contact with the majority ofAlabama’s residents.

Fuqua was all smiles as Major Terry Chapman, Driver License Div. chief, called her name and presented her with a plaque. Followingthe event, Fuqua said while recognition is nice, it has nothing to with why she does what she does.

“I do it to help out,” she said, who has been with Driver License for 23 years and currently works in the Hamilton office. She lovesher job. In fact, even winning the lottery wouldn’t stop her from coming to work. (That is dedication!)

The Driver License Div. established this award almost 20 years ago as a way to recognize and celebrate exemplary work of Driver Li-cense examiners in promoting public safety through testing and in detecting fraudulent documents and other criminal activity in the li-censing process.

Each year, a selection committee comprising individuals from outside the department chooses the winning examiner after carefully re-viewing each of the nominations. Serving on this year’s selection committee were Tim Frazier of the Alabama Trucking Association,Shane McMinn of R.E. Garrison Trucking and Harold Hammond, who is a retired lieutenant colonel with Public Safety.

Other co-sponsors of this year’s luncheon were, MorphoTrust USA; R.E. Garrison Trucking; and the Alabama State Trooper Association.

Tim Frazier (left) and Shane McMinn (right) stand with DPS Examiner of theYear Stacy Fuqua.

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:17 AM Page 34

ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013 35

“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 _______________

AL Sen___________________

AL Hse___________________

CG Dist __________________

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:17 AM Page 35

36 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

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 Dues250,001300,001400,001

and not overand not overand not over

$300,000400,000500,000

$420480540660

$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

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:17 AM Page 36

prize money and a trophy from NTDC offi-cials and FedEx awarded him the option ofchoosing one of several trips, including a VIPtrip to the Daytona 500 and an all-expensesvacation in Hawaii.

Two years later, Alphonso Lewis, adriver/account specialist of for then Roadway(now YRC Freight) in Montgomery, Ala., wasnamed National Grand Champion at the2007 National TDC in Minneapolis. TheNational Grand Champion title is awarded tothe National Champion who has exhibitedthe highest skills and professionalism amongthe 400 drivers competing at the event.

In 2011, Vonderau announced his retire-ment from the Association effective at theend of that year. The Association hired in-dustry veteran Tim Frazier to serve as theAssociation’s new Director of Safety &Member Services.

Frazier brought more than two decadesof fleet safety and maintenance manage-ment experience to the Association, mostrecently serving as Vice President of Safetyand Human Resources with McGriff Trans-portation in Cullman, Ala. Prior to that, heheld several posts for Wal-Mart Transporta-tion’s maintenance, safety and distributiondepartments.

Today, the SMMC has nearly 200 fleetmanagers involved with one of three chapters:Birmingham, Wiregrass and Gulf Coast.

Recent Milestones,Looking Ahead

One of the Association’s more recent andprouder moments was the election of BoydBros. Transportation, Inc. president andCEO Gail Cooper as its top elected officialfor the 2010-’11 fiscal year. She is the firstwoman to hold the position in the grouphistory. Cooper offered the perfect blend oftradition and innovation with her leader -ship. Her father, the late Demp -sey Boyd, was a trucking insti-tution in the state, havingserved this Association as itschairman in 1983. Cooperbrought a fresh approach and anew sense of urgency to addressthe issues for Alabama Truckers.

Earlier this year, the Associa-tion celebrated 75 years of serv-ing Alabama’s trucking industrywith a grand convention cele-brating the Association’s pastwith an eye toward the future.More than 420 Alabama Truck -

ing Association members and guestsconvened at the Hilton San destinBeach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin,Fla. this past April for the group’s75th Annual Convention & Meeting.

To celebrate its Diamond Anniver-sary, Association officials asked the2013 ATA Convention Committee tomake the event worthy of ATA’s major mile-stone. Spearheaded by Convention ChairmanKevin Savoy of Greenbush Logistics, the com-mittee pulled all the stops for the meeting,sparing no expense or effort to bring in top-shelf speakers and entertainment. To raise thefunds needed to produce the event, the Con-vention Committee, revamped sponsorshiplevels and increased the amount of eventrecognition the more than 130 member firmsthat pledged financial support. According to

ATA officials the event raisednearly $160,000 and collectedanother $108,000 in registrationsfees. There were 22 firms topledge $5,000 each. These firmswere awarded special billing andbenefit at convention events. An-other 27 firms donated $2,000each. The remaining groupsstepped up at $1,000 and $500levels.

A few weeks later, ATA andthe Workers’ Comp Fundreached another milestonewhen it expanded its building’s

conference room to better accommodatethe delivery of member services. The inau-gural event held in the new room was the2013 Installation of Officers’ ceremony.More than 150 attendees were able to as-semble and comfortably participate in theevent. Previously this space was limited toabout 60 people standing.

Since then, the new facility has hosted sev-eral meetings of the Alabama Dept. of PublicSafety, the Wiregrass SMMC Chapter’sRoundtable Discussion on EOBRs, an Af-fordable Health Care (AHC) orientation,among other major events.

Today this Association remains proud of itsefforts to protect and serve the state’s valuedtrucking industry. However, the success of itspast does not mean that the current leader-ship isn’t fully aware of the many challengesthat face us. There are many obstacles thatcause concern. But looking toward the next75 years, and considering the Association’sdedicated leadership pool and a unified mem-bership base, it’s obvious that that there’s nolimit to what this group will accomplish.

Compiled and edited by Ford Boswell.

Continued from page 11

ATA’s First Lady Gail Cooper

Last spring ATA officially celebrated its 75th Anniversary at its annual convention, bringing in

state dignitaries, many past Chairmen, and topspeakers and entertainment. The event drew more

than 400 attendees and guests and considered to beone the Association’s most well-attended events.

