Tarheel Wheels Q3 Fall/Winter 2019-2020 featuring Ryan Chambers, Chambers Transportation

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

NCTA CHAIRMAN
RYAN CHAMBERS
CHAMBERS TRANSPORTATION

NCTA's CALL ON WASHINGTON
NCTA’s ANNUAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
NC DRIVER OF THE YEAR, DRIVERS OF THE MONTH

AND NC SUPERTECH WINNERS

over 100 locations in 16 states

Dealership LOCAL LOCATIONS
Leasing & Rental
Truck Source Asheville
Carrier MHC Kenworth
RoadReady (855) 665-3485
TRP
Charlotte
MHC.COM MHC Kenworth
(855) 665-3491

Clinton
MHC Kenworth
(855) 337-7164

Concord
MHC Kenworth
(855) 337-7314

Durham
MHC Kenworth
(855) 296-2431

Greensboro
MHC Kenworth
(855) 296-2436

Hickory
MHC Kenworth
(855) 528-6557

Raleigh
MHC Kenworth
(855) 528-6562

Rocky Mount
MHC Kenworth
(855) 343-5939

Wilmington
MHC Kenworth
(855) 343-5944

With expanded service across
North Carolina, your fleet is
in good hands.

From Asheville to Wilmington, Snider Fleet Solutions has 800-528-2840
got you covered for tire and mechanical service—including
tire management programs. From our 16 locations, we also
provide emergency roadside service 24/7.
Commercial Tires | Mechanical Services | Industrial and OTR Tires

SniderFleet.com

NCTA 2019 Annual Sponsors

North Carolina Trucking Association introduces our new one-year, sponsorship program. Pay just one sponsorship fee,
while garnering premium exposure throughout the entire year to our members increasing your visibility and value as an
industry leader supporting the NCTA.

$25,000 Platinum Elite – Triad/Carolinas Freightliner Group

Greenville Raleigh Rocky Mount

$15,000 Diamond
$8,000 Silver

Contact NCTA to learn how to become an annual sponsor.

4 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

COVER • PAGE 20

BLUEILSDSINOGNOSN
FROM DAD

GETTING TO KNOW RYAN CHAMBERS,
CHAMBERS TRANSPORTATION’S

CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT/CEO

BY STEVE BRAWNER AND RENEE MILLER

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES Truckers Making Headlines: DEPARTMENTS
28 NCTA’s Annual Councils Conference
4 NCTA 2019 Annual Sponsors BY AMY BALLARD AND RENEE MILLER 7 NCTA’s Board of Directors
7 President’s Message by Crystal Collins
8 NCTA's Call on Washington 30 NCTA Technology and 38 NCTA's 2019 New Members
Maintenance Council 38 Advertising Resource Index
BY STEVE BRAWNER AND RENEE MILLER 38 North Carolina Community Colleges
Maintenance Professional of the Year
12 NCTA’s Annual Management BY AMY BALLARD IMAGES ON THE COVER AND THIS PAGE
Conference Brings Content, OF RYAN CHAMBERS BY DANIEL GRAY.
Impactful Experiences 30 NCTA Safety and Human
Resources Council
BY DEREK RAYMENT AND RENEE MILLER
Safety Professional of the Year
18 NC Road Team Captains BY AMY BALLARD
BY RENEE MILLER
31 North Carolina Winners at the
32 Highway Legend ATA TMC SuperTech Competition
How a false stat about trucks &
BY AMY BALLARD
road damage is based on 60 years
of distortion 36 North Carolina Drivers Honored for
BY AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS Safety and Excellence on the Road

2019 Driver of the Year & 2018 Drivers
of the Month

BY AMY BALLARD

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 5

Over 29 years of fast, courteous, dependable service.

