Category: Industry News

TSA Security WorkShop and ISTEP Program

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

You’re invited to join the TSA ISTEP workshop on August 29-30 in Kennesaw, GA. It is two days but can be just one, depending on what you’d like to get out of it. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.

 

 

Day 1 | Security Plan Workshop

By providing access to operational and security procedure reviews, members can now review the operating and security procedures to implement best practices among their employees and partners. This will help implement physical protective measures and the operational coordination necessary to minimize risks and respond adequately in case of any incident.

  

Day 2 | Table Top Exercise and Scenarios

Each attendee will learn from security experts and each other during the workshop. The program covers essential topics such as information sharing, implementing physical protective measures, and operational coordination among industry employees, partners, and security stakeholders. With this program, GMTA members and other transportation security stakeholders can better protect their assets against cybersecurity threats, physical/cyber convergence events, theft, or other incidents.

 

For more information and to register click this link – https://members.gmta.org/ap/Events/Register/ep0gaRJr

 

EMILY CRANE

VICE PRESIDENT, SAFETY & EDUCATION

GEORGIA MOTOR TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Concrete Repairs Prompt Weekend Lane Closures on Interstate 24 in Hamilton County

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – As part of the project to repair damaged concrete slabs on I-24 near the I-124 (US-27) split in Hamilton County, Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews must implement lane closures on I-24 in both directions.

Beginning this weekend and continuing for the next 16 consecutive weekends (excluding holidays), TDOT contract crews will reduce various sections of I-24 from mile marker 179.1 to mile marker 178.4 to one lane for concrete repairs. These lane closures will be implemented on a single direction of I-24 at a time. 

On Friday evening, July 28, 2023, at 9:00 pm ET until no later than Monday morning, July 31, 2023, at 6:00 am ET, I-24 West from the US-27 North on-ramp (Exit 178) to the I-24 West on-ramp from US-27 South will be reduced to one lane. In addition, the Williams Street on-ramp to I-24 West will be closed. Traffic will access I-24 West via the US-27 South on-ramp.

Work will include repairs to the concrete roadway, diamond grinding to smooth the roadway surface, and other incidental work. This extended lane closure allows the contractor to work continuously (with the exception of concrete cure times) to expedite project delivery, minimize the overall length of time traffic is impacted, and provide safer conditions for drivers and crews working in the area. One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times. Open lanes will be striped accordingly. Traffic control will be in place and signage will be posted guiding drivers through the closure.

There will be significant queuing and delays as a result of this work. Drivers are encouraged to seek an alternate route during this time. This work is weather dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled to take place at a later date.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rae Anne Bradley

TDOT Community Relations Officer

Region 2 (parts of East and Middle Tennessee) &

Social Media Coordinator

7512 Volkswagen Drive

Chattanooga, TN 37416

423-510-1164 (Office)

423-491-9653 (Cell)

www.tn.gov/tdot

Twitter: @RaeAnneTDOT

 

Transport Enterprise Leasing Unveils Massive Facility For Truck Fleet Maintenance and Reconditioning

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

GREENFIELD, IN, June 30, 2023 ─ Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL) has unveiled a new 56,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fleet maintenance and reconditioning facility in Greenfield, Indiana, off I-70 in the east Indianapolis metro area. The facility can handle more than 130 tractors and trailers a month, expanding TEL’s maintenance and reconditioning capabilities across the Midwest and other parts of the country, said Aaron Thompson, Vice President of Fleet Maintenance for the company.

 

The facility, which sits on 40 acres, includes six trailer bays, 18 truck service bays and 10,000 square feet of space for parts storage. It employs 30 people on a single shift, with the potential of adding a second shift in 2024.

“TEL’s mission has always been to help entrepreneurial minded individuals start and maintain successful businesses in the trucking industry. We do that by offering innovative solutions, unparalleled value and best-in-class service and support to aid in growing their businesses. This maintenance and reconditioning facility is a testament to our commitment to serve independent contractors and small fleet customers in the Midwest and beyond,” Thompson noted.

 

The facility features:

 

  • a security enclosed lot, which allows for expansive storage of tractors and trailers to accommodate most fleet sizes
  • a fully enclosed paint booth, where technicians paint the complete tractor as well as parts needed for the reconditioning process
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) certified full-time technicians on staff, who provide road-ready DOT inspection for all vehicles 
  • a fully automated indoor truck wash system to clean all tractors and trailers leaving the facility

 

Before moving to Greenfield, TEL operated a smaller maintenance facility in leased space in Marion County. “The Hancock County economic development zone is what drew us to Greenfield,” Thompson said.

 

TEL President Jud Alexander joined Thompson and other employees recently at the facility’s grand opening event to welcome leaders in the transportation industry, including fleet carriers, customers, vendors and business partners.

“The Greenfield facility is already increasing the level of service TEL is able to provide customers,” Alexander said afterward. “It is a great example of the level of growth we have achieved to date, with much more to come, as TEL expands from the Southeast across the Midwest and into Texas and the Southwest,” he said.

 

About Transport Enterprise Leasing LLC

Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL) is a leading national provider of commercial truck and trailer leasing, sales and remarketing. We help hardworking professionals build profitable businesses by providing and financing new and like-new transport equipment from top brands, including Peterbilt, Freightliner, Volvo, Kenworth, Hyundai, Wabash, Utility and Fontaine. We specialize in Class 8 sleepers and day cabs, dry vans, reefers and flatbeds. We also are known for our comprehensive support programs, such as fleet support and maintenance advisory.

Founded in 2004, our headquarters is located in Chattanooga, TN, with additional facility operations right off I-70 in the east Indianapolis metro area (Greenfield, IN).

For more information on TEL, please visit www.tel360.com.

Chris Woody Shares 6 Steps to a Safer Trucking Fleet

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

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.

A Close Competition: Highlights from Our Annual Technician Skills Competition

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

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 

 

THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING OUR 2023 TSC

 

Tennessee Work Zone Awareness

Posted on by carol

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.

Averitt delivers record donation of more than $1.2 million to St. Jude

Posted on by carol

 

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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Fleet Safety Award Presented to M& W Transportation Co.

Posted on by carol

 

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/

 

 

Clearinghouse Update: Query Notifications

Posted on by carol
 

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.

 

J.J. Keller Center for Marketing seeking applicants for in-cab technology survey

Posted on by TTA Account

 

 

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

ATRI Launches New Survey to Understand Impacts of Marijuana Legalization

Posted on by carol

 

 

 

 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

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

Posted on by carol

 

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.