Tennessee Trucking News Q2 Summer 2017 -- Rep. Pat Marsh (R-Tenn.) of Big G Express

truckingTENNESSEE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE TENNESSEE
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q2 SUMMER 2017

$4.95 VALUE

NEWS

ELD Mandate:
Is It ‘Shock & Awe’?

Parking
Problems
TTA’s Road

Team

Carrying Loads
& Legislation

Pat Marsh moves easily between the
boardroom and the House chamber

MemberSpotlight SCOTT SCHUMPERT / CARR, RIGGS & INGRAM

800.228.8602 Knowledge is Power

gwccnet.com Not All Trucking Companies Are Alike

Trucking is all we do. When you choose Great West to insure your trucking
business, you are getting over 60 years of experience in the trucking industry.

Our agents work with you. Not every insurance agent can represent Great
West. With a keen focus on the trucking industry, our agents are knowledgeable,
dependable, and responsive. They understand your needs and work with you to
match the right coverage and level of service for your trucking operation.

Do one thing, and do it right. Our agents can guide you through the process and
customize a plan to provide you the broadest protection possible. You can also feel
confident knowing that our agents’ service begins, not ends, with the issuance of
your policy.

GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY – No matter where the road takes you, you
will discover that at Great West, The Difference is Service®.

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

IMAGES ON COVER AND THIS PAGE OF PAT MARSH BY CLAY COOK. Q2 SUMMER 2017

COVER

18 Carrying Loads & Legislation
Representative Pat Marsh (R-Tenn.),
Big G Express, moves easily
between the boardroom and the
House chamber

BY STEVE BRAWNER

FEATURES

9 Will ELD Mandate
Be the ‘Shock & Awe’
That Raises Rates?
ELDs potentially reduce fleet
capacity, increase rates and reduce
detention times

BY STEVE BRAWNER

13 Parking Problems
The issue of parking climbs higher
in ranking for five straight years

BY STEVE BRAWNER

27 TTA’s Road Team

BY CATHERINE STUART

32 Member Spotlight: 
Scott Schumpert of Carr,

Riggs & Ingram

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

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 3

When Neely B. Coble and his
son opened the doors of Neely
Coble Company in 1951,

there were few truck dealerships to model the
business after. However, with great foresight, they
knew they could offer the Tennessee trucking
industry a valued service.
Neely Coble Company was built on the premise
that “the customer comes first!” After adding over
60 years of truck experience and the progressive
ideas of today’s technology, there are few dealer-
ships that can offer your business more support!
One man’s dream has become a full service
Freightliner, Isuzu & Sprinter dealership offering
parts, service and an excellent inventory of new & used trucks. Neely Coble Company also provides a highly expe-
rienced sales force and state-of-the-art body shop. We may have grown substantially since 1951, but our objective is
still the same…

Quality you can depend on,
from a name you can trust!

Nashville, TN - (615)244-8900 - (800)367-7712
Decatur, AL - (256)350-1630 - (800)433-6351

www.neelycoble.com

truckingTENNESSEE Chairman’s Message
NEWS
Don’t you hate those folks that start off a conversation with ‘I was
Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association reading a good book the other day’? Well… I was reading a good book the other
day! It was a biography about John Wayne, one of the greatest cowboys ever. He went
Tennessee Trucking News is owned by the Tennessee Trucking through trials throughout his life: three divorces; money problems; health issues; and
Association and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing others struggles, just like us all. He, like most of us truckers, just kept climbing in the
saddle every day and worked hard and played hard.
Group. For additional copies, to order reprints of individual
articles or to become a subscriber to Tennessee Trucking As I read through the book, John Wayne - the Life and Legend, I thought about our
News, contact Carol Foster at [email protected] drivers who saddle up every day. They have to be some of the hardest working group
of modern day cowboys and cowgirls out there. They get to explore this great country
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake every day while representing our companies to everyone they meet. They do it with
[email protected] respect, attention to detail, and as efficiently as they possibly can. They might get beat up
in traffic delays, congestion, and delays at depart and delivery. But they still get up, dust
Executive Editor Dave Huneryager themselves off and saddle back up and do the same thing day after day, no complaints
[email protected] because that’s their job. My guess is that they do it because they love what they do. Here
is what got me about the comparison of truck drivers and John Wayne: for the most part
Art Director C. Waynette Traub they are always in a good moods; positive; and as hard working as anybody in the work
[email protected] force. I guess if I were to ask you for anything, it would be to thank drivers for what
they do. They have “GRIT” and we all know what they do and what they go through.
Photographers Larry Kuzniewski How often do we let them know how much we really appreciate them? I can tell you
Caleb Shane Lollar not enough. Drivers are the salt and light of our companies and the Tennessee Trucking
Tiffany Thrasher Lyles Association, so let them know it.
John David Pittman
In closing, I would like to share what is engraved on John Wayne’s tombstone:
Catherine Stuart “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight very clean. It’s
perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner from yesterday.”
Kelly Cargill Crow
As a kid growing up I loved John Wayne. As a grown up trucking executive, I love truck
Sam Eifling drivers! Thanks to all the drivers out there for all you do! You all are great Americans, and
Eric Francis you were making America great long before it was a political cliché!
Jennifer Barnett Reed
John Schulz Thanks again,
Todd Traub

Illustrator Brent Bennett
[email protected]

Ad Production Doug Benjamin
Deah Chisenhall

www.TNTrucking.org
Tennessee Trucking Association Staff

President & CEO
Dave Huneryager
[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 affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) has served as the voice for Tennessee’s Wayland Thompson
trucking industry since 1930. TTA is a trade association dedicated to the Chairman FirstFleet and TTA Chairman
furtherance of the trucking industry’s goals and interests in Tennessee and the [email protected]
United States. Our membership is a diverse group comprised of motor carriers,
both public and private, and companies providing products and services to the Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 5
industry. TTA serves these companies as a governmental affairs representative
before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of government on issues
that affect 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 It is that time again!

WAYLAND THOMPSON As many of you who have attended our Annual Convention at the
Hilton Sandestin resort in the past can attest, the beautiful beaches
FirstFleet, Inc. of the Gulf Coast, the terrific shopping, dining and entertainment; the
location is a perfect getaway for September. Now is the time to start planning
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
to attend our 86th annual event. It will be held September 17-19 and the date is rapidly
President & CEO Secretary approaching.
DAVE HUNERYAGER JIM MOSBY
Tennessee Trucking Association I am particularly proud to announce this year’s keynote speaker; Major Dan Rooney.
FirstBank He is founder of Folds of Honor, and his is an amazing story! I would encourage each of
you to take some time to visit his website — www.foldsofhonor.org — to see what I mean.
ATA State Vice President Treasurer He will highlight our opening morning with a presentation followed by a book signing.
SCOTT GEORGE SCOTT SCHUMPERT Auction items will be designated for specific contributions to his scholarship effort, and it
TCW, Inc. Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPSs is a presentation that all attendees are encouraged to attend.

