Tennessee Trucking News

truckingTENNESSEE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE TENNESSEE
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q3 FALL 2017

$4.95 VALUE

NEWS

CoTTnA’sv20e17ntion
Coverage

Trucking Execs
Gather for TTA’s

87th Annual
Convention

Congestion Fix
Distracted
Driving

MemberSpotlight JIM BRIGGS, ADVANCED ERGONOMICS

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TABLE OF CONTENTSTennessee Trucking News OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q3 FALL 2017

COVER

18 TTA’s 2017 Convention Coverage
Trucking execs gather for TTA’s
87th annual convention

BY TTN STAFF

FEATURES

9 Congestion Worsening, but
Tennessee Set to IMPROVE

BY STEVE BRAWNER

15 Distracted Driving
A danger on Tennessee’s Roads

BY DEREK RAYMENT

29 TTA’s Road Team

BY CATHERINE STUART

32 Member Spotlight: 
Jim Briggs, Advanced Ergonomics and
winner of TTA’s 2017 Allied Professional
Award at convention

BY RENEE MILLER

DEPARTMENTS

5 From the Chairman:
by Wayland Thompson

7 From the President:
by Dave Huneryager

34 Calendar of Events
34 TTA New Members
34 Advertiser Resource Index

COVER DESIGN BY WAYNETTE TRAUB, ART DIRECTOR

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 3

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truckingTENNESSEE Chairman’s Message
NEWS
“Do the best you can, and don’t take life too serious.” – Will Rogers
Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association My how time flies when you’re having fun, and I am having fun being your TTA Chairman!

Tennessee Trucking News is owned by the Tennessee Trucking With 2017 coming to a close, let me be the first to wish all of you Happy Thanksgiving, Merry
Association and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Group. For additional copies, to order reprints of individual Thank you to those who made it to TTA’s Annual Convention last month. To those who
articles or to become a subscriber to Tennessee Trucking didn’t make it, all I can say is you missed a good one! We had a great keynote speaker, Major
News, contact Carol Foster at [email protected] Dan Rooney (aka Noonan), and what a message he had. If you missed Noonan’s speech,
good news: you have an excellent opportunity to get his full story by reading his book. You
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake may buy “A Partriot’s Calling” on line at www.partiotscalling.com. I had the privilege of
[email protected] meeting Noonan and spending some time with him in Destin—what a great story of sacrifice,
commitment, and faith. His book has recharged my commitment to give back not only to his
Executive Editor Dave Huneryager cause, but also to our industry and TTA. We all have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams
[email protected] by this industry that continues to supply more than we need. Major Rooney had a calling to
help fallen soldiers’ surviving families with scholarships to further their education, similar to
Art Director C. Waynette Traub our scholarship program through the TTA Foundation. His dream and Folds of Honor has
[email protected] raised over $90 million so far!

Photographers Larry Kuzniewski TTA has been operating as a nonprofit organization since 1930 providing benefits for
Caleb Shane Lollar members and opportunities to give back. It all starts with membership. We need to work
Ti any Thrasher Lyles together to grow our membership. We currently have 473 members out of an estimated 9,000
John David Pittman Tennessee trucking companies. We need to add 437 more members taking us to a total of 900.
If I do my math correctly, that’s approximately 10 percent of the Tennessee trucking companies.
Catherine Stuart That figure is very achievable if we pull the wagon in the same direction. If we are going to have
a vision, like Major Rooney’s, we should have a vision to be the best trucking organization in
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner the nation. We are already in the top tier of all trucking organizations out there, why not strive
Kelly Cargill Crow to be the best?

Sam Eifling Through membership growth, we will be able to offer more safety training programs,
Eric Francis newsletters, conventions, truck driving championships, endorsed providers and much
Jennifer Barnett Reed more. We will continue to fund and grow the PAC that helps change our political landscape
John Schulz for the benefit of our industry. We will continue to fund and grow the Foundation offering
Todd Traub scholarships to our members, Ronald McDonald House, Road Team, Big Rigs for Little Kids
and other charities, to which we have donated $1.8 million to date.
Illustrator Brent Bennett
[email protected] Come on, folks, get on board and let’s do what we can to give back to an industry that gives,
will give, and has given to us all.
Ad Production Doug Benjamin
Deah Chisenhall Thanks again,

www.TNTrucking.org Wayland Thompson
Tennessee Trucking Association Staff FirstFleet and TTA Chairman
[email protected]
President & CEO
Dave Huneryager Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 5
[email protected]

Director of Safety
Edmond Sorrell

[email protected]

Membership Coordinator
Donna Tomlinson

[email protected]

Foundation Coordinator
Catherine Stuart

[email protected]

Administrative Coordinator
Carol Foster

[email protected]

An a liate of the American Trucking Associations

Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) has served as the voice for Tennessee’s
trucking industry since 1930. TTA is a trade association dedicated to the
furtherance of the trucking industry’s goals and interests in Tennessee and the
United States. Our membership is a diverse group comprised of motor carriers,
both public and private, and companies providing products and services to the
industry. TTA serves these companies as a governmental a airs representative
before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of government on issues
that a ect the trucking industry. The organization also provides public relations
services, operation services and serves as a forum for industry meetings and
membership relations.

For more information, contact TTA at:
Tennessee Trucking Association

4531 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Telephone 615-777-2882
Facsimile 615-777-2024
www.TNTrucking.org

www.TAGTRUCKCENTER.com

From The President

Tennessee Trucking Association
Executive Committee

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

WAYLAND THOMPSON

FirstFleet, Inc.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE As yet another Tennessee Trucking Association Annual Convention

President & CEO Secretary concluded in September our appreciation would not be complete without
DAVE HUNERYAGER JIM MOSBY several thank yous! Thank you to all those companies who provided different levels of
Tennessee Trucking Association sponsorship and for your continued support of the Association’s work towards improving our
FirstBank industry. Ninety-one of our member companies contributed to this year’s event, surpassing the
record set last year!
ATA State Vice President Treasurer
SCOTT GEORGE SCOTT SCHUMPERT Thank you to all the member attendees and their families; it would not have been the success
TCW, Inc. Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPSs it was without you. Thank you to all our new member attendees, and first time attendees, we
hope you learned some things and enjoyed the event enough to come back next year.
TruckPAC Co-Chairman East Tenn. Vice Chairman
DAVE MANNING Je Reed Thank you to our new Road Team Captains; Robert Barrett from Milan Supply Chain
TCW, Inc. Solutions, Ron Bolling of Walmart Transportation, Tim Chelette of Big G Express, Christy
Skyline Transportation McClain of TCW Inc., Cleve McCord of Sharp Transport, Dale Moore of FirstFleet, Jeff
Shinholster of the HUB Group, Jeff Stinson of FedEx Freight, and Eddie Threlkeld also of the
TruckPAC Co-Chairman Middle Tenn. Vice Chairman HUB Group. Thank you for the example you set and the confirmation of why we are so proud
TERRY MINOR MIKE MCFARLIN of the work you do.

