MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Truck drivers and other employees of Averitt Express recently set a new standard for their largest donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as they raised $1,200,001 in 2022.

 

The contribution was recently presented to St. Jude, and it marked the fourth consecutive year Averitt has given at least $1 million. It’s also the eighth consecutive year Averitt employees have either matched or broken their fundraising record. As has become the tradition for the last several years, the extra $1 represents what Averitt calls “The Power of One,” showing the difference every person can make.

 

The milestone was made possible by contributions from Averitt employees and retirees participating in Averitt Cares for Kids, the company’s charitable employee-giving program. More than 94% of Averitt associates are members of Averitt Cares for Kids, giving $1 per week to help St. Jude and other important causes. The donation was also bolstered by a company contribution of $750,000 in honor of associates’ accomplishments, life events and participation in community service projects.

 

“I’m humbled by the way our associates come together to support the good works of St. Jude,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer. “For more than 50 years, we’ve been committed to helping others, and I’m even more excited about how we can help the children of St. Jude in the future through Averitt Cares for Kids.”

 

Averitt Cares for Kids began in 1987 and has contributed more than $14 million to numerous charities, including over $11 million to St. Jude. Since 1990, Averitt Cares for Kids contributions have been designated to St. Jude as part of their special partnership. And in 1997, Averitt Cares for Kids completed a $1.5 million endowment to help fund the initial construction of the St. Jude Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinic – 80% of all St. Jude patients visit the clinic at some point during their treatment.

 

For more information about Averitt Cares for Kids, its special relationship with St. Jude and other ways Averitt associates give back, visit Averitt.com/AverittCares.

 

About Averitt Express

Serving shippers for over 50 years, Averitt is a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management solutions with an international reach to 100+ countries. Averitt’s LTL, Truckload, Dedicated, Distribution & Fulfillment, and Integrated services provide shippers access to a wide array of services and customized solutions that cover every link in the supply chain. Together, these services and technology offerings provide “The Power of One” to shippers, allowing them access to multiple transportation solutions from a single provider. Averitt’s 9,000+ associates are dedicated to delivering the most reliable services within the industry, and to promoting a company culture that is centered around people, communities and giving back. For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (283-7488) or visit Averitt.com.

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On March 7, 2023 M&W Transportation Co. was awarded the 3rd place Division II Fleet Safety Award at TCA’s annual convention.

Director of Safety Chris Woody accepted the award on behalf of M&W. Entries in this category included fleets with 5-14.99 million miles from all of North America.

“These annual awards identify truckload carriers that have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to safety through presenting the lowest accident frequency ratios per million miles in each of six mileage-based divisions.” https://truckload.org/news/2022-fleet-safety-winners/

 

 

 

Query Notifications

 

The Clearinghouse will now notify employers if there is a change to a driver’s Clearinghouserecord up to 12 months following a driver query. 

Previously, after conducting a pre-employment query, an employer received a notification from the Clearinghouse if there was a change to that driver’s Clearinghouse record within 30 days. FMCSA has expanded employer notifications, as explained below. 

As of March 8, 2023, an employer will be notified via email when a driver they have queried has new information recorded in their Clearinghouse record within 12 months of a pre-employment or annual query. The Query History will also be updated to reflect when new information is available, as illustrated in the screenshot below. 

 

Example of a notification of new information in a driver’s record on the Query History page.

Follow-on query is needed to view new driver information.

Note that new information in a Clearinghouse record may include changes such as an update in return-to-duty status, a removed violation, or a new violation. A full follow-on query is needed to determine if the new information results in the driver having a “Prohibited” Clearinghouse status.

The employer should complete a full follow-on query, which requires the driver’s specific consent, within 24 hours to determine if the new information prohibits the driver from performing safety-sensitive functions, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

If the employer uses the “Send Consent Request” prompt on the Query History screen, they will not be charged for the follow-on query. The follow-on query will also satisfy the employer’s annual query requirement, and employers will receive notifications of changes to the driver’s record within 12 months of a follow-on query.

For more details, see these new and updated frequently asked questions which are on the Clearinghouse website:

How is an employer notified of changes to a driver’s Clearinghouse record?

What actions should an employer take if notified of a change to a driver’s Clearinghouse record?

Which Clearinghouse users are notified when there is a change to a driver’s Clearinghouse record?