TruckPAC Co-Chairman East Tenn. Vice Chairman Once again this year our convention auction committee is ably being led by Greg
DAVE MANNING Jeff Reed Shipman of the Vertical Alliance Group. Many of your companies are using their platform
TCW, Inc. and they are one of our most utilized endorsed programs. Please listen when Greg and
Skyline Transportation his committee members reache out to you looking for items for the auction. The generous
donations are greatly appreciated and the proceeds from the auction make the work of
TruckPAC Co-Chairman Middle Tenn. Vice Chairman Tennessee’s Road Team possible. The great work they do under Catherine’s direction
TERRY MINOR MIKE MCFARLIN continues to grow and expand its reach. Please consider donating an item so this effort
can continue!
Cumberland International M & W Transportation Co., Inc.
Trucks, Inc. Southeast Tenn. Vice We continue to work hard at the focus of the convention, driven by member input.
Chairman It has lead to a greater number of attendees and has improved the value for our allied
TTF President CONNIE VAUGHAN members who solidly support this event every year. Now is the time to thank them for this
TOMMY HODGES support which allows us to offer the world class speakers and networking opportunities
Titan Transfer, Inc. McKee Foods Transportation, you have come to expect. A listing of those already committed to sponsorship are in the
Allied Vice Chairman LLC enclosed brochure!

TROY DICKENS West Tenn. Vice Chairman The Mission of the Tennessee Trucking Association is to serve motor carriers with
Rush Truck Center, Nashville JASON HIGGINBOTHAM excellence and integrity. Your association is constantly working to find new ways to bring
Immediate Past Chairman Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. value to your companies and your membership. Our talented staff of Edmond, Carol,
Catherine and Donna work hard every day on your behalf and we look forward to being
JOHN ROSS Non-Domiciled Vice with you as we mark another convention year. Now is the time to plan on attending this
Milan Supply Chain Solutions Chairman very important event! We look forward to having you with us!

General Counsel NICK D’ANDREA Dave Huneryager
C. DALE ALLEN UPS President, Tennessee Trucking Association
Adams and Reese LLP [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS AT LARGE BILL BOB WEST
R.E. West, Inc.
BRAD ALLEN
Venture Express JIM BRIGGS
Advanced Ergonomics, Inc.
BETH FRANKLIN
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

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 7

TA Petro
(new)

Untitled-2 1 6/12/17 4:22 PM

Will ELD Mandate
Be the ‘Shock & Awe’
That Raises Rates?

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The electronic logging device mandate could “If we lose 3 percent of the capacity in the trucking
industry, it would be like armageddon,” he said.
create the “shock and awe” needed to reduce
Delco said the industry has been in the midst of a
fleet capacity and increase freight rates, freight recession that began in May 2015 after several
factors in 2013-14 led to an inventory glut: tighter
while it also could provide the industry a hours of service rules, increased e-commerce, the
“polar vortex” weather event, and rail and port issues.
wealth of data leading to reduced detention Shippers and receivers responded to these events by
increasing their inventories, which meant contract
times. rates were good at the start of 2015. Then shippers
Those were some of the takeaways from the realized they had too much inventory, and rates have
never recovered. If the ELD mandate reduces capacity,
Trucking Owners Business Roundtable June 22 in they will.
Nashville, an event featuring leaders in government
relations, economics, and finance. The mandate takes effect Dec. 18. Carriers who have
already switched to ELDs could have an advantage.
The ‘shock and awe’ comment came from Brad The result will be massive consolidation during the
Delco, a managing director of the Stephens Inc. next two to 10 years,” Delco said.
investment firm in Little Rock, Ark. Using numbers
from ACT Research, Delco said the mandate could “If truckers cannot outrun you in terms of miles,
remove the equivalent of 56,000 trucks from the road, which has effectively been the massive reason for
reducing for-hire fleet capacity by 7 percent and the diseconomies of scale in this industry, we actually
trucking sector’s total capacity by 3.7 percent. He
said that $49 billion of capacity could be lost – the
equivalent of the less-than-truckload and domestic
intermodal sectors combined.

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 9

-0300 oriCmcnOlTdaaNyuoiTmssItsNeruesUyab,Ee”lDcmehoFreniRttso@OaamMiundiPs.eAa.scGsorsEafi9gwscncamole.eccnoomtmceoinnttoacthtios ur 2ain4nd-ehucdsotourtyralhclyalastianmlekvesedirnasbteaoeknuett,”hcHaetnewltleeerraslawati:ady.s will know which shippers and receivers are
abusing drivers’ time, but it’s unclear what
Previous studies have pointed to regulatory authority the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration will have.
ord servincueEm,LceDorisncaatllaspcortwo: oHilflatghriravitessmohnioptTpoerirscsdaaarnrlide6r1s5-221-592e0x00c0e1osrsbiyvhetahdrereitFseenodtneior_antlitsMidmoaetlos@.rOuCnsa.ercririnearwinScaofe.ctyom Under the MAP-21 transportation funding
act passed in 2012, the agency can regulate
receivers are detaining trucks too long, Administration (FMCSA) connected wait shippers, receivers and intermediaries
who coerce drivers into violating hours of
said Dave Heller, the Truckload Carriers time to crash involvement. Heller said a service laws, but whether or not detention
time is coercion has yet to be answered.
Association’s vice president, government white paper by J.B. Hunt found drivers Congressional action may be required.

affairs, during a panel discussion that also could add 44,475 miles annually if they Implementation of the long-awaited
mandate now appears all but certain
included TCA’s president, John Lyboldt. weren’t spending so much time waiting. after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to
rule on a suit challenging it. By Dec. 16,
“There will be data generated that this Heller said compliance review officers 2019, even fleets with a “grandfathered”
exception will be required to purchase the
HEYARE YOU products. A list of 62 compliant devices
LOOKING AT ME? has been released, but equally important
will be a list of noncompliant devices
Yeah, advertising works! in which fleets must not invest, Heller
said. Meanwhile, states are in the middle
For more information contact our of what he called an “enforcement trial
publisher, Jennifer Matthews-Drake, period.” While the federal government is
at [email protected]. recommending noncompliant fleets be
placed out of service for 10 hours, it’s yet to
Getting freight delivered on time is the top be determined what happens during that
priority of the transportation industry. time.

But when an accident occurs, the roadblocks of getting “I think enforcement is going to be the
a claim handled can make your careful timeline grind to major issue here,” he said.
a halt. That’s why Crawford®’s Transportation Services
are there for you with the total solution to get your The ELD mandate also will be a driving
cargo and your schedule back on track. force regarding mergers and acquisitions,

Crawford & Company® Seth Wilson with Headhaul Capital Partners.

has been an industry-leading provider PHOTO BY STEVE BRAWNER
of services to the trucking industry
for almost 75 years.

