We are excited to share a recent blog post by one of our members, Chris Woody, Director of Safety for M&W Transportation Co. Chris is a thought leader in the trucking industry, and he recently shared his expertise in a blog post for Truckinginfo.com.

The blog post, titled “6 Steps to a Safer Trucking Fleet,” outlines the importance of safety in the trucking industry and provides practical tips for fleet managers to improve safety in their fleets. Chris covers what it takes to have the right mindset to help reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety outcomes.

As a member of the Tennessee Trucking Association, Chris embodies our commitment to safety and excellence in the industry. We are proud to have him as a member and grateful that he has shared his knowledge and expertise with the wider trucking community through his blog post.

We encourage all of our readers to check out Chris’s blog post to learn from his insights and experience. By working together and sharing our knowledge, we can continue to improve safety in the trucking industry and make our roads safer for everyone.

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, the Nashville Fairgrounds played host to the Tennessee Trucking Association’s annual Technician Skills Competition. The event was a great success, with a large number of rookies competing alongside seasoned professionals, and a new station added to identify vehicle fluids.

The competition was fierce, with technicians vying for the top spot in each of the stations, these techs are the best of the best and it was exciting to see who was crowned the winner. The results are in, and we are proud to announce that Jeremiah Carter with Averitt took first place, followed by Andrew Grim with Clarke in second place, and Shane Redknap with Ozark Motor Lines in third place. Congratulations to all three winners for their exceptional skills and dedication!

We are also grateful to all of our sponsors, including our premier sponsor Vertical Alliance Group, as well as Jost International, Cummins, Inc., Imperial Supplies, LLC, Penske Truck Leasing, Fontaine Fifth Wheel N.A., Clarke Power Services, McKee Foods Transportation, LLC, Rush Truck Center, Meritor, Inc., and Christenson Transportation.

The competition was a fantastic opportunity for technicians to showcase their skills and knowledge, and we are thrilled to have had such a successful event. We want to thank all of the participants, spectators, and sponsors who made this day possible, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

And finally, we are excited to announce that Jeremiah Carter will represent Tennessee at the national competition as the first-place winner. We wish him the best of luck as he competes against the best technicians from across the country.

 

Let’s not forget our station winners. You’ll find the winners from each individual station below.  

  • Service Information – Andrew Grimm, Clarke Power Services, Inc.
  • Electrical – Bradford Calfee, Walmart Transportation LLC
  • Fasteners – Jeremiah Carter, Averitt Express, Inc.
  • Suspension – Brad Calfee, Walmart Transportation LLC
  • Preventive Maintenance Inspection – Andrew Grimm, Clarke Power Services, Inc.
  • Brakes – Brad Calfee, Walmart Transportation LLC
  • Engine – Jeremiah Carter, Averitt Express, Inc.
  • Written Test – Andrew Grimm, Clarke Power Services, Inc.
  • Transmission – Glenn Boothe, Rush Truck Center 
  • Coolant – Jeremiah Carter, Averitt Express, Inc.
  • Wheel-End – Brad Calfee, Walmart Transportation LLC
  • R.P. Manual – Brad Calfee, Walmart Transportation LLC

 

See Photos From The Event 

 

Tennessee Work Zone Awareness

Tennessee Trucking Association

 We All Play a Role in Work Zone Safety. Join with the Trucking Industry to Keep our Roads Safe.

Spring weather means another season is also in full swing: construction season. Tennessee drivers will see more orange signs on our roadways this time of year as highway workers help repair, maintain, and upgrade our critical infrastructure. As we share the roadways this spring – drivers and workers – the trucking industry is helping to remind motorists that we all play a role in work zone safety.

Motor vehicle crashes in work zones are the leading cause of work-related deaths in America. According to the most recent data available from workzonesafety.org, there were 857 deaths, which included 117 workers, as a result of 774 fatal work zone crashes in 2020.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 17-21, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of and encourage safe driving while motorists travel though roadway construction sites.

Construction zones and the resulting delays in traffic and added time onto travel can be frustrating for drivers, but routine road work is critical for our communities; it ensures our infrastructure is safe for individuals and families who are traveling our local roadways, and for America’s truck drivers who are delivering the goods our communities rely on.

For those drivers who come across a work zone these warmer months, orange road signs are a sign to slow down. By slowing down, minimizing distractions, and keeping a safe following distance, senseless motor vehicle deaths in work zones can be prevented.

For America’s 3.49 million professional truck drivers, safety always comes first. Truck drivers recognize the responsibility they have while sharing the road with the individuals and families driving alongside them, as well as to their own families back at home, and know they are part of the solution to safer roads.

For America's 3.49 millioni professional truck drivers, safety always comes first.

As the trucking industry delivers all the essential goods our nation’s families and businesses rely on, safety is what ensures that our nation’s goods are delivered on-time so that our communities are well supplied. That is why the trucking industry makes significant investments in safety. At least $10 billion is invested each year into safety programs and training for trucks. Trucking companies also empower truck drivers with the skills and training they need to operate their vehicle safely.

 

While sharing the road during these warmer months, we must all remember we all play a role in keeping our roads safe – whether you are behind the wheel of a car or a truck. Driving safely, especially through work zones, is a responsibility we all share to our fellow Americans on the road. Join with the Tennessee trucking industry and help keep our roadways safer for all drivers this spring.

 

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.

# # #

 

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 J. J. Keller Center for Market insights is the research arm of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. The center conducts studies that are then shared with the public to further awareness of and conversation about important safety and compliance topics.

 

Currently, we are fielding an anonymous survey about in-cab technology, specifically focused on light and medium-duty fleets. I am not certain if you have many members in this category. However, if you are so inclined and want to share this survey link, we would welcome your members’ participation.

 

The survey is open from through Monday, March 20.

 

Anonymous Survey Link: https://jjkeller.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71njb4UTsTGr4QS

 

 

 

 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.

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

How about adding just one more New Year’s resolution to your list? Volunteer to speak to a class of middle school or high school students about the trucking industry and future career opportunities. Yes, you can do it. It is important to pass along our own experience and knowledge to future generations, it’s rewarding and now it is easier than ever. NGT has just launched a tool to help you tell the trucking story!

 

Exploring Careers: Trucking Industry classroom presentation is available to download for free from NextGenTrucking.org and can be used by anyone in trucking to educate students about the nature of our industry and open their eyes to possibilities. Not only is it formatted in PowerPoint and geared toward students but includes (6) videos to further explain and illustrate why trucking matters.

 

We are grateful to the task force of industry experts that contributed their time in developing the presentation, the financial contributions to produce the presentation, and those of you with a passion for trucking who will find it useful to inspire the next generation.   

 

Lindsey Trent

President & Co-Founder, Next Gen Trucking Association | www.nextgentrucking.org