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Tennessee Trucking Industry Veteran Named to Be Pro Be Proud National Board

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

 

 Trucking and Steel Industry Veterans Named to Be Pro Be Proud National Board

 Connie Vaughan and Amy Rogers bring extensive experience to growing national workforce initiative

 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 24, 2024) – Be Pro Be Proud (BPBP), an Arkansas-founded national workforce development initiative focused on attracting students to technical careers, has elected trucking industry veteran Connie Vaughan of Cleveland, Tennessee, and steel executive Amy Rogers of Little Rock, Arkansas, to its national board.  

 

Vaughan is the immediate past chair of the Tennessee Trucking Association. She’s been recognized as a driving force behind technical education initiatives in Tennessee at the state and local levels. With backgrounds in engineering, human resources, and manufacturing, and serving in a current role as the Director of Government Relations at McKee Foods, an American snack food manufacturer, Vaughan brings a wealth of expertise to the BPBP National Board. 

 

Rogers is the senior vice president of Bridges Sales and Estimating of W&W | AFCO Steel, the largest steel fabricator in North America with 19 fabrication facilities in seven states nationwide. Among her high-level affiliations, she is a member of the Executive and Marketing Committee for the National Steel Bridge Alliance and an active member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), and Women in Transportation (WTS).

 

“Connie and Amy are dynamic additions to the Be Pro Be Pro National Board as we continue to grow the scope of our work in developing the next generation’s technical workforce,” says Andrew Parker, executive director of Be Pro Be Proud. “As a growing presence, their depth of knowledge enhances our commitment to fostering collaboration among industry leaders to drive innovation and advocate for technical career opportunities nationwide.”

 

For more information about Be Pro Be Proud, visit https://beprobeproud.org/. 

 

About Be Pro Be Proud

Be Pro Be Proud is a workforce development initiative originated by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas (AIA) that successfully connects students around the country to high-tech, high-paying technical careers. Through partnerships with state agencies, local industry, and higher education entities, Be Pro Be Proud is effectively working to replenish the professional workforce that has been experiencing a drastic decline. Be Pro Be Proud was launched in Arkansas in 2016 and has since licensed efforts in Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and has impacted 340,000 people and eight industries to date.

 

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TN FAE Repeal of Property Tax Base

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

On April 25, 2024, the Tennessee General Assembly passed HB 1893/SB 2103 repealing the property base component of the Tennessee franchise tax. Historically, the franchise tax base was calculated as the greater of Net Worth (assets minus liabilities) or the net book value of real and tangible property. The passage of this law eliminates the property base calculation and allows for taxpayers that have paid Franchise taxes based on the property tax base for the preceding three years to file a refund claim for the difference between the property tax base assessment and the calculated net worth base.

Affected taxpayers will have from May 15, 2024 to November 30, 2024 to file claims for refunds for returns filed on or after January 1, 2021, for fiscal tax years ending March 31, 2020, or later. Taxpayers claiming the refund will waive the right to file suit regarding the constitutionality of the prior franchise tax law.

Finally, to increase transparency surrounding refund claims, the Tennessee Department of Revenue will publish on its website from May 31, 2025 through June 30, 2025 the name of each claimant and a range of the applicable refund issued. The disclosures will fall into three ranges 1) $750 or less 2) $751-$10,000 and 3) $10,001 and greater.

The Department of Revenue has posted the following information related to the franchise tax property measure (schedule G) refunds:

 

Franchise Tax Property Measure (Schedule G) Refunds Website

 

Important Notice #24-05: Franchise Tax Property Measure Repeal

 

Revenue Help: FT-13: Property Measure Repeal

 

If you have any questions about how this change affects you, contact your tax adviser or reach out to the Association

Crash Prevention and Reduction: Memphis

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

Memphis Crash Prevention & Reduction Safety Coalition Resources

Stephanie.Mann_FMCSA Slides

Allen England – TN Highway Patrol Slides

Lieutenant Brad Perkins – AHP Dist. One Slides

Mississippi Highway Patrol Presentation Slides

Christopher Brooks -THP Slides

Kathy Combs – TDOT Slides

Brian Bellan- Georgia Ports Authority Slides

Vontyna Durham_XCELENTE Trucking & Logistics Training LLC Slides

Stephanie Ivey – University of Memphis Slides

Click to download the coalition agenda.

Memphis CPR event photos.

Chattanooga CPR photos & slides

 

Back to CPR home page

 

Marge Ratleph Announces Retirement from TSH

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

Please join TSH in extending best wishes and to announce that Marge Ratleph, esteemed Safety Manager at Tennessee Steel Haulers retired earlier this month.

Marge came to TSH in 2011 playing an integral part in shaping the safety team and has been a reliable, highly sought after asset to our staff and team of owner operators. Her passion for trucking, dedication, and tenacity right from the very beginning has attributed to her successful career.

She has been a pillar of strength, a mentor, and friend to many fellow employees and owner operators throughout the years with her keen transportation safety mindset. TSH shall remain grateful for years to come for the impact she had with the company and beyond. Including her leadership role for over 24 years serving as an advisor and chairman on various safety councils and steering committees related to the Tennessee Trucking Association.

Never a day passed in her nearly twenty-eight years in the trucking industry where Marge wasn’t inspiring her fellow colleagues, telling a joke or two, or having a “friendly” conversation with drivers about their not-so great safety habits.

Her years of experience and technical know-how will be missed. We extend our warmest wishes to Marge as she embarks on this new chapter in her life.

I-55 Mississippi River Bridge Closure

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will be closing the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge this weekend to continue construction activities on the I-55 and Crump interchange. Activities include repair work on the I-55 bridge and removal of overhead sign structures. All work is weather-dependent.


Saturday, February 3, 5:00 am through  Monday, February 5, 6:00 am

  • I-55 SB will be closed at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas
  • I-55 NB will be closed at South Parkway* in Tennessee

*Local traffic will be allowed to continue to the McLemore exit

  • I-55 SB ramp will be closed
  • Crump Boulevard WB will be closed

A detour will be posted. 

 

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live-streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/myTDOT for statewide travel or West Tennessee follow https://twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT.

 

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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Nichole Lawrence | Region 4

Community Relations Officer

300 Benchmark Place

Jackson, Tennessee 38301

  1. 731-935-0318 c. 731-225-6041

nichole.lawrence@tn.gov

tn.gov/tdot

https://twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT

Titan Transfer Terminal Visit With Senator Hagerty

Posted on by Khadejia Hupp

Pictured L-R Phillip Edwards, Titan Transfer, Donna England, TTA, Senator Bill Hagerty, Tommy Hodges, Goggin Warehousing

On November 17, 2023, a luncheon was orchestrated by Titan Transfer, Inc. with U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, backed by Team Hagerty. This gathering served as a chance for the senator to visit with trucking industry leaders.

This event highlighted the necessity and value of collaboration between industry stakeholders and government representatives. Such interactions are key to ensuring that the trucking community’s concerns and needs are heard and understood. 

As the trucking industry navigates a complex landscape, the interaction between leaders and policymakers like Senator Hagerty underscores the industry’s commitment to advocacy and policy. It’s through these proactive endeavors that we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, solidifying a prosperous future for the trucking industry.

 

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

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!