Category: Press Releases

2023 Haulin for the Holidays Finale

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NASHVILLE, TN, November 22, 2023 – The Tennessee Trucking Foundation and the Young Professional Council (YPC) of the Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) proudly announce the success of their 5th Annual Haulin’ for the Holidays initiative. With a fundraising achievement of $100,000 this year, they will start deliveries on December 1st, ending in a grand finale toy drive on December 14th. This effort will provide clothing, food, and toys to families across Tennessee.

“There is not a harder working and more generous group of people than the trucking industry!” said YPC Chairperson Sarah Heffington of M & W Logistics. “The idea for a statewide toy drive started five years ago and has been driven by the Young Professional Council of the Tennessee Trucking Association as a way for trucking companies and industry partners to pull together and bless children and families across our state whose Christmas otherwise would not be as bright.” She states, “For me, ‘Haulin for the Holidays’ is personal. There was not one Christmas growing up that I wondered if there would be presents under the tree. Unfortunately, for many children
and teens across our state, that is not always the case, and the trucking industry is doing our part to change that.”

This year, the initiative has received overwhelming support from various “Angel Sponsors” within the trucking community.

“I’m floored by our trucking community’s generosity,” said Jessie Merritt, Executive Vice President of Sales for Reliance Partners and former chairman of the YPC. “This year is remarkable because we will more than double our funds raised from last year AND it’s a very challenging freight market. The Tennessee Trucking Association is home to the best and brightest in our industry and I’m inspired by the hustle and grit that makes these generous donations possible.”

Haulin’ for the Holidays is more than a toy drive. It stands for the mission of making a lasting impact on young lives and organizations supporting youth development. The YPC carefully personalizes donations to each non-profit’s specific needs, whether they need toys, books, or even bounce houses for school celebrations. “We’re thoughtful about the population we’re serving,” Merritt said. “We’re enthusiastic about representing every child in the toys or books they receive.”

Donna England, President of TTA, expressed her pride towards the young professionals working diligently to support these charities. “It is also very pleasing to see the work the charities are doing in our communities, and I am grateful that we get to play a part in helping them fulfill their mission,” added England.

The YPC invites everyone to join the Haulin’ for the Holidays finale on December 14th, 2023. The event will take place at Adams and Reese LLP, 1600 West End Ave, Unit 1400, Nashville, TN 37203, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toy and join in the holiday cheer. Special thanks to Reliance Partners for providing food and beverages.

The ultimate goal for the YPC is to continue growing this initiative. Heffington states, “As for what is to come and how we plan to grow our ‘Haulin’ for the Holidays’ campaign in the years to come, stay tuned. We are working on plans that just may include taking this movement to other state trucking associations in an effort to grow our campaign nationwide!”

For more information about the Young Professionals Council and the Haulin’ for the Holidays initiative, please visit www.tntrucking.org/YPC.

Thank you to the following generous sponsors for the 2023 Haulin’ for the Holidays initiative:

Adams and Reese LLP, Ascend Transportation, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Christenson Transportation, Cumberland International, Direct ChassisLink, Inc., Dunavant Global Logistics, FirstExpress, Inc., FirstFleet, Inc., Fleetco, Inc., FLS Transportation Services, Fountain Equipment Finance and Bonnie Kilgor Oslonian, HEC Leasing, JOST International, Konexial, Inc., Lytx, MHC Kenworth, Knoxville MHC Kenworth, Nashville, M&W Transportation, Motive, MS Logistics, Ozark Motor Lines, Inc., Pemberton Truck Lines, Inc., Pinnacle Bank, Reliance Partners, R. E. West, Inc., Sadler Brothers, Skyline Transportation, TAG Truck Center, TCW, Inc., Tennessee Freight Company, Tenny Group, Titan Transfer, TT Wilson Company, and Venture Express. We’d also like to thank the personal sponsorship from Tommy Hodges, Phillip Edwards, Pat Marsh, Debra Brake, and Dave Huneryager, your support has made this season an exceptional one. Thank you!

 

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About the Tennessee Trucking Association

Founded in 1930, TTA was forged out of the belief that a strong, unified industry would be essential in remaining effective and profitable in the future. Today, TTA is the driving force and the voice of the trucking industry in Tennessee. As an independent, non-profit trade association representing trucking companies and industry vendors, TTA exists to encourage the healthy growth and betterment of its more than 500 members statewide. TTA represents an important engine of Tennessee’s economy, supporting over 200,000 jobs and the safe transport of goods across the state. The Tennessee Trucking Association is an affiliate of the American Trucking Associations.