WA MT Canada
OR WY
ND ME

ID SD MN VT
WI NH

NY MA
MI CT RI

NV UT CO NE IA IN PA NJ
KS KY OH
CA IL TN
MD DE
MO AL WV

AZ OK VA
NM NC
AR
MS SC
GA

TX LA

LTL and TL FL
Las Vegas LTL and TL (Zip Prefix: 890-891)
NW Missouri LTL and TL (Zip Prefix: 640-641 / 644-645) Direct Pick Up (Includes S. Central VA)
NE Kansas LTL and TL (Zip Prefix: 660-666 / 668) Pick Up Service Via Interline
TL Only Office / Terminal Locations

P.O Box 3129 –Hickory, NC 28603 Phone: (828) 464-8247
86 Allegiance Circle - Evanston, WY Fax: (828) 464-8091
6 •TAwRHwEwEL.iWdeHaEEltLrSanQ3sFpAoLLr/WtIiNnTcER.c20o1m9-2020 1-800-342-9838

From the President

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE North Carolina Workforce Shortage

NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION The trucking industry workforce is not improving.
One hiring resource is in everyone’s backyard—an NC
Tarheel Wheels is owned by the North Carolina Trucking Association Community College. North Carolina colleges have
and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing Group in the established programs that are tailored to provide career
training in the trucking industry. They offer CDL training,
form of three editions of Tarheel Wheels and one edition of NCTA’s Diesel and Heavy-Duty Technician Training and Trucking
Annual Membership Directory & Buyers’ Guide. For additional Operations Management Programs. NCTA’s Strategic Plan
copies, to order reprints of individual articles or to become a calls for collaboration with North Carolina community
subscriber to Tarheel Wheels, and for information colleges and the NCTA has responded.
about advertising please contact Jennifer Matthews-Drake
at [email protected]. The NCTA Higher Education Working Group mem-
bers work with the community colleges to support the
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake ‘Trucking Operations Management Associates Degree and
Certificate’ (TOM). This degree introduces students to all
[email protected] facets of a trucking company’s operations. The program
focuses on basic trucking management principles and prepares students for a seamless tran-
Executive Editor Crystal Collins sition into the workplace. Volunteers of this group work with local schools and community
colleges to educate students about the trucking industry as well as provide industry support
[email protected] for instructors. The group is developing an ‘image campaign’ to invite individuals and parents
to encourage their high schoolers to enter the trucking industry’s workforce and educate the
Creative Director Fran Sherman general public.

[email protected] As a way to give students exposure to the larger landscape of the industry and deepen their
understanding of the issues facing the industry, the NCTA Safety and Human Resources
Graphic Designer Barbara Negron Council and the Technology and Maintenance Council hold their regional meetings at
community colleges throughout North Carolina, inviting students to attend. Seeing how
Ad Production Doug Benjamin leaders interact and work together is another aspect of their education.

Photographers Clay Cook NCTA’s Road Captains speak to students in the classroom and at truck driver training
Daniel Gray graduations. Students can talk with industry professionals in real-time and begin to make
Larry Kuzniewski connections and strengthen their knowledge base.
Caleb Shane Lollar
John David Pittman The NCTA has been robust in its response to the call of the NCTA Strategic Plan. The next
step is for the industry to work alongside the NCTA to further address the workforce shortage.
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner There are several options available for industry professionals. A company’s leadership might
Amy Ballard meet with college staff to understand their needs and make recommendations for how the
company may assist, or offer to be an adjunct instructor, or partner with a college that doesn’t
Dan Calabrese have a program and work with them to build one, or join forces with other companies to form
Renee Miller a coalition to help support one of the college programs.