To submit an assignment contact our 24-hour claims intake center
at 1-877-346-0300 or [email protected]

For more information on any Crawford service, contact:
Harrison Tisdal at 615-221-5900 or [email protected]

ebrmaitt:an11-a08s7•s7iTg-E3nN4mN6eE-0SnS3t E0cE0oTnoRtraUccCtlKaoIimNuGrsa2Nl4eE [email protected]

according to a panel of experts in that cannot write their own regulations related eventful session. With the IMPROVE
field. Seth Wilson with Headhaul Capital to trucking issues such as meal and rest Act, Gov. Bill Haslam and legislators
Partners, a private equity firm, agreed periods. Fleets do not want to operate raised $350 million for transportation
with Delco that the mandate will lead among a patchwork of state laws regarding infrastructure by passing a six-cent
to significant consolidation, while Mark these matters. However, neither the House gasoline tax increase and 10-cent diesel tax
Niznik, an investment banker with Linx nor the Senate bills include such language. increase along with increases in natural
Partners, said fleets that want to be Heller said a “rather large coalition” is gas taxes and registration fees. It was the
acquired must be compliant at this point. looking at other options. first increase since 1989. Meanwhile, $410
million in other taxes were cut.
Autonomous vehicles were another The Nashville-based conference
major topic of conversation at the occurred a little more than a month after Dave Huneryager, president and CEO
Roundtable. The National Highway Traffic the state Legislature adjourned after an of the Tennessee Trucking Association,
Safety Administration has already issued
its policy, while FMCSA is expected to do Natural gas
so soon. Heller said “just about every one” fuel solutions
of the government’s trucking regulations
must be adjusted. Still to be answered Pivotal LNG is committed to providing customers
are questions related to liability and with liquefied natural gas supply 24 hours a day,
cybersecurity. 365 days a year. Contact us to design a flexible,
cost-effective solution for your fleet.
“I’ll tell you now, the conversations
lean towards driver-assist technology. pivotallng.com | 713.300.5116 | [email protected] | Follow us on
For those that sit there and say they’re
hearing rumors that drivers are going to © 2017 Southern Company. All rights reserved. Do not reuse text or graphics without written permission. PLNG-15905
be replaced by robots, it’s simply not true,”
he said.

The financial experts took a dim view of
autonomous vehicles’ near-term prospects.
Wilson likened it to his business school
classmates 20 years ago who focused on
online grocery delivery, a market that has
yet to develop.

Wilson said private investors without
previous experience in transportation
are calling to inquire about the industry.
However, the market for selling a
motor carrier is only “in decent shape,”
said Paul Jones, an investment banker
with Raymond James & Associates.
Fleet owners considering selling their
companies should be flexible, prepared
and transparent. As Craig Decker of Wolfe
Capital Markets and Advisory explained,
“Uncertainty brings about time, and time
is the killer of all transactions.”

Among the other federal issues of
interest to the trucking industry is
the Federal Aviation Administration
Authorization Act, often known in the
industry as “FAAAA.” The motor carrier
industry is hoping this year’s bill will be
used to reaffirm the principle that states

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 11

PHOTOS BY STEVE BRAWNER

Dave Huneryager; Dave Heller, TCA vice president, government affairs; and John Bill Reed with Skyline Transportation makes a comment from the audience.
Lyboldt, TCA president.

said the bill passed after a nine-hour floor year. Of that, trucks account for 6.9 billion, communities rely exclusively on trucks
session with the help of a popular governor or 9.5 percent. However, the industry pays for their freight needs. One in 13 jobs is
and through a coalition of Republicans 37 percent of all road-related taxes. He transportation related.
and Democrats over the objections of anti- said 14,200 motor carriers are registered
tax Republicans. in the state and that 85 percent have five The Roundtable was sponsored by
trucks or less. About 143,000 people have the accounting firm of Katz Sapper &
Huneryager told the audience that a commercial driver’s license in Tennessee, Miller Transportation Services Group,
Tennessee has 95,000 miles of interstates while 91 percent of all Tennessee KSM Transport Advisors, and the King &
on which drivers run 72.3 billion miles a Ballow law firm. TTN

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 Q2 SUMMER 2017

Parking
Problems

The issue of parking climbs higher
in ranking for five straight years

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

More than 3.4 million heavy-duty The issue ranked as the third most Brewster pointed to studies showing
important among commercial drivers but drivers are choosing to park early rather
Class 8 trucks travel the roads wasn’t even in the top 10 among motor than risk running out of hours, and they
carrier executives. But Rebecca Brewster, are spending a lot of time looking for a
in America, according to the ATRI president, said executives don’t really spot. A survey in Kansas of more than
consider truck parking a separate issue
American Trucking Associations, apart from infrastructure, “whereas for CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
commercial drivers, they live that problem
and all of them have to park. every day.”
Unfortunately, there’s not always enough
places to do that.

In the American Transportation
Research Institute’s 2016 “Critical Issues
in the Trucking Industry” survey, truck
parking ranked fourth behind the
electronic logging device mandate, the
hours of service rule and the cumulative
impact of regulations. Moreover, it’s
moving up the list – from fifth in 2015,
sixth in 2014 and 2013, and eighth in 2012.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 13

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 time a day, equaling 9,300 miles a year undesignated parking, whether that’s on
or $4,600 in earnings. The problem is a shoulder of the road or a highway exit
1,300 drivers found a majority spent an worse for drivers with electronic logging ramp or entrance ramp because there is
average of at least 30 minutes searching devices, 10.6 percent of whom in one study no available parking and they’re out of
for parking in that state. Another spent more than 30 minutes searching available hours to drive,” Brewster said.
study of more than 2,600 drivers by for parking compared to 5.7 percent who
the Mid America Association of State didn’t use the technology. Seven percent of The problem is more severe around
Transportation Officials found a similar drivers said they had received a ticket for major metropolitan areas where land is
result. In one ATRI case study involving parking on a shoulder or entrance ramp. more expensive despite the greater need.
148 drivers who completed diaries, drivers While there is available truck parking,
lost a median of 56 minutes of drive “It is alarming how many times drivers “It’s just not in the right places at the right
are forced to make the choice to park in times,” Brewster said.

In Tennessee, surveys done in concert
with the University of Tennessee and the
University of Memphis have shown that
some of the state’s most parking-poor
interstate areas include I-75 between
Cleveland and Athens, the I-40 and I-75
interchange in Knoxville, and I-40 near
Dandridge.

The state was involved in the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s
SmarkPark project, where various light,
laser and radar sensors detecting parking
availability were tested for effectiveness at
the I-75 rest area outside of Athens on mile
marker 45. Brad Freeze, director of the
Tennessee Department of Transportation’s
Traffic Operations Division, said further tests
were performed at a truck inspection station
on the same corridor of I-75. A message
board alerted approaching drivers as to
whether spaces at the rest area and inspection
station were available, limited or full.

Now the state is working with a U.S.
Department of Transportation grant to
make the technology less maintenance
intensive before installing it amongst more
of the state’s 482 public parking spaces.