What is the annual requirement for employee queries and how is it tracked?

 

Are you up to date on your annual queries?

Log in to the Clearinghouse and visit your Query History page to see if your annual queries are due. For instructions on conducting annual queries, download the How to Conduct a Limited Query job aid. LOG IN TO THE CLEARINGHOUSE.

 

The legislature is in the middle of its busy 2023 session.  The firm’s weekly general legislative update is included below.  Of specific importance to the industry are updates on the following:

  1. SB210/HB180.  This is legislation sponsored by TTA that will add up to an additional 2,000 lb. variance on tractor trailers that are operated by electric motors and have electric batteries.  This is currently allowed on all federal highways but needs to be extended to state highways.  This is the exact variance allowed for tractor trailers that are being operated by natural gas.
  2. SB1337/HB87.  This is legislation sponsored by TTA working in conjunction with other groups to tighten up additional notice provisions for the towing of vehicles on private property to get in line with the requirements for public property tows.  Revising the state towing statute is an ongoing process.  The statutes were first enacted as far back as 1938 and in the near future, we suspect some type of overall modernization of these towing statutes will be seriously considered. 

Please note that on April 5, 2023, TTA will host its popular annual legislative reception at Adams and Reese LLP, 1600 West End Avenue, Suite 1400, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.  This is always a great event and provides an excellent opportunity to spend time with our state legislators and staff.

Tennessee Government Relations Weekly Report

The legislature has quickly shifted into full gear, with committee hearings consisting of both budget presentations and a healthy number of bills, including the amendments that are typical this time of year. The session will be running at a frantic pace the next several weeks.   

Legislators Set Focus on Revisions to Third-Grade Retention Law

A flurry of bills aimed at modifying Tennessee’s third-grade retention law will soon be the topic of discussion for lawmakers as they decide the law’s future. Lawmakers may consider as many as nine bills targeting the state law, some of which would eliminate it altogether while others would give the main decision-making authority back to the local school system. The law, enacted in 2021 as part of Governor Lee’s comprehensive education reform, seeks to tackle literacy concerns while children are still very young. Provisions in the law grant state-funded summer and after-school programs to students who aren’t deemed proficient readers on state TCAP tests administered each spring. If a child is still not meeting state standards upon completion of the additional literacy programs, it may be decided that the child needs to retake their third-grade year. Right now, 64% of Tennessee third-graders are not reading at grade level. Even with some of the law’s safety nets in place that allow for additional literacy tutoring or retesting, parents and education advocates express a potential for major overcrowding concerns. Sen. Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the bill’s original sponsor, maintained his support for the retention law stating that the retention policy is in the best interests of all Tennesseans, but he is open to implementing a universal screener test, which he believes is a better indicator of a child’s reading proficiency than the TCAP.

 Bill to Cut Size of Nashville’s Metro Council Clears Senate Committee

A bill that would cut the size of Nashville’s Metro Council from 40 members to 20 advanced in the Senate this week. The bill would allow a metropolitan government to undergo a redistricting process to expand council districts prior to May 1; if that deadline is not met, then current members’ terms would be extended for one year. Proponents of the legislation have argued that the bill has statewide application, however, Senate sponsor Bo Watson (R-Hixson) told Senate State and Local Government Committee members that the bill only affects Davidson County. There are three metropolitan governments in the state, and Nashville is the only one with a council larger than 20 members. The bill –  largely seen as retaliation against Nashville’s Metro Council for blocking an effort for Nashville to host the 2024 Republican National Convention – passed out of committee on a 6-3 vote. Last week, Nashville Mayor John Cooper submitted letters to both RNC and DNC officials indicating Nashville will submit bids to host a 2028 national political convention. The Metro Council would still have the final say, as the Council would ultimately have to approve the site agreement.

Measure Aimed at Limiting Primary Elections Defeated in House Committee

A bill aimed at closing primary elections in Tennessee failed to make it out of the House Local Government Committee after it was defeated on a voice vote. HB405 sponsored by freshman Rep. Bryan Richey (R-Maryville) sought to limit local primary elections by allowing only those individuals who declare a political party in advance the ability to vote in a primary election, rather than allowing voters to select the party ballot of their choice on election day. Tennessee currently has an open primary system and does not require registration by party.