Derek Rayment The Community Colleges offering one or more of the following programs, trucking
John Schulz operations management, truck driving training, diesel and heavy equipment technician, are
Todd Traub listed here in this edition of Tarheel Wheels on page 38. Take a look – you’re likely to find one
in your backyard.
www.NCTrucking.com
North Carolina Trucking Association Staff Crystal Collins
President
President Crystal Collins North Carolina Trucking Association

[email protected] Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 7

Event Specialist Amy Ballard
[email protected]

Instructor & Regulatory Specialist Steve Massey

[email protected]

Bookkeeper Lindsey Harris

[email protected]

An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

Since 1929, the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) has
represented the interests of the trucking industry. NCTA works to
protect the interests of North Carolina’s trucking industry by working
with state and federal regulatory and enforcement agencies. We are
also dedicated to providing excellence in Education, Training, and
Information. And promoting a safe, dependable and cost-effective
motor transportation infrastructure to the betterment of the trucking

industry in North Carolina.

For more information, contact NCTA at:
North Carolina Trucking Association
4000 Westchase Blvd, Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27607
Telephone: 919-834-0387
Facsimile: 919-834-3926
Website: www.nctrucking.com

NCTA's Call on Washington

BY STEVE BRAWNER AND RENEE MILLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Something happens Associations who are
when people gather from rountinely involved with
diverse areas to share the Washington
thoughts, ideas, challenges political landscape.
and experiences.Precisely The ATA has forged
because there is diversity, critical partnerships with
the collective wisdom Capitol Hill over the years
draws out fresh and new and is the group responsible
possibilities. When the for organizing the Call on
purpose of such a gathering Washington for the state
is to share those ideas associations. ATA President
with people who have the and CEO, Chris Spear, and
power to bring them into ATA staff members briefed
being, there’s an excitement the participants on the
and energy created for the Twenty-one NCTA members traveled to Washington, DC to meet issues that would be stressed
industry. NCTA members with the North Carolina delegation. On Tuesday afternoon, at the during their days there.
look forward to the ATA hill office, NCTA members were greeted by Chris Spear, ATA
President and CEO, ATA hill staff provided briefings that includ- Some of those issues

opportunity to travel to ed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), transpor- included the DRIVE-
Washington DC to meet tation infrastructure, workforce development and hours-of-service Safe Act, a bill that would
with North Carolina’s potential changes. NCTA members met with Senator Tillis, Rep. direct the Secretary of
congressional delegation. Hudson, Rep. Price, Rep. Meadows, Rep. Rouzer, Rep. Foxx, Rep. Transportation to issue
Walker, Rep. Budd, and staff of Rep. Adams, Rep. Butterfield, regulations allowing
Imagine 32-year Marina Rep. McHenry, and Rep. Holding. The attendees enjoyed the Commercial Drivers under
Ivanov, a Ukranian group dinners and a reception on the ATA rooftop following a full

immigrant who came to day of meetings. the age of 21 to cross state

the United States as a child living the American dream, but also lines. The industry has
and now co-owns the company Apex to join other colleagues to help make been lobbying Congress for a change
Transit with her husband Stan and his a difference in the transportation in this rule for some time. While
brother Sergey who are also Ukranian industry as a whole. the industry is facing a severe driver
immigrants. With a $30,000 loan, they shortage, the focus needs to be on
started the company in 2013 and now The Call on Washington is a unique making the industry appealing and
have a fleet of 26 trucks. One day she event that puts members of the accessible to young people so they are
got a call from Crystal Collins, NCTA’s trucking industry in rooms and encouraged to pursue it as a career
President, asking her to participate hallways with the members of option. A change in this rule would lift
in something broader than her own Congress. They are face-to-face limitations and give young people an
daily round of responsibilities at with the very people who draft and additional incentive for entering
Apex. “I want you to participate in enact legislation that affects the the industry.
the Call on Washington, we need the trucking industry – both negatively
next generation telling our story,” said and positively. The industry In the context of the Call,
Collins. Marina, excited to be asked, professionals are able to unite and participants were able to explain to
not only attended, but said afterward, provide mentorships, and share their lawmakers why the bill mattered to the
“I will do it again. I want to be more struggles and solutions to the everyday trucking industry and many gained
involved, because of the experience situations they face in their new learning themselves as a result.
I had.” Alongside 21 fellow NCTA own companies.
members, Ivanov was not only able Mike Stevens, Vice President of
This year’s trip began with an Operations of Red Classic, was a first-
orientation and training session time attendee of the Call. “Some of
to share her story as an immigrant hosted by the American Trucking the lawmakers were very astute with

8 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

the DRIVE-Safe Act bill,” commented PARTS • SERVICE • SALES
Stevens. “Others were not as aware that
you could drive from Asheville, North Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 9
Carolina to Wilmington in-state as an
18-to-20-year-old, but you couldn’t go
from Charlotte to Fort Mill, which is a
15-minute drive.”