Last year, the Federal Highway
Administration held a series of regional
meetings with a variety of stakeholders –
drivers, motor carriers, truck stop owners,
state departments of transportation and
others – the goal being to brainstorm
potential solutions to the problem. Among
the ideas presented was promoting
contractual relationships between private
operators and trucking fleets, said Tiffany
Wlazlowski Neuman, vice president of
public affairs for the National Association of

14 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017

It is alarming how many times drivers are forced to make the choice to park
in undesignated parking, whether that’s on a shoulder of the road or a highway exit

ramp or entrance ramp because there is no available parking and they’re out
of available hours to drive.” – Rebecca M. Brewster, ATRI

Truck Stop Operators (NATSO). A few state Neuman said her organization has funding laws passed by Congress, truck
departments suggested using highway funds suggested offering tax credits to stops that parking areas are eligible for federal
to construct parking next to existing private construct extra spots, which her members dollars. That’s because of a provision
truck stops that would then maintain them. have said can cost up to $10,000 each to build known as “Jason’s Law” in honor of Jason
The agency is compiling a report to distribute and maintain because they must be thick Rivenburg, a driver murdered in 2009
to attendees who will then divide into enough to withstand the 18-wheelers’ weight.
working groups to consider options. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Under the past two transportation

TRAILER
MAINTENANCE

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Single-user solutions that electronically
and remotely test trailer electrical, brake, and
ABS systems with state-of-the-art technology

that can inspect, diagnose, and track and
maintain reports.

SIMPLE TO USE, ACCURATE RESULTS!
LEARN MORE » WWW.LITE-CHECK.COM

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 15

tTrENuNESScEEkingNEWS OOT FRFFUTICCHKIEAI TNL EGMNAANSGESASOSZCEI NEI AET I O N CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 If truck stops and rest areas aren’t
available, drivers often are left with few
Q4 WINTER 2017 in South Carolina after parking at an choices: illegally parking on the side of
$4.95 VALUE abandoned gas station, the only place the interstate or a ramp, or at a private
available, 13 days before his wife gave birth business. Ryan Currell, a spokesman for
RegOsvUeprtdimatee to twins. The killer stole $7. Walmart, said stores’ parking policies are
based on their local ordinances.
TAenTnReI’sssTeoep-sTteynle, NATSO doesn’t want government
dollars spent on state-run commercial ATRI’s research has shown that
P&reTsriudceknint gTrRumegps stops with full amenities. These are illegal private truck stops are drivers’ preferred
under federal law except in 14 states that location to stop for their required 10-hour
ThFWoirmastytpFlsalTroenEnedNut,NEScSEEkingTTA’soRnotahdeTReoaamd $Q4TO.2O9RF5FSUFTUVCIHAMKCLEIMIUNATEELGERNMA2NSA0ESG1SOA7SCZEIIEANTEI O N were given “grandfather” status when the breaks. Through NATSO’s ParkMyTruck
NEWS law was passed. Neuman said private stops app, truck stops and other participating
cannot compete with these areas, which businesses survey their lots and report on
MemberSpotlight TERRY MINOR, CUMBERLAND INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS Is It ‘SEhLoDckM&anAdwaet’e?: she said actually reduce truck parking available parking.
rather than increase it. In 2010, NATSO
ProPbalrekminsg studied sections of interstates in states that Pilot Flying J has 31 Pilot and Flying
TTA’sTReoaamd had commercial rest areas and found they J travel centers in Tennessee with a
had two fewer spaces per mile because total of 2,222 parking spots, said Anne
REC&arLAreygiinslgaLtiooCands HMemberSpotblPoiagatrhMdrtaorsoShCmOmaTonTvdSetCshHeeaUHsMiolyPuEbsReeTtcw/heCaeAmnRbtRhe,erRIGGS & INGRAM private companies avoided building near LeZotte, senior manager, corporate
them. communications and public relations.
MORE Through the company’s Prime Parking
“Why would they invest in a place program, 14 of those locations offer
TRUCKING where they’re not going to be successful?” reserved spots located closer to the front
EXECS she said. of the travel centers. Costs range from
$12-$15. Drivers can see which spots
Than Anywhere Else! While state-run stops are problematic are available and book online at pfjpark.
for private companies, there are ways com, or make reservations through the
You’ll be in good company. states and the truck stop industry can company. Meanwhile, the company is
work together. Utah posts signs along the testing new parking sensors at some
Tennessee Trucking News is the ONLY interstate directing traffic to “safety rest locations, with a possible companywide
publication in Tennessee sure to provide you the areas,” which are private truck stops that rollout if the tests are successful.
biggest bang for your buck. All of our more than have agreed to remain open 24 hours with Nationwide, the company added 1,050
5,000 readers who see your ad are either your free restroom access and adequate parking. parking spaces at 17 locations in 2016
current customers, your hot prospects or people The Utah Department of Transportation’s while also purchasing 41 Wilco-Hess
who may refer you to potential customers. Make website says the partnership has saved locations with 3,360 spaces.
sure they see you in each edition to keep your taxpayers the costs of building new rest
company ‘top of mind’ to these folks. area facilities, each of whose annual TA Petro, meanwhile, has eight TA
cleaning contracts were $80,000 as of 2012. locations and two Petro Shopping Centers
And this is YOUR publication! Tennessee Trucking in Tennessee with a total of 1,300 parking
News tells your stories to their colleagues, Local challenges also face truck stop spots, said Tom Liutkus, senior vice
competitors and industry leaders. Tennessee operators. Some truck stops face zoning president, marketing and public relations
Trucking News also spreads the good news requirements that make it hard to expand with TravelCenters of America. Liutkus
about trucking—all of your success stories. It also their lots. One stop was told it would have said TA Petro also offers reserved parking
communicates with those who make decisions to pay for improvements to the exit ramp, at nine of those locations through its
that impact us—like elected officials and an expense it could not possibly afford, Reserve-It! program, which drivers can
regulatory agents both at the local and national NATSO’s Neuman said. In some cases, access online or in person. The company’s
level—to help educate all on the issues we face local residents oppose efforts because TruckSmart app keeps track of available
as an industry from our perspective. It’s just an of stereotypical views on what truck parking within a two-hour window.
outstanding resource! stops might bring to the community. In Nationwide, the company has added
the FHWA meetings, one conversation almost 800 parking spaces during the past
Be a part of Tennessee Trucking News and help involved creating best practices to help year, typically adding spaces as it adds
spread the word. And, rest-assured that while truck stop owners work through these facilities. TTN
you’re doing so, you will be in excellent company local issues.
alongside the first class TTA member companies
who’ve already made the smart decision to
market themselves via Tennessee Trucking News.

truckingTENNESSEE
NEWS

For more information contact our
publisher, Jennifer Matthews-Drake, at

[email protected].