Press Contact:
Donna England
Dengland@tntrucking.org
615-777-2882

Averitt Honored with Military Friendly Awards

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

For Immediate Release 

Contact: 

media@averitt.com 

For additional media resources, visit Averitt.com/media.

 

Averitt Honored with Military Friendly Awards

 

Averitt has been recognized as a 2024 Top Ten Military Friendly® Employer and Military Friendly® Spouse Employer by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned organization dedicated to supporting military service members’ transition to civilian life. This is the fifth time Averitt has been selected as a Military Friendly company. The Military Friendly designation is a testament to Averitt’s commitment to the military community and its efforts in providing sustainable and meaningful benefits to veterans and military personnel.

 

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly Employer designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks,” said Kayla Lopez, senior director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. “We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen.”

 

Military Friendly is widely regarded as the industry standard for measuring an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. The 2024 Military Friendly survey evaluated over a thousand companies, with Averitt among the top 10 organizations in our revenue bracket recognized for their outstanding support and dedication to military service members. With about 15% of Averitt associates being veterans, this recognition is a significant achievement for Averitt.

 

“We are thankful for all of those who would serve our country and we want to do all we can to thank them for that service,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt chairman and chief executive officer, who served in the Marine Corps Reserves. “We strongly believe in being a company that service members can call home and providing a place where veterans are valued for their service.”

 

The assessment included a rigorous analysis of public data and a proprietary survey, with VIQTORY and the Military Friendly® Advisory Council meticulously establishing methodology, criteria, and weightings. Employers were evaluated across six key categories: Recruiting and sourcing, Policies and compliance, Support and retention, Culture and commitment, Opportunity and advancement, and Hiring and onboarding.

 

For more information about Averitt and its commitment to the military community, please visit AverittSalutesYou.com. Averitt will be showcased in the 2024 Military Friendly ® Employers in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

 

About Averitt

Serving shippers for over 50 years, Averitt is a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management solutions with an international reach of over 100 countries. Averitt’s “Power of One” service structure provides shippers access to LTL, Truckload, Dedicated, Distribution & Fulfillment, and Integrated services that cover every link in the supply chain. Averitt’s team has been awarded the highest honors in the industry in the past year, including five Quest for Quality Awards, numerous customer awards, and a No. 1 overall ranking in MASTIO & Company’s shipper survey. Averitt’s 9,000+ associates are dedicated to delivering the most reliable services within the industry and promoting a company culture centered around people, communities, sustainability, and giving back. For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (283-7488) or visit Averitt.com.

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2023 Fall Conference

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

 

 Tennessee Trucking Association Fall Conference 2023

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR October 25th – 27th 

Join us at the highly anticipated Tennessee Trucking Association Fall Conference on October 25th – 27th, 2023, hosted at the Hilton Knoxville in the heart of Knoxville.

The conference offers an opportunity to network with peers and gain valuable insights. Immerse yourself in the city center with other trucking industry professionals to foster connections, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of the latest industry trends. Sign up below for the Fall Conference. 

 

 

 

 

About The Keynote Speaker

Tim Richardson

Tim Richardson is a nationally recognized leadership, sales, and service speaker who’s been entertaining and engaging audiences for over 30 years. In his dynamic presentations, Tim weaves the lessons he’s learned working on a sales team with IBM, working in management with an award-winning resort, and from years of consulting with clients in financial services, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, telecommunications, and many other industries into his presentations.

He’s been a key speaker to hundreds of associations and companies around the globe. Tim is the author of Jump Starts, Wit, and Wisdom to Super Charge Your Day and co-author of Transformation Thinking.  He’s a member of the National Speakers Association and earned the coveted CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation over 20 years ago. 

He founded the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund and served as President of the foundation for 20 years. Tim is the proud father of six kids and proud husband to his superhero wife, Adele for whom he has been married 27 years.​

Keynote  – The Power of the Pause: How a Reset Brings Sanity to the Workplace

Our workload, pace, and schedules are so fast and ever-changing that we are losing ground at work. Most of us simply haven’t taken enough pauses in our work and personal lives to maintain positive momentum. Over the last few years, you have likely experienced fear, fatigue, staffing challenges, low morale, and poor self-care. Regaining our sanity while rebuilding morale, teamwork, and a highly engaged staff are all more critical than ever. This presentation will provide tools and strategies to bring your workplace back – back to do what you do best: serving your customers, supporting each other, and operating at peak levels.