Infrastructure was another top
concern the NCTA members wanted
to be sure to discuss with each
elected official and staff. The NCTA
members told the delegation they
support a federal fuel tax to fund
highway improvements. The federal
fuel tax infrastructure is already in
place and almost all of the revenues
would be dedicated to building roads.
The NCTA is opposed to congestion
pricing and to tolling existing roads,
though it would not oppose tolling for
new construction. The Washington
delegation was receptive to much
of the infrastructure discussion, but
as might be expected when going
into an election year, they were less
enthusiastic about a fuel tax.

The 21 members of NCTA who
attended the event met with eight
members of North Carolina’s
delegation: Republican Sen. Thom
Tillis and Republican Reps. Richard
Hudson, Mark Meadows, David
Rouzer, Virginia Foxx, Mark Walker,
and Ted Budd, as well as Democratic
Rep. David Price. NCTA members also
had the opportunity to meet with staff
members of Republican Reps. Patrick
McHenry and George Holding, and
Democratic Reps. Alma Adams and
G.K. Butterfield. “A significant number
of NCTA participants meant they were
able to split into two groups to ‘divide
and conquer,’ said Stevens.

The Call involves more than simply
sitting in a conference room. The days
are busy, said Keith Barnes, Owner and
President of Barnes Transportation
Services and the NCTA Legislative
Committee Chairman. “One day,

CONTINUED 

NCTA members visited hey, these issues that are
12 Congressional offices being addressed are issues
and walked [according to we deal with on
his Fitbit] eight miles on a daily basis. And you
Capitol Hill in the process. realize that you can
I don’t know if you’ve ever contribute and add value to
seen that movie called that conversation.”
‘Groundhog Day,’” Stevens
reminisced. “Anyway, Melissa Nishan, Vice
that’s exactly what you live President of Driver
during the Call. Every 30 Recruiting at Epes
minutes, you’re meeting Transport System, was
another person and telling Meeting with U.S. Representative Meadows struck by the willingness
them the same story.” of members of Congress to
While the issues of the SAFE-Drive time participant. “Initially,” he said, listen to trucking industry’s
Act – trade, and infrastructure – are “It was just a lot of taking everything concerns. U.S. Representative Meadows
critical for the industry, is this just in and listening to how the legislators even agreed to sign up as a co-sponsor
another meeting for people to go to, interacted with the people over of the DRIVE-Safe Act during the
or do the meetings and the sharing at NCTA. NCTA discussion. He had been a co-
of stories matter in the end? Jacob “And then once you get to your sponsor the previous year, and the
Hoover, 27, Director of Operations second or third meeting, your meeting served as a reminder of the
at Dispatch and Services, was a first- confidence builds. You understand, bill’s importance.
“You always think one person doesn’t

24-HOUR HEAVY DUTY TOWING &
RECOVERY & ROAD SIDE

MECHANIC SERVICES, NATIONAL
TIRE ACCOUNTS, ALONG WITH
NEW AND USED TIRES

FRED'S TOWING &
TRANSPORT, INC.