Cannabis-Related Bills Begin Journey Through Committee Process

The usual batch of cannabis bills is starting to make its way through the legislative process. While one met its demise before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, two more are set to be considered next week. SB1072, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville), sought to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, potentially saving local governments up to $15 million a year on incarceration costs. It failed on a 2-7 vote. Two more bills will be up next week, this time with Republican sponsors. SB1104 would establish the “Tennessee Medical Cannabis Act,” allowing doctors to treat patients that have “qualifying medical conditions” with cannabis products containing a maximum 2,000 mg of THC. Another Republican-sponsored bill, SB378, would regulate the production and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids – including delta-8 and delta-10 products – and would also make the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids illegal for anyone under 21.

Looking Ahead

Legislative activity will continue to increase over the next few weeks as budget hearings begin to wrap up and committee calendars grow larger with more bills on notice for consideration. Along those lines, please review your bill tracking report, as bills are starting to move, and we are also adding bills where appropriate. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. Have a great weekend!

Tennessee Government Relations Weekly Report – February 17, 2023

 

Legislative activity continued to increase this week, with longer committee calendars that included decent amounts of legislation sprinkled amongst budget hearings. Look for the overall level of legislative activity to increase even more next week.   

Bills Targeting Nashville Continue to Gain Momentum

A bill aimed at repealing Nashville’s authority to impose extra sales taxes in a designated tourist zone to fund Nashville’s Music City Center is well on its way to a floor vote. Late Thursday, however, Republican legislative leadership signaled the possibility of slow-walking the legislation if Mayor John Cooper were to pursue hosting the 2028 Republican National Convention. Cooper has since indicated his willingness to engage in the dialogue with Republican leaders after weeks of increasing tension between Nashville Metro Council and the General Assembly’s Republican supermajority. The bill, if passed, raises some concerns about a similarly-funded proposal for a new $2.2 billion NFL stadium currently being considered by Metro Council, which will also rely upon state funding, including sales taxes.

Other bills aimed at overhauling Nashville’s governing bodies—the first, HB48, which cuts Metro Council’s 40 members down to 20, and the other two, HB1197 and HB1176, which create new sports and airport authority boards, continue to gain momentum as they make their way through the committee process.

House Subcommittee Advances Bill Providing Exception to Abortion Law

This week lawmakers in the House Population Subcommittee approved a bill that would legalize abortion in the case of a medical emergency. The bill, HB883, clarifies that termination of a pregnancy would not constitute a criminal abortion for the following reasons: medical emergencies, disposal of un-implanted fertilized eggs, removal of ectopic or molar pregnancies, medically futile pregnancies or lethal fetal anomalies. There is no explicit exception to the abortion ban under current law. The bill has broad bipartisan support and will next be heard in the House Health Committee.

Bill to Expand Private School Voucher Program Sails Through Senate

Governor Bill Lee’s Education Savings Account program — a voucher program that allows students to take public education funds and apply it to private school tuition — is on the verge of expanding. On Thursday, the Senate passed legislation, SB12/HB433, that adds Hamilton County to the voucher program.  Currently the program is only available in Davidson and Shelby Counties. The House bill is scheduled for the K-12 Subcommittee next Tuesday, February 21.

Looking Ahead

State offices will be closed next Monday in observance of President’s Day, but the remainder of the week will bring about a full slate of legislative activity. Expect more of your tracked bills to be put on notice as committee calendars continue to increase each week. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. Enjoy the holiday weekend.

 

 

 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2023

Contact: Jeffrey Short

(770) 432-0628 ext. 2

JShort@trucking.org

 

ATRI Launches New Survey to Understand Impacts of Marijuana Legalization

 

Washington, D.C. – The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today launched a survey seeking motor carrier input on the impact of marijuana legalization on the trucking industry’s workforce. This research was identified as a top priority in 2022 by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee and will expand on ATRI’s 2019 study on the impacts of marijuana legalization on roadway safety.

 

Motor carrier staff and executives familiar with driver recruitment, retention and drug testing practices and trends are asked to share their input through the online survey. This timely research will provide insight into the specific challenges motor carriers face as the use of recreational marijuana grows in the U.S. The findings should also provide insight into approaches the industry can take to address these challenges.

 

“States are moving quickly to legalize recreational marijuana use,” said Fred Fakkema, Vice President of Safety and Compliance at Zonar Systems and Chairman of the American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board. “This rapid change directly impacts fleets and their workforce; ATRI’s research will help quantify those impacts.”

