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COMPLETE CONVENTION COVERAGE | CAPITOL RECAP | BRIDGING BORDER BARRIERS 

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION o f t h e TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 

CONGRESSIONAL 

GRIDLOCK | 6 

Nation’s infrastructure bill 

remains in limbo 

WISE INVESTMENT | 12 

When spec’ing a trailer, it’s best 

to consider various options 

TOUCHING 

TRUCKING | 14 

Consumer spending can mean 

lots of loads … or hardly any 

Ryan Murphy, son of 

Landstar exec, makes 

Olympic dreams 

come true | 16

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PRESIDENT’S PURVIEW 

A Year of New Experiences 

Another annual convention is in the books here at the Truckload Carriers Association 

(TCA). On behalf of the entire staff, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation 

to our sponsors, exhibitors, and each and every one of you who took the 

time out of a busy September to join us for Truckload 2021: Las Vegas! 

The past year has been chock-full of new experiences for our nation, and I personally 

have added a new experience for the first time in my career as an association executive 

— having to participate in a convention from the sidelines back in our Alexandria 

office because of illness. While I regret not being able to attend physically, I appreciate 

that we were able to use all we’ve learned from a year of living in a remote world 

to allow me to take part in the important discussions going on in our Officers’ and 

Board of Directors’ Meetings. I had full confidence that our incredible staff would be 

able to handle the work that goes into making your experience a memorable one. As 

it goes, the three questions we all ask ourselves when attending a business event are: 

Who did I meet? What did I learn? Was it worth my time? If your answer was, “I met 

like-minded people who were there to share what was on their minds to find answers 

and solutions to their pressing needs, which made it worth my while,” that says it all. 

I can’t wait to rejoin you all for our newly designed annual convention, Truckload 

2022: Las Vegas, set for March 19-22. 

Speaking of redesign, the TCA Refrigerated Division Officers’ group, led by Chairman 

Trevor Kurtz and our longtime sponsors and friends, will be working together to execute a plan we have in place to make the event set 

for July 27-29 a “must-go-to meeting.” If you haven’t marked your calendars, you should, as this group will deliver on their promises 

to you. It will be held in the beautiful state of Michigan, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City. 

Additionally, on November 17 I encourage you and your staff to join us for our Fifth Annual Bridging Border Barriers event. This full 

day of programming brings together industry executives and key association leaders to discuss and learn about current and potential 

cross-border issues that are facing the industry. 

I personally want to thank all of our committee members and their chairman for their incredible efforts as we head into the fourth 

quarter of 2021. Your efforts and continuous engagement have been so important to me and the staff. With your personal hard 

work, guidance, and commitment, you have positioned TCA in a place we haven’t seen in recent years. As you have heard me say 

many times over, the dues we collect makes it all work and we are thankful. However, it is the engagement of membership that 

shapes your association’s very bright future. Let’s celebrate these milestones together. 

Stay safe, 

John Lyboldt 

President 

Truckload Carriers Association 

jlyboldt@truckload.org 

John Lyboldt 

TCA President 

PRESIDENT’S PICKS 

Extra! Extra! 

TCA Chairman Jim Ward devotes his Chat 

With the Chairman to Truckload 2021. 

Page 20 

Company Driver of the Year 

Betty Aragon drew up a masterpiece of a 

plan leading to retirement. 

Page 34 

Owner-Operator of the Year 

Bryan Smith employs perseverance, 

knowledge to succeed in trucking 

Page 36 

TCA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 WWW.TRUCKLOAD.ORG | TRUCKLOAD AUTHORITY 3

Protective Insurance’s Safety Services Specialists have an average of 32 

years of transportation and risk mitigation experience. They help you keep 

your fleet safe with tailored plans to fit your company’s unique needs.

Phone: Phone: (703) (703) 838-1950 

Fax: Fax: (703) (703) 836-6610 

www.truckload.org 

Jim Ward, President 

CHAIRMAN D.M. Bowman, OF THE BOARD Inc. 

Dennis Dellinger, President and CEO 

PRESIDENT 

Cargo Transporters, VICE PRESIDENT Inc. - GOV’T AFFAIRS 

John Lyboldt 

Dave Heller 

PRESIDENT 

VICE PRESIDENT - GOV’T AFFAIRS 


dheller@truckload.org 

J o 

hn Lyboldt 

Dave Heller 



VP-OPERATIONS AND EDUCATION VP-MEMBERSHIP OUTREACH 

VP - James J. Schoonover 

Zander Gambill 

OPERATIONS AND EDUCATION 

VP-MEMBERSHIP OUTREACH 

jschoonover@truckload.org zgambill@truckload.org 

James J. Schoonover 


jschoonover@truckload.org 

MANAGER - GOV’T AFFAIRS SENIOR zgambill@truckload.org 

DIRECTOR - OUTREACH 

Kathryn Pobre 

Marli Hall 

MANAGER kpobre@truckload.org 

- GOV’T AFFAIRS 

SENIOR DIRECTOR - OUTREACH 

mhall@truckload.org 

Kathryn Sanner 

Marli Hall 

ksanner@truckload.org MANAGER - DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS 


Hunter Livesay 

MGR. - DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS 

hlivesay@truckload.org 


FIRST VICE CHAIR 

hlivesay@truckload.org TREASURER 

John Elliott, CEO 

Karen Smerchek, President 

FIRST Load VICE One, CHAIR LLC 

Veriha TREASURER Trucking, Inc 

Jim Ward, President and CEO 

David Williams, Executive VP 

D.M. SECOND Bowman, VICE CHAIR 

Inc. 

Knight VICE Transportation 

CHAIR TO ATA 

David Williams, Executive VP Joey Hogan, President & Chief 

SECOND VICE CHAIR 

VICE CHAIR TO ATA 

Knight-Swift Transportation Adm. Officer, Covenant Transport 


Joey Hogan, Co-Pres. & Chief Adm. Officer 

IMMEDIATE Load One, PAST LLC CHAIR 

Covenant 

SECRETARY 

Transport 

Dennis Dellinger, President/CEO Pete Hill, Vice President 

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR 

SECRETARY 

Cargo Transporters, Inc. Hill Bros. Transportation, Inc. 

Josh Kaburick, CEO 

Pete Hill, Vice President 

Earl L. Henderson AT-LARGE Trucking OFFICER 

Co., Inc. 

Hill Brothers AT-LARGE Transportation, OFFICER 

Inc. 

John Culp, President 

Ed Nagle, President 

AT-LARGE Maverick OFFICER USA 

AT-LARGE Nagle Toledo, OFFICER Inc. 



AT-LARGE Maverick OFFICER 

USA 

Nagle AT-LARGE Toledo, OFFICER 

Inc. 

Jon Coca, President Mark Seymour, President/CEO 

AT-LARGE OFFICER 


Diamond Transportation System, Inc. Kriska Transportation Group 


Jon Coca, President 

Veriha Trucking, Inc. AT-LARGE Diamond OFFICER 

Transportation System, Inc. 

Trevor Kurtz, General Manager 

Brian Kurtz Trucking, Inc. 

publication are not necessarily those of TCA. 

In exclusive partnership with: 

The viewpoints and opinions quoted in articles in this 



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On A Year the Road of New to Experiences Normalcy with with John John Lyboldt Lyboldt | 3 

| 3 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 

Congressional Senate Showdown Gridlock | | 6 

Capitol Recap | | 8 

10 

TRACKING THE TRENDS 

Finally Wise Investment Flexible | | 12 

16 

Mayday, Touching Mayday! Trucking | 14 

| 18 

Accountability Factor | 20 

$64,000 Question | 22 

NATIONAL NEWSMAKER 

Golden Boy with Ryan Murphy | 16 

A CHAT WITH THE CHAIRMAN | 24 

Quick to React with Dennis Dellinger 

A CHAT WITH THE CHAIRMAN 

Extra! Extra! with Jim Ward | 20 

TALKING TCA 

Carrier Profile with National Carriers, Inc. | 30 

Best Fleets to Drive For TALKING with Nussbaum TCA 

Transportation | 32 

Those Who Deliver with Decker Truck Line | 30 

Best Fleets to Drive For with Boyle Transportation | 34 

Fleet 

Pictorial Safety 

Review Award 

of Truckload with Bison 

2021: Transport 

Las Vegas | | 

32 

36 

TCA Fleet Company Safety Driver Award of the with Year Erb with International Betty Aragon |38 | 34 

Member TCA Owner Mailroom: Operator of Be the Heard Year with in Bryan Washington Smith | |40 36 

National Truck Small Driver Talk Appreciation |41 Week | 38 

TCA Highway Angel New of the Members Year with | 46 Royford Burris | 40 

Become Logbook a Rigster | 41 

46 

Truckload New Academy Members | Online| 46 

46 

Making Safety Happen | 46 

“ 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2021 

2020 

T H E R O A D M A P 

REACHING TRUCKING’S TOP EXECUTIVES 

Truckload Authority is the 

CONDUIT of INFORMATION 

for our industry, bringing to 

FOCUS its newsworthy trends, 

political engagements, and versatile 

PEOPLE that define the truckload 

industry’s PURPOSE in this 

ever-changing economy.” 

— P. Dennis Dellinger, 

President & CEO, Cargo Transporters, Inc. 



CONGRESSIONAL 

GRID 

LOCK 

Nation’s infrastructure 

bill remains in limbo 

By John Worthen 

Finding a straight answer about why Congress can’t come 

to an agreement on legislation to fund improvements 

for the nation’s infrastructure is just about as difficult as 

finding a safe parking spot for a big rig. 

A lack of parking is one of the biggest issues facing the trucking 

industry today, but there is nothing in the current iteration of 

trillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that would 

improve it. 

President Joe Biden has said the United States must rebuild 

its infrastructure to withstand the world’s new era of everstrengthening 

natural disasters. And, in doing so, the country 

must also address global warming, which, Biden said, is creating 

stronger storms, wildfires, and other dangers that contribute 

to deteriorating infrastructure. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised several different 

dates for a vote on the infrastructure bill, but all have come and 

gone. The Senate approved its version over the summer. 

A House vote was set for the bill at the end of September, 

but that didn’t happen because a consensus on the corresponding 

multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation bill has yet to be reached. 

Democrats said the postponement was only a temporary setback. 

White House press secretary Jen Psaki addressed the issue 

on October 8. 

“A great deal of progress has been made this week, and we 

are closer to an agreement than ever,” she told reporters. “But 

we are not there yet, and so, we will need some additional time 

to finish the work.” 

Of particular interest to the trucking industry would be the 

$110 million allotted for bridge and road improvements. But 

truck drivers are clear on what they need most — more parking. 

Erb Group’s President and CEO Wendell Erb said he still holds 

his commercial driver’s license and has made 15 trips from 

Canada into the U.S. and back over the past few months. Erb is 

a Canada-based transportation company with terminals in the 

United States. 

Parking in the United States is always a headache, according 

to Erb, who said he tries to find “mom and pop” truck stops 

because they are usually less busy. 

“While state rest areas are great and appreciated, they are not 

the place a driver wants to spend 10 hours off duty. All you have 

is a washroom and vending machines,” he explained. “My recommendation 

would be federal funds/grants to be allocated to 

privately owned truck stops to expand overnight truck parking.” 

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association 

(OOIDA) said truck parking is a long, hard-fought-for issue. 

“Despite the long history of broad, bipartisan support, numerous 

government studies and repeated pleas from truck drivers, 

Democrats on the (House Transportation and Infrastructure) 

Committee opposed efforts to address trucking’s No. 1 safety 

concern, the lack of safe parking,” said OOIDA President and 

CEO Todd Spencer said. 

“Truckers likely face another five years of a worsening crisis 

that jeopardizes their safety on a daily basis,” he noted. 

Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Vice President of Government 

Affairs David Heller said TCA isn’t pleased with the bill, 

either. 

“Truck parking is priority No. 1 for most truckers out there,” 

he said, adding that passing a bill that would make parking easier 

for big rigs “would go a long way toward making the life of 

a trucker better. We will continue talking about this issue. Our 

day will come.” 

Some in Washington have tried to push legislation that would 

have dealt with the parking issue. 

6 TRUCKLOAD AUTHORITY | WWW.TRUCKLOAD.ORG TCA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

United States Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced an amended 

bill to the House earlier this year that would have addressed 

truck parking, but it failed. 

Bost blamed Democrats. 

“Growing up in a family trucking business, I am all too familiar 

with the shortage of safe truck parking options along our 

nation’s highways,” Bost wrote in an e-mailed statement. 

“This is not only a safety concern for truckers, but also for 

the commuters who share the road with them,” he continued. 

“I have offered commonsense amendments three times in the 

House to provide funding to address this problem, and the 

Democrat majority has blocked them each time.” 

Bost added: “They have paid lip service to America’s trucking 

community and claimed to understand their concerns; yet this 

$3.5 trillion bill includes zero funding for truck parking. Not 

a penny. It just goes to show that they don’t care about this 

problem at all.” 

Biden, who has on many whistle-stop tours touted the infrastructure 

bill, hasn’t mentioned anything about the truck parking 

issue. His main talking points are that the infrastructure bill 

includes projects to help reduce greenhouse gasses and make 

America’s infrastructure stronger so that it can hold up to everworsening 

weather. 

More specifically, the bill includes: 

• $10 billion to support access to affordable housing and 

enhance mobility for low-income individuals and residents of 

disadvantaged or persistent poverty communities. 

• $4 billion for reduction of carbon pollution in the surface 

transportation sector — addressing the largest source of transportation 

greenhouse gas emissions. 

• $4 billion to support neighborhood equity, safety, and 

affordable transportation access, including reconnecting 

communities divided by existing infrastructure barriers. 

• $6 billion to advance local surface transportation projects. 

• $1 billion to the Department of Transportation to support 

projects that develop, demonstrate, or apply low-emission 

technologies or produce, transport, blend, or store sustainable 

aviation fuels. 

• $500 million to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 

(FEMA) hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program; 

$425 million for grants for the construction, retrofit, technological 

enhancement, and updated planning requirements of 

state, local, Tribal, and territorial emergency operation centers. 

• $9.5 billion to the Economic Development Administration 

to provide investments in persistently distressed communities, 

provide assistance to energy and industrial transition communities, 

invest in public works projects, and create regional 

hubs.• 

• $1 billion for climate-resilient Coast Guard infrastructure. 

• $2.5 billion to the Maritime Administration to support more 

sustainable port infrastructure and supply chain resilience. 

For now, the bill remains in limbo, and truck parking is stalled 

as a back-burner issue in Washington. As of this writing, no 

one is sure when — or if — a vote will take place. 

“Addressing the parking shortage would also have supported 

efforts to reduce carbon emission from the transportation sector,” 

added OOIDA’s Spencer. 

“Truck drivers waste approximately 56 minutes per day looking 

for parking, all the while needlessly burning fuel, emitting 

carbon and contributing to congestion,” he stated. “It’s tough 

to swallow the fact that in a year when Congress is authorizing 

hundreds of billions of dollars for infrastructure projects and 

highway safety programs, not a single penny was set aside for 

truck parking.” 


Compiled by Lyndon Finney, Linda Garner-Bunch, 

John Worthen, and The Associated Press 

Presented in 

partnership 

with 

Normally this space would be filled with articles about legislation and regulatory matters, but with Congress almost solely focusing 

on President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, there is not much going on in those arenas. So, we turn to another important aspect 

of trucking — safety. We lead off with the results of International Roadcheck 2021 which noted that hours-of-services violations 

accounted for almost half of all driver out-of-service orders. We follow that with a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

that shows an increase of fatalities in the first quarter of 2021 over the same period last year. Other safety-related articles include 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator nominee Meera Joshi telling a Senate panel that safety will be her utmost priority. 

Finally, we read that the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board is calling for a shift in the way the country looks at road safety. 

HOS VIOLATIONS ACCOUNT FOR ALMOST HALF OF OUT-OF- 

SERVICE ORDERS DURING INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK 

More than 40,000 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections 

were conducted in May for International Roadcheck, the Commercial 

Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual high-volume, highvisibility 

inspection and enforcement initiative. 