400 Industry Drive
Henderson, NC 27537

252-430-0082 Office
252-438-3943 Fax
[email protected]
www.fredstowing.com

LOCATIONS IN HENDERSON, OXFORD,
WISE, YOUNGSVILLE, NC AND SOUTH HILL, VA

Central Dispatch 252-430-0082

10 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

make a difference, but our group really favorite parts,” said Nishan, “Seeing he said, “meant that more of the
kind of did to me,” Nishan said. how passionate other people in the lawmakers were in Washington and
industry are and watching other available for conversation.”
Marina Ivanov agreed. She said leaders really strongly supporting these
she was surprised at the level with initiatives. It was really the best part Next year Chambers hopes even
which members of Congress engaged for me.” more people will attend. “It’s almost
with trucking companies and on like standing room only and that
their need to be educated on issues Hoover agreed, saying, “It’s been obviously carries more weight than
with which they aren’t familiar. The great to see the turn in the last 10 or 15 just having a few people,” he said of the
surprise for Ivanov was that the Call years of companies sitting down and large number of participants. “So, the
on Washington allowed her to work really working together to try to solve more participation, the better for me.
alongside much larger trucking issues and being very transparent about … If we could get 30 people every year,
companies and allied representatives what issues they face in the industry that would be great.”
with more experienced executives. and everybody trying to move forward
together collectively as one.” When those with passion for the
The combined sharing and industry are able to meet not only
collegiality among the NCTA members According to NCTA Chairman Ryan with lawmakers but with their own
is vital and is possible where executives Chambers, President of Chambers counterparts, it’s a good day for
from competing companies are Transportation Services, it was “one trucking. The younger advocates like
given a chance to work together – all of the best” Calls on Washington yet. Marina Ivanov and Jacob Hoover are
supporting the same cause but offering Chambers said the participants were able to find themselves in an industry
different perspectives from their motor able to have more personal visits with that isn’t stuck in its past but is
carriers and allied members. more members of Congress than ever proactively leaning into the future with
before. “Having the Call midweek,” hope and expectation.
“That was probably one of my

Tolls are costly and difficult to manage.
Why do it yourself? Turn to Bestpass—
the commercial toll management experts.
Save time. Save money. Take command
today and become a legend! Learn more at
getbestpass.com or call 888.410.9696 and
toll like a boss!

LEARN MORE AT
G E T B E S T PA S S . C O M

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 11

NCTA’s Annual Management Conference

Brings Content, Impactful Experiences

BY DEREK RAYMENT AND RENEE MILLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Fireworks Savannah, Georgia. Held at the Westin for his hustle on the baseball diamond
Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, as a Cincinnati Red, Rose spoke to the
An annual conference that brings the annual event included activities for fun audience about being part of a team
family, friends, members networking such as clay shooting, guided and going the extra mile. The other
and colleagues together tours, live music and dinner, casino-style keynote speaker, Jim Olson, brought his
entered its 90thyear in 2019. The annual games and a fireworks display. profound experience as a retired Chief of
North Carolina Trucking Association’s Intelligence with the Central Intelligence
Management Conference also brought The event included impactful keynote Agency, to the stage. Olson gave insight
together leaders in the trucking industry, speakers such as former Major League on crisis management and threats facing
including key decision-makers from Baseball player Pete Rose, who was our industry that generally go unseen
carriers and allied, giving attendees a sponsored and introduced by Chris Hill until it impacts all of us.
best-practices networking opportunity with Hale Trailer and Wheel. Known
in a fun and relaxed setting in beautiful

12 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

Desserts on the lawn about ecology along the way. Additional keynote speakers, opportunities to spend
tours included a tour of historic Savannah time with customers and prospects,
“We really wanted to bring in some and a clay shooting tournament, held at the and taking time the afternoon for tours
thoughtful keynote speakers that would world class Forest City Gun Club. and tournaments exclusive to only
provide insight to our audience,” said NCTA members. The final night, NCTA
Ryan Chambers, NCTA chairman. “The NCTA Annual Management Immediate Past Chairman’s Event, was a
“Having speakers from outside the Conference Planning Committee were casino theme complete with food stations
trucking industry can provide a different thrilled with our 90th annual conference,” and chances to network with attendees
lens for those in attendance, helping said Crystal Collins, association president. throughout the evening. There was also
us think outside the box and apply “The new format included changing the a fabulous live auction in addition to the
best practices from different industry band entertainment to the first night
segments into our own.” welcome dinner, introducing high-profile CONTINUED 