Cumberland International M & W Transportation Co., Inc. Thank you to all of the Tennessee Trucking Foundation Auction donors and to all of you
Trucks, Inc. Southeast Tenn. Vice who so generously bid on those items. Your support of our effort to educate motorists young
Chairman and old about how to safely share the road with commercial vehicles is very much appreciated.
TTF President CONNIE VAUGHAN Thank you especially to Greg Shipman from Vertical Alliance Group for heading our
TOMMY HODGES Convention Auction Committee and to all the members of his committee for putting together
Titan Transfer, Inc. McKee Foods Transportation, a first-class event and an incredible auction. Thank you to Occusure Workers’ Compensation
Allied Vice Chairman LLC for once again sponsoring the auction closing party and the $1,000 cash drawing award.

TROY DICKENS West Tenn. Vice Chairman Thanks to Major Dan Rooney, the Founder of Folds of Honor, for his inspirational keynote
Rush Truck Center, Nashville JASON HIGGINBOTHAM address that kicked off our convention. I have heard from many of you that he was the best
Immediate Past Chairman Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. presenter we have ever had. By the number of folks in attendance, and your reaction, I could
not agree more! To ATA Chairman Kevin Burch for his remarks on Monday morning. To
JOHN ROSS Non-Domiciled Vice ATA President and CEO Chris Spear for his in-depth review of where he sees us as an industry
Milan Supply Chain Solutions Chairman at Tuesday’s breakfast. To TTA Membership Coordinator Donna Tomlinson for moderating
the ELD panel which had TCW’s and incoming ATA Chairman Dave Manning, Skyline
General Counsel NICK D’ANDREA Transportation’s Jeff Reed, Captain Brandon Douglas, Lieutenant Allen England, Road Team
C. DALE ALLEN UPS Captain Tim Chelette from Big G Express and Soona Lee from EROAD. All in attendance
Adams and Reese LLP learned from each panelist.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS On behalf of our Director of Safety Edmond Sorrell, our Administration Coordinator
Carol Foster, our Membership Coordinator Donna Tomlinson, our Foundation Coordinator
DIRECTORS AT LARGE BILL BOB WEST Catherine Stuart, and me, thank you for all that you do in support of our Annual Convention
R.E. West, Inc. and the Tennessee Trucking Association throughout the year, we appreciate each one of you!
BRAD ALLEN
Venture Express JIM BRIGGS Dave Huneryager
Advanced Ergonomics, Inc. President, Tennessee Trucking Association
BETH FRANKLIN [email protected]
Multi-Task Solutions JOE NACARATO
Nacarato Volvo Trucks, Inc.
STEVE FRANKLIN
Multi-Task Solutions EDDIE WAYLAND
King & Ballow
Jerry Hampton
Pinnacle Bank BILL TIRRILL
Fleetco, Inc.
LARRY LEFKOVITZ
McLeod Software SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE

JOE SHARP MAX FULLER
Western Express U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

SHEILA SHOUN JOE SMITH
Shoun Trucking Co. Kenco Transportation Services

ROB RHEA LISA PATE
FedEx Freight U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

WAYNE WEAVER TOMMY THAXTON
Rapid Ways Leasing Best One Tire & Service

BOB WEST WEST TENNESSEE
R.E. West, Inc.
MARK GEORGE
BILLY WHITE Intermodal Cartage Co., Inc.
Clarke Power Services
TOMMY ROSS
EAST TENNESSEE Milan Supply Chain Solutions

BRUCE CAMPBELL TIM GATLIN
Forward Air Corp. Empire Express, Inc.

BILL REED, III CATHY PHILLIPS COATS
Skyline Logistics, Inc. H.B. Phillips, Inc.

JEFF ALLEN JEFF REEVES
Great West Casualty Company Reeves Brothers Trucking, Inc.

CRAIG KENDALL JEFF EARLE
The Peterbilt Store,-Knoxville Thompson Power Corp.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE TOMMY EARL
TAG Truck Center
WILLIAM KEITH
FirstExpress, Inc. DICK SWEEBE
Summit Truck Group, Memphis
PAT MARSH
Big G Express, Inc. NON-DOMICILED REGIONAL

BRAD RAHRER MIKE KELLEY
Portland Express, inc. YRC Worldwide, Inc.

ALLIE SHARP SCHWALB HAL DOWLAND
Sharp Transport, Inc. HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass

JOHN WALTON GREG SHIPMAN
Averitt Express, Inc. Vertical Alliance Group

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 7



Congestion Worsening,

IMPROVEbut Tennessee Set to
BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Congestion added $63.4 billion to the found drivers lost more than 996 million hours, the
equivalent of 362,243 commercial truck drivers sitting
trucking industry’s operational costs in traffic for an entire year. The American Trucking
Associations said in 2015 the industry had a shortage
in 2015 – more than $22,000 for a truck of 48,000 drivers, meaning that completely congestion-
free highways would wipe out the shortage and leave
traveling 100,000 miles – and Tennessee the industry with a surplus of 314,000 drivers.

had one of the nation’s highest increases in Congestion added 23 cents per vehicle mile traveled,
congestion costs. But the state’s recently passed or an average of $5,664 for all of the nation’s 11.2
IMPROVE Act should reduce the problem statewide. million trucks. That amount represented a significant
increase from an earlier study looking at 2014 data,
The American Transportation Research Institute’s which found congestion added 18 cents per vehicle
(ATRI) May report, “Cost of Congestion to the mile traveled.
Trucking Industry: 2017 Update,” found that
congestion on the National Highway System added Several factors contributed to the increased
$22,276 in lost time costs for trucks traveling 100,000 congestion, including a 3.8 percent increase in
miles annually. Trucks traveling 150,000 miles policy-reported crashes and a 7.2 percent increase in
annually saw increased costs of $34,000. fatalities, the largest increase in nearly 50 years.