Approximately 83.5% of the CMVs examined during the Roadcheck 

had no out-of-service (OOS) violations. However, inspectors 

had to remove 6,710 commercial motor vehicles and 2,080 drivers 

from roadways — a 16.5% vehicle and 5.3% driver OOS rate — 

over that three-day period after the discovery of OOS violations 

during inspections. 

CVSA-certified inspectors at weigh stations, inspection stations, 

roadside and designated inspection sites in Canada, Mexico, and 

the U.S. inspected commercial trucks and combinations, cargo 

tank hazardous materials/dangerous goods (HM/DG) trucks and 

combinations, non-cargo tank HM/DG trucks and combinations, 

and motorcoaches/buses during the initiative. 

Inspectors primarily conducted the North American Standard 

Level I inspection, a 37-step inspection process that involves thorough 

inspection of the vehicle (including underneath the vehicle) 

and the driver. Inspectors performed 23,135 Level I inspections 

and removed 5,048 vehicles (21.8%) and 1,200 (5.2%) drivers 

from roadways due to the discovery of critical vehicle or driver 

inspection item violations as identified in the CVSA North American 

Standard OOS Criteria. 

In Canada and the U.S., inspectors conducted 9,410 Level II 

inspections and placed 1,593 (16.9%) vehicles and 549 drivers 

(5.8%) OOS. They also conducted 6,836 Level III inspections and 

placed 331 drivers OOS. That is a 4.8% driver OOS rate. In Mexico, 

inspectors with the Ministry of Communications and Transportation 

and the National Guard conducted 1,288 Level V inspections. 

Vehicles that pass a Level I or V inspection with no critical vehicle 

inspection item violations are eligible to receive a CVSA decal. 

Generally, vehicles displaying a CVSA decal, valid for up to 

three months, are not subjected to inspection. Instead, jurisdictions 

typically focus their efforts on vehicles that do not display a 

valid decal. 

During the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 2021 International Roadcheck, more than 40,000 

vehicles were inspected in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. About 83.5% of those vehicles had no 

out-of-service violations. 

CVSA decals were placed on 9,951 power units, 3,795 trailers, 

and 190 motorcoaches/buses for a total of 13,936 decals. 

Of the 24,423 Level I and V inspections conducted throughout 

North America, 5,084 vehicles and 1,200 drivers were placed OOS 

— a 20.8% vehicle OOS rate and a 4.9% driver OOS rate. 

Each year, CVSA highlights a category of violations during International 

Roadcheck to bring awareness to certain aspects of a 

routine roadside inspection. This year, inspectors captured data on 

two categories — hours of service and lighting. 

There were 1,367 OOS lighting violations, accounting for 14.1% 

of all vehicle OOS violations, making it the third most-cited violation, 

after brake systems and tires. OOS lighting device violations 

include headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals, and lamps 

on projecting loads. 

SEE ROADCHECK, PAGE 11 


NHTSA ESTIMATES FIRST QUARTER FATALITIES UP OVER 2020 

According to an early estimate of motor vehicle traffic fatalities 

for the first quarter of 2021, released in September by the National 

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 8,730 people 

died in motor vehicle traffic crashes during January, February, and 

March. That’s a 10.5% increase from the 7,900 fatalities the agency 

projected for the first quarter of 2020. 

Despite fewer motorists on the road, NHTSA said the increase in 

fatalities was still prevalent. Preliminary data reported by the Federal 

Highway Administration shows vehicle miles traveled (VMT) 

during the first three months of 2021 decreased by 2.1%, or about 

14.9 billion miles, from 2020. However, the fatality rates per 100 

million VMT for the first quarter of 2021 increased to 1.26 fatalities 

per 100 million VMT, up from the projected rate of 1.12 fatalities 

during the same time last year. 

“We must address the tragic loss of life we saw on the roads 

SEE FATALITIES, PAGE 11 

The fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for the first quarter of 2021 increased 

to 1.26 fatalities per 100 million VMT, up from the projected rate of 1.12 fatalities in the same time 

frame in 2020. 

SAFETY HER UTMOST PRIORITY, FMCSA ADMINISTRATOR 

NOMINEE MEERA JOSHI TELLS SENATE PANEL 

Ensuring the safety of the women and men 

who are literally driving the commercial motor 

vehicle industry, as well as all motorists 

with whom they share the road, is her personal 

and utmost priority, Meera Joshi, nominee 

for administrator of the Federal Motor 

Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), told 

members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, 

Science and Transportation during her 

confirmation hearing in mid-September. 

“Sadly, since 2009, commercial motor vehicle-related 

roadway fatalities in the United 

States have steadily risen, resulting in the 

loss of thousands of lives of men, women, 

and children,” noted Joshi. “And, every year, 

over 800 of these victims are large truck or 

bus drivers. I am deeply committed to the 

undisputed work ahead, reversing this fatal 

trend,” she stated. 

The committee sent Joshi’s nomination to 

the full Senate. At the time of this writing, no 

date has been set for a committee vote on her 

nomination. 

Joshi said commercial motor vehicles, particularly 

large trucks, are not only essential to 

America’s thriving economy, transporting over 

70% of the nation’s freight, but they are also 

critical in times of crisis. 

“I am no stranger to roadway tragedy and 

implementing strategies to improve safety,” 

said Joshi, noting that as head of the New York 

City Taxi and Limousine Commission, she was 

at the forefront of the city’s Vision Zero Campaign, 

setting the rules of the road for more 

than 150,000 professional taxi and for-hire 

drivers. 

“I witnessed firsthand the pain of families 

who had lost loved ones to traffic violence and 

ensured that all new drivers knew their names 

and the names of those they lost,” she said. 

“It was also important to me to publicly acknowledge 

the city’s highly skilled professional 

drivers, women and men, who year after year 

safely transported passengers throughout 

congested city streets. 

“I led pilots to integrate innovative vehicle 

safety technology, increased the effectiveness 

of roadway enforcement and inspections, and 

used data analytics to identify and remove the 

most dangerous drivers from the road and operators 

from the industry,” she continued. 

“I worked collaboratively with drivers, large 

and small operators, tech companies, safety 

and labor advocates, elected officials, their 

constituents, passengers as well as the general 

public,” she added. “The result of these productive 

relationships was balanced policy that 

raised safety and accountability standards for 

all. This experience is the source of my desire 

and belief that I can make a positive difference 

nationwide in roadway safety as administrator 

of the FMCSA.” 

Joshi lauded the efforts of trucking and the 

motorcoach industry. 

As for trucking, she said throughout COV- 

ID-19 the trucking industry was at the forefront, 

FMCSA Administrator nominee Meera Joshi testifies before 

the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 

Transportation as part of a confirmation hearing. 

moving vaccines, testing supplies, and oxygen. 

In addition, when the Colonial Pipeline was 

breached, tank trucks transported fuel. 

“Most recently, during Hurricane Ida, large 

trucks brought emergency supplies to our hardest 

hit regions,” she added. 

Joshi said her mission was further strengthened 

by the committee’s historic investment in 

commercial motor vehicle safety through the 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs 

Act of 2021 (IIJA). 

“IIJA funding creates American jobs, allowing 

FMCSA’s state partners to hire additional 

personnel for roadside inspections and reach 

the true breadth of the vast commercial motor 

vehicle industry,” she noted. “In short, IIJA 

investment in commercial motor vehicle safety 

will save lives.” 


NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD CHIEF SAYS 

FOCUS ON ROAD SAFETY MUST SHIFT TO ENTIRE SYSTEM 

The new chairman of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board 

(NTSB) wants governments and businesses to change the way they 

look at highway safety by considering the whole system rather than 

individual driver behavior. 

Jennifer Homendy, who was nominated by President Joe Biden 

earlier this year, said such an approach works in aviation, where there 

were no U.S. fatalities last year. On the roads, there were 38,680 

deaths nationwide, the greatest number since 2007. More than 8,700 

motor vehicle deaths were reported in the first three months of 2021, 

up 10.5% from a year earlier. At the same time, vehicle miles traveled 

declined. 

“The current approach, which favors automobiles and punishes 

only drivers for crashes, is clearly not working,” she said in remarks 

prepared for a speech to the Governors Highway Safety Association 

conference. “If we are going to get to zero, we will have to do something 

different.” 

Homendy used speeding as an example of the “Safe System Approach” 

to road safety. Rather than focusing solely on drivers, she 

questioned whether the whole system failed. She asked whether 

road designs encourage high speeds, or whether “ill-conceived” federal 

guidance has led to increasing speed limits in states. She also 

asked about states that take away the ability of local authorities to set 

lower speed limits and “manufacturers who design vehicles that can 

exceed 100 miles per hour or that have no speed limiters.” 

Speeding-related crashes rose 11% last year, she said, with troopers 

in her home state of Virginia posting images on social media of 

tickets that were written to speeding drivers, one of which shows a 

motorist for going 115 mph in an area with a 55-mph speed limit. 

She told the group of state and territorial highway safety officials 

Speeding-related crashes rose 11% last year, according to U.S. National Transportation Safety 

Board (NTSB) Chairman. One entity, the Virginia State Police, posted images on social media of 

tickets that were written to speeding drivers, one of which shows a motorist going 115 mph in an 

area with a 55-mph posted speed limit. 

that speed limits and laws against impaired driving still have to be 

enforced. But, she said, enforcement alone can’t make the roads 

safer. 

Homendy called on road designers, public health officials, governors, 

vehicle makers, transportation providers, and communities to 

share a new vision. “The carnage on our roads has to stop. You know 

it, and I know it,” she said. 

The NTSB investigates road crashes and other transportation incidents, 

but it has no regulatory authority. The National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration regulates vehicles, while the Federal Motor 

Carrier Safety Administration regulates trucking companies. The 

Federal Highway Administration is responsible for roadways. 

PUSH FOR ZERO-EMISSION TRUCKS IN THE WORKS 

Company officials with fleets of trucks are 

urging governors across the country to embrace 

a rule meant to speed up the adoption 

of zero-emission trucks while reducing a potent 

source of greenhouse gases deriving from 

large commercial vehicles. 

In a September 24 letter, organized by the 

nonprofit Ceres,, representatives from IKEA, 

Nestle, Siemens, Etsy, eBay, Ben & Jerry’s, 

and Unilever joined environmental activists and 

investors to call for wider adoption of the Advanced 

Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. 

The rule requires manufacturers of medium- 

and heavy-duty vehicles to increase sales 

of zero-emission models over time in states 

where the policy is put in place. As production 

ramps up, the cost to manufacturers and buyers 

should come down, advocates said. 

Supporters of the rule say companies are increasingly 

demanding clean trucks to help meet 

climate and pollution goals and to save on fuel 

and maintenance costs. Approval of the rule by 

state governments could help give an added 

More than 75 national companies are throwing their weight 

behind making trucks, vans, and other large commercial fleet 

vehicles cleaner. 

nudge to truck manufacturers, backers said. 

The switch to zero-emission trucks will also 

help reduce pollution in lower-income neighborhoods, 

many of which border highways, 

major roads, and shipping centers, and where 

residents often have health problems like asthma, 

advocates said. The rule has already been 

adopted in California and is being considered in 

several other states. 

“Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are an 

essential part of the logistics networks that millions 

of Etsy sellers rely upon to deliver items 

to their buyers around the world, but these 

vehicles contribute disproportionately to air 

pollution and global warming emissions,” said 

Etsy’s Senior Manager of Sustainability Chelsey 

Evans in a statement. “Widespread adoption of 

zero-emission vehicles, including through the 

Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, is key to combating 

climate change.” 

States have begun to acknowledge the pollution 

linked to cars and trucks and its effect on 

the climate. Last year, the governors of three 

New England states and the mayor of Washington, 

D.C., signed a regional pact aimed at 

dramatically reducing transportation pollution, 

an agreement they hope other states will eventually 

join. 

The Transportation and Climate Initiative 

Program is designed to reduce motor vehicle 

emissions by at least 26% by 2032 by requiring 

fuel suppliers to purchase “allowances” for the 

pollution caused by the use of the fuels they sell 

in the region. 


ROADCHECK, FROM PAGE 8 

Of the 9,691 OOS vehicle violations issued, the Top 5 

violations were for brake systems, tires, lights, brake adjustment, 

and cargo adjustment as follows: 

1. Brake systems: 2,564 vehicles (26.5%); 

2. Tires: 1,804 vehicles (18.6%); 

3. Lights: 1,367 vehicles (14.1%); 

4. Brake adjustment: 1,203 vehicles (12.4%); and 

5. Cargo securement: 1,192 vehicles (12.3%). 

CVSA’s second focus area, driver hours of service, was 

the most cited driver OOS violation, accounting for 41.5% 

of the 2,809 drivers placed OOS in the U.S. and Canada. In 

Mexico, inspectors conducted vehicle-only inspections, so 

there is no driver OOS rate to report. The Top 5 driver OOS 

violations were: 

1. Hours of service: 1,203 drivers (41.5%); 

2. Wrong class license: 565 drivers (19.5%); 

3. Other (could include operating without required operating 

authority, expired or no medical certificate, driving 

while ill or fatigued, or driving while prohibited by the Drug 

and Alcohol Clearinghouse): 482 drivers (16.6%); 

4. False logs: 427 (14.7%); and 

5. Suspended license: 132 (4.6%). 

FATALITIES, FROM PAGE 9 

in 2020 by taking a transformational and collaborative approach 

to safety,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Steven 

Cliff. “Everyone — including those who design, operate, 

build and use the road system — shares responsibility for 

road safety. We are working closely with our safety partners 

to address risky driving behaviors such as speeding, 

impaired driving, and failing to buckle up.” 

These early estimates suggest the driving patterns and 

behaviors the agency reported in 2020, which changed significantly 

from previous years, continue to prevail and that 

drivers who remained on the roads engaged in more risky 

behavior, including speeding, failing to wear seat belts, and 

driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reported 

Cliff. 

To help stakeholders evaluate the trends and identifying 

countermeasures, NHTSA also released the 10th edition of 

Countermeasures That Work. This report supports a proactive, 

equitable, and safe system approach to eliminating 

fatalities on the nation’s roads, and addresses the safety of 

all road users, including those who walk, bike, and drive. 

“This tool includes information on strategies that can 

help prevent destructive behaviors like impaired driving, or 

encourage positive habits like wearing a seat belt,” added 

Cliff. 

The 10 program areas covered in this edition of Countermeasures 

That Work include alcohol- and drug-impaired 

driving; bicycle safety; distracted driving; drowsy driving; 

motorcycle safety; older drivers; pedestrian safety; seat 

belts and child restraints; speeding and speed management; 

and young drivers. 

The report includes a look at how each issue impacts our 

society, and proven strategies for communities to consider 

in addressing these specific concerns. 

To download a copy of the report, visit www.ghsa.org/ 

resources/countermeasures. 

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TCA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | TRUCKLOAD AUTHORITY 11


Wise 

Investment 

When spec’ing a trailer, it’s best to consider various options 

By Cliff Abbott 

Carriers typically carefully spec the trucks they purchase in 

order to obtain enough power to meet customer needs while 

conserving as much fuel and operating income as possible. 

Modern tractors come with numerous options, including drive 

train choices as well as aero options like fairing, cab extenders, 

and more. 

When it comes to trailers, however, manufacturers have less 

to work with. After all, a dry van trailer is a rectangular box. 

Dump, tank, and flatbed trailers must be designed for maximum 

strength, which can’t be compromised for weight savings 

or aerodynamic efficiency. 

At the same time, trailers typically remain in service much 

longer than tractors. The return on technology investments 

that improve fuel economy pays off for twice the time period of 

tractors, or even more. 

For years, the trailer industry focused on weight savings 

to improve efficiency, offering lighter composite materials in 

construction and weight-saving components when possible. 

Low-profile tires with decreased rolling resistance became the 

norm for most applications. 