 

Fall Conference Schedule of Events

 

 

Wednesday, October 25
3:00-5:00 – Maple Hall Bowling Networking Event

Thursday, October 26
7:30-8:00 – Registration
8:00-8:15 – Welcome & Self-Introductions
8:15-8:30 – Opening Remarks
8:30-9:30 – The Power of the Pause: How a Reset Brings Sanity to the Workplace -Tim Richardson
9:30-9:45- Break
9:45-10:15 – Chris Woody – Trucking Parking Panel discussion with Ken and Donna Wheeler, Tom Frain
10:15-10:45- Truck Parking/Build with Us – Dan Pallme
10:45-11:15- Towing & Recovery – Rates, Towing Policies, Best Practices, THP Wrecker Lt. Ruskey
11:15-11:30 – Table Sponsor Spotlight
11:30- 12:00- FMCSA Updates- Dan Horvath, ATA
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-1:30 – Driver Recruiting Discussion, Jeremy Reymer;
1:30-2:00 Next Gen – Lindsey Trent
2:00-2:15 Break
2:15-2:45- Driver Safety, Fleet Management, True Digital Ecosystem Integration- Andy Dishner, Konexial
2:45-3:15 – Break
3:15-3:45- Tires
3:45-4:15 – Super Truck Project- Scott Curran, Oak Ridge Labs
4:15-4:30- Wrap Up/Elect Officers
6:00 – Banquet

Friday, October 27
8:00-8:30 – Project K-9 Hero – Jason Johnson
8:30-9:00 -Panel of Professional Drivers Today, Road Team Captains Tim Blair, Tom Frain, and Ken Wheeler Moderated by Ronnie Holland
9:00-9:15 – Break
9:15-09:45 – Roadside Stats & Inspections – THP
9:45-10:00 – Break
10:00-10:45– FMCSA Updates, Audits, SMS Changes – Stephanie Mann, FMCSA
10:45-11:15- Leading Edge Group
11:15-12:00– Closing

Hotel – Hilton Knoxville

Book your hotel room for the Tennessee Trucking Association Fall Conference now! We have reserved a hotel block exclusively for conference attendees.

 

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Still AVAILABLE!

Email Carol Foster (Cfoster@tntrucking.org) to become a Conference Sponsor. 

Sponsor the 2023 Fall Conference

Discover sponsorship opportunities at the Tennessee Trucking Association Fall Conference! 

Choose from a range of packages designed for any budget. To secure your sponsorship, contact Carol Foster at cfoster@tntrucking.org.

 

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Thank You 2023 Sponsors

 

by Donna England/div>
 

 

Maple Hall Bowling 

Join us on Wednesday, October 25th for the opening networking event from 3-5 p.m. at Maple Hall Bowling. This is the perfect way to kick off the conference. 

This opening networking event is just the beginning of the Fall Conference experience. Don’t miss this chance at this conference in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Register today and join us at Maple Hall Bowling! 

Address:  414 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

 

 

 Knoxville is a vibrant city that offers a blend of history, modern attractions, and breathtaking natural beauty. Feel the charming Southern hospitality as you stroll through the lively downtown area, brimming with unique shops, entertainment, and more!

To explore the diverse and captivating city of Knoxville, check out this map:  Click to view the Knoxville Map.

 

2023 Fall Conference Recap

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

This past week, safety was the topic at hand in Knoxville at TTA’s Fall Conference on October 26th and 27th. The conference kicked off with a networking event the evening before at Maple Hall Bowling. Attendees mingled, shared experiences, and set the tone for the two-day conference that was to follow.

 

 

 

 

The following day was packed with a full day of 30-minute sessions from industry experts. From discussions on critical topics such as Truck Parking with the Road Team Captains to Driver Safety, Fleet Management, and updates from FMCSA. It was a great combination of education and serious discussions about regulations, what’s working in the industry, and what can be re-evaluated. 