 

ATRI’s confidential survey is available online here and will remain open through March 17, 2023.

 

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501c3 not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

 

 

 

Atlanta, GA • Minneapolis, MN • Washington, DC • Sacramento, CA

 

TruckingResearch.org

 

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

7:00 a.m. ET

Contact: Rebecca Brewster (404) 247-8787

rbrewster@trucking.org 

February 8, 2023


TENNESSEE PLACES seven LOCATIONS ON LIST OF NATION’S WORST BOTTLENECKS

 

Washington, DC – The American Transportation Research Institute today released its 12th annual list highlighting the most congested bottlenecks for trucks in America, and the state of Tennessee placed seven locations on the list, including one in the top 10.

 

“The trucking industry is a vital part of Tennessee’s economy, delivering the goods we need in our everyday lives, from food to fuel to clothing,” said Tennessee Trucking Association President and CEO Donna England.  “But when congestion brings those trucks to a standstill, we all pay the price.  ATRI’s bottleneck analysis provides a roadmap for infrastructure investment to address the most critical chokepoints and improve mobility for people and freight.”

 

The 2023 Top Truck Bottleneck List measures the level of truck-involved congestion at over 300 locations on the national highway system.  The analysis, based on an extensive database of freight truck GPS data, uses several customized software applications and analysis methods, along with terabytes of data from trucking operations to produce a congestion impact ranking for each location.  ATRI’s truck GPS data is also used to support numerous U.S. DOT freight mobility initiatives.  The bottleneck locations detailed in this latest ATRI list represent the top 100 congested locations, although ATRI continuously monitors more than 300 freight-critical locations.

 

The seven Tennessee bottlenecks are:

  • 9 Nashville: I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)
  • 37 Nashville: I-40 at I-65 (East)
  • 39 Chattanooga: I-24 at US 27
  • 51 Nashville: I-65 at I-24
  • 59 Chattanooga: I-75 at I-24
  • 63 Knoxville: I-40/I-75 at I-140
  • 72 Knoxville: I-40 at I-275

 

“The past year-plus has shone a spotlight on our supply chains, and how congestion and other pressures can hurt the American economy and consumers,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. “ATRI’s bottleneck report highlights the areas of our transportation network in need of investment so we can get goods and people moving. The cost of doing nothing is felt in needless delays, wasted fuel and time.”

 

For access to the full report, including detailed information on each of the 100 top congested locations, please visit ATRI’s website at TruckingResearch.org.  ATRI is also providing animations created with truck GPS data for select bottleneck locations, all available on the website.

 

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

Tennessee Legislative Report: Governor Highlights Roads, Tax Cuts, and Strengthening Families as Major Initiatives in State of the State Address

 

Governor Lee Delivers Fifth State of the State Address

Before a packed House chamber on Monday evening, Governor Bill Lee delivered his fifth State of the State address to a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly. In a heartfelt moment of unity, Lee began by honoring First Lady Maria Lee, who is currently undergoing treatment for lymphoma and was unable to attend the evening’s event.

Embarking upon his second term as Tennessee’s 50th governor, Lee sought to highlight the many contrasts between Tennessee’s prosperity and the nation at large. His theme, “Leading the Nation,” was prominent throughout his one-hour speech and elicited a number of standing ovations. Citing the record number of families and companies opting to relocate to the Volunteer State, Lee credited his administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a high quality of life through investments in public education, workforce development, and safe schools.

Lee presented a $55.6 billion budget with a central theme of expanding economic prosperity for all Tennesseans. Following his past practice, Lee once again allocated a substantial portion to the state’s Rainy Day Fund – this time $250 million – which takes the fund to a record level and will amount to a new high of 9.1% of the state’s total budget. The remaining bulk of Lee’s proposed budget is directed at transportation, education, strengthening Tennessee’s families, and a robust conservation strategy. A 2023-24 fiscal year budget overview can be found here.

Transportation Takes Top Priority as Lee Advocates for Choice Lanes

As expected, the Governor’s address devoted considerable time to infrastructure, which has been a constant point of emphasis for the Governor in the last several months.  The Governor devoted more than a third of his proposed $9 billion budget in new allocations to what he calls the Transportation Modernization Act. The nearly $3.5 billion investment will aim to alleviate urban congestion through an overhaul of the roadway delivery system, dedicating $3 billion to building roads in all three Grand Divisions and another $300 million to the local highway program so communities can build and maintain the roads they need.