16 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017



LoadsCarrying
& Legislation

Representative Pat Marsh (R-Tenn.),
Big G Express, moves easily between
the boardroom and the House chamber

BY STEVE BRAWNER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAY COOK

In 2009, Pat Marsh had “When I finally agreed to run, I said,
plenty on his plate. The company ‘OK, I’ll run, but I’m only going to run for
one year and I’m out of here,’” he said. “And
he had founded, Big G Express, was I’m in my eighth year now and planning on
instituting an employee stock ownership running again. I’ve met a lot of great people.
plan, and he was still active as its chairman I didn’t know anybody but one person, our
of the board. That’s when something he senator, in Nashville, and didn’t know much
never expected happened: People started about the process, didn’t understand what
asking him to run for the Legislature. they did, what we do, when we meet, and it’s
been very eye-opening, very interesting.”
At the time, Marsh had not paid much
attention to state politics. He didn’t know Marsh won the special primary election
the players and didn’t know how the in August of that year, easily defeating three
committee structure worked. But the calls Republican opponents, and then defeated a
were persistent and came from persuasive Democrat and an independent in October.
people, including his old University of His election gave Republicans a 51-48
Tennessee fraternity brother, U.S. Sen. majority moving into the 2010 elections,
Bob Corker. Marsh was, after all, a well- when the party solidified its majority
respected businessman. House District 62 and ensured it would have control of the
encompassed his hometown of Fayetteville legislative redistricting process following the
and the town where he lived and ran his census.
business, Shelbyville, so he knew a lot of
voters. At first, he wanted simply to donate It’s been an eventful eight years, including
money to another campaign, and when he this last one. The Tennessee Legislature
finally said yes, he didn’t intend to stay long. started meeting as usual the second Tuesday

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

18 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017

I THINK MY EXPERIENCE AS A BUSINESSPERSON
HAS GREATLY IMPACTED ME, BEING ABLE TO
SAY THAT I’VE MADE A PAYROLL, THAT I’VE
BOUGHT INSURANCE, THAT I’VE DEALT WITH
REGULATIONS, THAT I UNDERSTAND ABOUT
CONGESTION AND UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE
EPA AND ALL THE THINGS WE DEAL WITH ON
EMISSIONS ON TRUCKS.”
– PAT MARSH, (R-TENN.), BIG G EXPRESS

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 19

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 Marsh, 68, has helped pass other bills and cutting the sales tax on food by a total of
affecting the trucking industry, and he 40 percent.
in January and remained in session until maintains regular contact with the TTA,
May 10 as lawmakers and Gov. Bill Haslam which supported the fuel tax increase. This “I think my experience as a
wrestled with a combined fuel tax increase past year, he sponsored a bill allowing truck businessperson has greatly impacted me,
for highways paired with other tax cuts. platooning, where technology allows one being able to say that I’ve made a payroll,
After months of negotiations, the final truck to follow closely behind another with that I’ve bought insurance, that I’ve dealt
result was the IMPROVE Act, which will both braking simultaneously. Marsh also with regulations, that I understand about
raise $350 million for highways, roads and has carried bills regarding truck weighting. congestion and understand about the EPA
bridges through a six-cent gasoline tax Meanwhile, he said, “We’ve gotten a lot of and all the things we deal with on emissions
increase and 10-cent diesel tax increase things stopped before they get started that are on trucks,” he said.
along with a $100 registration fee for bad for trucking.”
electric cars and a $5 increase for annual He later added, “If government gets out
car registrations. Meanwhile, $410 million Moving forward, Marsh expects workers’ of our way, it just makes a good atmosphere
in other taxes were cut, including a food compensation insurance reform and for business. Then business will thrive on its
tax cut of 20 percent, lower franchise and autonomous truck legislation to be among own. Free enterprise and competition is what
excise taxes on businesses, and phasing the leading issues related to trucking. it’s all about.”
out the Hall income tax on interest from
bonds and stock dividends over the next But Marsh isn’t just pro-trucking; he’s Being in the Legislature is a part-time
five years. pro-business. His priorities are reducing job with a full-time commitment. Marsh
government, lessening regulations, and chairs the Business and Utilities Committee
“It was a net tax decrease with a tax lowering taxes – an effort made easier and serves on three others: Agriculture and
increase portion that is going to drastically because Tennessee is led by a governor with a Natural Resources, Calendar and Rules,
improve our roads,” Marsh said. business background. Since he was elected to and Joint Fiscal Review. The day after his
the Legislature, Marsh has helped pass several interview with Tennessee Trucking News,
Since being elected to the Legislature, tax cuts, including ending death and gift taxes he had three commitments – a lunch, a
Chamber of Commerce coffee for the Farm

More drivers prefer PrePass. Call 866-228-1424 and
mention promo code TTA or visit
The original weigh station bypass and electronic tolling solution. prepass.com/tn to try risk free.*

*Offer good for first-time PrePass customers only and does not include the tolling payment service. Service HELP Inc. is proud to support TTA and its members
contingent upon application approval. Carriers and operators must meet the minimum Inspection Selection
System safety score to qualify for PrePass. Qualified applicants will receive service transponder and one month
of service at no up-front cost. Service may be cancelled at any time. At the end of the trial period, service will
automatically renew at regular PrePass rates. Upon conclusion of service, transponder must be returned
within 30 days to PrePass or a $100 hardware fee will be assessed.

20 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017

“It was a net tax decrease with a tax increase portion
that is going to drastically improve our roads,”
– Pat Marsh (R-Tenn.), Big G Express

Bureau, and an event in Nashville. “He lets you know exactly where he him working for them, and with us, in the
It’s really more than he wants to do, but stands, so that goes a long way with fellow Legislature.”
legislators,” he said. “Because when Pat
despite his busy schedule, he said it’s worth it. says something, you can take it to heart, Marsh is able to balance his legislative
“Well, you get wrapped up in it,” he said. and when Pat usually has something to say, and professional responsibilities because
everybody pays attention.” others largely run Big G Express, and all
“You’ve got a lot of projects going on. I get the employees with three years of service
calls from a lot of people who need my help, Dave Huneryager, TTA’s president and own it. In 2009, the company instituted an
and I’ve found when a state rep calls one of CEO, said Marsh’s legislative work and employee stock ownership plan making
the departments in Nashville, they drop what trucking background benefit the industry. it 100 percent employee-owned. Marsh
they’re doing and take care of our people. The is chairman of the board, while Randy
state employees are unbelievably competent, “His work in the committees he serves Vernon is president with eight vice presidents
which I didn’t believe when I first went on are impacted by his life as a motor carrier beneath him.
up there. I thought they would be fat and operator, and it is reflected in the numerous
lazy, but they’re not. They’re educated and decisions he makes,” he said. “Further, The company’s 700 employees become
energetic and very smart.” even though he is not ‘specifically’ on the owners after three years and have seen Big G
House Transportation Committee, he is grow year after year. Last year, its value rose
One of his best friends in the Legislature, always asked by fellow members for his 35 percent.
Rep. Tim Wirgau (R-Paris), said Marsh is an trucking perspective. His constituents and
excellent communicator who is trusted and our association are very fortunate to have CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
respected.

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 21



CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Three years later, Marsh had an Inside Scoop
opportunity to make more money as a

salesman at a large LTL carrier, Kingsport-
based Mason-Dixon Truck Line, that covered
most of the eastern part of the United States.
It took a while for some employees to What’s your favorite food?
understand the value of their ownership. In Country cooking—fried
chicken, mashed
From where you sit ,fact,therewassomedistrustamongtherank potatoes, pinto
He would be based in Nashville with accounts beans and corn
in western and middle Tennessee and western bread
Kentucky. Goggin’s owners encouraged him
to take the job in order to further his trucking What was your
education, believing he eventually would first car? Ford
and file. Rumors spread that the company Grand Torino
was losing money.