On the aerodynamics front, trailer skirts have been the most 

visible of treatments on dry van trailers, while most other trailer 

types haven’t changed much, if at all. What has changed is that 

aero products that used to be aftermarket items installed by 

the customer or dealer are being installed by manufacturers. 

Wabash National Trailer, for example, offers two versions 

of its “AeroSkirt” brand of trailer skirt, the DuraPlate and the 

CX, as well as products from other suppliers, including rear 

fairings and mud flaps. 

“We can assemble other manufacturers’ solutions upon a 

customer’s request,” explained Wabash Product Development 

Engineering Manager Aaron Smith. 

When it comes to aero technology, Smith knows that 

customers consider products with an eye 

toward return on investment (ROI). 

“Both side aerodynamic skirts and 

rear aerodynamic systems are very competitive 

in terms of achieving fuel savings 

performance,” he explained, “but it really 

depends on the specific device in terms 

of manufacturer and model. However, on 

average, the rear aerodynamic devices have 

a higher initial cost that results in a longer 

ROI.” 

FlowBelow Director of Sales Operations 


Katie Breitschopf says wheel covers should be 

considered, too. 

“FlowBelow’s Trailer Wheel Covers have been 

track-tested to save 0.81% on fuel, and (were) 

road-tested by several mega-fleets to show an 

even higher return,” she remarked. “The covers 

pay for themselves in Year 1 or early in Year 2, 

and they deliver returns for the remaining life of 

the asset. That makes the ROI incredibly attractive.” 

Breitschopf recommends wheel covers to every fleet, 

along with side skirts, where applicable. 

“We don’t sell them, but we recommend trailer skirts; their 

bang for the buck is huge,” she said. 

Carriers looking for additional fuel savings can find it in 

another FlowBelow product. 

“Our AeroSlider, which is a kit that includes wheel covers 

and fairings that smooth the turbulent air flow across the 

wheels of the trailer, as well as flow-through mudflaps, has 

been SmartWay certified to save 2.07% in fuel,” explained 

Breitschopf. 

FlowBelow wheel covers and fairings are offered as standard 

equipment on some tractor models. Breitschopf hopes 

trailer OEMs will follow suit. 

Another product, this one manufactured by Eco Flaps, is 

a specially designed flow-through mud flap that claims to 

improve fuel economy by more than 1%. Rather than simple 

slots in the mud flap to allow air to pass through, the Eco 

Flaps product features molded, wing-shaped channels that 

reduce air resistance and, as a bonus, greatly reduce the 

amount of road spray in wet conditions. 

Improving aerodynamics isn’t the only way to maximize 

trailer fuel economy. Some carriers are looking at lift axles as 

an alternative to the usual tandem axles. 

“Some of the main benefits of lifting an axle can include 

improved payload, operational flexibility, improved maneuverability, 

increased fuel efficiency, extended tire and component 

life, and reduced road tolls,” explained Hendrickson 

Director of Global Marketing and Communications Mark 

Slingluff. 

Lift axles have traditionally been popular for vocational applications 

such as dump or heavy-haul. Increasingly, buyers 

are looking at them for fuel-saving applications. 

“Hendrickson offers various lift kits on the Hendrickson 

suspension model and trailer design,” said Slingluff. 

Multiple options for operation of the lift axle are available, 

including those that integrate with the vehicle’s main suspension 

and those that operate independently. A “smart” option 

is offered that raises and lowers the axle automatically based 

on air spring pressure. 

Lift axles aren’t the only way suspension options can save 

fuel, however. Hendrickson also manufactures tandem axle 

slider suspension systems for trailers, including dry van and 

refrigerated units. Their ULTRAA-K UTKNT 40K offering is 

touted as “the lightest slider system in the industry by nearly 

100 pounds,” according to the company’s website. 

It pays to learn about suspension options offered by OEMs, 

including the weight savings of individual components. 

Sorting through the mountain of fuel-saving claims of 

manufacturers can be a daunting task. Fortunately, real testing 

information for many products isn’t hard to find, thanks to 

Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions (MVTS). The MVTS lab 

is an independent third-party testing organization formed with 

the partnership of Mesilla Valley Transportation and InnoMetric 

MPG, a testing provider for the racing industry. 

MVTS offers private testing for individual carriers and manufacturers, 

but also offers a list of certified products that includes 

testing results for each. Interested parties can find independent 

test data for many of the products they might consider adding 

to trailer orders. Test summaries as well as full testing reports 

are available. 

Test results are offered in terms of gallons of fuel saved for 

every thousand miles driven. Fuel savings are also expressed 

in terms of percentage, but this is considered a less accurate 

way to report results. 

MVTS-certified products include tires, lubricating oils, solar 

panels, and other products, in addition to aero products. One 

product, a grill guard for protecting the front of the truck, was 

tested for potential increase in fuel consumption, which proved 

to be minimal. 

Purchasing trailers can be as simple as choosing a trusted 

brand at the best price, but purchasers who carefully consider 

fuel saving options may find the ROI to be well worth the time 

it took to research the options. 


TOUCHING TRUCKING 

Consumer spending can mean lots of loads ... or hardly any 


Consumer spending affects every aspect of the economy. In the 

trucking industry, it can mean the difference between lots of loads 

to carry or hardly any at all. 

Consumer spending is also the largest driver of economic 

growth. Federal Reserve data indicates that consumers account 

for about 69% of the gross domestic product. 

If consumer spending shifts too far toward services from goods, 

some experts in the trucking world are concerned that it could affect 

the industry’s bottom line in 2022. But others aren’t worried 

at all. 

FTR Transport Intelligence’s Vice President of Trucking Avery 

Vise said watching where consumer spending is heading now after 

getting past a period of “previously unfathomable government 

stimulus … is enormously important, as consumer goods make up 

the lion’s share of what truckload carriers haul.” 

Vise added, “This is not an issue today — consumer spending 

remains very healthy — but it’s a big risk factor for 2022, and 

perhaps even the rest of this year. Current levels of spending just 

aren’t sustainable, and to some degree past spending depresses 

the demand for future spending.” 

For now, consumer spending remains relatively healthy in both 

the goods and services sectors. 

On October 1, the Commerce Department announced that consumer 

spending rebounded 0.8% (an increase of $130.5 billion) in 

August. Consumer spending grew at a 12% annualized rate in the 

second quarter, accounting for much of the economy’s 6.7% growth 

pace, which raised the level of gross domestic product above its 

peak in the fourth quarter of 2019. 

Growth estimates for the third quarter are below a 5% rate. 

Economists say this slight uptick was likely due to back-to-school 

shopping and child tax credit payments from the federal government. 

Additionally, consumers currently have more buying power and are feeling 

more confident now that vaccines have rolled out for COVID-19. 

The Commerce Department said in an October 1 news release the 

increase in personal income in August primarily reflected increases 

in compensation of employees and government social benefits. 

“Within compensation, the increase primarily reflected an increase 

in private wages and salaries,” stated the news release. “Within government 

social benefits, an increase in ‘other’ social benefits, reflecting 

advance child tax credit payments authorized by the American 


“ 

This is not an issue today — 

consumer spending remains very 

healthy — but it’s a big risk factor for 

2022, and perhaps even the rest of 

this year. Current levels of spending just 

aren’t sustainable, and to some degree 

past spending depresses the demand 

for future spending.” 

— Avery Vise, FTR Transport Intelligence 

Vice President of Trucking 

Rescue Plan, was partly offset by a decrease in unemployment 

insurance, reflecting decreases in payments from the Pandemic 

Unemployment Compensation program.” 

The $130.5 billion increase in the current Personal Consumption 

Expenditures Price Index in August reflected an increase of $66 billion 

in spending for goods and a $64.6 billion increase in spending 

for services, according to the Commerce Department. 

Within goods, increases in spending for food and beverages, as 

well as “other” nondurable goods — primarily household supplies 

and recreational items — were partly offset by a decrease in spending 

for motor vehicles and parts. 

Within services, the increases were widespread, led by “other” 

services, including personal care and clothing services, housing, and 

utilities, and health care. 

Economist Bill Conerly said that consumers have more capacity to 

spend than businesses have capacity to deliver goods and services. 

“Aggregate consumer spending will certainly be higher in 2022, 

but not to the degree that consumers would like,” said Conerly. “Prices 

are likely to rise, and when the price tags are not actually changed, 

look for an absence of discounts and promotional sales.” 

With COVID-19 infections trending downward in many areas, a 

rise in demand for travel and other services will result in a slight 

shift from goods spending to service spending, economists predict. 

But that isn’t necessarily bad news, said Broughton Capital Founder 

Donald Broughton. 

If anything, he said, he’s excited about a “bullish future.” 

“I am more bullish about the economy than I have ever been in my 

entire life,” he shared, comparing the current situation to that of the end 

of World War I and the Spanish influenza. 

As COVID-19 begins to wane, he said, people are spending more 

and more. 

For tangible proof behind his prediction, Broughton pointed to the 

number of cargo ships currently under contract to be built. There are 

220. 

Additionally, he said, new technology is continuing to be developed 

and streamlined into consumers’ homes, giving them even more reasons 

to buy goods. 

“Two to three years from now, these ships will all be fully loaded, 

and even more will need to be built,” said Broughton. “And, of course, 

there will be a need for more trucks and drivers to deliver those goods 

as well.” 

As for the dozens of ships that are backlogged from docking on the 

U.S. Pacific coast, he labeled the situation “a good problem,” because 

it means people are buying more and more things. 

“After you survive a disaster … you celebrate because you made 

it out,” he added. “You got through it. It’s the way human beings live. 

Everyone is poised to go back to work. Of course, there will be fits and 

starts. But we have more talented people and more technology than 

ever before. They will fix it.” 

“ 

After you survive a disaster … you 

celebrate because you made it out. You got 

through it. It’s the way human beings live. 

Everyone is poised to go back to work. Of 

course, there will be fits and starts. But we have 

more talented people and more technology 

than ever before. They will fix it.” 

— Donald Broughton, 

Founder of Broughton Capital 


Ryan Murphy’s Olympic dreams come true 

BY DWAIN HEBDA

Opposite page: Team USA’s Ryan Murphy waves to fans from the winner’s podium. Above: “I don’t feel like I’ve had my best performances yet.” Murphy launches 

through the water during the Tokyo Olympics. 

wimming is all about propulsion. 

Olympic champion Ryan Murphy was initially propelled by sibling 

rivalry. The youngest of three, he watched his older siblings 

swim competitively and set his mind to besting their accomplishments. 

Before long, the youngster proved to be such a prodigy that 

he’d eclipsed his older brother and sister. At the tender age of 7, 

Murphy had set a new goal — to be an Olympic gold medalist. 

Since then, Murphy, whose father Pat Murphy is an executive 

with Landstar System, Inc., out of Jacksonville, Florida, has faced 

off against the top talent in the world and come away with multiple 

collegiate, World Championship, and Olympic wins, with a hatful of 

national and world records to boot. 

Along the way, he’s learned it’s not the accomplishment that 

drives him, but the testing of his own limits of endurance and talent 

to see just how good he can really be. 

In short, the only thing that propels Ryan Murphy these days is 

Ryan Murphy. 

“I don’t feel like I’ve had my best performances yet,” said 

the amiable Olympian. “When I look at the measurables that I 

have throughout the year in practice — whether that be what sort 

of aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, how fast I can kick, pull, 

what my technique is doing — I feel like I’m better than I ever was 

this past year. I’m doing everything correct in practice and it hasn’t 

led to a best time. 

“And it’s not like it’s far off,” he continued. “It’s like a tenth of a 

second here, a tenth of a second there. I think I could go faster than 

I ever have.” 

Murphy has reached such an elite level status that, if his predictions 

are true, his true best is measured in terms of world records. 

He currently holds the mark in the 100-meter backstroke, 

setting the world and Olympic mark at 0:51.85 in 2016 in Rio. He 

and his teammates also set a new Olympic and world record time in 

the 4x100-meter medley relay in Tokyo this year, closing out those 

games in 3:26.78. 

To top such marks is daunting, even for an athlete of Murphy’s 

stature. But then, he didn’t get this far by thinking small. 

“I’ve really come to realize that my personality is, no matter what 

I’m doing, I’m going to be going after that as hard as I can,” he 

shared. “I love working hard, and I love challenging myself to be 

really good at whatever I’m doing.” 

Murphy was in the water before his first birthday and says he 

can’t remember a time he wasn’t swimming. His love of the water 

was hardly an unrequited affair — his proficiency at swimming 

was as great as his love for the sport. He set 17 age-group records 

growing up, five of which still stand today. 

As successful as Murphy was during high school at the prestigious 

Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida — a factory for elite 

swimmers — those years were also when he learned to deal with 

losing. The ability to put loss into perspective, something Murphy 

says is the downfall of many rising elite athletes, is one of the things 

that has allowed him to reach the levels of the sport that he has. 

“I consider myself to be in a really fortunate position,” he said. 

“At Bolles we had a lot of talent in the water, and we had a lot of 

people who were really driven to be great. In high school I got 

used to getting beat in practice. I didn’t like it, but it’s something 


I’m in a place right now where I’ve found something that I’m 

really good at, so it’s kind of fun to really go after something. 

My next career, there’s no guarantee I’ll be really good at it. 

I know I’ll work really hard, but there’s no guarantee I’ll be good 

at it so I might as well try to hold onto this while I have it.” 

— RYAN MURPHY, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST 

Ryan Murphy, left, and relay teammate Caeleb Dressel celebrate setting their latest world record in the 

4x100-meter medley Olympic final. 

you have to deal with. You’re not going to win every 

time out.” 

Murphy went on to add that “when I got to college 

and I got around even more talented guys, I 

was OK with going in there and getting beat on some 

sets,” he explained. “Being able to ‘re-brain’ things 

so that the level of competition every day doesn’t hit 

the confidence, that was the most important thing 

moving from high school to college.” 

Murphy’s proof of this concept is immediately 

apparent. Competing for the University of California, 

he posted four consecutive NCAA titles in the 100- 

yard and 200-yard backstroke, only the fourth male 

swimmer in history to do so. In the process, he set 

American, U.S. Open, and NCAA records at both distances 

— 0:43.49 in the 100-yard race and 1:35.73 

in the 200-yard event in 2016. 

That would have made enough of a year for 

any athlete, but it proved to be a mere warm-up 

for Murphy. The crowning achievement of 2016 

came in Rio de Janeiro at his maiden Olympics. 

There he burst into prominence, earning three gold 

medals and a world/Olympic record, transforming 

him from just another swimmer into a brand name 

overnight. 

“It’s a 100% weird transition to make, because 

I’m doing a sport,” he said. “It starts out as something 

you do as a kid a few times a week to here, 

where it’s a career. With it being a career, you have 

to be able to make money with it. I wouldn’t be able 

to be a great swimmer if I had to work a 9 to 5. I 

wouldn’t have enough time to train, I wouldn’t have 

enough time to recover, focus on nutrition. So, you 

have to make a living and doing that, you do have to 

become a brand.” 

Additionally, he added, “you have to find brands 

to partner with where the brand that I’ve developed 

will complement theirs so there’s synergy between 

the two,” he noted. “It’s something I’m comfortable 

with now, (but) I think coming off of 2016 I definitely 

struggled with it. 

“In terms of social media, I was still sharing posts 

that I thought my close friends would like and not really 

recognizing that I’ve got kids that are following 

me, that are looking up to me. I have parents following 

me, trying to show their kids something that I 

am doing,” he continued. “It’s something where you 

never really grasp how big your audience is, but it’s 

something you have to try and conceptualize.” 

Murphy said he didn’t really feel overly disrupted 

by the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics from 


2020 to 2021. Nevertheless, his failure to claim gold in 

either of his individual events gave him a particular fire in 

his eye coming out for the 4x100-meter final. 

“We knew we had a really good relay,” he shared. “The 

night before, we all got together and said, ‘Realistically, if 

we just do the swims that we’ve already done this week, 

we’re going to break the world record.’ And it was as simple 

as that. We knew what we wanted; we wanted to set 

the world record and we wanted to win. 