While all the presentations provided a great resource, one person who’s words echoed throughout the first day was that of the keynote speaker, Tim Richardson, who gave an inspiring talk on “The Power of the Pause: How a Reset Brings Sanity to the Workplace.” In our busy industry, it’s so easy to keep pushing forward, but he reminded attendees of the importance of maintaining balance amidst our busy lives. While the fall conference was a full-day event, we like to think that the door prizes, evening banquet, and poker night helped attendees “pause” before diving into the final day of learning.  

 

 

 

 

Day two of the conference started on a high note with a session by Jason Johnson from Project K-9 Hero. It was a great opportunity to witness the loyalty and intelligence of the K-9. Being able to see the work that’s done to give a new life to the service dogs that once served our community was incredible. After project K-9 the rest of the day was filled with a great variety of speakers before closing out the Fall conference for the afternoon with a few closing door prizes. 

This year’s Fall Conference was a testament to the industry’s resilience, adaptability, and innovation and we’re grateful to everyone who made it happen. Each year is only possible because of the sponsors, speakers, attendees, and staff who make this event a success. Your support made this conference not only possible but also a memorable one. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exceptional event. 

With the conclusion of this year’s conference, we are already looking forward to next year. We hope to see you all again and continue to provide a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating the industry we all love. 

 

Thanks again for your support. Click here to see all photos from the Fall Conference 

 

Thank You Fall Conference Sponsors! 

Be Pro Be Proud

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

Thursday, October 12, 2023, marked the launch of the Be Pro Be Proud initiative in Tennessee, which aims to highlight the role skilled trades play in our workforce and build a new generation of professionals. Initially kickstarted in Arkansas, the BeProBeProud initiative now spans Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Each BeProBeProud trailer is outfitted with interactive simulation experiences, enabling students to try out different trades and find a field that aligns with their interests.

This event reflects a more comprehensive narrative —the growing demand for skilled trades professionals. With over 3.5 million truck drivers in operation, moving 10.5 billion tons of freight annually, the trucking industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. However, a pressing need remains in the industry.

In a proactive response, Governor Bill Lee and the TN General Assembly recognized this upward trend and allocated $1.5 million in appropriations on May 12, 2022, to kickstart the project. The initiative was then spearheaded by Sarah Burnett with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, alongside countless volunteers and sponsors who rallied together to make this possible.

McGriff Tire Company, Inc., Titan Transfer, Inc., McKee Foods Transportation, LLC, and Rush Truck Center make up the sponsors from the trucking industry along with Jill Sito from McKee Foods who donated her skills to design the Tennessee Be Pro Be Proud Trailer. To everyone involved we say thank you for making this possible. 

While the kickoff event is now behind us, the opportunity to join this program is still open. To learn more, book the trailer, or join the mission, visit BeProBeProudTn.com. 

 

Watch the WKRN video report on this event below: 

 

 

 

New Waverly Transportation Presented a Platinum award by Great West Casualty Company

Posted on by TTA Account

 

For Immediate Release: Pictured above: L to R -Vince Dove –Operations Manager, Dave Jachimski Safety/Compliance Manager, Kevin Sherritze VP Joe Morten & Son, Inc.

South Sioux City, Nebraska–New Waverly Transportation was recently presented a Platinum award by Great West Casualty Company as part of the 2022 National Safety Awards Program. These awards recognize motor carriers who have achieved stringent year-end crash results and have demonstrated a commitment to promoting safe driving practices and workplace safety within their company. The Platinum award is the highest bestowed by Great West Casualty Co. & this marks the 2nd year in a row New Waverly Transportation has earned this honor.

A subsidiary of LP Building Solutions, New Waverly Transportation is a 100% owner-operator carrier headquartered in Nashville, TN. New Waverly operates terminals in Alabama, North Carolina & Texas.

“Without companies like New Waverly Transportation and others in the trucking industry, our country would come to a virtual standstill,” said Randall Oligmueller, President of Joe Morten & Son, Inc. “More than 20 million trucks are traveling down the road daily. With this award, New Waverly sets the standard for other trucking companies to follow.” Joe Morten & Son, Inc. has been partnering with trucking companies for more than eighty years. Joe Morten & Son,Inc. is the only agency owned by Great West Casualty Company, the premier provider of insurance products and services for truckers.