But those concerns have evaporated.
Drivers now have a stake worth thousands of

TI M E I Sdollarsaccessibleonlywhentheyretire,die
or leave – a powerful recruiting and retention return. Tell us about your
wife and sons? Mary
“They knew what was going to happen,” and I have been married for 39 years
he said. “They knew I’d get sick of the big, lot and have 2 sons, Rob and John, and 4
of bosses, lot of rules and regulations.” grandchildren 5,3,1, and a new little girl
1 month old
They were right. A company the size of
Mason-Dixon had too much bureaucracy
tool. That knowledge has led to changes in
their outlook and behavior.

“They see that annual statement come out,
and it’s their company,” Marsh said. “They

M O N E Y.turntheirtrucksoff.Theydon’trunoutof
route. They try to help us get new business. for Marsh, and Nashville was too big for What is your most recently watched
They collect money quicker. It’s just all kinds the boy raised in Fayetteville. The company movie? The Beatles Documentary
of ideas coming about. It’s just been very did not allow employees to date, and that
rewarding and very happy for everybody.” became a problem when Marsh’s soon-to-be What is your favorite hobby? Golf

The path to Big G becoming an ESOP can wife, Mary, started working there. He had What’s the hardest piece of
legislation you’ve passed? Making
be traced back to Marsh’s earliest experiences stayed in contact with Goggin as an account Fantasy Sports legal in Tennessee
in the tru“ckTinhg iendulsetrystshatIlesd thiompin,to
he visited every month, and during those What is the best piece of advice you
received and from whom? Always tell
the more I make.”ownership and to seeing its benefits. visits the owners would ask him when he the truth from my Mom and Dad
After graduating from the University wanted to return. By 1978, they gave him
What is something our readers would
of Tennessee in-1S97co2twt iRth., aprdoeugdreePrinePass customaneropportunity to be a terminal manager find surprising about you? I was a
transportation, Marsh went to work at the and salesperson. The timing was right both

Ford automotive glass plant in Nashville, but professionally and personally.

he didn’t particularly enjoy the job. A number “I just said (to Mary), ‘I’ve got an football manager for the Tennessee Vols
while in college
of his college friends would call on him opportunity to go back to Shelbyville and

wanting to do business with Ford, and Marsh work for Goggin Truck Line. Let’s just leave Three words to describe himself?
Friendly, Fun and Hard-working
let it be known he was looking for other and get married and move to Shelbyville,’

opportunities. and she agreed. … I was just a really good

He soon learned less-than-truckload salesperson. I sold her on the idea,” he said. Marsh and Coffey had differing

carrier Goggin Truck Line had an opening. By 1981, the industry was deregulating, philosophies. Coffey didn’t like debt and

Goggin was the oldest truck line in which meant Goggin could finally grow was comfortable using old equipment, while

Tennessee, having begun operations in 1917, if its leadership wanted to pursue it. Marsh was ready to grow much faster. In

but even after all of those years, it only had Meanwhile, Marsh’s bosses were ready to 1989, the two split, with Marsh taking Goggin
The proven solution forgrown to six trucks and 12 trailers. Under the give him an even bigger opportunity. Lytle and Coffey taking Nationwide Express.
stifling rules that existed before the industry was ready to retire and had four daughters From there, Goggin began expanding
was deregulated, the firm had the authority

bypassing and to1ls savesonly to travel into three towns in middle
who weren’t interested in being trucking rapidly. Marsh hired good people, including
executives, so he offered to sell Marsh his his brother, Jack, paid them well, and bought
time, fuel and money.Tennessee and then haul freight to Nashville.
rLayttele855nth-eew9c9torm8u-cpk7asn2ayn7tdo7esqa|luePisprpmeroePnfetas.ssHiosenNsaololTdwopma.crmtoyomf
The carrier had two owners, Bud Lytle and
half. Marsh didn’t have any money, so
self-financed the deal at a low interest

Charlie Coffey, who was the head football with no money down. At the time, Goggin Hodges. Meanwhile, in 1995 Marsh and Jack

coach at Virginia Tech University from 1971 probably had 20-25 trucks. Meanwhile, started Big G Express, a long-haul dryvan
to 1973. MAarsThTinEterNvieTwIeOd aNndTwTasAoffeMreEd MBtEhaRt Sye!arMMeanrtsihoanndprCoomffeoy sctoardteedTTA andtrwucek’lol apdacyaryroieur,rusfiinrgs1t0inuvseodicGeo.ggin

a job doing dispatch, typing bills, loading Nationwide Express, a truckload carrier tractors.

trailers, sweeping the dock – whatever that grew to about 50 trucks by the end of

needed to be done. the decade. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AND ITS MEMBERS

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 really well, and I wanted to see some other employees were brought into the ESOP.
folks do well.” The company now has a flatbed division, a
By 1998, Goggin had grown to 500 logistics division and a warehousing division
trucks, 1,000 employees and 47 terminals, His brother, Jack, said of the move, “He with 400,000 square feet of space rented
which meant it was becoming an attractive was very fair about sharing. You know, he to the public. It also has about 250 rental
commodity. At an American Trucking said, ‘If y’all are going to do most of the trailers.
Associations conference, executives with work, I’m going to reward you for it,’ and
Old Dominion Freight Line asked Hodges if that’s the way he did it.” At this point, Marsh’s activities with Big
Goggin was for sale. It wasn’t, but Marsh and G Express involve dropping by the office to
Hodges were willing to listen to offers, and The company grew quickly, but by check on the finances and safety activities
eventually a deal was made. the mid-2000s Marsh was looking more and attend monthly board meetings. On
seriously at making a major change. The June 24, the company was scheduled to
Marsh still owned Big G Express, which company’s leadership was considering its have an owners meeting where he would
had 40-50 trucks, and he and his brother, options, including selling the company or speak and where drivers, mechanics, and
Jack, began building that company. David going public. However, the economy was clerical personnel would find out the
Nolan, who had worked at Goggin, became tanking, making it a terrible time to sell, and latest value of their stock. The people who
chief financial officer, and then later besides, Marsh wasn’t satisfied with what are building the company are enjoying
Patty Corley was hired as sales director. had happened with Goggin. Numerous its profits – not because of a government
Eventually, Marsh sold part of his ownership people who had helped him build the dictate, but because Marsh learned the value
of the company to those two and Jack. company lost their jobs as it was absorbed of ownership early and wanted others to
into the larger fleet, a fact that Jack said “ate experience that value as well.
“They all wanted to be an owner, and I at him.” The ESOP was a better alternative.
wanted them to be. I wanted them to have “It’s a big day,” he said. “Everybody will
some skin in the game and to be proud of it The carrier has grown to about 600 leave happy, and it’s actually their money. It’s
like I was,” he said. “I’d done really well with trucks, all driven by employee drivers. In in their name. We cannot take it back. It’s
Goggin, and when we sold Goggin, I’d done 2016, it purchased Murfreesboro-based Ike theirs.” TTN
Transportation, a flatbed steel hauler. Those

YOUR DISTRIBUTOR FOR 8015 Piedmont Triad Parkway
ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, Greensboro, NC 27409
(336) 292-9240
PARTS, SERVICE 1815 Starita Road
AND TOTAL TRUCK REPAIR Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 596-8000
engines U.S. Highway 17 South
New Bern, NC 28560
Please visit our website for details on additional branch locations in other states. (252) 638-3161
6725 Netherlands Drive
WWW.CLARKEPOWERSERVICES.COM Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 392-7220
24 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017 1429 Ault Road
Knoxville, TN 37914
(865) 689-3722

I-181 & Rock Springs Road
Kingsport, TN 37633
(423) 349-6141
115 Haywood Lane
Antioch, TN 37013
(Nashville)
(615) 262-4141
124 Gateway Drive
Ringgold, GA 30736
(Chattanooga)
(706) 965-7000
3070 Sandbrook Road
Memphis TN 38116
(800) 897-8901

SAVE THE DATE!