In an ATRI press release, Rich McArdle, president Rebecca Brewster, ATRI’s president and chief
of UPS Freight, said a five-minute delay annually on operating officer, said one reason for the increasing
each of its vehicles adds $105 million annually to the
company’s costs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

The report came to its conclusions using data
sources including ATRI’s truck GPS database. It

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 9

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 number of motor carriers that they’re having an impact on congestion was severe
seeing increased incidents of four-wheelers weather, including Winter Storm Juno,
number of traffic accidents is driver crashing into their trucks, whether it’s which struck the northeastern United
distraction. In fact, ATRI plans to make rear-end or side-swipes because the driver States that January.
that topic its top research priority this of the car was distracted, not paying
year. It will study both the impact of attention, didn’t realize the truck had come The problem was concentrated in certain
passenger cars driven by cell phone- to a stop,” she said. areas, as 88 percent of congestion costs
holding drivers and the unintended were on 17 percent of the miles, while 91
distractions potentially caused by new The improving economy also was a percent was in metropolitan areas.
safety technologies in trucks. factor, as the nation’s gross domestic
product grew 2.6 percent in 2015, while The report found Tennessee had the
“We have anecdotally heard from a e-commerce sales grew 14.6 percent. Also ninth highest total cost of congestion at
more than $2.3 billion. The state ranked
12th the previous year, when the costs
where $1.4 billion. The $955 million
increase was the fourth largest nationwide.
However, Tennessee’s $186,013 in
congestion costs per National Highway
System mile did not rank in the top
10. First using that measurement was
Washington, D.C., whose $1.2 million per
mile was more than double second-place
New Jersey.

Tennessee had the 10th most costly
congested metropolitan area – the Nashville-
Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin corridor,
which had $958 million in congestion costs.
That area’s costs rose 78 percent from the
year before, when they were $539 million.
Worst was the New York-Newark-Jersey City
corridor, which had $4.6 billion in congestion
costs. The Chicago and Miami areas had
congestion costs of more than $2 billion.

At the county level, Davidson County
had the nation’s sixth highest congestion
costs at $592 million. Congestion costs there
increased $307 million from the year before,
the second largest increase nationwide in
terms of total dollars. The most costly county
was Cook County, Ill., which was over $1
billion.

The Trump administration has promised a
major infrastructure development program,
but so far nothing has been proposed.
Meanwhile, Brewster said other work is
being done to alleviate the problem. The
Federal Highway Administration and state
transportation departments are studying
how to deal with traffic incidents. She helped
develop a national training course teaching
and equipping first responders to more
efficiently and safely clear accidents.

10 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

Brewster said some of the industry’s gas tax will increase eight cents over three electric vehicles went into effect July 1.
efforts are having an effect. After ATRI’s years from 13 cents to 21 cents, while Meanwhile, the act cut taxes by nearly
annual truck bottleneck list was always led liquefied natural gas will increase eight
by the Jane Byrne Interchange in Chicago, cents over that time period from 14 cents $300 million in 2018 and more than $500
the state finally addressed it, citing that to 22 cents. Starting July 1, commercial million a year when fully implemented.
list. Now it’s number three and being motor vehicle freight carrier registration It accomplishes this by reducing the sales
redesigned, though she doesn’t expect it to fees are increasing $20, while passenger- tax on groceries from five percent to four
drop out of the top 10 soon. transporting commercial motor vehicles percent starting July 1, reducing business
will pay $10 more in registration fees and taxes for manufacturers, and phasing out
A number of states have increased the rest of the state’s drivers will see a $5 the Hall income tax on investment income
motor fuels taxes without voters punishing increase. A new $100 registration fee for
the lawmakers responsible for it. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
American Road & Transportation Builders
Association found that 91 percent of Natural gas
legislators in 16 states who supported fuel fuel solutions
tax legislation between 2013 and 2015, and
who ran for re-election, won their seat. Pivotal LNG is committed to providing customers
with liquefied natural gas supply 24 hours a day,
Brewster said that’s because the nation’s 365 days a year. Contact us to design a flexible,
highway needs are beginning to hit home cost-effective solution for your fleet.
with voters.
pivotallng.com | 713.300.5116 | [email protected] | Follow us on
“There’s no question that it’s not only
trucks who are suffering that congestion or © 2017 Southern Company. All rights reserved. Do not reuse text or graphics without written permission. PLNG-15905
stuck in those bottlenecks,” she said. “Four-
wheelers are as well, and I think the general
public is really starting to sort of reach the
frustration point, the boiling over point,
of saying we’ve got to do something about
this.”

During this year’s legislative session,
Tennessee lawmakers voted for the
Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads
and Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy
ACT. It pairs higher taxes for roads with
even higher tax cuts thanks to a $2 billion
surplus.

The IMPROVE Act will fund 962 road
and bridge projects in all of the state’s
95 counties, and it will reduce a $10
billion backlog in transportation projects.
Meanwhile, it will send $70 million each
year to counties and $35 million annually
to cities. Local voters in the state’s largest
counties and four largest cities can vote
through a referendum for tax surcharges for
transit projects.

All road users will share in the costs.
The act raises the diesel tax by 10 cents
over the next three years, from 17 cents to
27 cents a gallon, and the gasoline tax by
six cents over the next three years from 20
cents to 26 cents. The compressed natural

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 11

congestion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
by the numbers
over the next five years.
$63.4 billion 996 million hours The act was supported by the

Amount congestion added to the Amount of time drivers lost due Transportation Coalition of Tennessee,
trucking industry’s operational costs in to congestion which included the Tennessee Trucking
Association.
2015 362,243
The TTA’s involvement began at the
23¢ per mile How many drivers that would equal beginning of the session. TTA President
and CEO Dave Huneryager and Chairman
Amount congestion added per truck 314,000 Wayland Thompson, vice president of
FirstFleet, met with Gov. Bill Haslam in his
$22,276 – Amount congestion How big a driver surplus would be if office along with others. Haslam outlined
there were no congestion his plans in detail during that meeting.
added per truck traveling 100,000 miles The governor, along with legislative leaders
962 – Number of road and bridge and Commissioner of Transportation John
$2.3 billion Schroer, had spent two years traveling the
projects funded by the IMPROVE Act state and laying the plan’s groundwork.
Tennessee’s congestion costs, Huneryager and Thompson needed the
the nation’s ninth highest 91% – Percent of legislators in 16 blessing of the TTA’s board of directors
before offering their support, but they
$592 million states who supported fuel tax legislation liked what thy heard immediately, and
between 2013 and 2015, ran for re-election, Thompson even spoke about the state’s
Congestion costs in Davidson County, and won highway needs in a press conference that
the nation’s sixth worst