 

For more information contact: Kevin Sherritze Vice President Joe Morten & Son, Inc. 800.493.7451

 

Download Press Release

 

Scaling up to Safety: Join Us for TTA’s Final Roadside Scale Events of 2023

Posted on by TTA Account

 

The Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) is excited to announce the dates for its final Roadside Scale events, continuing a long-standing tradition of promoting safety and education within the trucking industry. These pivotal events are scheduled for October 5th in Manchester Roadside, October 17th in Giles County, and October 19th at the Brownsville County Roadside Scales.

A Legacy of Success
For years, TTA has been hosting these educational roadside-scale events. These events have become an integral part of the association’s efforts to ensure safety protocols at roadside scales are well-understood and effectively implemented.

What to Expect
Participants will have the unique opportunity to work alongside State Troopers in conducting Level I, II, and III inspections. These hands-on experiences are designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of what prompts a vehicle to be pulled in for inspection, the criteria determining the level of inspection to be performed, and what is expected when paperwork and equipment are checked.

Thank you to all participants, State Troopers, and sponsors for each of our events.  You play a big role in promoting safety in the trucking industry. 

Event Details
The events are free of charge, and lunch will be provided for all participants. The activities begin at 8:00 a.m. local time and conclude around 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm. 

 

Click here to register for the October 17th event at Giles County Roadside
Click here to register for the October 19th event at Brownsville Roadside Scales

TCW Receives Grand Champion Award for Safety

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

The Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) is proud to spotlight one of our esteemed members, TCW, for their exceptional achievements in safety performance during 2022. At TTA’s 2023 Annual Convention, TCW secured 1st Place in the 3 to 7 million miles category and also received the prestigious Grand Champion Award of Safety. Here’s a message from TCW team, celebrating their accomplishments and thanking those who made it possible:

 

…Our 2022 safety performance in Tennessee earned us 1st Place in the 3 to 7 million miles category. We also received the prestigious Grand Champion Award of Safety for our continued efforts to make our industry and communities safer. Accepting the award on behalf of all our employees, owners, and owner-operators was the person responsible for creating the safety culture at TCW, Scott George. It’s truly an honor to be part of the TCW legacy. Thank you to everyone for your efforts to make TCW a leader in our industry.

A special thanks to the drivers who went above and beyond to serve as Tennessee Road Team Captains over the years:

Scott Andrews 2008
Dale Davidson 2009
William Spivy 2013
Kyle Beach 2014
Brad Coffey 2015
Darrell Hall 2015
Charles Starks 2015
Christy McClain 2016
John Anderson 2017
John Henderson 2018

Thank you to the following employees/owners for your commitment to the TCW Unified Team:

Cliff Tarbox, 4 years
Gene Casey, 2 years”

The Tennessee Trucking Association congratulates TCW for its outstanding achievements in safety.  Thank you, TCW for exemplifying what can be achieved through a commitment to safety and community.

Be Pro Be Proud Launch, October 12th

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

The highly anticipated Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee Launch is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to invite you to be a part of it!

When and Where?

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 12th. The event will take place at Volunteer State Community College. The exhibits will open their doors at 9:00 am, and the main program will kick off at 10:00 am.

Why Should You Attend?

This launch event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement that aims to elevate our industry. The aim of this program is to bring a new generation of pride, progress, and professionalism to Tennessee’s skilled workforce. 

How to Register?

Ready to join us? Simply register online here, and you’re all set!

See you on October 12th!

 

TEL Supports Veterans with September 11 Donation to Wounded Warrior Project

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

CHATTANOOGA, TN, Sept. 11, 2023 – U.S. veterans launched the Wounded Warrior Project in the aftermath of terrorist attacks against the nation on September 11, 2001, and military actions that followed. Their goal: is to honor and empower wounded military personnel. In preparation for September 11 remembrances this year, Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL) has donated $6,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project to support the charity’s important work, said CEO Doug Carmichael.

An Army veteran, Carmichael added that a number of TEL employees and trucking customers are former military personnel, some of whom sustained injuries as a result of their service.

“Having served in South Korea in the 1970s and later as an Army drill instructor and teacher, I have some understanding of the ins and outs of serving our country. I cannot imagine the added burden of bearing the scars of battle and war,” he said. “To our brothers and sisters who served and came home with the scars of war, the least we can do is to donate a portion of the favor that the good Lord has bestowed upon us and our company.”

 

Wounded Warrior Project provides extensive services to assist veterans who served on or after 9/11/2001 and sustained a physical or mental injury or illness. These services include mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care programs, as well as advocacy efforts on behalf of veterans.