ATA Management
Conference &
Exhibition (MCE)

October 21-24, 2017

Orange County Convention Center
and Hyatt Regency
Orlando, FL

Visit mce.trucking.org for more information.
For information on exhibiting and sponsorship

opportunities, contact Dan Duggan at
[email protected] or 703-838-1756.

BUILDING TRUCKING’S FUTURE



Tennessee Trucking Association’s

Road Team

Road Team Captains, James Warren – Titan Transfer, Tim Chelette – Big G Express, Dale Moore – FirstFleet and Cleve McCord – Sharp Transport with
students at Beech High School

Road Team Captains
Mark Copas – FedEx
Freight and Tim
Chelette – Big G
Express with Cub
Scout troop in
Murfreesboro

Road Team Captains James Warren – Titan Transfer, Tim Road Team Captains Mark Copas – FedEx Freight, Robert Crabtree – Averitt
Chelette – Big G Express, Cleve McCord – Sharp Transport and Express and Mike Brewer – Old Dominion Freight Line with Bill Howell – State
Mark Copas – FedEx Freight at CarFit Training in Lawrenceburg with Farm Insurance at Cookeville High School
Rose Boyd – Tennessee Highway Safety Office

Gallatin Senior Citizen Center for Yellow DOT Students at West Wilson Middle School with TTA No Zone truck
presentation Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 27

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

Road Team Captain Mark Copas – FedEx Freight with students at Walton Ferry Elementary School in Hendersonville

Road Team Captain Dale Moore – FirstFleet at Algood Middle School Road Team Captains Thomas Bell – retired from UPS and Robert
Barrett – Milan Supply Chain Solutions at Yellow DOT presentation in Erin

Road Team Captain Beth Smith – Old Dominion Freight Line at Ketron Road Team
Elementary School for Sullivan County Summer Feeding Program Captain Tim
Chelette – Big G
Road Team Captain Express shares big
Jimmy Honeycutt truck Virtual Reality
– Danny Herman with students at Mt.
Trucking keeping Juliet High School
score for Corn Toss
Tournament at Kids Road Team
Zone at the Truck Captains Scott
Driving Championships Lambert – FedEx
  Freight and Ron
Bolling – Walmart
Transportation at
Ketron Elementary
School

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 29



Tennessee Trucking Association’s Road Team

Road Team Captains Mark Copas – FedEx Freight and Tim Chelette – Big G Express with students at Volunteer State Middle High School in Gallatin

Road Team Captain Jeffery Shinholster – HUB Group Trucking at Westmoreland High School Road Team Captain Christy McClain – TCW with
students at Franklin High School

Road Team Captains Cleve McCord – Sharp Road Team Captains Robert Crabtree – Road Team Captain Josh Dopp – UPS Freight
Transport, James Warren – Titan Transfer and Mark Averitt Express and Dale Moore – FirstFleet reads Papa Doug book to students at Jacksboro
Copas – FedEx Freight performing a CarFit event at making Papa Doug book presentation to Elementary School
The Bridge in Antioch Algood Elementary School in Cookeville

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 31

MemberSpotlight

PHOTO BY STEVE BRAWNER Scott Schumpert
Carr, Riggs & Ingram

BY RENEE MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bob Newhart once said, “I worked in accounting for

two and a half years, realized that wasn’t what I

wanted to do with the rest of my life, and decided I

was just going to give comedy a try.”
Scott Schumpert, CPA and Managing Partner of the
Nashville office of Carr, Riggs & Ingram and Treasurer of
the Tennessee Trucking Association had just the opposite
experience with accounting. Unsure of what he wanted to
do after he left high school, he enrolled in Tennessee Tech
to try out Engineering. He enjoyed math and thought
engineering would be right up his alley. During the first
week of the basic Engineering class, his professor, Dr.
Rose, said to the students, “Turn and look at the person
on your left and the person on your right. One of you
will get a degree from Tennessee Tech in Engineering.” In
other words, you may get a degree from Tennessee Tech,

but only one of you will have that degree in Engineering.
With a chuckle, Schumpert quipped, “I knew I wasn’t the one!
Engineering was like a foreign language to me. By the grace of
God, when I got out of engineering I landed in accounting.” For
Schumpert, accounting was just like common sense. He said that
when they talked about it in class, it simply made sense to him. “So, I
became an accountant and have never regretted it.”
Those of us who aren’t accountants often wonder if someone who
crunches numbers all day long can have a normal life apart from the
columns of figures on their Excel spreadsheet. Schumpert puts that
question to rest. Relationships are the heart of his life and his business.
When asked about his work, his contributions and role as Treasurer
for the Tennessee Trucking Association, and his passions in life, he
kept coming back to the importance of relationships. The firm he
works for, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, is a large firm that is over 20 years old
and is one of the fastest growing firms in the country, currently staffed
by 1600 CPA’s. Yet, as Schumpert points out, “We are large enough to
have valuable resources available to help people, but not so big that we
are an unresponsive bureaucracy,” suggesting that bureaucracies have
a tendency to put relationships on the back-burner. When Schumpert

32 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017

started out as a young, newly minted accountant, he worked at a As Managing Partner of the Nashville office, he oversees the

large firm, and he has been at another large firm, Carr, Riggs & Southeastern Conference trucking practice that includes in part,

Ingram for the last 10 years. He has also worked in smaller firms, TN, TX, MS, AL, FL, NC, LA and GA. In this role he has plenty

and his last stint was at Bumpus Hall that was later merged into of time to have ‘fun’ in trucking, as well as enjoy exercise, church

Carr, Riggs & Ingram. In all the various sizes and configurations involvement and his favorite hobby of watching football. When

of firms he has worked in, what he has valued most have been the asked what he’s most proud of in life his answer doesn’t land on his

relationships that he has been able to build with his clients and their own accomplishments. “I’m most proud of my family,” he says. My

companies. wife Sally of 27 years, our children Grant, and his wife McKenzie,

With 1600 CPA’s, Carr, Riggs & Ingram is able to serve several and Andy and Ryan. They’re the ones who deserve the highest

sectors. One of their focused industries is trucking. Schumpert accolades.”

himself, has worked with trucking companies for the whole of his Anyone associated with the trucking industry knows it faces

career. He started out at one of the 4 largest firms in the world, some formidable challenges. Schumpert talked about some of the

Deloitte, and had trucking company clients right out of the gate. challenges that he sees just on the horizon: Driver shortage, ELDs,

Having lived and gone to school near the I40 corridor for over 30 technology, self-driving trucks, and infrastructure. He sees needs

years, trucking companies became a natural part of his portfolio. as well from an accounting perspective. “Governmental regulations

So, he decided to join the Tennessee continue to be a challenge, as are taxes.