OUT IN FRONT

DALE ALLEN TONY SWAFFORD ROCKY KING HOLLY McDANIEL CANNON ALLEN MARK NORRIS BEN FOX JEFF BROOKS
Partner Partner Associate Governmental Affairs Advisor Partner Special Counsel Partner Partner
Nashville Nashville Nashville (non-lawyer) Memphis Memphis Memphis Washington, DC
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nashville [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

transportation and logistics

Our Adams and Reese Transportation and Logistics Team advises clients on issues relating to the entire supply chain and
all modes of transportation: highway, water, air, rail, and pipeline. We understand the particular demands and complexities

of the industry, and therefore, maintain real-time knowledge of statutory, regulatory, and legal decisions that impact your
business. Through our governmental relations team and our membership and leadership in several transportation industry

organizations, we stay up-to-date on relevant legal developments on a regional, national and international level.

www.adamsandreese.com
Fifth Third Center | 424 Church Street, Suite 2700 | Nashville, TN 37219 | 615.259.1450
Crescent Center | 6075 Poplar Avenue, Suite 700 | Memphis, TN 38119 | 901.525.3234

ALABAMA | FLORIDA | GEORGIA | LOUISIANA | MISSISSIPPI | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | WASHINGTON, DC
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers. Contact: Guilford F. Thornton, Jr.

12 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

day. As Huneryager recalled, “We were on highway funding. would pay for specific projects in all 95
front and center in support of investment “We were focused on the importance counties.
in where we work.”
of raising the gas and diesel tax because “I think it just helps to have a governor
Huneryager praised the plan as “a of the long-term, sustainable funding who’s willing to take a stance and cast the
comprehensive, user-based approach” that mechanism,” he said. “The politics of all vision and communicate,” he said.
requires everyone who uses the highways the rest of it, we didn’t get involved in.”
to help pay for them. Consistent with past Huneryager noted that the timing was
policies, it does so with no road debt. He The measure had more early support in the right for passing a fuel tax – and might not
said the bill’s phased-in approach will Senate, where it passed 25-6, than it did in have been right for a long time afterwards.
make it easier for Tennessee trucking the House, where the vote was a much closer The state has a pro-transportation
companies to adjust to it. 60-37 and occurred after hours of debate and governor who is in the last two years of his
80 proposed amendments. The lowering of last term, so he could afford to aggressively
Dave Manning, president of Nashville- the grocery tax to offset the increased revenue push the plan.
based TCW, who helped lobby for the made it easier for lawmakers to vote yes
legislation, said the challenge was to help because ultimately they were voting for a tax “It was time, and certainly it was hard
legislators see the revenue as a user fee cut. Trucking proponents wanted to index the fought, but at the end of the day we got it
and not a tax, which many have pledged tax, meaning it would rise with inflation, but done, and that’s the most important thing,”
not to raise. Another argument supporters legislators strongly believed the public should he said.
made was that residents of other states be approached about any tax increase.
would help pay the costs. Some legislators Thompson said Washington lawmakers
were afraid that no matter the arguments That means the industry will have to could learn from Tennessee’s example.
for the tax, their vote would be taken out return for another request. This was the
of context in their next political race. first time since 1989 the state has increased “They should take a lesson from our
Manning said trucking supporters tried to the gas tax. state,” he said. “Both sides of the aisle
stay away from those arguments and focus came together on this project and pushed
Manning said Gov. Bill Haslam did a it through and did something that was for
good job of explaining that the money the benefit of the state of Tennessee long
term.” TTN

Sometimes
People Must
Come Together
for a Mission

Thank You
Since 1954, the American Transportation
Research Institute and its predecessor have been
the trucking industry’s source for scientific data
and analysis on the many high priority issues
facing freight transportation today. If you or your
company has not contributed in the past, now is
the time to step up and do your part.
Step up and leave your footprint for the good of
the industry.
Visit www.atri-online.org to explore your giving
opportunities.

Photo: NASA

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 13



DISTRACTED DRIVERS,

A DANGER

ON TENNESSEE ROADS
BY DEREK RAYMENT
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Truckers have a lot to watch out for on
the highway. Hazardous road conditions, heavy
traffic, bad weather, high speeds and curvy roads
are enough for truckers to be concerned about.
Now add a driver traveling the opposite way who
happens to be texting, head down, and eyes not on
the road. Distracted drivers pose a dangerous threat
for everyone who travels on Tennessee’s roads. The
consequences can be fatal.

Drivers are encouraged to drive safely at all
times, but it becomes even more crucial to do so
when near a tractor-trailer. Operators of tractor-
trailers prefer other drivers stay out of blind spots
and give them plenty of room to turn and come
to a stop. Drivers who are distracted will have a
more difficult time doing this since their focus
isn’t entirely on the road. The American Trucking
Associations (ATA) states that more than a third
of all accidents involving a tractor-trailer and a car
occur on the right-hand side of a truck’s blind spot.
The organization also states that distracted driving
can be as dangerous as drunk driving.