The Governor called for a new way of looking at roads and road funding, noting that outside-the-box solutions would be required if Tennessee is going to put any kind of dent into its considerable backlog of highway projects.  Along those lines, the Governor advocated for “choice lanes,” a public-private partnership that adds additional lanes to existing highways which motorists can use at their discretion, and will be billed for their use.  The Governor was quick to point out what he considers the distinction between choice lanes and toll roads – which have long been taboo in Tennessee – and punctuated the point by saying, “hear me when I say this: toll roads are not on the table.”  While choice lanes would be a drastic change for Tennessee’s self-funded, “pay as you go” system with no debt and no toll roads, Lee noted that choice lanes are used extensively in peer states such as Florida and Texas.

While some legislators will be weary of the plan given the departure from Tennessee’s past resistance to any form of “toll” on highways, the plan seems to have widespread support.  Indeed, the Tennessee Road Builders Association has already expressed support for Lee’s proposal. 

Job Growth and Tax Cuts

Amidst the overall uncertainty of the American economy, Lee’s budget proposal includes greater tax cuts to ease the effects of nationwide inflation, including an expanded three-month reprieve in grocery taxes for Tennessee families. Lee also introduced the “Tennessee Works Act,” a $150 million investment to lower the tax burden on small businesses and transition corporate taxes to a Single Sales Factor.

Reinforcing his commitment to job growth, Lee’s proposal builds upon the 170,000 jobs created throughout the past four years, by prioritizing Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) with a substantial investment for new construction and updates to existing TCAT facilities. The TCAT Master Plan comes with a historical investment of $1 billion, the largest in state history. The TCAT Master Plan will permit skills-training for 10,000 new workers and build six new TCAT facilities in strategic locations across the state. 

Education and Family Highlights Include Teacher Raises, School Security and Enhanced Postpartum Coverage

In the wake of last year’s complete overhaul of Tennessee’s educational funding framework, there was speculation of what the Governor would propose this year in the education space. The Governor’s speech once again drew headlines with his proposal of an additional $350 million in education funding, including $125 million for teacher pay raises. If adopted, the new legislation would raise the base teacher salary from $35,000 to $50,000 by the time Lee leaves office. Lee’s budget also allocates funds toward enhanced literacy programs and expanded summer camp opportunities for children.

Lee also emphasized school safety by proposing the placement of a Homeland Security Agent in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties to allow for thorough reporting measures using the SafeTN App, where any Tennessean can report suspicious activity; an addition, Lee contends, will permit greater oversight and access for parents and students to report concerns or threats.

In keeping with his dedicated efforts toward strengthening Tennessee’s families, Lee shared the successes of the nation’s first-of-its kind TennCare Medicaid waiver program, which has resulted in more than $300 million in shared savings, at no burden to Tennessee taxpayers. These savings will allow for enhanced postpartum coverage and services for an additional 25,000 women, children, and parents. Additionally, with these savings, Lee is proposing covering the cost of diapers for the first two years of a baby’s life for mothers on TennCare.

Lee has proposed more than $190 million in additional resources to strengthen and support the Department of Child Services and a new $10 million grant program to support Tennessee foster and adoption nonprofit efforts. An additional $100 million proposed grant program will partner with nonprofits in supporting mothers, fathers, and families during a crisis pregnancy. Lee reinforced his dedication to strengthening Tennessee families and proposed a “commonsense paid parental-leave program” along with increased base-pay raises for state employees. 

Conservation: Lee Emphasizes Parks, Brownfields, and Nuclear

For his final term, Lee has committed to an agenda that addresses conservation efforts. He proposed $328.7 million in funding to upgrade as well as increase access to existing state parks, and also create new state parks.  The Governor also unveiled plans to implement cleanup and revitalization efforts for all of the state’s 175 brownfields.

Doubling down on previous efforts to emphasize nuclear energy and establish Tennessee as a national leader in that field, the Governor proposed an additional $50 million toward a Nuclear Fast Track fund to attract companies that will establish nuclear development. 

Reminder: Deadline Approaching for Employer Expenditure Report

All employers of lobbyists are required to file a 2022 year-end Employer Expenditure Report with the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance by next Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The report covers the period July 1 through December 31, 2022, and is filed electronically through the Commission’s website. For more information, click here. 