Trucking Association. When asked Governmental regulations continue It’s not just the Federal income tax, but

about his contributions to the to be a challenge as are taxes. It’s not the components of the Federal income
Tennessee Trucking Association and just the Federal income tax, but the tax; the limitations on tax deductions
what the Association has meant in his on per diem expenses, fuel taxes, and

own life, he returns right back to the components of the Federal income the Federal Highway Use tax.” One

importance of the people. “What I tax; the limitations on tax deductions issue of importance to the Tennessee
really enjoy is the relationships,” he said. on per diem expenses, fuel taxes and Trucking Association has been the
“There are a lot of great people in the increased fuel tax. When the State

Association starting with the President, the Federal Highway Use tax. Legislature and its Senate, with the

Dave Huneryager. He is a great leader Governor’s leadership, raised the fuel

– top notch – and has a great staff. They’ve won several awards. tax, the Tennessee Trucking Association was a big supporter of that

We are one of the top Associations in the country. I enjoy my legislation because much of that tax will be used to improve the

relationships with the people on the Board and with the members I roads. “The reason for this,” said, Schumpert, “is that better roads

see at the Annual Convention every September.” will help our Drivers.”

The Tennessee Trucking Association has sponsored several Schumpert isn’t your typical Accountant. He isn’t just sitting in

events, and Shumpert’s contribution as Treasurer over the past some back office with slumped shoulders, head nearly dropping

seven years has been to support the organization in working into a pile of numbers. His work is grounded in his deep love of

through the finances and helping to manage financial issues. the people and what accounting means to him and those that he

Schumpert is looking toward the future for the Association. He cares about. “Accounting is the language of business. Working

affirmed the great work that Wayland Thompson is doing to the problems out and how one area affects another in business

increase membership in the Association and he wants to be a part is the foundation of it all,” he states. Helping his trucking clients

of that effort as they go forward. understand this, helping them with their businesses, helping them

Now, even number crunching accountants want more than just work out the problems in one area that may be affecting another

clients. They, too, want to have a passion for the particular type area is what he really enjoys. In the large firm of Carr, Riggs &

of client that they serve. Schumpert rather gleefully remarked, Ingram, Scott Schumpert stands out. He cares about those in the

“I love working with trucking clients, because trucking is fun!” trucking industry. He cares about the people in the Tennessee

Having worked with trucking companies for so long, Schumpert Trucking Association. He makes their issues his issues. His heart for

is able to keep his hand in that world at Carr, Riggs & Ingram. the people is at the core of what he does. TTN

Q2 SUMMER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 33

Calendar of Events OCTOBER Tennessee Trucking News
October 3-4
AUGUST NATMI - Safety & DO T Compliance ADVERTISING
August 4 RESOURCE INDEX
Roadside Inspection, Greeneville Scales October 4 Southeast TN Big Rigs for Little
I-81 Kids Golf Tournament Q2 SUMMER 2017

August 8-9 October 5 West TN Big Rigs for Little Kids Adams and Reese LLP 12
NATMI-Maintenance Certification CSME & Golf Tournament
CDME-Music Center, Nashville, TN American Transportation Research 28
October 12 Road Team Selection Institute (ATRI)
August 8-12
National Truck Driver Championships- October 25 Roadside Inspection, Portland American Trucking Associations’ MC&E 25
Orlando, FL Scales I-65 North
Clarke Power Services 24
SEPTEMBER October 26-27 2017 Fall Conference
September 4 Holiday – Labor Day Crawford & Company 10
NOVEMBER
September 10-17 November 1 Direct ChassisLink 14
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week NATMI – Transportation Risk Management
Drivers Legal Plan 21
September 17-19 November 3
TTA 87th Annual Convention at Sandestin Roadside Inspection, Knoxville Scales I-40 Fleetco, Inc. 14
Beach Hilton, Destin, FL
November 6-10 Great West Casualty Co. Inside front cover
September 18-21 NATMI - Safety Certification Program (MFSB
National Technician Competition- & MMFSP Certification Course) HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass 20
Orlando, FL
November 15-16 Road Team Training Lite-Check 15
September 21
Roadside Inspection, Manchester Scales November 23-24 Holiday - TTA Office MHC Kenworth 22
I-24 Closed - Thanksgiving

September 28 DECEMBER
Roadside Inspection, Brownsville Scales December 22 & 25Holiday - TTA Office
I-40 Closed – Christmas

Navistar/International Inside back cover

Neely Coble Company, Inc. 4

New TTA Members Pivotal LNG/AG Resources 21

CARRIERS ALLIED Rush Truck Center Back cover

• Big League Movers, Inc. • EROAD Southern Tire Mart 26

• AAT Carriers, Inc. • Tenco Services, Inc. TA/Petro 8

• Trulite Glass & Aluminum TAG Truck Center/Freightliner 6

Tennessee Trucking News 10, 34

tTrENuNESScEEking OOTFRFFUTICCHKIEAITNLEGMNAANSGESASOSZCEINEIAETION Vertical Alliance Group 30
Q2 SUMMER 2017
$4.95 VALUE This edition of Tennessee Trucking News
was made possible with the support of these
NEWS corporate advertisers, all TTA members.
They support the trucking industry by
Is It ‘SEhLoDcMk &anAdwatee’?: enabling Tennessee Trucking Association
to provide this publication to its members,
Parking Please visit www.TNTrucking.org prospective members, elected officials and the
Problems to see the digital version of business community at large. They deserve
Tennessee Trucking News your consideration and patronage when
TTA’s Road with live links to making your corporate purchasing decisions.
Team advertisers’ websites. Thank you!

Carrying Loads
& Legislation

PbaotaMrdarorsohmmaonvdestheeasHilyoubseetwcheaemn tbheer

MemberSpotlight SCOTT SCHUMPERT / CARR, RIGGS & INGRAM

34 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q2 SUMMER 2017

IIFFNNIINNTTRRAAOOLLLLDDYYUUAACCIITTNNRRGGUUTTCCHHKKEETTIIHHNNAATTTTEERRWWNNOOAARRTTKKIIOOSSNNAAAASSLLHH®® HHAAXXRR™™DDSSAAEESSRRIIYYEEOOSSUU.. ..

Cumberland International Trucks Landmark International Trucks Volunteer International Tri-State International Trucks
www.cumberlandtrucks.com www.landmarktrucks.com www.volunteerintl.com www.tristateinternational.net
Nashville TN, (615) 256-4633 Knoxville TN, (865) 637-4881 Jackson TN, (731) 422-3411 Union City TN, (731) 885-9302
Murfreesboro TN, (615) 427-4600 Cookeville TN (931) 738-0480 Lee-Smith Murray, KY, (270) 753-1372
Summit Truck Group Morristown TN, (423) 586-8558 www.lee-smith.com Bowling Green, KY, (270) 843-9031
www.summittruckgroup.com Chattanooga TN, (423) 622-4161 Oak Grove, KY, (270) 605-5301
Memphis TN, (901) 527-5654
Memphis TN, (901) 345-6275

Wnhoenonitecoofmferessytooutrmucokrien. g,

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