A driver may believe they have plenty of time
to look down and send a quick text. When in
reality, it’s much more dangerous than that. Given
the rate of speed most cars travel at on a highway,
a driver traveling at 60 mph who takes their eyes
off the road for a few seconds has already gone the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 15

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 suggested that an average of 59 percent of hands-free usage of electronic devices. In
Tennessee, there is no handheld cell phone
crashes between 2007 and 2015 contained prohibition for drivers except for the
previously mentioned novice drivers. So
length of a football field. This is plenty of some type of distracting behavior. Drivers the majority of Tennessee drivers are free
to roam the roads and talk on the phone,
time to collide with a tractor-trailer who studied were between the ages of 16 to just not text. While that’s more regulation
than some states, Tennessee law makers
has already begun to slow due to debris 19 and most lived in the Midwest region have tried to introduce bills that would
prohibit use of a cell phone with your
in the road. The ATA suggests staying of the United States. In that same study, hands while driving.

approximately 20 car lengths behind a 12 percent of crashes contained drivers “Many people think talking on a hands-
free cellphone while driving is safer than
truck, a distance that can quickly diminish using their cell phone. That percentage having the same conversation on a hand-
held device,” says White. “But even if you
if the truck comes to a stop and the went up as the years progressed over the
drive with both hands
driver continues on at a high speed. The study period, aligning with technological on the wheel while
talking on the phone,
organization also suggests staying out advancements in cell phones in that time you’re still putting
yourself and others
of blind spots, where the truck operator span. Nowadays, drivers are more likely in danger. When you
talk on the phone,
cannot see. If a driver were to be texting to use social media or texting capabilities your mind is engaged
in the conversation.”
while driving or driving while distracted, while driving, creating an even greater
Truckers across the
these tips may not be followed, increasing distraction. country will find that
the law varies state
the risk of an accident by state. For instance,
Iowa has a law in
occurring. place that makes
texting while driving
AAA believes that a primary offense, meaning drivers can
be cited if a police officer sees the driver
by raising awareness looking down at their phone texting. That
law became official in July 2017. Drivers
and understanding in Iowa can still talk on the phone and use
navigation devices, however.
how dangerous Wyoming has had a distracted driving
law in place since 2010, banning texting
distractions can be, while driving for everyone. The state even
goes a step further, banning cell phone use
needless deaths can outright for novice drivers. Those that fall
under the age of 18 are prohibited from
be reduced. Founded using their cell phone for anything while
driving, including navigation and hands-
in 1947, the AAA free talking. This Wyoming law is also a
primary offense, allowing officers to cite
Foundation for Traffic those under the age of 18. In total, only
four states do not have a primary offense
Safety’s goal is to enforcement for texting while driving.

research and address

highway safety issues.

Issues that can effect
Tennessee’s trucking COURTESY AAA FOUNDATION FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY

and transportation industries. “Teens are especially at risk. Teen

AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety crash rates are roughly four times higher

states federal estimates suggest that than those for adult drivers, and traffic

distracted driving contributes to about 16 crashes are the leading cause of death for

percent of all fatal crashes, amounting to that age group,” says Rose White, a public

roughly 5,000 deaths each year. AAA also affairs director with AAA. “Teens face

says that teens are the drivers impaired an increased risk of distracted driving-

the most by distracted driving. A study related crashes because they are avid users

conducted by AAA’s foundation showed of cell phones and other technologies,

that teenage drivers are distracted about are inexperienced drivers, and are still

25 percent of the time they are driving. undergoing development in areas of the

Another study released in 2015 by the brain responsible for decision-making and

foundation that measured cognitive risk management.”

distraction found distractions on the road The Tennessee Department of Safety

can last approximately 27 seconds, whether and Homeland Security states that texting

that’s texting, adjusting the navigation while driving is illegal for all drivers.

system or eating. While drivers with a learning permit

In a 2016 teen driver safety study may not use cell phones at all. In recent

done by AAA’s foundation, key findings years, Bluetooth technology has enabled

16 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

“Keep in mind that while traveling across or To submit an assignment contact our 24-hour claims intake center at:
[email protected] “When we go into the high schools
vthaeryUdnriatemdaStitcaatellsy,.dSiosmtraecstte1adt-ed8sr7aivn7id-n3ge4vlae6wn-s0300 and speak to teens, they think

For mcdirtoiiverisnehgianivsefbolaarnwmnseaidnt,i”woenhxipcolhanicneaslnlWpyhhCoitnere.a“uwSsofemowrehdilseervice, contact: Harrison Tisdal [email protected],ctoh.caotm
it won’t harm anyone else,” says
laws are primarily enforced and some impose
Plotzer. “The reality of it is that it
stiff fines. AAA’s Digest of Motor Laws
website provides detailed information on not only can harm them but it can
various traffic safety laws for all 50 states and potentially harm those driving in
Canada.” their vicinity.

Is distracted driving as dangerous as

drunk driving? That depends on the level of Tennessee Trucking Association reiterates the Huneryager says they just getting started.

intoxication or level of distractedness. White need to raise awareness for distracted driving. Programs in the community will be active

with AAA says that texting and driving “As our industry continues to see truck- this year. The ultimate goal Huneryager

imposes a high danger risk and that driving related accidents and fatalities decline, we says is to make Tennessee highways

requires use of the mind and body. When one see other driver’s responsibilities increase. and roads and a safer place to be, where

of those isn’t operating at a normal level such Our awareness promotion programs will everyone is paying close attention to

as with drunk driving or distracted driving, hopefully give other vehicles a second driving.

the risk increases. thought, something that might prevent Says Huneryager, “The Tennessee

Lieutenant Travis Plotzer with the them from engaging in cell phone usage Trucking Association works hard with

Tennessee Department of Safety and while on the road,” he says. community partners in road safety to help

Homeland Security says distracted The work of organizations across prevent traffic accidents and make sure the

driving is an epidemic. Plotzer works in Tennessee has helped raise awareness roads we drive on become safer each day.”

the Nashville District and is in charge for the dangers of distracted driving. But TTN

of special programs. He has worked for

years to reduce the number of crashes

caused by distracted driving. With teens, Getting freight delivered on time is the top

however, he says it’s about breaking down

misperceptions. priority of the transportation industry.
“When we go into the high schools and
But when an accident occurs, the roadblocks of getting
speak to teens, they think sending a text is a claim handled can make your careful timeline grind to
no big deal, that it won’t harm anyone else,” a halt. That’s why Crawford®’s Transportation Services
says Plotzer. “The reality of it is that it not are there for you with the total solution to get your
only can harm them but it can potentially cargo and your schedule back on track.

harm those driving in their vicinity.”

Plotzer also states that his department

has been very active in raising awareness

for what truck drivers endure on the road.

To simulate what an operator of a tractor-

trailer goes through, Plotzer’s department

brings a trailer containing six simulators Crawford & Company®
to regional high schools, allowing students
to get behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler has been an industry-leading provider
without the real-life danger. of services to the trucking industry
for almost 75 years.
“The idea is to give young drivers the

chance to operate a truck and realize how To submit an assignment contact our 24-hour claims intake center
long it takes to stop, where the blind spots at 1-877-346-0300 or [email protected]
are and how heavy a truck can feel on the
road,” Plotzer explains. For more information on any Crawford service, contact:
Harrison Tisdal at 615-221-5900 or [email protected]
Dave Huneryager, president & CEO,

Tcoensutebrmaitt:an1-a8s7s7ig-3n4m6e-0n3t 0c0onotracctlaoimursa2lQ4e3-rhtF@oAuuLrLs.c2cl0raa1i7mwcsToEin.NctoNamkESeS E E T RU C K I N G N E W S • 17

Tennessee Trucking Execs
Gather for the

2017 TTA Convention

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Fla.