“With the way that it worked out, I swam eight days 

in a row and that relay was on Day 8,” he recalled. “I did 

not feel good, I was tired, and it was a long, exhausting 

meet. We were like, ‘All right, we’ve got one more race. 

Let’s man up here.’” 

Even with four Olympic golds — six medals overall — 

Murphy doesn’t hesitate to say that he’s ready for more. 

He is already training for the Paris Olympics in 2024. 

“I’m in a place right now where I’ve found something 

that I’m really good at, so it’s kind of fun to really go after 

something,” he said. “My next career, there’s no guarantee 

I’ll be really good at it. I know I’ll work really hard, but 

there’s no guarantee I’ll be good at it so I might as well try 

to hold onto this while I have it.” 

His place in Olympic swimming 

lore secured, Murphy is already 

preparing for 2024, saying, 

“I love working hard, and I love 

challenging myself to be really 

good at whatever I’m doing.” 

Knowledge is Power 

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A CHAT WITH THE CHAIRMAN

SPONSORED BY 

EXTRA! 

EXTRA! 

Read all about it! 

FOREWORD AND INTERVIEW BY LYNDON FINNEY 

We’ve all probably seen those old-fashioned photos of 

newsboys, wearing short-billed caps and standing 

on the street corner during a time when newspapers 

were the primary source of news. Newspapers were 

distributed either in the morning or the afternoon — 

but if a major news story broke during the day, papers 

would print an “extra” edition and hire these boys to 

hawk the special edition on downtown streets. This 

issue’s Chat With the Chairman is an “extra” edition of sorts as Truckload 

Carriers Association (TCA) Chairman Jim Ward deviates from his normal 

routine of primarily addressing issues involving the trucking industry. Instead, 

Ward is devoting this Chat almost exclusively to reporting on Truckload 2021: 

Las Vegas, TCA’s annual convention, which was held recently at the Wynn Las 

Vegas Resort. We think you will enjoy what the chairman has to say. 


The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) officers and spouses were recognized during Tuesday evening’s Closing Banquet at Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. Pictured from left: 

TCA Immediate Past Chairman and Cargo Transporters, Inc.’s President and CEO Dennis Dellinger and wife Sherel; TCA Chairman and D.M. Bowman, Inc.’s President Jim Ward 

and wife Starla; TCA First Vice Chair and Load One, LLC’s CEO John Elliott; TCA Second Vice Chair and Knight-Swift Transportation’s Executive Vice President David Williams; 

TCA Secretary and Hill Brothers Transportation, Inc.’s Vice President Pete Hill; TCA Treasurer and Veriha Trucking, Inc.’s President Karen Smerchek; TCA Vice Chair or American 

Trucking Associations and Covenant Transport’s President Joey Hogan; and At-Large Officers: Maverick USA’s President John Culp; Diamond Transportation System, Inc.’s 

President Jon Coca; Nagle Toledo Inc.’s President Ed Nagle; Kriska Transportation Group’s President and CEO Mark Seymour; and Brian Kurtz Trucking, LTD’s General Manager 

Trevor Kurtz and wife Joanne. 

Mr. Chairman, when TCA members read this Chat, you 

will have completed almost three-fourths of your term. It 

certainly has been a busy almost-nine months. During your 

term, you’ve spent a lot of time traveling. What are your 

travel plans for the remainder of your term? 

Traveling has been part of the job my first six months. At the end of 

October, I attended the American Trucking Association’s Management Conference 

and Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. 

In early November, I plan to attend the TC-06 Benchmarking meeting in 

Charlotte, North Carolina. On the eve of November 16, TCA and D.M. Bowman 

will be co-hosting a whistle stop, a free and public event, in my town 

of Williamsport, Maryland, to welcome the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas 

Tree, an 84-foot White Fir. Next up, I plan to travel north for TCA’s Fifth 

Annual Bridging Border Barriers event in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. 

Finally, I look forward participating in the Wreaths Across America 

events the weekend of December 18 in Arlington, Virginia. I’m eager to 

join Pilot Flying J’s Wendy Hamilton in personally thanking the commercial 

vehicle operators who are transporting these truckloads of respect. 

TCA’s annual convention, Truckload 2021: Las Vegas, 

was held six months past its normal time frame last month 

in late September. For this Chat, let’s depart from our 

normal pattern of responding to general questions about 

the trucking industry and focus solely on highlights of 

the convention. First, from your point of view share with 

members the overarching highlights of the meeting. 

First and foremost, I think it is important to remember that this is really 

the first overall opportunity for our entire membership to convene and 

reconnect since our last convention in March 2020, and it was an absolute 

pleasure to finally be able to renew some acquaintances that I haven’t seen 

since then. I think it is important to note that when we set out to plan these 

conventions, our goal is to provide our members with the correct answers 

to the following questions: 

1. Who did I meet? 

2. What did I learn? 

3. Was it worth my time? 

My hope is that, as we reflect on this convention and what our 

membership may have brought home from this event, is that they have 

received some positive answers to these questions through the various 

educational sessions and networking events that will encourage them 

to carve out time on their schedule to reconvene back in Las Vegas for 

Truckload 2022 in March. 

Because of its stature in the business community, TCA 

is able to attract well-known personalities to keynote 

the convention. This year it was Daymond John, 

a businessman, television personality, author, and 

motivational speaker best known as the founder, president, 

and CEO of FUBU. He also appears as an investor on the 

ABC reality television series “Shark Tank.” What were the 

key takeaways in Daymond’s remarks? 

Daymond John certainly brought a presentation that attracted everyone’s 

attention. I, for one, was looking forward to hearing the message that he 

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TCA Chairman Jim Ward welcomes attendees to 

a reception at Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. 

brought to our audience. I think the key message of his discussion was that 

opportunity only comes along so often — and when it does, it is important 

to make sure you are prepared to take advantage of it. His message was 

certainly one that applied to everyone in the room. Judging from the size 

of the audience, his message was well received, and it certainly related to 

every carrier and associate member that was in the audience. 

As usual, the second day’s general session featured a 

motivational, self-help speaker. This year it was Jim 

Kwik, who for the past three decades has taught his 

learning and memory techniques, designed to help 

people get the most out of work and life, to students 

from universities such as NYU, Harvard, Columbia, 

Stanford, and Singularity, as well as to executives and 

employees from companies like Nike, GE, Zappos, 

SpaceX, and Virgin. What do you remember most 

about Jim’s address? 

Jim Kwik’s address was pretty incredible. For those who aren’t 

aware, while growing up, Jim had a traumatic brain injury, so he 

developed new strategies to learn better. One statement he shared 

during the address was, “There is no such thing as a bad memory, 

just an untrained one.” I’m confident attendees walked away from his 

presentation with newfound tips for unleashing a greater power, as well 

as how to BE STRONG: 

B Believe. 

E Exercise. 

S State of Mind. 

T Teach. 

R Retrieval and Review. 

O Observation. 

N Note taking. 

G Growth, Grit, Giving Back, and Gratitude. 

A key component of any association convention is the 

executive panel discussions. There were three such 

presentations at Las Vegas. “The View of the Industry: 

The Executive Perspective from Across the Border” 

included executives from both the United States and 

Canada who shared insights on critical issues impacting 

cross-border trucking. What were the key points of the 

panel discussion? 

I think it is important to note as we look back on this conversation 

that just because trucking operates in two different countries, 

the border divide does not really separate the issues. The challenges 

of finding drivers, dealing with independent contractors, 

and even technology make this industry universal when it comes to 

the problems we deal with. Often, I think the border that divides the 

United States and Canada may silo the industry into the belief that 

the world of trucking deals with entirely separate issues. The reality 

is that the industry is faced with the same challenges, regardless of 

its geographic location. 

We all know the pressures carriers face with liability 

insurance, especially with attempts to significantly 

raise the minimum requirement. A second executive 

panel discussed “Navigating Insurance Pressures in the 

Trucking Industry.” What were attendees able to glean 

from this panel? 

I enjoyed serving as the moderator for this discussion and being 

amongst a knowledgeable panel of carriers and insurance executives. 

We discussed how to best navigate the greatest insurance challenges 

facing the industry, with particular attention given to lawsuit abuse as 

well as the contributing factors to increased rates, and how carriers 

can position themselves and be better aligned with risk management 

strategies. 

The final executive panel offered insights into the future 

of trucking in a session entitled “The Executive Vision: 

2021 and Beyond.” What were some of the topics 



this panel discussed that will help members successfully 

navigate the coming months and years? 

You know something? I have come to realize that when we place some 

industry legends on stage to speak about their business practices and 

acumen, people really just want to sit back and listen. Robert Low, Kevin 

Knight, and Mark Seymour did a fantastic job of providing their input on 

the challenges we face every day. Their thoughts on capacity, drivers, 

and equipment resonated with everyone in the audience and provided 

practical knowledge, based upon their experience, that everyone found 

to be beneficial. Of course, the topic of drivers certainly played into the 

conversation. Being deemed “essential” has been great for the industry. 

The improving image of our professional driving force was one this panel 

wanted to emphasize. We need to continue to promote that positive growth. 

An extremely popular and important component of the 

convention has — and will continue to be — the Trucking 

in the Round breakout sessions that cover topics involving 

finance, human resources, leadership, legal contracts/ 

insurance, operations, recruitment and retention, and safety 

and compliance. Share what members learned in three 

of those topical sessions, starting with “Benchmarking — 

Turning Data into Action,” which focused on performance 

indicators and measurement tools. 

As the majority of readers know, the TCA Profitability Program (TPP) is 

the industry’s premier performance improvement solution designed specifically 

for TCA’s carrier members. The best practice groups are wildly 

successful and sought after. In this workshop, TPP Program Manager 

Shepard Dunn and Managing Director Jack Porter shared their insights 

from years of experience, including critical data points to capture and 

monitor; key performance indicators being used to chart the path into the 

profitable future; the importance (and strength) of the composite as a business 

performance measurement tool; and well as best practices and ideas 

Pictured from left: TCA Immediate Past 

Chairman and Cargo Transporters, Inc.’s 

President and CEO Dennis Dellinger; TCA 

First Vice Chairman and Load One, LLC’s John 

Elliott’ and TCA Chairman and D.M. Bowman, 

Inc.’s Jim Ward discuses the evolution of TCA 

during Tuesday’s general session. 

for sustaining profitability. This is always a sought-after workshop, as you 

can imagine. 

Second, share your impression of “Cybersecurity and the 

Transportation and Logistics Industry,” which focused on 

one of the most severe threats to the trucking industry. 

Where do we begin when it comes to cybercriminals and threat actors 

who are taking advantage of our industry? Cybersecurity Consulting Partner 

Kevin Villanueva delved into ransomware — the most prominent cyber threat 

— as well as why T&L companies are targeted and what could be lost if 

they are under attack. He also shared data-security concerns in a work-fromhome 

scenario (which is super timely); cyber threats on electronic logging 

devices (ELDs) in vehicles and how to navigate risk; and what “best-in-class” 

transportation companies are doing to address cybersecurity. 

The Truckload Carriers Association staff poses for a photo during Sunday evening’s Opening Exhibit Hall Reception at Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. Back row, from left: TCA’s Manager 

of Digital Communications Hunter Livesay; Vice President of Government Affairs David Heller; Director of Meetings Kristen Bouchard; Membership Manager Ryan Snyder; Meetings 

Coordinator Caitlin Smith; CFO Catherine Robbins; and Vice President of Operations & Education Jim Schoonover. Front row, from left: Vice President of Membership & Outreach 

Zander Gambill; Senior Director of Outreach & Engagement Marli Hall; Membership Coordinator Kelly Schubert; and Manager of Government Affairs Kathryn Pobre. 


“ 

First and foremost, I think it is important to remember 

that this is really the first overall opportunity for our entire 

membership to convene and reconnect since our last 

convention in March 2020, and it was an absolute pleasure 

to finally be able to renew some acquaintances that I 

haven’t seen since then.” 

— Jim Ward, TCA Chairman 

TCA Chairman Jim Ward and his 

wife, Starla, relax and enjoy a bit 

of Vegas-style fun during a break 

in the convention. 



Thirdly, tell us about “Implementing and Defending the 

Independent Contractor Model,” which we all know is coming 

under fire in states such as California. 

The independent contractor business model is not just under fire at the 

state level. The presence of the PRO Act on Capitol Hill represents a threat 

equal to, if not greater than, California’s AB5 — and it covers the entire 

nation. 

These threats are becoming more prevalent in our industry for those 

businesses that have employed this particular model. That being said, 

our industry must position itself in a manner to successfully operate in 

an environment where these challenges exist. By stating the obvious, 

this session was one that provided counsel and advice to carriers whose 

businesses are supplied by ICs and who want to continue to thrive in a 

setting that is facing an uphill battle in the months and years to come. 

Turning to other topics: Once again, the exhibit hall 

was sold out and was a beehive of activity with 114 

industry suppliers participating. What attracts some 

of the country’s most highly respected associates to the 

convention? 

The truckload industry has been developed on the backs of hardworking 

business owners since its inception. Knowing that the relationships 

built over time with these decision-makers and company owners certainly 

provides an opportunity for our associate members to interact, network, 

and even introduce to those in our industry the services and products that 

they are providing within our industry to help improve the operations of 

our members’ trucking companies. 

Safety improvements, technology, equipment, and human resource 

needs are just some of the areas our vendor partners continue to develop 

and showcase so that our members can continue to develop their fleet 

operations in a manner that is forward thinking and technologically 

advanced. 

Much of the success of TCA is the work of its Board 

of Directors and its committees, including the Carrier/ 

Shipper Relations Committee, the Highway Policy 

Committee, the Recruitment and Retention Human 

Resources Committee, the Regulatory Police Committee, 

the Independent Contractor Practices Policy Committee, 

the Communications and Image Committee, and the 

Membership Committee. All of these committees met in 

Las Vegas. What outcomes can you report with respect to 

some of those meetings? 

I think it goes without saying that our committee work is the backbone 

of the association. Membership involvement in our committees is key to 

developing proper positions to communicate on Capitol Hill, improving the 

image of the professional truck driver, and developing quality programs 

that will continue to allow the association and its members to thrive. While 

the conversations at the committee level remain relevant to the direction 

in which the association travels, the discussions always remain part of the 

committee themselves. 

Having served as a member of several committees over the course 

of my time as a TCA member, I can say that I value these agendas and 

opportunities to discuss the industry and effects certain regulations have 

on our businesses, and the continued emphasis our association places on 

the professional truck driver. I would encourage everyone, if they can only 

attend one thing, to make it the committee work our staff and members 

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Jim and Starla Ward pose for a photo alongside Tuesday’s featured motivational speaker, Jim Kwik, center. For the past three decades, Kwik, who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a 

child and found a way to overcome the subsequent learning difficulties, has taught his learning and memory techniques to students, professionals and many others. 

An important part of a TCA convention is the presentation 

of various awards, among them the Company and Owner- 

Operator Drivers of the Year, the Fleet Safety Awards, the 

Best Fleets to Drive for Awards, the Highway Angel of the 

Year Award, and the Past Chairmen’s Award. Share with 

members the importance of rewarding excellence within 

the industry. 

Acknowledging the success of our industry is pertinent to setting goals 

within your own company. Time and again, these programs are annually 

rolled out, and our carrier members continue to place themselves in a 

position to compete amongst their fellow members. Placing a spotlight on 

the performance of our professional drivers and fleets themselves allows 

our carrier members to benchmark their own operations so that they too 

can achieve a level of success that the carriers and drivers on stage have 

experienced. 

The successes of the past year were never more apparent than during 

Tuesday night’s Closing Banquet, where the winners of the 2020 Driver 

of the Year and Fleet Safety Awards were revealed. Of course, the safety 

of our people and our nation’s roadways has always been the top priority 

for this industry so it was incredible to see the representation from the 

19 company finalists across six different mileage categories cross the 

stage, and watch as they were recognized for being some of the best in 

the business. A special congratulations to our Grand Prize winners — FTC 

Transportation, Inc., of Oklahoma City, and Bison Transport of Winnipeg, 

Manitoba, Canada. 

