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

 

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: 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

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.

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

“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

SUMMARY: This NPRM proposes to adopt a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) to require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on heavy vehicles, i.e., vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds). This notice also proposes to amend FMVSS No. 136 to require nearly all heavy vehicles to have an electronic stability control system that meets the equipment requirements, general system operational capability requirements, and malfunction detection requirements of FMVSS No. 136. An AEB system uses multiple sensor technologies and sub-systems that work together to sense when the vehicle is in a crash imminent situation and automatically applies the vehicle brakes if the driver has not done so or automatically applies more braking force to supplement the driver’s applied braking. This NPRM follows NHTSA’s 2015 grant of a petition for rulemaking from the Truck Safety Coalition, the Center for Auto Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and Road Safe America, requesting that NHTSA establish a safety standard to require AEB on certain heavy vehicles. This NPRM also responds to a mandate under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, directing the Department to prescribe an FMVSS that requires heavy commercial vehicles with FMVSS-required electronic stability control systems to be equipped with an AEB system, and also promotes DOT’s January 2022 National Roadway Safety Strategy to initiate a rulemaking to require AEB on heavy trucks. This NPRM also proposes Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations requiring the electronic stability control and AEB systems to be on during vehicle operation.

 

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 5, 2023.

 

Proposed compliance dates: NHTSA proposes a two-tiered phase-in schedule for meeting the proposed standard. For vehicles currently subject to FMVSS No. 136, ‘‘Electronic stability control systems for heavy vehicles,’’ any vehicle manufactured on or after the first September 1 that is three years after the date of publication of the final rule would be required to meet the proposed heavy vehicle AEB standard. For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) not currently subject to FMVSS No. 136, any vehicle manufactured on or after the first September 1 that is four years after the date of publication of the final rule would be required to meet the proposed AEB requirements and the proposed amendments to the ESC requirements. Small-volume manufacturers, final-stage manufacturers, and alterers would be provided an additional year to comply with this proposal beyond the dates identified above.

FMCSA proposes that vehicles currently subject to FMVSS No. 136 would be required to comply with FMCSA’s proposed ESC regulation on the final rule’s effective date. Vehicles with a GVWR greater than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) not currently subject to FMVSS No. 136 would be required to meet the proposed ESC regulation on or after the first September 1 that is five years after the date of publication of the final rule.

FMCSA proposes that, for vehicles currently subject to FMVSS No. 136, any vehicle manufactured on or after the first September 1 that is three years after the date of publication of the final rule would be required to meet FMCSA’s proposed AEB regulation. FMCSA proposes that vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) not currently subject to FMVSS No. 136 and vehicles supplied to motor carriers by small-volume manufacturers, final-stage manufacturers, and alterers would be required to meet the proposed AEB regulation on or after the first September 1 that is five years after the date of publication of the final rule.

This proposed implementation timeframe simplifies FMCSR training and enforcement because the Agency expects a large number of final stage manufacturers supplying vehicles to motor carriers in the category of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds). FMCSA’s phase-in schedule would require the ESC and AEB systems to be inspected and maintained in accordance with § 396.3.

Early compliance is permitted but optional.

 

Here is the link to the FR Notice: [PDF]

 

Nashville, TN – The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released foundational new research that statistically corroborates that motor carriers who are active in state and national membership associations are safer than both former association members and carriers who have never been association members.

 

It has always been anecdotally assumed that association membership supports safety through a variety of association services and resources, but the necessary industry safety data and methodology had never before been assessed. This new empirical research processed public safety data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) through a series of statistical tools to confirm the relationship between association membership and safety performance.

 

More specifically, the research compared motor carrier MCMIS crash and violation data for trucking fleets that held a membership status of either Current, Former or Never members. Carrier status data came from a geographically representative sample of state trucking associations as well as from the American Trucking Associations.

 

The Welch’s Two-Sample T-Test outputs confirm that among the three carrier groups, Current members have fewer overall crashes and violations than Former members, who also had fewer crashes and violations than Never members. Almost all results were significant at the 95 percent or 99 percent confidence levels. Due to the rarity of fatal truck crashes among all carriers, this specific crash type was not significant for either state or national membership.

 

“All safety stakeholders in the trucking industry are looking for strategies and solutions for improving large-truck safety,” noted Dr. Brenda Lantz, Associate Director of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. “This new ATRI research confirms that association membership is another important and proven safety tool for trucking companies.”

 

The ATRI association safety research also provides some guidance on how the findings might be applicable to commercial transportation insurers, enforcement agencies and academic researchers.

 

A copy of the full report is available through ATRI’s website here.

 

 

TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION INCREASES IMPAIRED-DRIVING ENFORCEMENT

 

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Trucking Association & Foundation is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign from August 16 to September 4, surrounding the Labor Day holiday. This initiative coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to increase impaired-driving enforcement nationwide.

 

Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of drunk driving, coupled with increased sobriety checkpoints and high visibility enforcement, aim to drastically reduce the number of drunk-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities this year.

 

The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in his/her vehicle.

 

The THSO provides grant funding to support Tennessee Trucking Foundation increased enforcement efforts during the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.

 

 

 

TENNESSEE – Last week, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) announced the award recipients from its 35th Annual Tennessee Lifesavers Conference on Wednesday, August 2, through Friday, August 4. Every year, the THSO hosts this event to empower highway safety professionals statewide and recognize achievements made in improving the safety of Tennessee roadways. Agencies and individuals were awarded for achievements in traffic safety education, advocacy, and enforcement to reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities through THSO grant-funded programs related to child passenger safety, teen driver advocacy, impaired-driving prevention, speed reduction, pedestrian safety, and more. Award winners are listed as follows. To access photos and more, visit www.tnlifesaverschallenge.com

“The THSO is honored to recognize our many local heroes going above and beyond the call of duty,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “Whether you are a first responder, community advocate, prosecutor, or law enforcement officer – you play an important role in traffic safety and make a difference in saving lives every day. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our traffic safety partners as we continue striving to zero deaths on Tennessee roads.”

 

Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Awards

  • CPS Diamond of the Year:
    • Tennessee Department of Health, Southeast Region – Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee (CHANT) Program
  • CPS Fitting Station of the Year:
    • McMinnville-Warren County CPS Coalition
  • CPS Instructor of the Year:
    • Lt. Rebecca Cowan, Sevierville Police Department
  • CPS Technician of the Year:
    • Malissa Davis, Polk County Health Department
  • Dr. Robert Sander’s Leadership and Service Award:
    • Rhea County Sheriff’s Department – Safe Journey Program

 

Director’s Awards

  • AAA – The Auto Club Group
  • Chief Barry Diebold, Brownsville Police Department
  • Chief Michael Bowen, Murfreesboro Police Department
  • Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Help Truck Program
  • Tennessee Highway Patrol – Chattanooga District’s Ace Unit: Lt. Stoney Morton, Trooper Lance Hughes, Trooper Dale Herring, and Trooper Scott Uselton
  • Tony Burnett

 

Drug Recognition Expert of the Year

  • Sgt. Jessie B. Loy, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

 

Reduce TN Crashes Gold Awards

  • Clay County High School
  • Cumberland County High School
  • Dickson County High School
  • Dyer County High School
  • Gibson County High School
  • Milan High School 
  • Obion County Central High School
  • South Gibson County High School
  • Stone Memorial High School
  • Unicoi County High School

 

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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.