TTA’S Road Team Captains being acknowledged by TTA President, Dave Huneryager
18 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

Opening Reception

ELD Panel: Soona Lee, EROAD; Captain Brandon Douglas and Lieutenant Allen England,
Tennessee Highway Patrol; Dave Manning, TCW, Je Reed, Skyline Transportation; and
Tim Chelette, Big G Express and TTA Road Team Captain

Tennessee
Trucking
Foundation
Auction

Speaker Kevin Burch, ATA Chairman

Chris Spear, President & CEO, American Auction
Trucking Associations Closing
Event

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 19

Speaker Major Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor

TTA Chairman, Wayland Thomspon, FirstFleet, Major Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor

Kevin Burch, ATA Chairman, Jet Express and
Dave Manning, TCW, Inc.

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2017 TTA Convention

Captain Brandon Douglas, THP; Fleet Safety Grand Champion Matt Holmes,
Southern Champion Tray; and Wayland Thompson, FirstFleet

Clean Diesel Award—
Phillip Edwards, Titan

2017 Safety Professional of the Year— Maintenance Professional of the Year—
Kristene Turner, Brown Trucking Gerry Mead, U.S. Xpress
Company
CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 21



2017 TTA Convention

2017 Clean Diesel Award Winners

• Averitt Express, Inc. • Titan Transfer, Inc.

• M&W Transportation Co., Inc. • U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

• TCW, Inc.

Mike McFarlin, M & W Transportation Co, Inc.;
Michael Shipman, Vertical Alliance Group;
Keith Rowe Peterbilt Motors Company;
Greg Shipman, Vertical Alliance Group

Mitch Fisher, Cummins, Inc., Sean Dickerson, Regions Insurance Group, Inc.,
Rep. Pat Marsh, Big G Express, Inc.; Corey Lile, Occusure Workers Compensation,
Edward Coble, Neely Coble Company, Inc.; Randy Nucklos, Regions Insurance Group, Inc.,
Neal Heath, Occusure Workers’ Compensation
John Hinesley, Meritor, Inc.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 23

2017 Road Team Captains with TTA’s Safety Director Edmond Sorrell

Renee and Adam Harrell, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions and Patrick Eakins, ENGS Equipment Finance; Cory Koslin, Insurance
Jay Johnson, McGri Tire Company, Inc. Information Exchange; and Steve Davis, PeopLease Corporation

Joyce and Je Reeves, Reeves Brothers Trucking, Inc. and Stan Evans, Dave and Betsy Manning, TCW, Inc. with Tommy Higginbotham,
Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. Ozark Motor Lines, Inc.

24 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

Allied Professional 2017 TTA Convention
of the Year—
Jim Briggs Captain Brandon Douglas,
of Advanced Tennessee Highway
Ergonomics— Patrol; Je Reed, Skyline
presented by Transportation; and
Captain Brandon Wayland Thompson,
Douglas FirstFleet

Truck Pac Reception—Wayland Thompson, Troy Dickens, Rush Truck Center,
FirstFleet; Rep. Pat Marsh, Big G Express; Nashville; Gilbert Hanks, Auto
Sen. Paul Bailey, Charles Bailey Trucking, Inc; Carrier Express, Inc.
and Dale Allen, Adams and Reese

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Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 25



Thank you,

TTA Convention Sponsors!

DIAMOND SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS

Vertical Alliance Group, Inc. 5 Star Compliance of USA
Altria Client Services, Inc.
FOUNDATION AUCTION FindATruckerJob.com
CLOSING PARTY SPONSOR Fleetco, Inc.
Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
Occusure Workers’ Compensation INA Towing Network, LLC
McGriff Tire Company, Inc.
PLATINUM SPONSORS Meritor, Inc.

Adams and Reese LLP BRONZE SPONSORS
American Trucking Associations
FedEx Freight Corporation Alley-Cassetty Truck Center
Freightliner Trucks LLC and TN Dealers Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
• Freightliner Trucks Bellenfant, PLLC
• Neely Coble Company, Inc. Nashville BMO Transportation Finance
• Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga Bose Corporation
• Premier Truck Group of Knoxville Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs
• TAG Truck Centers, Memphis & Jackson Comdata Corporation
HELP Inc., Provider of PrePass Double Coin Tire / CMA, LLC
Navistar, Inc. (Tennessee International Dealers) DriverReach
• Cumberland International, Nashville, Murfreesboro Driving Ambition, Inc.
• Lee-Smith International, Chattanooga Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc.
• Landmark International, Knoxville, Cookeville, Morristown FirstBank
• Tri-State International, Union City, TN, Murray, KY, Oak Grove, KY & Insurance Information Exchange
J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Bowling Green, KY JOST International
• Volunteer International, Jackson Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP
Peterbilt Motors Company King & Ballow
UPS Love’s Travel Stops
Volvo Trucks North America / The Tennessee Volvo Dealers Lytx DriveCam
• Nacarato Volvo GP, LaVergne, TN McNAbb, Bragorgos, Burgess and Sorin, PLLC
• General Truck Sales & Service, Memphis, TN Orbcomm
• Worldwide Equipment Inc., Chattanooga, Crossville & Knoxville, TN People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.
Pinnacle Bank
GOLD SPONSORS Pressure Systems International
Regions Insurance, Inc.
Bendix Commercial Vehicles Systems, LLC Rush Truck Center, Nashville
Best One Tire & Service S&E Productions
Bridgestone Comercial Solutions Shell Lubricants
Clarke Power Services Shepherd Insurance LLC
Cummins, Inc. SmartDrive Systems
Eaton Corporation Star Leasing Company
Great West Casualty Company TA/Petro
Joe Morten & Son, Inc. The Peterbilt Store, Knoxville, North Georgia
Kenworth Dealers in Tennessee Trailer Sales of Tennessee, LLC
Triad Freightliner of Tennessee, LLC
• MHC Kenworth Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.
• Kenworth Truck Company
• PACCAR Financial Corporation Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 27
Mack Trucks, Inc.
McMahon Truck Centers – Nashville
Omnitracs, LLC
PeopLease Corporation
Pilot Flying J