More than any other year in recent memory, the Driver of the Year 

Contests held such a special meaning against the backdrop of a pandemic 

that has seen our drivers gain recognition as the essential workers we 

always knew they were. During the banquet, video interviews of each 

of our finalists were played on the big screens to give our audience an 

introduction to these incredible drivers — Glen Horack, an owner-operator 

leased to Prime Inc.; Douglas Schildgen, an owner-operator leased to 

Warren Transport, Inc.; Bryan Smith, an owner-operator leased to Tucker 

Freight Lines; Dennis Cravener with Givens Transportation; and Betty 

Aragon with Wilson Logistics, Inc. 

Reading your responses to the questions in this Chat, it 

is easy to see the value of meeting in person and as one 

body focused on the success of the truckload segment 

of trucking. Looking ahead, Truckload 2022: Las Vegas 

will be held at the Wynn hotel March 19-22, 2022. How 

important is it that TCA members make plans to attend? 

I can tell you that the TCA staff is already hard at work planning for an 

event better than the one we just attended. It is unprecedented in terms 

of its timing — we have never had two conventions, scheduled so close 

together, that the membership showed such a great desire to attend. Obviously, 

the unenviable task of planning a second event that not only comes 

close to the success of the first event, but surpasses it is the goal that we, 

as officers, will have to face. Networking will always be top notch at this 

meeting, but the content will continue to improve. We are currently vetting 

keynote speakers that are of the same caliber as Daymond John and Jim 

Kwik. I know it’s a tough act to follow, but this goal is one we are determined 

to achieve. All of this is to say that if March 19-22 is not on your calendar 

as a reader of this Chat, it should be. By the time the event is planned 

out, we will have timely committee meetings lined up with challenging and 

relevant topics, as well as speakers that will make our members think and 



add to their business and entertainment. I believe Truckload 2022: Las Vegas 

is one that many will classify as “must see.” 

You’ve often talked about the importance of participation. 

Share with members why they should enjoy the TCA 

experience by becoming a member of a committee and 

becoming involved in events such as annual division 

meetings, the transporting of the Vietnam Veterans 

Memorial Fund’s The Wall That Heals, taking part in the 

annual Capitol Christmas Tree celebration and lighting, 

and transporting wreaths as part of the Wreaths Across 

America initiative in December. 

I think it goes without saying that decisions are always made by those 

who show up. There is a reason why the mantra of #TruckloadStrong 

is proving itself to be a success; it is because of member involvement. 

We cannot do anything without the involvement of our members and 

highlighting our image programs, honoring those who fought for our 

country and even involving themselves in a manner that directs the 

association to new heights. Involvement is a necessity for an industry that 

craves and desires leadership. The TCA experience and #TruckloadStrong 

environment calls for this kind of participation to better our association in 

an environment that needs it. 

I can’t let you go without addressing this. John Lyboldt 

recently announced his decision to retire as president of 

TCA. Share with readers what John has meant to the 

association and how he has contributed to its success. 

It has been a pleasure working alongside John and getting to know his 

wife, Lynne. They are a wonderful couple, and John has provided TCA the 

guidance and direction needed to navigate some very challenging times 

during his tenure as president. 

The loss of our dear friend and associate Bill Giroux created a significant 

void in our meeting and event planning, and John and his team stepped up 

to successfully produce an annual meeting that delighted all in attendance. 

Managing through the pandemic brought forth a completely new set of 

challenges, and John and the TCA team persevered. They came out on 

the back end of it financially strong and even saw a significant growth in 

membership. 

So, to say John was the right person for the job at the right time is an 

understatement. We wish John and Lynne the best, and we know we are a 

better association today because of John’s leadership! 

TCA Chairman Jim Ward presides over a general session during the association’s annual 

convention, Truckload 2021: Las Vegas, held September 25-28. 

Mr. Chairman, on a personal note, please take a minute 

to share with members what the upcoming holiday season 

means to your family, and offer a word of greeting to TCA 

members. 

Starla and I embrace people of all religious beliefs and love to learn how 

they celebrate their holidays. 

As for us, we enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving is a time 

to reflect on God’s faithfulness and goodness to our family and our nation. 

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and reflect on the love 

God has shown us by providing a savior. We always attend Christmas Eve 

church service and love spending Christmas Day with our family. Our goal 

is to make every Christmas special and magical for our grandchildren. We 

are so blessed to have family and friends to make lasting memories. 

May each of you have a blessed merry Christmas and a safe and 

prosperous New Year! 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and best wishes for a happy 

Thanksgiving, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 

The exhibit hall at Truckload 2021: Las Vegas was a complete sellout, with 114 industry 

suppliers. Here, TCA Chairman Jim Ward, left, visits with Tucker, Albin & Associates, 

Inc.’s Melvin Robinson and Monique Robinson. 


TALKING TCA 

Those Who Deliver 

with Decker Truck Line 


Successful companies are often called to 

be flexible enough to change with the business 

climate while holding on to their core 

values. Decker Truck Line, based in Fort 

Dodge, Iowa, has come a long way from the 

single truck driven by Loren Decker — at 

the age of 16 — back in 1929. Trucks in 

those days were mostly automobile models 

with gasoline engines and shortened bodies 

that allowed for the installation of a bed or 

box. 

“It kind of grew from there,” said Decker 

Executive Vice President Dale Decker, adding 

that his grandfather and namesake, the 

first Dale Decker, joined his older brother 

Loren after returning home from service in 

World War II. 

“We have had some very long-term customers 

over the years,” he continued. “We 

hauled our first load of plumbing fixtures for 

Kohler back in 1935 and continue to haul for 

them to this day.” 

Nearly a century later, Decker Truck Line 

is still family owned. Various members of 

the Decker family participated in the ownership 

until 1993, when Don Decker, the 

company’s current president and chairman 

of the board, acquired sole ownership. Dale 

is Don’s son, as well as co-owner of the 

company. 

Over the years, Decker diversified its 

freight mix, which currently includes dry 

van, refrigerated, and flatbed freight. 

“Refrigerated has kind of been our bread 

and butter for years,” explained Dale. “But 

also, being in Fort Dodge, Iowa, we’re 

across the street from major gypsum plants, 

so we’re heavily in flatbed for sheet rock.” 

Currently, three of the company’s six terminals 

are located in Iowa, in Fort Dodge, 

Des Moines, and Mediapolis. Facilities in 

Bessemer, Alabama, Hammond, Indiana, 

and Missoula, Montana, round out the terminal 

locations. Dale splits his time between 

the Des Moines logistics office and the Fort 

Dodge assets office. 

Dale said he sees a difference in today’s 

business climate compared to past years. 

“In addition to having our trucks that help 

give us our market presence and legitimacy, 

we’ve got to be more than just a trucking 

company,” he noted. “We’ve got to find 

business solutions that are more for the future, 

too.” 

He also explained that the company is integrating 

its asset and non-asset segments 

to offer a “larger solution” to customers, 

and spoke of the challenges of moving the 

company into the future. 

“It’s a ‘where do we go from here?’ standpoint,” 

he said. “What’s going to take more 

reinvestment in the company and in what 

areas? Are we putting the right focus in the 

right areas to not just be a trucking company, 

but to be a true freight solutions provider?” 

The trucking industry is facing other 

challenges as well, such as managing the 

transition from diesel to non-emissions power 

sources and adding autonomous vehicles — 

two technologies that will undoubtedly merge 

in future fleets. Decker Truck Line is keeping a 

close eye on the technology. Like most irregular-route 

carriers, however, the equipment has 

to be right for the application, and it has to 

work economically. 

Dale’s caution comes from his experience 

with another breakthrough technology. 

“Back in the late 2000s when everyone 

was looking at biodiesel solutions, we did 

a lot of exploring there,” he remarked. “We 

did a published study in partnership with 

the National Biodiesel Board, the EPA, the 

USDA, CAT, and Iowa’s Central College.” 

Decker Truck Line assisted in the research 

with a field study of the fuel to discover how 

it could work, “not from a theoretical standpoint 

but from an actual use standpoint,” he 

shared. “With our findings from the study, 

we have been brought into the (Iowa) legislature 

multiple times to testify about our 

experiences and against any mandates.” 

As for commercial electric vehicles, Dale 

is taking a wait-and-see approach. 

“I don’t see an offering right now that fits 

what we would need, but we’re definitely 

open to it,” he said. “The electric thing 

seems to be happening faster than I would 

have anticipated on the consumer car side 

of things five or 10 years ago.” 


“ 

We want to be one 

of those companies that 

you look at in 20 years 

and say they were laying 

the foundation, the right 

kind of business model 

20 years ago.” 

— Dale Decker 

Executive Vice President, Decker Truck Line 

When asked about his company’s biggest 

challenge, Decker didn’t hesitate. 

“Surprise, surprise — that’s the driver 

situation,” he said. “We’re not just going out 

there and chasing drivers, throwing money 

in front of them to attract them. We’re really 

looking at everything, what kind of job we’re 

offering.” 

Decker Truck Line works with Workhound, 

a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based provider 

that receives feedback from drivers and 

recommends steps to improve retention. 

“They’ve been really good about getting us in 

touch with our drivers,” he remarked. 

Like many trucking decision-makers, Dale 

wants to avoid the endless loop of raising 

driver compensation and then chasing rate increases 

to compensate. The company website 

states the average tractor age is just 1.9 years, 

and that they’re equipped with APUs, inverters, 

bunk heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, 

and television with satellite service, on top of 

disc brakes and other safety technology. 

“We’re providing drivers with pretty new 

equipment quite regularly, and when it’s time 

for them to jump in a new truck, we can swap 

them in and out easily with less things for 

them to have to unmount and move,” he said. 

“A lot of the amenities are just standard, and 

every driver knows what to expect in the next 

truck.” 

Keeping new equipment coming in to keep 

the fleet young has been challenging this 

year. 

“We were able to get some trucks in that 

were kind of trade deals that we had worked 

with the OEMs,” added Dale. “They knew that 

they had to get these trucks on to their next 

marketplace, so they’ve got to get us provided 

with trucks.” 

The current backlog of truck orders is a 

concern Dale wants to get ahead of. “We’re 

trying to make decisions to get trucks on order 

for next year,” he said. “We don’t have a 

lot of time to waste hours around trying to 

figure it out. We’ve got to get these things on 

order for next year.” 

As changes continue for the trucking industry, 

Decker Truck Line wants to stay 

ahead of the curve. 

“We want to be one of those companies 

that you look at in 20 years and say they were 

laying the foundation, the right kind of business 

model 20 years ago,” concluded Dale. 

That’s a strategy that has worked for more 

than 90 years at Decker Truck Line. 

Leadership Team 

Donald L. Decker 

President/Chairman of the Board 

Dale Decker 

Executive Vice President 

Brad Baade 

Chief Financial Officer 

Ken Cromwell 

Chief Operating Officer 

By the Numbers 

DRIVERS 

728 

TRAILERS 

1,434 

EMPLOYEES 

241 

TRUCKS 

808 

Opposite page, top left: Founded with 

a single truck back in 1929, Decker Truck 

Line, based in Fort Dodge, Iowa, has grown 

to a fleet of more than 800 tractors that haul 

flatbed, dry van, and refrigerated freight. 

Opposite page, top right: Decker 

Truck Line driver Lisa Ohrmundt poses 

with company technician Noah Perfect. 

Opposite page, lower right: Driver 

James Holloman gives the thumbs-up sign 

before getting into his tractor. This page, 

top left: Driver Chad Hazelton shows off 

his tractor. This page, top right: Decker 

Truck Line’s Director of Operations for 

Midwest Refrigerated Steve Elston meets 

with driver Art Clubb and team member 

Michael Eritt. This page, left: A bright red 

tractor is emblazoned with an eye-catching 

yellow design, while the dry van trailer 

features the company logo. 


Live from Las Vegas: 

TRUCKLOAD: 2021 

4 

Nearly 1,100 truckload professionals converged at the Wynn Las Vegas September 

25-28, 2021, for TCA’s annual convention — Truckload: 2021. The event featured 

truckload-specific educational sessions from industry-leading experts, insightful 

panel discussions, engaging speakers, dozens of unique networking opportunities, 

and a sold-out exhibit hall packed with the latest safety technology and services. 

1 

2 3 

5 

1. Attendees enjoy Monday morning’s keynote address by Daymond John of ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Thank you, International Trucks, for your sponsorship. 2. Did 

you notice the Nationwide Event Media Walls throughout the event? Attendees were encouraged to snap a photo of their team (or a selfie!) in front of the 

backdrop, tag Nationwide and use the hashtag #TruckloadStrong via social media for a chance to win memorabilia from NFL Seattle Seahawk’s Russell Wilson, 

former NFL Indianapolis Colts’ Peyton Manning, and NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. Posing in front of the wall are, from right, TCA Chairman Jim Ward, his wife 

Starla, and TCA’s Marli Hall. 3. A special thank you to our Volunteer TCA team who assisted at the registration desk. We appreciate your help! Also, thank you 

to our registration sponsor, DMC Insurance. 4. During Truckload 2021: Las Vegas, new members were encouraged to visit the New Members and First-Time 

Attendees booth in the registration area. Special thanks to our sponsor, Tenstreet. 5. Attendees chat during Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. Special thanks to our 

Monday morning breakfast sponsor, CAT Scale. 


6 7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

6. Country music legend Clint Black performs during Tuesday evening’s closing banquet. He played more than a dozen of his hits during the hour-and-a-halflong 

performance. Special thanks to our entertainment sponsor, Love’s Travel Stops. 7. Attendees network during Tuesday evening’s closing reception. Special 

thanks to our closing reception sponsor, ACT 1. 8. TCA Chairman Jim Ward addresses the audience during Monday’s general session. 9. TCA Chairman Jim 

Ward, left, recognizes TCA’s Past Chairmen with tokens of appreciation — each received a personalized ring — during Tuesday evening’s closing banquet. 

Thank you for your leadership, gentlemen. 10. Truckload 2021: Las Vegas attendees enjoyed a night under the stars at the Neon Museum in downtown Las 

Vegas during Monday evening’s Truckload Strong fundraiser. In addition to viewing numerous restored neon signs, which are always lit, attendees could browse 

more than 200 unrestored signs that are illuminated with ground lighting. 11. Road Dog Trucking’s Radio Nemo team broadcast live from Las Vegas during 

the convention. 


Company Driver 

of 

Phone: 

the 

(703) 838-1950 

Year 

Fax: (703) 836-6610 

TCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 


Cargo Transporters, 

he 

Inc. 

making 

PRESIDENT 


John Lyboldt 

Dave Heller 




On the Road to Normalcy with John Lyboldt | 3 


of a 


zgambill@truckload.org 


MANAGER - GOV’T AFFAIRS SENIOR DIRECTOR - OUTREACH 


Marli Hall 

Senate Showdown | 6 

ksanner@truckload.org 


Capitol Recap | 10 

masterpiece 






TREASURER 

Finally Flexible | 16 


D.M. Bowman, Inc. 

Knight Transportation 

Mayday, Mayday! | 18 




Covenant Transport 

$64,000 Question | 22 

VP - OPERATIONS AND EDUCATION 




Betty Aragon SECRETARY drew up 


Hill Brothers Transportation, Inc. 

the perfect plan for 



Load One, LLC 



Earl L. Henderson Trucking Co., Inc. 





Maverick USA 

Nagle Toledo, Inc. 




Veriha Trucking, Inc. 

capping off her 44 years 



TALKING TCA 

JULY/AUGUST 2020 




Diamond Transportation System, Inc. 

Best Fleets to Drive For with Nussbaum Transportation | 32 




Fleet Safety Award with Bison Transport | 36 

Fleet Safety Award with Erb International |38 

Member Mailroom: Be Heard 

she said. 

in Washington 

“So, I said, 

|40 

By Dwain Hebda 

‘OK, I guess I don’t go in the Army.’ 