Looking Ahead

With both the State of the State and the bill filing deadline in the rear view mirror, the legislature will quickly move into high gear. Leadership is encouraging members to put bills on notice, and the level of committee activity will increase considerably.

As always, we encourage you to look closely at your weekly bill tracking report, which may have grown since last week as we have reviewed and possibly flagged more legislation. You may also notice the presence of bills that on their face seem to have no relevance.  In many cases these are considered “caption bills,” which have a much broader potential range of subjects than first meets the eye.  We have flagged certain caption bills not because of how they currently read, but instead to keep an eye out on possible amendments. Along those lines, please take a look at the attached report, and do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks, and enjoy Super Bowl weekend.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Wednesday, February 1, 2023

CONTACT: ARRIALE TABSON
Mobile: 615-767-3242
Arriale.Tabson@tn.gov

TENNESSEE HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE REMINDS CITIZENS THAT “FANS DON’T LET FANS DRIVE
DRUNK”

Lt. Scott Legieza to discuss fatal drunk-driving crash involving his son, Officer Destin Legieza

NASHVILLE – On Friday, February 10, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway
Patrol, divisions of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, are partnering with the
Tennessee Titans, the Metro Nashville Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, the Tennessee
Sheriff’s Association, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, and other traffic safety partners for a
press event to remind citizens that “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.” During the event, Franklin Police Lt.
Scott Legieza will discuss the fatal traffic crash that caused the loss of his son, Brentwood Police Officer
Destin Legieza, due to a drunk driver in 2020.

According to Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN), there were 79 drunk-driving crashes
statewide during Super Bowl weekend in 2020 and one drunk-driving fatality. In 2021, there were 91
drunk-driving crashes statewide during Super Bowl weekend and three drunk-driving fatalities.

WHAT: “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” Super Bowl Press Event

WHEN: Friday, February 10, 2023 10 a.m. CST

WHERE: Nissan Stadium, One Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213 (Wesley Mortgage Club Entrance) Park in Lot H (see parking map)

SPEAKERS: Commissioner Jeff Long, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Director Buddy Lewis, Tennessee Highway Safety Office
Colonel Matt Perry, Tennessee Highway Patrol
Sheriff Jeff Bledsoe, Ret., Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association
Franklin Police Chief Deborah Faulkner, Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police
Lieutenant Scott Legieza, Franklin Police Department

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of
Tennessee.

###

 

Tennessee Highway Safety Office • 312 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37243
Office: 615-253-5152 • Email: Arriale.Tabson@tn.gov • www.tntrafficsafety.org
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland
Security advocating for traffic safety. The THSO works in tandem with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) to implement statewide programs addressing occupant protection, impaired driving,
speed enforcement, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and crash data collection and analysis. Programs
administered by the THSO are 100 percent federally funded. The THSO’s mission is to effectively develop,
implement, and evaluate these programs. To learn more, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.

 

Media Advisory – Super Bowl Press Event 2-10-2023 Parking Map – Titans Stadium

 

E.TN YPC Q1 Bowling Social Event

March 2, 2023

Maple Hall (414 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902)

5:30p – 7:30p

 

The Young Professionals Council of East Tennessee is excited to announce we are having our first event of 2023 this March 2nd at Maple Hall! We invite everyone to come join us for a fun night of bowling and fellowship! This will be an amazing opportunity to connect with your peers in the trucking industry, build on existing business relationships and unwind after work! This event will be free to all; but if you need to rent bowling shoes there will be a $4 rental fee. Please click this link to RSVP for the event: YPC – Maple Hall. Special thank you to Tenstreet for sponsoring this event!

 

Please be sure to help spread the word; we hope to see everyone there!

 

Click Here to Register!

 

 

 

15th anniversary edition of the program will see 30 fleets honored at the TCA Convention in Orlando

 

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia and NEWMARKET, Ontario:

 

Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) and CarriersEdge today unveiled the 2023 Best Fleets to Drive For®. The Top 20 winners are comprised of for-hire trucking companies from across North America that are being recognized for providing exemplary work environments for their professional truck drivers and employees.