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:17 AM Page 37

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

The Trucking Summit(917) 502-0139

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/ELECTRONICSCarrierWeb LLC(770) 289-8005www.carrierweb.com

Fleetmatics(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

Vertical Alliance Group, Inc.(903) 792-3866www.lmstrucking.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

Phillips Industries(706) 202-5348www.phillipsind.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

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

Comdata(615) 376-6824www.comdata.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) 223-1445www.renasantbank.com

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

Wells Fargo Equipment Finance(314) 374-2165www.wellsfargo.com

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

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

Aronov Insurance, Inc.(205) 414-9575www.aronovinsurance.com

The Baxter Agency(334) 678-5900www.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 & ALCOHOL SERVICESAlabama Specialty Clinic(256) 736-1460www.ascoccupationalhealth.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

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

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

PETROLEUM PRODUCTSClean Energy Fuels(423) 341-1779

Corridor Clean Fuels, LLC(256) 894-0098

Green Buffalo Fuel(716) 768-0611

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 SERVICES

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

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

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:17 AM Page 38

(as of 11/24/2013)

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

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

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

Drivewyze(780) 461-3355www.drivewyze.com

The Earl Dove Co., LLC(334) 793-2437

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

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

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

PRCompanies(334) 836-1377www.premployer.inc

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 of B’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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Navistar(813) 382-3113www.internationaldelivers.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

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

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

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

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

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

ATA_4Q13_11751 ATA 12/2/13 11:17 AM Page 39

40 ALABAMA TRUCKER • 4TH QUARTER 2013

ATAATA & & E V E N T SE V E N T SNew Members (as of 11-27-2013)

NEWNEW MEMBERSMEMBERS

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

ADVERTISER PG. NO. PH. NO. WEB ADDRESS

ATA WCSIF BC (334) 834-7911 www.atacompfund.orgThe Baxter Agency 28 (800) 873-8494 www.baxteragency.comBell & Co. 25 (501) 753-9700 bellandcompany.netGreat Dane IBC (800) 383-0094 www.greatdanetrailers.comGreat West Casualty Co. 31 (800) 228-8053 www.gwccnet.comGreenbush Logistics 32 (877) 585-4749 www.greenbushlogistics.comInfiniti-I 34 (205) 585-3895 [email protected] Trucks IFC (800) 844-4102 www.navistar.comIra Phillips 31 (800) 673-6256 www.iraphillips.comJP Transportation Safety Consulting 27 (205) 329-8183 www.jptsc.comJ.J. Keller 33 (888) 473-4638 ext. 7892 www.jjkellermobile.comJohnson Locklin 26 (251) 947-3015 www.johnson-locklin.comNextran Truck Center 15 (800) 292-8685 www.nextrancorp.comPalomar Insurance 27 (800) 489-0105 www.palomarins.comParman Energy 3 (888) 350-5576 www.parmanenergy.comRegions Insurance 25 (800) 807-1412 www.regionsinsurance.comThompson Cat 16-17 (205) 849-4288 www.thompsontractor.comTransport Enterprise Leasing LLC 30 (423) 463-3389 transportenterpriseleasing.comTruckworx Kenworth 19 (800) 444-6170 www.truckworx.comTurner & Hamrick 23 (888) 385-0186 www.turnerhamrick.comWH Thomas Oil Co. 20 (205) 755-2610 www.thomasoil.comW.W. Williams 29 (800) 365-3780 www.wwwilliams.com

Birmingham Jefferson CountyTransit AuthorityP. O. Box 10212Birmingham, AL 35203(205) 521-0161Ms. Ann Dawson August

Callen Enterprises. IncP O Box 39Lowndesboro, AL 36752(334) 278-3375Ms. Kendal Callen

CarrierWeb LLC306 Birch LaurelWoodstock, GA 30188(770) 575-4052Mr. Russ Kent

Chordus, Inc.273 Cahaba Valley ParkwayPelham, AL 35124(205) 988-5919Mr. Matt Gilleland

Delta Oil Services, Inc.2903 7th StreetTuscaloosa, AL 35401(205) 242-9969Mr. Lucas Hayes

Drivewyze6325 Gateway Blvd, Suite 170Edmonton, Alberta, T6H5H6(780) 461-3355Mr. Doug Johnson

Green Buffalo Fuel720 Riverview BlvdTonawanda, NY 14150(716) 768-0611Mr. Pete Coleman

J. Crump & Associates, Inc.1309 3rd Ave. S.Jasper, AL 35501(205) 221-3094Mr. R. Jason Crump

Kenny Blackmon Trucking, Inc.171 Gentry RdArab, AL 35016(256) 550-0884Mr. Kenny Blackmon

Moving On107 Spanish TrailAlabaster, AL 35007(205) 612-2445Mr. John Winstead

Phillips Industries901 Kingsbury AveBirmingham, AL 35213(706) 202-5348Mr. Kent J. Crymes

Remedial Services, Inc.P. O. Box 609Satsuma, AL 36572(251) 753-4583Mr. Kenneth Lucas

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

Top Shelf Logistics LLCP. O. Box 2467Clanton, AL 35046(205) 280-4980Ms. Karen Graves

Vertical Alliance GroupP. O, Box 780Texarkana, TX 75504(903) 792-3866Mr. Allan Hicks

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.

Contact Ford Boswell at [email protected]

or 877-277-TRUK (8785) For More Information

ForAdvertising

Info Call

Ford Boswell334-834-3983

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