Small Talk “I |41 heard about a truck driving school in Phoenix, so I sold my 

Betty Aragon couldn’t have drawn it up any better. New On Members home, | and 46 

Phone: (800) 666-2770 • Fax: (501) 666-0700 

I took off to truck driving school. I took my two boys with 

September 28, the New Mexico-based driver was named Become the a me, Rigster and 46 we stayed in a motel for seven weeks while I went to truck 

Truckload 

GENERAL 

Carriers 

MGR. 

Association’s 

TRUCKING DIV 

2020 Company Driver 

Truckload 

of the 

Academy driving Online| school,” 46she related. 

Year, the culmination Megan Cullingford-Hicks of 44 years on the road. 

“I came home, and I told my daddy, ‘I still want to be a truck 


It was a fitting send-off as she announced her retirement, ending driver, but I need the down payment for a truck,’” she recalled. 

EDITOR 


her career at the top of 

Wendy 

her 

Miller 

profession. 

“He says, ‘Well, I’ll let you have it on one condition: that you stick 

“I’d been thinking wendym@thetruckermedia.com 

about retiring at age 74. I had been thinking with it.’” 

about it for the whole STAFF WRITER year, + PRODUCTION but as soon as they told me that I was Tony Aragon, her father, helped her buy a 1979 International 


nominated I says, 


‘Okay, I’ll hold on until they let me know,’” she cabover with a 290 Cummins engine, and Aragon was as good as 

said. 


her word. Over the past four decades, she’s driven an estimated 

“But now, I’m done. Sam This Pierce is the ultimate. What else could I do 4 million miles without a single at-fault accident, touching all of 


now?” she queried. 

the lower 48 states plus Canada and Mexico. And that’s saying 

PRODUCTION 

Aragon fell in love with 

MGR. 

trucking + ART DIRECTOR 

as a child, when her father would something, considering the fact that for most of that time she was 

Rob Nelson 

bring home his work robn@thetruckermedia.com truck and park it in the yard. 

one of, if not the only woman driver everywhere she worked. 

“Then, my daddy used 

PRODUCTION 

to drive construction and he drove, I used “When I bought my first truck, I leased it to North American Van 

to call it a tandem — Leanne just Hunter a small dump truck,” she said. “I used to Lines. There were two women back then,” she recalled. “When I 


see that truck, and I fell in love with trucks. He wouldn’t allow us to wanted a longer wheelbase truck, North American wouldn’t let me 

get in it or nothing, because it wasn’t his; it was a company truck. 

megl@targetmediapartners.com 

have it, so I changed over to Crete Carrier, and there was only one 

But he would park it in the yard.” 

woman besides me. Then I went to another small company, and I 

Aragon and trucking would stay within sight of each other, yet at a was the only woman. I started with Wilson Logistics in ’97 or ’98.” 

distance, until she was 30, and a divorced single mother. People told Over the years, the number of female drivers has grown — in fact, 

Aragon she should get behind the wheel, but she didn’t have enough Aragon herself has had a hand in training many of the women who 

nerve to try it as a career. She All advertisements tried to enlist in the Army instead. came through her current company — but the rules of the industry 

“I was getting ready to take the oath and this big guy, I have been slow in changing. 

Such enti- 

don’t know what rank, came and told me I was disqualified “It’s still not that friendly out here. No, not for women,” she said. 

because I had a child and no husband. I was divorced,” “I guess for some women it is, but I’m a loner. I stay alone on the 

on the road 



Bobby Ralston 


Lyndon Finney 






Cliff Abbott 



Meg Larcinese 


PRODUCTION 

Christie McCluer 


For advertising opportunities, contact Meg Larcinese at 

© 2020 Target Media Partners, all rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission 

prohibited. 

and editorial materials are accepted and published by Truckload Authority and its exclusive partner, 

Trucker Publications, on the representation that the advertiser, its advertising company and/ 

or the supplier of editorial materials are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject 

matter thereof. 

ties and/or their agents will defend, indemnify and hold Truckload Authority, Truckload Carriers 

Association, Target Media Partners, and its subsidiaries included, by not limited to, Trucker 


any claims or suits for libel, violations of privacy, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement 


editorial materials. 


ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Strategic Partners Help 

Fuel Successful Growth 

By Michael Holland 

Senior Vice President, Sales and Strategic Alliance 

TCI Capital 

Betty Aragon, second from right, with Wilson Logistics, was named Company 

Driver of the Year. Pictured from left are Love’s Travel Stops’ Jon Archard, Wilson 

Logistics’ Scott Manthey, Aragon, and Randall-Reilly’s Chip Magner. 

truck. I don’t get out of the truck at the truck stops unless I have 

to. I fuel, but once I park for the evening, that’s it,” adding that she 

has fears potentially being harassed. 

As for her career-closing award and its $25,000 cash prize, 

Aragon said it ranks right up there with her safety record in terms 

of what she’s most proud of, mostly for having achieved her goals 

honestly and on her terms. 

“When they announced my name, I got the shakes so bad on my 

legs, my hands, my arms, and everywhere,” she said. “Everybody 

was telling me, ‘You’re going to get it, you’re going to get it,’ but 

when it became reality, it was unbelievable. 

“I’ve always said it, if you don’t like me, tough cookies,” she 

laughed. “I don’t care if you like me or not. I’m me, and I’m going 

to be me, you know?” 

The only gap in Aragon’s driving career was a brief detour into 

retirement at age 65, which lasted only a few months. That kind 

of U-turn isn’t happening this time, she says, adding that she’s 

content to take her memories and spotless driving record into the 

sunset. 

“I always said when I retired for good, I wanted to go and become 

a heavy-equipment operator. But I think I’m too old. I don’t think 

anybody will hire me now,” she said. “I’ll be going back on the road 

tomorrow morning, though. I’ve got the truck parked in the yard. 

I’ve been cleaning it and getting it ready to go back out. I gave them 

two weeks’ notice and then that’s it. I want to stay home.” 

Building a successful company is the goal of all business 

owners. There are many schools of thought on the right and 

wrong way to grow. In the end, it takes planning, hard work, 

and tough decisions. 

Successful growth does not happen overnight. 

Success takes planning, resources, 

and strong strategic business partners. Developing 

strategic business relationships 

makes planning easier. 

For many fleet owners, using a CPA with 

trucking industry experience is crucial. A 

knowledgeable, experienced CPA will be 

current on tax laws and will provide advice 

on equipment purchases and leases as well 

as guidance on all financial matters. 

Your insurance provider is another key strategic partner. 

With the number of nuclear verdicts against trucking fleets 

at an all-time high, insurance costs are rising out of control. 

Talk with your insurance provider about ways to reduce 

rates. Just like with your banker, keep them informed 

of changes to your equipment and drivers. Let them know of 

your needs, and work with them to get the right policy for 

your company. 

Lastly, a strong relationship with a bank or finance company 

is essential to the successful growth of a fleet. This is a 

lot easier said than done. Securing financing can be difficult, 

even for established companies. 

A relationship with a bank or finance company is a twoway 

street. As with any relationship, what you get out of it 

is often equal to what you put into it. Establish an open line 

of communication with your lender. Let them know what is 

going on, both good and bad. Be prompt when responding to 

requests, and ask the same of them. 

Just as a CPA with trucking experience is crucial, a banker 

or account manager with knowledge of the trucking industry 

can be very beneficial. They will know the up-and-down nature 

of freight rates and loads. The more understanding they 

have of your business, the better they can serve you. After 

all, they want to keep you as a client too. 

If a bank line is not sufficient, there are other sources of 

financing many fleet operators use. Asset-based lenders and 

invoice factoring companies offer fleets financing without 

some of the restrictive covenants and extensive reporting 

required by banks. 

There are many asset-based lenders and invoice factoring 

companies that specialize in serving trucking fleets. The 

top companies provide many additional services that are not 

available from banks. These include invoicing services, new 

customer credit checks, accounts receivable management, 

fuel programs, and more. 

Successfully growing a fleet is easier with the right strategic 

partners. Making important decisions on cash flow, buying 

or leasing equipment, and the right path forward all require 

dependable information. In my 27 years of transportation 

financing, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is 

to have the right strategic partner in accounting, insurance, 

and finance, and how essential they are for your growth. 


Owner-Operator 

of the Year 

Phone: (703) 838-1950 

Fax: (703) 836-6610 



Cargo Transporters, Inc. 

Doing 

PRESIDENT 


John Lyboldt 

Dave Heller 





things 


MANAGER - GOV’T AFFAIRS SENIOR DIRECTOR - OUTREACH 


Marli Hall 






right 


TREASURER 


Knight Transportation 






D.M. Bowman, Inc. 

Bryan Smith SECRETARY employs 



perseverance, knowledge 



Load One, LLC 









Finally Flexible | 16 

Mayday, Mayday! | 18 


$64,000 Question | 22 



TALKING TCA 
















Covenant Transport 





Maverick USA 

Nagle Toledo, Inc. 




to succeed in trucking 



Veriha Trucking, Inc. Diamond Transportation System, Inc. 

Best Fleets to Drive For with Nussbaum Transportation | 32 





Fleet Safety Award “The with company Bison Transport trucks are | getting 36 a lot nicer than mine,” he said. 

Fleet Safety Award with Smith Erb started International out with a |38 used 1991 Freightliner, replacing it a year later 

Perseverance is an important quality for any business owner, especially 

when dealing with the unique challenges of the 

Member 

trucking industry. 

Mailroom: Be with Heard a new in International. Washington |40 

“Ever since then about every 700,000 miles I bought a new truck,” he 

Perseverance certainly helped owner-operator Bryan Smith achieve Small Talk |41 

explained. “For the most part I spec them out. This last one I bought off the 

28 years of service with just one carrier. It also helped him win the New Members 

lot, but usually 

| 46 

Phone: (800) 666-2770 • Fax: (501) 666-0700 

I’ll spec them out where I want them.” 

$25,000 grand prize as the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) 2020 Become a Smith’s Rigster current 46 ride is a 2016 Freightliner Coronado he purchased as 

Owner-Operator of the GENERAL Year. MGR. TRUCKING DIV 

Truckload Academy a glider kit. Online| He doesn’t 46 plan to keep this one until his usual 700,000 mile 

Bobby Ralston 

Megan Cullingford-Hicks 

The award, sponsored by Cummins, Inc., and Love’s Travel Stops, 


trade interval, however. 

was presented during the closing banquet of TCA’s annual convention, 

EDITOR 


“I’ve gone back to the smaller engine again, but the next one is going 

Truckload Lyndon Finney2021: Las Vegas, Wendy on the Miller evening of September 28. 

to get a bigger (one),” he said. “It’s an older Detroit Series 60, supposedly 

wendym@thetruckermedia.com 

Runners-up for the award were Glen Horack of Elkland, Missouri, who rated at 500 horsepower, but my last truck had a 600 horsepower Cummins 

STAFF WRITER + PRODUCTION 

is leased to Prime, Inc., and Douglas Schildgen of Waterloo, Iowa, who is 



and they’re a lot more powerful.” 

leased to Warren Transport, lindag@thetruckermedia.com 

Inc. 

Smith specs his equipment to suit the type of freight he hauls at 

This year marked the SPECIAL fifth CORRESPONDENT time Smith was nominated for the award — Tucker Freight Lines. He frequently hauls new equipment manufactured 

Cliff Abbott 

Sam Pierce 

and, as it turned out, the fifth time’s the charm. 


at the John Deere assembly plant in Dubuque, including some oversized 

“Always the bridesmaid,” he quipped. “But it’s always an honor to be machinery. 

PRODUCTION MGR. + ART DIRECTOR 

included Meg Larcinese with the other finalists. Rob Nelson It feels good to finally win it.” 

“Most of the time I’d be on either a step deck or RG ends; occasionally 

robn@thetruckermedia.com 

Smith, who lives in Ashbury, Iowa, is leased to Tucker Freight Lines and just a straight flat bed,” he explained. “The favorite thing for me to do is 

runs 

PRODUCTION 

out of the carrier’s Dubuque, 

PRODUCTION 

Iowa, terminal. Tucker acquired Art Pape machinery, like tractors, backhoes, and dozers. We go from the factory to 

Christie McCluer 

Leanne Hunter 

Transfer in 2018, rebranding leanne@thetruckermedia.com the company to its current name. 

the dealerships, and pretty much end up anywhere because dealerships 

For 

After 

advertising 

a 

opportunities, 

four-year 

contact 

stint 

Meg 

in 

Larcinese 

the U.S. 

at 

Marines as a heavy-equipment are all over the country, although we typically don’t do west coast.” 

operator, megl@targetmediapartners.com 

Smith graduated from CDL school in 1991 before beginning his Backhauls of steel or other materials for the John Deere plant are 

driving career at Schneider National. He hired on at Art Pape in January of common, but Smith also hauls building materials and other common 

1993, and became an owner-operator about a year and a half later. Several flatbed loads. 

trucks and 27 years later, he’s still with the same company, albeit under Smith prefers a manual transmission with either 13 or 18 gears. “I’ve 

new ownership and a new name. 

driven a company truck before for a day that had the automatic,” he said. 


“I like the freedom of it,” he explained. “I like to be able to pick my own “I prefer the manual. If I want to drop a gear early when I’m coming up to 

trucks, too. There’s a lot more freedom 

Suchin enti- 

owning your own truck.” a hill, I like to be able to pick the time for that. Sometimes the automatic 

Smith explained that his first few trucks were nicer than the equipment loses too much speed before it downshifts.” 

driven by company drivers at Art Pape, but things are different these days. He also specs exhaust stacks to the sides of the cab, behind the doors, 

© 2020 Target Media Partners, all rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission 

prohibited. 












Bryan Smith, second from left, with Tucker Freight Lines was named Owner-Operator 

of the Year. Pictured from left are Cummins Inc’s Amy Boerger, Smith, Tucker Freight 

Lines’ AJ Tucker, and Randall-Reilly’s Chip Magner. 

Go the Extra Mile with 

TCI Business Capital 

Drive your cash flow with our custom 

accounts receivable financing programs. 

to allow room for a headache rack with tool storage. He’s also choosy about 

fifth-wheel height. 

“When it’s slow on the flatbed side, I want to be at the right height for a van 

trailer so I can keep running,” he explained. 

Smith is home nearly every Friday, leaving out on Sunday afternoon for the 

next week of work. He lives near the Dubuque terminal with his wife Martha. 

The couple has three children, all girls, ranging from 16 to 22 years. The 

oldest is married to a truck driver and lives in Minnesota. 

He probably gets more rest when he’s on the road than at home. The 

family is active in the Tri-State Community Church in Dubuque, where Smith 

is in charge of the music ministry every third Sunday. He plays guitar and 

sings. He’s also responsible for the church’s lawn care team. 

On top of all that, Smith is active in martial arts, and holds a third-degree 

black belt in Tae Kwon Do and another in American Kenpo, and he teaches 

children’s classes at Springer’s Martial Arts Academy in Dubuque. He is also 

involved in teaching women’s self-defense. 

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on in-person training, Smith has posted 

classes online on YouTube. 

Another hobby he enjoys is bicycling. “I’ve got a road bike, which is nice 

just to get out on our trails with,” he said. “But the mountain biking is more 

what I like to do, just on like single track or cross-country mountain biking.” 

An automotive technician course Smith completed years ago helps him 

perform much of his own maintenance on the truck, as well as on the small 

fleet of cars he maintains at home for his family and friends. “We’re always 

fixing cars,” he said with a chuckle. 

Whether it’s taking care of customers at Tucker Freight Lines, members of 

his church, martial arts students, or his family, Smith plans to continue doing 

life the right way. 

To view photos from the awards presentation, visit truckload.org/Flickr. 