Sometimes People AAA Cooper Transportation
Must Come Together Ability TriModal Transportation Services
for a Mission
Acklie Charitable Foundation
Thank You Alabama Trucking Association
American Moving and Storage Association
Since 1954, the American Transportation Research Institute and its American Trucking Associations
predecessor have been the trucking industry’s source for scientific data and
analysis on the many high priority issues facing freight transportation today. ArcBest Corporation
The people and companies listed here are our core contributors, annual Arkansas Trucking Association
donors who have come together in this mission to help the industry as a
whole. If you or your company has not contributed in the past, now is the Bill Graves
time to step up and do your part. Boyle Transportation
Step up and leave your footprint for the good of the industry.
Visit www.atri-online.org to explore your giving opportunities. BR Williams
Bulldog Hiway Express
Photo: NASA C.H. Robinson Worldwide
Canadian Trucking Alliance

Cargo Transporters
Colorado Motor Carriers Association

Combined Transport
Con-way Inc.
C.R. England
Cummins Inc.

Dupre Transportation
Elliott Brothers Truck Lines, Inc.

Estes Express
FedEx Corporation
Florida Trucking Association
G&P Trucking Company
Garner Transportation Group
Georgia Motor Trucking Association

Gordon Trucking
Great West Casualty Company

Groendyke Transportation
HELP, Inc.

Idaho Trucking Association
Illinois Trucking Association
Indiana Motor Truck Association
Iowa Motor Truck Association

J & M Tank Lines, Inc.
J.J. Keller & Associates
Kansas Motor Carriers Association
Kentucky Trucking Association

K-Limited Carrier, Ltd.
Longistics

Maine Motor Transport Association
Marcello & Kivisto, LLC

Maryland Motor Truck Association
Maverick Transportation

Minnesota Trucking Association
Mississippi Trucking Association

Missouri Trucking Association
Motor Carrier Service, Inc.

Motor Transport Association of Connecticut
Nevada Trucking Association

New Hampshire Motor Transport Association
New Mexico Trucking Association

New York State Motor Truck Association
Ohio Trucking Association

Oklahoma Trucking Association
Old Dominion Freight Line

Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association
Penske Transportation Components
Pitt Ohio
Prime, Inc.
Rhode Island Trucking Association
Schneider National
Shorty and Ro Whittington
South Carolina Trucking Association
Southeastern Freight Lines

Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association
TAEC Region II

Tennessee Trucking Association
Texas Trucking Association
Tommy Hodges
TransAm Trucking
TransSafe Consulting
Trimac Transportation
UPS
Usher Transport
Ventura Transfer Company

Vermont Truck and Bus Association
Volvo Trucks North America
Walmart Transportation
Watkins & Shepard Trucking

West Virginia Trucking Association
Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association

WTAEC
Wyoming Trucking Association

YRC Worldwide

Tennessee Trucking Association’s

Road Team

Tom Bell, retired UPS; Nancy Morris, Sumner
Co. Schools; and Mark Copas, FedEx Freight at
Westmoreland High School for Drowsy Driving
Presentation

2016-2017 Tennessee Road Team Captains pose with Troy Dickens of Rush Truck Christy McClain, TCW; Vic Donoho, Director of THSO;
Center Nashville and Cleve McCord, Sharp Transport kick o Drowsy
Driving Campaign at Dickson Safety Break
Mark Copas, FedEx
Freight; Eddie Threlkeld,
HUB Group Trucking;
Cleve McCord, Sharp
Transport with Kevin
Morris’ Drivers Ed Class in
Lawrence County

Beth Smith, Old Dominion Freight Line at Boys and Girls Clubs of Knoxville

Mike Brewer, Old Dominion Freight Line; Cleve McCord, Sharp Josh Dopp, UPS at
Transport; Mark Copas, FedEx Freight and Christy McClain, TCW, Jacksboro Elementary
with Spring Hill Police O cers at Pay It Forward Event in Spring Hill
Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 29

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Tennessee Trucking Association’s Road Team

Je Shinholster, HUB Group Trucking and Mark Copas, FedEx Freight at White House High School

John Sherow, Covenant Transport, Tim Arthur, Goggin Christy McClain, TCW at Franklin High School Drivers Ed Students
Warehousing and Je Shinholster, HUB Group Trucking help with
the Silent Auction at TTA Convention

Tim Cheletete, Big G Express gives Eddie Threlkeld, HUB Group Trucking; Tim Tim Chelette, Big G Express sits on ELD Panel
presentation at Lebanon High School Chelette, Big G Express; Tom Bell, retired UPS; at TTA Annual Convention
Stephanie Scarborough, TTU; Mark Copas, FedEx;
Cleve McCord, Sharp Transport; and Robert Barrett,
Milan at Teen Institute

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 31

MemberSpotlight

Jim Briggs

of Advanced Ergonomics

An industrial athlete and recipient of TTA’s 2017 Allied Professional of the Year Award

BY RENEE MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

He’s an interesting mix, Jim Briggs. A former law instead. Such a device not only protects the workers’ fingers, but
enforcement officer with a degree in Criminal Justice and because it is held at chest height, it minimizes vulnerability to
Business Law he found his way into the transportation industry the shoulder. When TCW equipped their workers with the “S”
through his other degree in Occupational Therapy. An odd shaped leverage pipe bars, their injury rate dropped significantly.
pairing, to be sure. Yet, both are true to the personal values In fact, there have only been 2 injuries in the past 5 years.
that he holds. A native Tennessean, Briggs started out in the
transportation industry by working with injured employees Prior to joining Advanced Ergonomics, Briggs served as
on the Nashville Roadway docks in an attempt to successfully the National Director of Employment Testing for the largest
return them to work following injury. Briggs wants to make outpatient healthcare service in the nation. He has been able
things better for the people around him. Whether it’s protecting to use his vast knowledge of ergonomics and apply it to the
them from harm in his community, or developing and designing trucking industry in a way that protects workers, and provides
solutions to keep them safe in their work environments, Briggs a risk management solution for TTA Carrier companies facing
has a heart for his community.