 

To be considered for the Best Fleets program, for-hire companies operating 10 or more tractor trailers had to receive a nomination from one of their company drivers or owner-operators. The fleets were then evaluated using a scoring matrix covering a variety of categories, including total compensation, health benefits, performance management, professional development, and career path/advancement opportunities, among other criteria. Driver surveys were also conducted to collect input from drivers and independent contractors working with the fleets.

 

Last year, TCA and CarriersEdge expanded the program by adding a Hall of Fame category. This recognition level is above the regular Top 20 and honors fleets demonstrating Top 20 performance for extended periods of time. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, fleets must be named as a Best Fleet for 10 consecutive years, or 7 years with at least one overall award, and must continue to qualify as a Top 20 to be eligible. While the fleets inducted last year have maintained their exemplary status, two additional fleets have earned the honor this year and will be inducted into the Best Fleets to Drive For Hall of Fame, sponsored by EpicVue.

 

“This year we saw 165 fleets nominated by their drivers for this program and a record-breaking 95 finalists,” said CarriersEdge Chief Executive Officer Jane Jazrawy. “This year’s Top 20 and Hall of Fame fleets rose to the top with a range of inventive and effective programs, that reflect true innovation and creative thinking.”

 

“The Best Fleets to Drive For has made a substantial impact on drivers and the carriers they work for,” shared TCA President Jim Ward. “During Truckload 2023: Orlando, we’re eager to recognize 30 fleets who are focused on providing a great workplace for their professional truck drivers. Be sure to attend this year’s awards presentation in March where we honor these Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For.

Congratulations to this year’s Top 20 winners:

  • American Central Transport – Kansas City, MO
  • C.A.T. Inc. – Coteau-du-Lac, QC
  • Challenger Motor Freight Inc. – Cambridge, ON
  • Chief Carriers, Inc. – Grand Island, NE
  • Continental Express, Inc. – Sidney, OH
  • Decker Truck Line, Inc. – Fort Dodge, IA
  • Erb Transport – New Hamburg, ON
  • Fortigo Freight Services Inc. – Etobicoke, ON
  • Fremont Contract Carriers, Inc. – Fremont, NE
  • Jetco Delivery a GTI Company – Houston, TX
  • K & J Trucking, Inc. – Sioux Falls, SD
  • Kriska Holdings Limited – Prescott, ON
  • Leonard’s Express – Farmington, NY
  • Nick Strimbu, Inc. – Brookfield, OH
  • PGT Trucking, Inc. – Aliquippa, PA
  • Thomas E. Keller Trucking Inc. – Defiance, OH
  • TLD Logistics Services, Inc. – Knoxville, TN
  • Transland – Strafford, MO
  • Veriha Trucking, Inc. – Marinette, WI
  • Wellington Group of Companies – Aberfoyle, ON

 

 

Returning Hall of Fame recipients are as follows:

  • Bison Transport Inc. – Winnipeg, MB
  • Boyle Transportation – Billerica, MA
  • Central Oregon Truck Company, Inc. – Redmond, OR
  • FTC Transportation, Inc. – Oklahoma City, OK
  • Grand Island Express – Grand Island, NE
  • Halvor Lines, Inc. – Superior, WI
  • Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc. – Hudson, IL
  • Prime Inc. – Springfield, MO

New Hall of Fame recipients are as follows:

  • Garner Trucking, Inc. – Findlay, OH
  • TransPro Freight Systems Limited – Milton, ON

 

In addition to the Top 20, TCA and CarriersEdge identified five Fleets to Watch (honorable mentions):

  • Crete Carrier Corporations and its Shaffer Trucking Division – Lincoln, NE
  • Mill Creek Motor Freight LTD – Ayr, ON
  • Skelton Truck Lines – Sharon, ON
  • Steve’s Livestock Transport – Blumenort, MB
  • USXL – Foristell, MO

Two overall winners, in large and small fleet categories, will be named during TCA’s Annual Convention — Truckload 2023: Orlando — set for March 4-7 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Centre, Kissimmee, FL. The overall winner awards are sponsored by Eleos Technologies and TruckRight.

 

To learn more about the Hall of Fame category, the nomination process, or additional information on the Best Fleets to Drive For program, visit www.bestfleetstodrivefor.com. Be sure to follow the hashtag #BestFleets23 on social media to follow this year’s contest.