A/R Financing with TCI Includes: 

Month-to-month agreements 

Lines from $50,000 to $10MM 

Funding in 24 hours or less 

High advances, low rates 

Dedicated relationship manager 

Scott Franzen 

Senior VP, Business Development 

(888) 674-2102 

sfranzen@tcicapital.com 

www.tcicapital.com 


Keep on Truckin’ 

Carriers across 

North America honor drivers 

In a year like no other, celebrating the professional truck drivers in North America 

has never been so needed. Canada held its National Trucking Week September 

5-11, while the United States hosted its National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 

(NTDAW) September 12-18. 

TCA member companies and industry partners were active via social media, 

sharing photos and videos from cookouts, raffles, and more as they celebrated our 

professional drivers. A special thanks to those who shared their images with TCA. 

C&L Transport, Inc., showed gratitude to drivers with swag bags for drivers and 

their kids, a favor truck, social-media postings, special videos, appreciation 

emails, thank-you cards, a “thank you” banner, and a photo contest. 

Pottle’s Transportation hosted a driver 

appreciation cookout at its drop yard in 

Auburn, Maine. 


Logisticize LTD distributed gift bags which included sanitizing wipes, work 

gloves, microfiber towels, air fresheners, and more. 

TCA Member 

Best Logistics 

Group received a 

proclamation from the 

Mayor of Kernersville, 

North Carolina, 

proclaiming September 

12-18, 2021, as 

National Truck Driver 

Appreciation Week. 

Radio Nemo’s On-Air 

Personality Jimmy 

Mac and Media 

Relations’ Donna 

Horton broadcast live 

from TravelCenters 

of America and Petro 

in Lodi, Ohio, on 

September 16. 



Highway Angel of the Year 

Phone: (703) 838-1950 

Fax: (703) 836-6610 

‘I’ve never seen anything like it’ 




Cargo Transporters, Inc. 

PRESIDENT 


TCA John Lyboldt Highway Dave Heller Angel of the 

PRESIDENT’S 

Year 

PURVIEW 

Royford Burris describes 





MANAGER - GOV’T AFFAIRS 








saving 


a teenage girl from a horrific wreck 








SENIOR DIRECTOR - OUTREACH 

Marli Hall 


On MGR. - a DIGITAL muggy COMMUNICATIONS August night in 2020, professional truck driver 


Royford Burris saved a life along a rural Arkansas highway — 



and, in many ways, that event changed his own life. 


TREASURER 

Vivid images of mangled metal, flames, smoke, and death Finally Flexible | 16 


D.M. are Bowman, stuck Inc. in his mind Knight and Transportation still haunt him today. Even so, he said, Mayday, he’s Mayday! | 18 

SECOND grateful VICE CHAIR he was there VICE to help. CHAIR TO ATA 


John Elliott, CEO Joey Hogan, Co-Pres. & Chief Adm. Officer 

Load 

A 

One, 

driver 

LLC 

for Stevens Covenant Transport Transport in Dallas, Burris was named the 2020 $64,000 Question | 22 

Highway Angel of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) 


SECRETARY 

Josh and Kaburick, EpicVue CEO for saving Pete Hill, the Vice life President of a girl who survived that horrific 



traffic accident. 

He was honored September 27 during Tuesday’s general 

Quick 

session 

to React 

at 

with Dennis Dellinger 





Maverick Truckload USA 2021: Las Vegas. Nagle Toledo, Inc. 

At the awards ceremony, Burris called the event “a happy moment TALKING TCA 



Karen Smerchek, for me, President but also a sad Jon Coca, moment. President I believe in God, Carrier so God Profile makes with National Carriers, Inc. | 30 

Veriha Trucking, Inc. Diamond Transportation System, Inc. 

everything possible. I can’t even talk about it. Best There Fleets is nothing to Drive good For with Nussbaum Transportation | 32 

to talk about.” 



The In story exclusive of partnership Burris’s with: heroic deed began the evening of August 

Fleet Safety Award with Bison Transport | 36 

23, 2020, as he drove his tractor-trailer U.S. 63 near Walnut Ridge, 

Arkansas, located in far northeast Arkansas. He had Fleet a load Safety bound Award for with Erb International |38 

Florida, and everything had been running smoothly. Member Mailroom: Be Heard in Washington |40 

A short time later, he saw two cars wrecked up ahead — and one of Small Talk |41 

1123 S. them University was Ave., ablaze. Ste 325, Little Rock, AR 72204 

New Members | 46 

Phone: (800) 666-2770 • Fax: (501) 666-0700 

Burris guided his rig to the side of the road, parked safely, and Become a Rigster TCA 46 and EpicVue announced the 2020 Highway Angel of the Year Royford 

grabbed his fire extinguisher. About the same time a motorist in 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GENERAL MGR. 

Burris of Stevens Transport. He was recognized for stopping to help at the scene 

TRUCKING DIV 

Truckload Academy Online| 46 

Bobby a pickup Ralston truck arrived Megan on Cullingford-Hicks scene, and the pair worked feverishly to 

of a two-car collision that resulted in multiple fatalities. He is shown with TCA 

bobbyr@thetruckermedia.com meganh@thetruckermedia.com 

extinguish the fire. 

Chairman Jim Ward, left, and EpicVue Vice President of Sales Kyle Hales. 

EDITOR 


Burris then noticed a body lying several feet away from the 

Lyndon Finney 

Wendy Miller 

the Highway Angel of the Year. “I really appreciate you guys from the 

wreckage. Realizing wendym@thetruckermedia.com 

there was no hope for that person, he ran back to 

bottom of my heart. I am just overwhelmed.” 

SPECIAL his CORRESPONDENT truck and got a STAFF blanket WRITER to + cover PRODUCTION the body as other vehicles began 



Burris said he often has flashbacks of the event, and even had to 

to arrive at the scene. 

krisr@thetruckermedia.com lindag@thetruckermedia.com 

seek counseling to deal with the post-traumatic stress. 

Burris rushed to the other wrecked vehicle, a van, where he found 

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT 

the lifeless driver still behind the wheel. There was also a baby inside “I could not eat for three months,” he said. “But I have God.” 

Cliff Abbott 

Sam Pierce 


vehicle, deceased. 


Stevens Transport’s Company Driver Manager Kenny Harwell 

NATIONAL SALES Burris MANAGER then noticed PRODUCTION a MGR. young + ART girl, DIRECTOR who appeared to be 13 or 14, said of Burris’s heroics: “Royford is a great driver, and this is just 

Meg Larcinese 

Rob Nelson 


trapped in the front robn@thetruckermedia.com 

passenger seat. She told him she couldn’t breathe. another example he sets. Not only is he a hardworking driver, father, 

He didn’t hesitate — he squeezed into the wreckage to be closer to the and grandfather, but he is also a hero. We are extremely thankful to 

PRODUCTION 

PRODUCTION 

Christie girl, McCluer and assured her everything Leanne Hunter would be all right. 

Royford for setting the standards, not only for his fellow drivers, but 


“I was trying to break the seat apart,” he recalled. “I ripped the for all of us at Stevens.” 

For 

seatbelt 

advertising 

out, 

opportunities, 

but I didn’t 

contact Meg 

know 

Larcinese 

where 

at 

I got the strength.” 

megl@targetmediapartners.com 

EpicVue Vice President of Sales Kyle Hales thanked Burris for his 

Burris and a police officer worked together to extricate the girl 

“selfless act of courage that night.” 

through the vehicle’s window. 

Since 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized 

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Burris. “Once I saw those 

cars, I knew that it was my duty to stop and help in any way I could. 

professional truck drivers who have selflessly helped others while on 

© 2020 Target I’m Media sorry Partners, all I couldn’t rights reserved. Reproduction save the without others.” 

written permission 

the job. From each year’s recipients, one is selected as Highway Angel 


Burris labels the event as “the worst moment of my life,” adding of the Year because he or she best embodies the spirit of the program. 

Such enti- 

that he is “glad I was there to do what I did to save these people’s To nominate a deserving driver, visit highwayangel.com. Meet our 

lives” and expressing his appreciation for the honor of being named recent recipients on page 45. 

prohibited. 












A QUICK LOOK AT MORE IMPORTANT TCA NEWS 

BOYLE TRANSPORTATION, NUSSBAUM TRANSPORTATION 

NAMED 2021 BEST FLEETS TO DRIVE FOR 

For the second consecutive year, the Truckload Carriers Association 

(TCA) and CarriersEdge have named Boyle Transportation and 

Nussbaum Transportation overall winners of the Best Fleets to Drive 

For contest. The awards were sponsored by EpicVue and were presented 

during Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. 

Boyle Transportation of Billerica, Massachusetts, was honored as 

the Best Overall Fleet in the Small Carrier Category while Nussbaum 

Transportation of Hudson, Illinois won the Best Overall Fleet in the 

Large Carrier Category. 

The Best Fleets to Drive For contest, now in its 13th year, is an annual 

survey and contest that recognizes the North American for-hire 

trucking companies who provide the best workplace experience for 

their drivers. 

To be considered, fleets must be nominated by a company driver 

or independent contractor working with them, after which they are 

evaluated across a broad range of categories reflecting current best 

practices in human resources. 

Both Boyle Transportation and Nussbaum Transportation have 

been named to the Best Fleets Top 20 multiple times, and for the first 

time in the contest’s history, both companies won in the same order 

for the second year in a row. 

Nussbaum Transportation, with 417 drivers, is well known as an 

industry innovator. In recent years, it has focused its energy on building 

a community, creating programs such as GrowRED, LeadRED, 

and CertifiedRED, which are all focused on personal and team-based 

development and growth. 

Boyle Transportation, with 145 drivers, was a very visible participant 

in the U.S. vaccine distribution process, and has utilized this 

publicity to highlight how vital trucking is to the world. It has also 

continued to invest in proprietary mobile technology, helping to remove 

many unknown variables on the road for its drivers. 

CarriersEdge CEO Jane Jazrawy said, “Throughout the pandemic, 

these two fleets demonstrated excellence in their ability to adapt to 

the ever-changing situation on the ground, while at the same time, 

making sure their drivers have what they need to stay safe. I’m not 

surprised that both Nussbaum and Boyle have achieved back-to-back 

wins — a first in the 13 years of the program.” 

TCA President John Lyboldt agreed. 

“Nussbaum and Boyle are at the forefront of an industry that recognizes 

the most important asset is our people. They’ve perfected 

what it takes to keep their employees, and especially their professional 

truck drivers happy,” he noted. “A special congratulations to Nussbaum 

for winning the overall fleet award three times in a row. “What 

The Best Overall Fleet in the Large Carrier Category was presented to Nussbaum Transportation, 

of Hudson, Illinois. The award was sponsored by TruckRight. Pictured from left are 

TruckRight’s Dirk Kupar; Nussbaum Transportation’s Brent Nussbaum; and CarriersEdge’s 

Jane Jazrawy. 

The Best Overall Fleet in the Small Carrier Category was presented to Boyle Transportation 

of Billerica, Massachusetts. The award was sponsored by EpicVue. Pictured from left 

are EpicVue’s Lance Platt; Boyle Transportation’s Andrew Boyle; and CarriersEdge’s Jane 

Jazrawy. 

an accomplishment and a demonstration of their steadfast commitment 

to this industry and its essential employees.” 

The Best Fleets to Drive For survey and contest is open to any fleet 

operating 10 or more trucks, regardless of TCA membership status. 

Nominated fleets are evaluated in areas such as driver compensation, 

pension and benefits, professional development, driver and community 

support, and safety record. 

The contest accepts nominations from Labor Day through Halloween 

each year and reveals its Top 20 Best Fleets to Drive For winners 

each January. The highest-scoring fleet in each category is named an 

Overall Winner during TCA’s annual convention. 

For more information on the Best Fleets to Drive For program, visit 

bestfleetstodrivefor.com. 


BISON, FTC EARN TOP FLEET SAFETY AWARDS 

The Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) 2021 Annual Convention 

— Truckload 2021: Las Vegas — concluded with the presentation of the 

2020 Fleet Safety Award Grand Prize sponsored by Great West Casualty 

Company. 

The Grand Prize was presented to FTC Transportation, Inc., of Oklahoma 

City in the small carrier division (total annual mileage of less than 

25 million) and Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in the 

large carrier division (total annual mileage of 25 million or more). 

To take the top spot, both carriers successfully demonstrated that they 

had unrivaled safety programs and an unwavering dedication to safety 

amongst their team members. 

FTC Transportation, Inc., is a three-time winner of the Grand Prize. Bison 

Transport is a 14-time Grand Prize winner and is receiving this award 

for the 11th consecutive year. 

“TCA celebrates the safety achievements of FTC Transportation, Inc., 

and Bison Transport, and we are honored to recognize them for the 2020 

Fleet Safety Awards competition,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. “This 

past year has presented incredible challenges for fleets, but these two 

SEE SAFETY AWARDS, PAGE 43 

Great West Casualty Company’s Steve Ponder, right, presents Bison Transport’s Rob Penner 

with the Grand Prize in the large carrier division. Bison Transport is a 14-time Grand Prize 

winner and is receiving this award for the 11th consecutive year. 

LANA BATTS HONORED WITH PAST CHAIRMEN’S AWARD 

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has honored longtime trucking 

industry professional Lana Batts with its prestigious Past Chairmen’s 

Award. 

Batts has amassed more than 30 years of experience in the trucking 

industry. Most recently, she retired from Driver iQ of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Prior to that, she served from 2001-2010 as the managing partner of 

Transport Capital Partners, LLC, a mergers and acquisition firm that specializes 

in the trucking industry. 

From 1994-2000, Batts served as the president of TCA, where she 

led the successful turnaround of the Professional Truck Driver Institute 

(PTDI) and established the Truckload Academy. 

Additionally, she was the senior vice president of government affairs 

for the American Trucking Associations from 1974-1992 and served as 

the president and CEO of the American Financial Services Association 

from 1992-1994. 

Batts has received numerous awards for her contributions to the industry, 

including the 2006 PTDI Lee Crittenden Award. She was also the 

recipient of the American Trucking Association’s highest honor, the S. Earl 

Dove Award in 1994, and was named Woman of the Year by the Women’s 

Transportation Seminar in 1997. 

Batts currently serves on the board of directors of both Brown Trucking 

Co. and the Transportation Costing Group. She has also served on the 

boards of Mullen Transportation (a publicly traded Canadian corporation) 

and PeopleNet Communications, and served as president of the Transportation 

Research Forum. 

Batts grew up in a trucking family in Billings, Montana, where her father 

owned a livestock trucking company. She graduated from the University 

of Montana with degrees in political science and history, and holds 

a master of arts with honors from the University of Miami in politics and 

During Monday’s general session at Truckload 2021: Las Vegas, TCA bestowed its prestigious 

Past Chairmen’s Award upon longtime industry professional Lana Batts of Tulsa, 

Oklahoma. The award was presented by TCA Immediate Past Chairman Dennis Dellinger. 

public affairs. She has done doctoral work in transportation at the University 

of Maryland. 

The Past Chairmen’s Award is TCA’s highest honor. Recipients are 

leaders who have made a significant contribution to the business community, 

the trucking industry, and the association. 

Contrary to the name of the award, the awardee does not have to be a 

past chairman of the association. 


CARGO TRANSPORTERS, OUTLET CENTER HONORED FOR 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE INITIATIVE 

SAFETY AWARDS, FROM PAGE 42 

TCA Immediate Past Chairman Dennis Dellinger, center, received a “2020 Whistle Stop Award” 

during the September 26 Communications & Image Committee Meeting for Cargo Transporters, 

Inc.’s efforts in a successful event last November. Pictured, from left are Committee Vice Chair 

Lisa Spangenberg, Dellinger, and Committee Immediate Past Chair Brenda Dittmer. 

Cargo Transporters, Inc., of Claremont, North Carolina, and Asheville 

Outlets of Asheville, North Carolina, were recognized for their contributions 

to the 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative during TCA’s annual 

convention — Truckload 2021: Las Vegas. 

A “2020 Whistle Stop Award” was presented to Cargo Transporter, 

Inc.’s President and CEO and TCA’s Immediate Past Chairman Dennis Dellinger, 

as well as Asheville Outlets’ General Manager Miranda Bowman and 

Specialty Leasing Manager/Marketing Assistant Megan Thorp, for planning 

and co-hosting TCA’s whistle stop. 