A recent recipient of the Allied Professional of the Year award,
Briggs is modest in his self-appraisal. When asked why he
thinks he received the award, he hems and haws, then suggests
that others be asked. “I’m good at company promotion, but not
good at self-promotion,” he says with obvious humility. The
award, given by the Tennessee Trucking Association to members
who have shown outstanding achievement in support of Fleet
Safety/Management, seeks to promote standards of quality and
performance within TTA Allied member companies and who
show outstanding support to TTA Carrier member companies.
While Briggs isn’t forthcoming in self-promotion, he has, in
his professional role at Advanced Ergonomics, Inc. as Vice
President of Business Development and as an active member of
the TTA been instrumental in supporting TTA Carrier member
companies through his efforts on safety in the workplace.

Take TCW, for example. TCW, a trucking company out of
Nashville, TN, and a member of TTA, was in consultation with
Advanced Ergonomics because of a high number of shoulder
injury claims. With analysis, Briggs noted that the shoulder
injuries were a result of the way in which workers opened trailer
doors. A suggestion was made for workers to use a leverage
bar to assist in the opening of the doors. Briggs improved that
idea by proposing the use of an “S” shaped leverage pipe bar

32 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

too many workers compensation claims. A frequent writer and spending time with the fishermen out on the sea in order to

national speaker in the field of safety, ergonomics, and employee be in the actual environment where observations of their job

testing, Briggs is currently writing an article about the other responsibilities could be accurately made. When Briggs was

side of ergonomics, and says that “Ergonomics has to do with dropped off at an island in the Aleutian Islands after his Bering

designing the workplace to fit the worker. Testing, on the other sea adventure, to wait out another round of hurricane winds,

hand, is identifying the worker that fits the workplace.” The he spent time with the indigenous people there. He uses that

two go hand in hand but there are only so many ergonomic adventure as grist for the mill as he continues to try to make a

adaptations that can be made to keep a worker safe. For instance, difference in the industry by reducing unnecessary claims and

there are times when a local driver may not know that there continuing to secure the safety of workers. Briggs actually hopes

is no dock at the facility where they will be delivering their he’s working himself out of a job – or, at least, eliminating the

freight. In that situation, they must have the physical ability need for people in his line of work, because that will mean safety

needed for unloading. No ergonomic solution can mitigate for those in the industry. He also envisions that the increase in

that requirement. Testing insures, as much as possible, that the robotic warehousing will lead to more cross-docking stations

worker has the physical capacity to meet needs that might be which will help protect workers, and the rise in autonomous

required from the job even though they may not be a regular trucks will not only promote the safety of drivers, but the

part of the job. motoring public as well.

As part of his deep care for the In addition to receiving the Allied

trucking industry Briggs is clear Prior to joining Advanced Ergonomics, Professional of the Year Award, Briggs has
that when he is a member of an Briggs served as the National Director served on the ATA Safety Management
organization like TTA, he is a of Employment Testing for the largest Council and served as Allied Committee
servant of that organization. In other outpatient healthcare service in the nation. Chairman in 2010-2011. Beyond his
words, being a member of TTA is contributions to the trucking industry,
He has been able to use his vast knowledge Briggs gives his heart and service to his
not about using TTA as a vehicle

for achieving personal business and of ergonomics and apply it to the trucking Tennessee community as well. In his

financial gain from the members industry in a way that protects workers, church he serves as a deacon and as the

of the organization. It’s about and provides a risk management solution Director of Finance. He has also recently
immersing himself in the community for TTA Carrier companies facing too many been involved in implementing a security
of the organization by really caring protocol for the congregation. For four
about what TTA does. For Briggs, workers compensation claims. years he has served as a certified teacher of

serving in an organization means the “With Hope in Mind” family education

just that. Service. Service to and for and support program of the National

the members of the organization. This involves not only taking Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and is a current Board member

on shared tasks, but being aware of when to step back so that of that organization.

others have a voice. For example, when Briggs took on the role of When you look at Briggs’ resume there are two professional

developer of the by-laws for the Allied Committee, he completed objectives listed: 1) to achieve the highest level of practical

the task given to him, but modeled his desire to collaborate and knowledge related to Physical Abilities Testing, and 2) to

promote the gifts of others by suggesting that someone other than assist in passing that information on to colleagues and other

himself serve as the Committee Chair. health professionals interested in the cardiovascular and

At one point in his career, Briggs was asked to go to the musculoskeletal system’s relationship to human performance

Bering Sea in near hurricane conditions to assess ways to and the industrial athlete. Briggs is his own industrial athlete,

reduce injuries of long haul fishermen. The fishing companies giving of his heart and soul to the trucking industry – a man

hired people out of Seattle but needed a way to assess who fits well the criteria of the Allied Professional of the Year

physical qualifications before putting new hires on boats. Award – a member of TTA who gives his best for the good of all,

Briggs conducted endurance studies and job task analysis by from the Bering Sea to Tennessee. TTN

Q3 FALL 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 33

New Calendar of Events Tennessee Trucking News

TTA Members ADVERTISING
RESOURCE INDEX
CARRIERS NOVEMBER
• AllSource Transportation, LLC. November 1 Q3 FALL 2017
• Don Shipper, LLC NATMI – Transportation Risk Management
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November 23-24 Holiday Great West Casualty Co. Inside front cover
TTA O ce Closed – Thanksgiving
Navistar/International Inside back cover
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Lite-Check 25
December 22 & 25 Holiday
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TTA’s Road

Team

Carrying Loads This edition of Tennessee Trucking News
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corporate advertisers, all TTA members.
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34 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2017

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around for the long haul.

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NEW AND PRE-OWNED SALES l SERVICE l MOBILE SERVICE l ALL-MAKES PARTS l COLLISION CENTER l CAR HAULER l LEASING l FINANCING l INSURANCE

Expect more. Rush Truck Center – Nashville is part of North America’s largest network of heavy-
and medium-duty truck dealerships, representing industry-leading brands including Peterbilt.
We offer an extensive inventory of parts and accessories and are staffed by ASE-certified service
professionals who provide skilled maintenance and repair for all makes and models.

Contact us today to see why no one offers you more.

800-489-7403
Rush Truck Center – Nashville
900 Expo Drive l Smyrna, Tennessee 37167

800-489-7403 toll free l 615-220-7777 direct l 615-220-7625 fax

2017 Rush Enterprises, Inc. 0116-0317-RTC Tennessee Trucking News Ad