 

About Best Fleets to Drive For

Launched in 2008, Best Fleets to Drive For® is the only annual program dedicated to uncovering the best workplaces in the North American trucking industry. Produced by CarriersEdge, in partnership with Truckload Carriers Association, Best Fleets to Drive For recognizes the for-hire fleets providing exceptional workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors.

 

About CarriersEdge

CarriersEdge is a leading provider of online driver training for the trucking industry. With a comprehensive library of safety and compliance courses, supported by advanced management and reporting functions, CarriersEdge helps over two thousand fleets train their drivers without sacrificing miles or requiring people to come in on weekends.

About Truckload Carriers Association

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, TCA is the only trade association whose sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. The association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, and intermodal container carriers operating throughout North America. Founded in 1938, the TCA represents operators of over 220,000 trucks, which collectively produce revenue of more than $40 billion in annual truckload revenue. www.truckload.org

 

 

Tennessee Legislative Recap: Lee Highlights Transportation, Energy in Inaugural Address; Senate Gets Underway

 

Governor Bill Lee Sworn In for Second and Final Term 

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee took the oath of office for his second and final four-year term on January 21, featuring a day that began with a star-studded worship service and ended with a black-tie ball. More than 1,500 people were slated to attend Gov. Lee’s inauguration, held outside at Legislative Plaza under sunny skies, a welcomed departure from his last inauguration which was forced inside due to rain. In his inaugural address, Lee praised Tennessee’s virtues as leading the nation in economic development and fiscal stewardship while touting the need for civility, a gesture likely aimed at encouraging nonpartisan efforts among lawmakers. He laid out his vision for the remainder of his time in office, including developing the transportation and energy strategy his administration first unveiled earlier this month, enhancing conservation efforts, and improving the state’s foster care and adoption system to better protect children. Earlier this month, Governor Lee introduced the Transportation Modernization Act, his administration’s infrastructure plan to address the state’s exponential growth and resulting traffic congestion. Lee emphasized his ongoing commitment to Tennesseans to not take on any debt or raise taxes, but shared his intention to make “strategic transportation investments that prepare rural and urban communities for increased economic advantages and improved mobility in the years ahead.” Through the use of choice lanes, increased private investment in urban roadways, and efforts toward quicker delivery on road projects, Lee’s proposal seeks to solve current and future mobility challenges.

Supreme Court Vacancy 

Governor Lee is tasked with nominating the next Tennessee Supreme Court judge from three finalists to replace Justice Sharon Lee’s vacated seat when she retires August 31. This will be Governor Lee’s second appointment, and makes all five Supreme Court Justices Republican appointments. On the list for the Governor’s consideration:

  • Kristi Davis of Knoxville; Davis currently serves as a judge on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, having previously served as a judge in Knox County Circuit Court, Division 1 and 14 years in private practice.
  • Tom Greenholtz of Ooltewah; Greenholtz is an Eastern Section judge of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
  • Dwight E. Tarwater of Knoxville; Tarwater has practiced law since 1980 and previously served as a partner at Paine, Tarwater, and Bickers LLP. He also served as general counsel to former Governor Bill Haslam between 2014-2018.

Following the Governor’s nomination, the General Assembly must confirm the appointment. 

Special Election for House District 86 

By a wide margin, Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) won the Tennessee House District 86 special election to fill the seat formerly held by late Representative Barbara Cooper (D-Memphis). Pearson easily defeated nine other candidates, including Rep. Cooper’s daughter, Tanya Cooper. Rep. Cooper served in the General Assembly for more than 25 years and was the oldest serving lawmaker in Tennessee recorded history.  There was no Republican candidate for the seat, so Pearson will take office February 1.  Pearson is a community activist in Memphis that is best known for leading efforts against a pipeline that would have run near a water aquifer and through poor, predominantly black neighborhoods in Memphis.  

Looking Ahead 

While the Senate got underway last week, the House remained adjourned, as members continue to get settled into new offices and complete organizational tasks. The Senate largely devoted its week to introductions and presentations. 

Both chambers will be in session this week, signaling the end of the organizational period.  With that, legislative activity will start picking up over the next couple of weeks, marked by a flurry of filing activity early next week in advance of Tuesday’s House bill filing deadline. The Senate deadline is two days later, on Thursday, February 2.  We expect committee calendars to begin filling up two to three weeks from now. 

Governor Lee’s State of the State address is scheduled for February 6, where he will mark the state’s accomplishments and outline his legislative priorities for the year.