More than 500 people attended the free public event on November 17, 

2020, at the Asheville Outlets, located off Interstate 26. 

“It was our honor to host a piece of history right here in our backyard,” 

shared Dellinger. “This program shines a bright spotlight on the truckload 

industry and how essential we are, from the professional truck drivers behind 

the wheel to the gift that was delivered to the nation’s capital. The 

memories will last a lifetime.” 

“While gearing up for the busiest time of the year, hosting the U.S. 

Capitol Christmas Tree was an amazing experience,” shared Bowman. 

“Despite COVID-19, we had a great turnout of community members, and 

by offering a drive-thru experience, we were able to ensure the comfort of 

everyone involved.” 

“The People’s Tree,” a 55-foot-tall Engelmann Spruce, was harvested 

from the Uncompahgre National Forest in Colorado and traveled nearly 

2,000 miles to its destination on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, 

DC. The 2020 journey included nearly a dozen outdoor community 

celebrations, including the Asheville whistle stop. 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 50-year tradition in which 

one of the country’s 155 national forests provides a tree for holiday season. 

The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofit 

Choose Outdoors, along with cash and in-kind contributions from 

companies large and small, and volunteers locally and across America. 

“The annual journey is only possible with the help of strong community 

partnerships throughout Colorado and beyond state lines,” said Choose 

Outdoors President Bruce Ward. “We’re grateful for the time and resources 

TCA provided to help make this the best year yet.” 

At the Asheville whistle stop, complimentary bags containing hand 

sanitizer and a personal marker to sign the tree’s banner were distributed 

to attendees. Other features included live remote broadcasts with iHeart 

Media’s 99.9 KISS Country, 104.3 STAR, and 570 WWNC; a cocoa station; 

yard games by ITeam Games; a TapSnap photobooth sponsored by 

Ingles Markets; a toy drive benefiting Eblen Charities; food and beverages 

by Chick-fil-A and Sierra Nevada; and a special appearance by Santa Claus. 

The Six Rivers National Forest in California will provide the 2021 U.S. 

Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be transported by truckload carrier System 

Transport, based in Bloomington, California. 

For more information about the initiative, visit capitolchristmastree. 

com. View photos and updates from Truckload 2021: Las Vegas by following 

the hashtag #2021TCA on social media networks, or access TCA’s 

event album at truckload.org/Flickr. 

carriers proudly demonstrated that safety and concern for others on the 

highways always come first. FTC and Bison are very deserving of the 

Grand Prize, and we thank them for setting such a great example for the 

rest of the industry.” 

To be eligible for the TCA Fleet Safety Award Grand Prize, fleets must 

first submit their accident frequency ratio per million miles driven; the 

three carriers with the lowest ratios are then identified as the winners 

for each of six mileage-based divisions. These carriers undergo an audit 

by independent experts to ensure the accuracy of their results. TCA announced 

the names of the division winners in January 2021 and invited 

them to submit further documentation about their overall safety programs, 

both on and off the highway, to be eligible for the Grand Prize. 

After review by a diverse industry panel of judges, the winning companies 

were deemed to have best demonstrated their commitment to improving 

safety on North America’s highways. 

The entry period for the 2021 Fleet Safety Awards is open until 

November 1. To learn more visit truckload.org/fleet-safety. 

Great West Casualty Company’s Steve Ponder, left, presents FTC Transportation’s Greg Garen 

with the fleet safety Grand Prize for the small carrier division. FTC Transportation is a threetime 

winner of the Grand Prize. 


PARADE HONORS NTDAW, ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 

To kick off National Truck Driver Appreciation 

Week (NTDAW), while also commemorating 

the 20th anniversary of 9/11, 

a parade — America Rolls Strong — was 

held in Claremont, North Carolina, on the 

afternoon of Saturday, September 11. 

The 30-truck parade was hosted by 

TCA’s Immediate Past Chairman Dennis 

Dellinger and Cargo Transporters. 

The parade encouraged the local community 

and those in the trucking industry 

to celebrate the professional truck drivers, 

highlight their essentiality, and show how 

America Rolls Strong. 

Special thanks to the following carriers 

and companies who participated in the parade: 

Cargo Transporters, Inc.; D.M. Bowman, 

Inc.; Brown Trucking, Inc.; American 

Trucking Associations – Share the Road 

– Mack Trucks; Epes Transport; American 

A Cargo Transporters trucks painted to honor the nation 

and members of the military passes in review during the 

recent parade in Claremont, North Carolina. 

Central Transport; Heartland Express, Inc.; 

Crete Carrier Corporation; Smith Transport; 

Unifi; Ideal Transport; Queens Transport; 

Performance Food Group; Gaines Express; 

Caldwell Community College & Technical 

Institute; SunBelt Furniture Express, 

Brooks Furniture Express, and Mississippi 

Furniture Express; HSM; Speedway 

Additionally, City of Claremont Fire 

Department and Police, Catawba County 

and Claremont Rescue Squad, as well as 

Oxford Fire Department participated in the 

parade. 

Search for #TruckloadStrong on LinkedIn 

for updates and photos of the parade. 

If you see a photo you like, share it on your 

personal social networks. 

To view additional photos from the 

event, visit truckload.org/Flickr. To 

view a video from the parade route, submitted 

by Nancy Massengill, Smith Transport 

professional truck driver Wayne Massengill’s 

wife, visit YouTube and search 

“American Rolls Strong Parade.” 

31 COMPANIES RECOGNIZED FOR LONG-STANDING 

COMMITMENT, CONTRIBUTIONS TO TCA 

During the September 26 Board of Directors 

meeting at the Truckload Carriers 

Association’s (TCA) Truckload 2021: Las 

Vegas convention, 31 member companies 

were recognized for their long-standing 

commitment and contributions to the 

Association. 

Membership Committee Chairman and 

Garner Trucking’s Director of Operations 

Tim Chrulski, along with the committee’s 

Vice Chair and Locomation, Inc.’s Chief 

Commercial Officer Glynn Spangenberg, 

congratulated the members for their 

loyalty. 

“The knowledge our Ambassador Club 

companies have contributed over the years 

is what has made this association such a 

valuable asset to the truckload community,” 

said Chrulski. 

Spangenberg echoed Chrulski’s sentiments. 

“Their combined experience in truckload 

has created the foundation for this Association 

and is leading truckload into the 

future. These companies are the lifeblood 

of our Association and we’re grateful for 

their support,” Spangenberg said. 

Ten companies were newly inducted 

into TCA’s prestigious Ambassador Club 

for reaching 25 years of membership and 

TCA’s Ambassador Club members were recognized for their long-standing commitment to the association during the 

Board of Directors’ Meeting at Truckload 2021 in Las Vegas. Pictured, from left, are Sharp Transport’s Allie Schwalb and 

Chase Adkins; TCA At-Large Officer and Diamond Transportation System, Inc.’s Jon Coca; Pottle’s Transportation’s Barry 

Pottle; and FTC Transportation, Inc.’s Greg Garen. 

received Ambassador Club plaques. They 

include: 

• FirstExpress, Inc. — Nashville, 

Tennessee 

• FTC Transportation, Inc. — Oklahoma 

City 

• Metro Xpress — Wichita, Kansas 

• Pottle’s Transportation, LLC — 

Hermon, Maine 

• RSD Transportation — White River 

Junction, Vermont 

• Sage Corporation — Camp Hill, 

Pennsylvania 

• Sharp Transport, Inc. — Ethridge, 

Tennessee 

• Transflo — Tampa, Florida 

• Truline Corporation — Las Vegas 

• Watt & Stewart Commodities, Inc. — 

Claresholm, Alberta, Canada 

Additionally, Craig Transportation Co., 

based in Perrysburg, Ohio, was recognized 

for its 80 years of membership with TCA. 

Also during the meeting, three companies 

— Cresco Lines, Inc., of Phoenix, 

Illinois; Diamond Transportation System, 

Inc., of Racine, Wisconsin; and DSV Road 

Transport, Inc., of Missoula, Montana — 

were presented with crystal globes for 

achieving 50 years of membership. 


HIGHWAY ANGELS 

PRESENTING SPONSOR: 

SUPPORTING SPONSOR: 

Professional truck drivers Addis Tekelu and Jesse Davis have been 

named Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) for 

their acts of heroism while on the road. 

For their willingness to assist fellow drivers as motorists, TCA has 

presented each Highway Angel with a certificate, a patch, a lapel pin, 

and truck decals. Their employers have also received a certificate acknowledging 

their driver as a Highway Angel. 

Special thanks to the program’s Presenting Sponsor EpicVue, 

and Supporting Sponsor DriverFacts. 

ADDIS TEKELU 

Addis Tekelu, who lives in New Braunfels, Texas, and drives for CKJ 

Transport based in McKinney, Texas, is being honored for stopping to 

rescue a woman after she suffered a medical emergency and veered off 

the road and into a wooded area. 

Tekelu was traveling southbound on 

U.S. 59 on the afternoon of May 18, several 

miles south of Diboll, Texas, when he saw a 

pickup truck ahead of him move to the right 

shoulder. A moment later, the vehicle drove 

off the roadway, instantly disappearing into 

a thicket of trees. Appalled, Tekelu stopped 

and ran back to where the driver had gone 

off the road. 

“I called 911 right away and asked the 

dispatcher to guide me on what to do,” he 

shared with TCA. 

ADDIS TEKELU & FAMILY 

The vehicle was not visible from the road. Tekelu followed the vehicle’s 

tire tracks and made his way into the wooded area, where he 

found the pickup, covered in brush and branches. 

“I saw a woman trapped in the vehicle, with lacerations to her head,” 

he recalled. He quickly began removing debris to get to the driver. “The 

windshield was shattered, and the driver’s side was smashed in.” 

Tekelu couldn’t open the driver’s door, but he continued working and 

cleared enough debris away from the rear door to open it. He climbed 

inside to check on the driver. 

“I asked if she could move, but she was in shock,” he said. “I kept 

talking to her, and she asked me to call her husband. Then I asked her if 

I could pray for her and she said yes and we prayed together.” 

Tekelu stayed with the driver until first responders arrived. He was 

amazed that the driver was able to walk on her own. 

“I’m glad she was safe, and I was happy I could help,” he said. 

The police report stated that the driver, who was in her 60s, had 

experienced a medical emergency that made her feel faint. 

“It’s hard to believe that poor woman was able to get out of there 

safely,” added Tekelu. 

He has been driving for 10 years. 

“I am originally from Ethiopia,” he shared with TCA. “I’ve seen a lot 

in my life. In 1984-85 we were in a big civil war. Lots of people were 

starving. I’m one of those kids who survived. I learned to be kind and 

to love. Love doesn’t have any color, no boundaries,” he said. “This is a 

great nation to give me an opportunity to enjoy the American dream. I 

know God will protect me and wants me to serve Him. One of the things 

is to love people and to be kind. We need to do the right thing out there, 

especially truckers. We are the backbone of this country.” 

JESSE DAVIS 

Jesse Davis, who lives in Lakeland, Florida, is being honored for stopping 

to help an elderly driver after he crashed into a guardrail on the highway. 

It was early afternoon. Davis, who drives 

for Melton Truck Lines of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 

was finishing up his day as he merged onto 

U.S. 169 from Interstate 244 near Tulsa. 

When he checked his mirrors, he saw a car 

crash into the guardrail just behind him. 

“He came around the curve a little too 

fast,” Davis shared with TCA. “He lost control 

and slammed into the guardrail head-on.” 

Without hesitation, Davis pulled to the 

shoulder and ran back. The driver appeared 

to be in his 80s. 

JESSE DAVIS 

“He was dazed, but okay,” said Davis. “He told me he knew he was going 

a little too fast for the curve and misjudged the ramp a bit.” 

Since the vehicle was blocking traffic from merging onto the highway, 

Davis directed the driver to move the vehicle off to the side as Davis held 

traffic back. Another vehicle stopped to offer help and told Davis they would 

call 911 while he tended to the driver. 

“My focus was on him and getting him out of harm’s way,” recalled 

Davis. He then waited with the driver until the Highway Patrol arrived. The 

driver told Davis he lived just north of Tulsa. Davis said the skills he learned 

as a volunteer fireman, particularly emergency rescue techniques, have 

helped him a number of times. 

“It comes in handy out here,” he shared. “There are some places where 

the response time can be pretty long. I’ve seen rollovers and fatality accidents, 

and helped with a lot of them.” 

Davis has spent 42 years behind the wheel of a truck and says he’s 

enjoyed every minute of it. 

“My uncle took me on my first ride when I was 12,” he said with a smile. 

“It was my dream (to drive), and I’m living it.” 

To view dashcam footage from the accident, visit truckload.org/You 

Tube. To nominate a driver or to meet additional Highway Angels recipients, 

visit highwayangel.org. 


TCA SCHEDULES FOURTH COHORT 

OF MAKING SAFETY HAPPEN 

The Truckload Carriers Association 

welcomes companies that 

joined our association in 

August and September. 

Meadow Lark Companies 

Ploger Transportation 

EJ Freight 

KJ Media 

Frantz Ward 

dexFreight 

Renewable Energy Group 

Atlantic HR Solutions 

Apgar Bros. 

Alcatraz LLC 

Speedway 

June 

August 

September 

Dickey Transport 

Raven Transport Co. 

S2Q Systems 

Fusion Now Agency 

Idrive, Inc. 

Q Products & Services 

SM Freight 

Brown Dog Carriers 

TKO Logistics 

TDR Development 

CliftonLarsonAllen 

Sterling Brokerage Services 

People’s Capital & Leasing 

Place Stars Inc. (Doft) 

ClearConnect Solutions 

Text Request 

U.S. Cargo Control 

Fruit and Vegetable Dispute 

Resolution Corporation 

Fastport 

Arthur J. Gallagher Risk 

Management Services 

Canadian National Railway 

Corporation 

Hays Companies, Inc. 

RocketCDL 

Crawford & Company 

Because of popular demand, 

TCA and DriverReach have announced 

the dates in 2022 of 

their fourth cohort of Making 

Safety Happen — an exclusive 

TCA-member offering — which 

provides participants with expertled 

instruction, peer-to-peer networking, 

a toolkit, and more. 

Join like-minded trucking professionals 

and facilitator Jetco Delivery CEO and Industry Safety Professional 

Brian Fielkow for this insightful program which includes: 

• Six online courses which you can access on demand. 

• Instructor-led VIP workshops. 

• Invitation to Safety VIP Trucking in the Round Sessions during Truckload 

2022: Las Vegas. 

• Invitation to attend quarterly Safety in the Round sessions. 

Enrollees also receive access to how-to guides, informative videos, a 

toolkit, and discussion guides to help you down your path to achieving 

safety excellence. 

Make plans to attend the following Cohort 4 workshops: 

Safety Values vs. Safety Priorities: Identifying Your Safety Gaps 

Thursday, January 13 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET 

Eliminating Your Safety Dysfunctions 

Thursday, February 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET 

Engaging Employees in Your Safety Mission 

Thursday, March 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET 

Creating Accountabilities for Safe Behaviors 

Thursday, April 7 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET 

Eliminating Shortcuts and Creating a Process Your Team Understands 

Thursday, May 5 from 1-2:30 p.m. ET 

Identifying the Right Metrics to Assess Safety Performance 

Thursday, June 2 from 12:30 p.m. ET 

To learn more, access an informative video at vimeo.com/491118403. 

To get started contact TruckloadAcademy@truckload.org. 

COVER PHOTO: 

Jack Spitser 

ADDITIONAL MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY/GRAPHICS: 

Associated Press: Pages 10, 19 

Decker Truck Line: Pages 30, 31 

United States Department of Transportation: Page 9 

iStock: Pages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 

Jack Spitser: Pages 16, 17, 18 

Truckload Carriers Association: Pages 3, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 

28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36 ,38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45

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