The charity invested $247 million last year in programs, and more than 220,000 warriors, family members and caregivers were registered with Wounded Warrior Project as of September 30, 2022. “The need is great and growing. Every month in 2022, more than 1,780 warriors and family members registered with Wounded Warrior Project to receive our free programs and services,” the group website noted.

“From our mental health programs like Soldier Ride and Project Odyssey to our employment and VA claims programs, these are all totally free to participating warriors,” said Sal Gonzalez, a Wounded Warrior Project spokesperson in Nashville. Tennessee offices for the national organization are based in Nashville and also serve parts of Alabama, Kentucky, and neighboring states.

To learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project and donate, please visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

 

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.

Volunteers Needed: Become a Guest Speaker at McGavock High School

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

The Tennessee Trucking Association and YPC support McGavock High School’s Transportation Academy throughout the school year. The Transportation Academy currently provides a curriculum for over 150 students interested in pursuing a career in a transportation-related field, and unfortunately, they recently lost their primary instructor. 

As a result the Program Director, Asa Bradley, reached out seeking volunteers to help fill their academic schedule as “guest speakers” on transportation-related topics. The time commitment is a half-day or less (it can be as little as 1 period).

Volunteers can be from any background in transportation (drivers, mechanics, brokers, safety, sales, insurance, finance, etc.)… they are just grateful for any help we can provide! Please volunteer or share this with others who may be interested in helping.

     How to Get Started 

If you are interested in volunteering, it is easiest to fill out the PENCIL Background check to become a PENCIL partner. 

Background Checks – PENCIL (pencilforschools.org)

 

PENCIL’s work is to engage groups of volunteers that support initiatives within Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). As part of this work, they facilitate the background checks for all volunteers who fill certain roles within. 

Volunteer Opportunities : 

10th grade: Guest Speakers, Industry Tour ( field trips to locations) OSHA -10 / Safety Topics

11th grade: Guest Speakers, Job Shadows. Need help with Multi-Meter instruction.

12th grade: Guest Speaker, Internships, Post Secondary Opportunities, On the Job training ( Work Based Learning).  Precision Measurement Instrument Instruction.

Automotive Classes meet A-Day ( 1A,2A, &4A) B-Day ( 1B, 2B, 3B) 

 

You can use the Excel sheet to sign up. Feel free to use the  A/B schedule and the Bell Schedule to find a time that works for you.  For any questions regarding this program please reach out to Asa Bradley, Ed.D. McGavock High School asa.bradley@mnps.org 615-784-5083 Ext.532210.

 

 

 

 

2023 DMC Driver of the Year – Charles Smith of FirstFleet, Inc.

Posted on by TTA Account
“DMC Driver of the Year Charles Smith and John Cole, Nominator and Director of Safety at FirstFleet.”

 

DMC Insurance has selected Charles Smith of FirstFleet, Inc. as the 2023 Driver of the Year. All insureds were given the opportunity to nominate up to three drivers for this recognition. Charles was deservedly selected as the winning driver by the judging committee, comprised of external and internal trucking industry experts. The award and accompanying prize package was presented to Charles during an appreciation event that DMC held at his home terminal in Cleveland, TN.

“Pictured from left to right: John Cole, Nominator and Director of Safety at FirstFleet; Phil Thompson, Risk Engineer at DMC; Charles Smith, Driver of the Year; Vikas Shah, EVP of Marketing & Analytics at DMC; Heather Halmi, Director of Marketing at DMC; Joe Zinn, Terminal Manager at FirstFleet”

 

While all of the candidates were impressive, Charles’ long driving history and dedication to teaching others in the profession set him apart. Charles served our country for 20 years in the U.S. Army and was a driver trainer and instructor for the majority of that time. Additionally, he has been a driver trainer at FirstFleet for 22 years, educating drivers about safe driving practices and customer service.

 

“The FirstFleet team celebrates Charles with a round of applause.”

He is meticulous in his approach to his work and was recently selected as a 2023-2024 Tennessee Road Team Captain, through which he has begun to teach the next generation of truck drivers. His 40+ years in the industry, mentorship to FirstFleet’s driver base, and continuous service to his country and community represent exactly the type of candidate we aim to honor through this award.

More details about Charles and the DMC Driver of the Year Award program can be found in the attached press release and at www.dmcinsurance.com/2023-dmc-driver-of-the-year-award-ceremony