Other guest speakers included Uptime.
Allison Athey, product marketing All the time.
manager at Volvo, who spoke about
autonomous trucks and how they will tlgtrucks.com
and are impacting the trucking industry.
Additional speakers included: Steve LOCATIONS NEAR YOU
Bryan, SambaSafety Transportation; Rob
Moseley, Mosely Marcinak Law Group; TLG Peterbilt – Charlotte TLG Peterbilt – Florence
Andy Sharpe, TransSure Services; and
John Nunnally, Ragsdale Liggett. 3917 Trailer Drive, Charlotte, NC 28269 302 Blanchard Road, Florence, SC 29506
704.597.8600 843.667.8177
“There are many outside factors that
impact our industry such as technology TLG Peterbilt – Raleigh TLG Peterbilt – Charleston
advancements, government regulations
and safety requirements,” said Chambers. 4204 Global Street, Raleigh, NC 27610 181 Judge Street, Harleyville, SC 29448
“Sometimes as business owners and 910.892.7105 843.879.0253
career professionals, we are so into the
day-to-day operation of our organization TRP Charleston
that is good to detach for a few days and
attend a conference such as this. We 2241 Technical Pkwy, North Charleston, SC
can learn more about the industry as a 843.867.7999
whole and bring back something that can
help. Since joining the association, I can
say that 2019’s conference was the most
enjoyable one that I have been to.”

The conference wasn’t all listening to
speakers, however. Guided tours wowed
attendees by taking them on a dolphin
watching excursion, meandering through
marshes while listening to a narrator speak

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 13

NCTAANNUALMANAGEMENTCONFERENCE

Ryan Chambers Acceptance Speech silent auction. Overall, the event was a
blast! Everyone had a great time making
new friends throughout the conference
especially at casino night, at the end of the
night there was not a stranger in the room.”

The 90th annual NCTA Management
Conference wouldn’t have been possible
without the generous support of our
NCTA Annual Sponsors Triad/Carolina
Freightliner Group, Carolina Axle, MHC,
Applied Risk Management Solutions,
CRTS, Excel Truck Group, Marsh and
McLennan Agency, Old Dominion
Freight Line, Red Classic Transportation
Services, and Transure Services, a Relations
Company, and the elite, diamond and
silver level sponsors.

For information regarding the 2020
conference, contact Crystal Collins at
[email protected] or 919-561-4679.

emergency road
service & Towing

24 HR. Emergency Mechanical Repair National Tire Accounts 1-800-965-6639
24 HR. Emergency Tire Repair • Bridgestone
Local and Long Distance Towing • Michelin

14 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

NCTAANNUALMANAGEMENTCONFERENCE

General Session

CONTINUED 

SOLAR SOLUTIONS New and pre-owned temperature control units for trucks, trailers, PRODUCTS
rail cars, buses, ocean-going containers. Innovative products such
as the TriPac APU. Plus cold-storage trailer rentals. • Truck & Trailer units
• Solar panels
www.tkcentralcarolinas.com • TriPac APUs
• TK Heaters
• Truck A/C

SERVICES

• Open extended hours
• 24/7 coverage
• Mobile service
• Factory-trained

technicians
• We work on ALL TYPES

of reefer units

AMENITIES

• Comfortable waiting
lounges

• FREE WIFI
• Clean shops
• Close to eateries

FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Charlotte, NC Greensboro, NC Roanoke, VA Charleston, WV
www.tkcentralcarolinas.com www.triadtk.com www.tkroanoke.com www.mountaineertk.com
866-317-1467
800-532-0085 800-476-2893 800-361-2003

3 mobile UpTime trucks (Hickory, NC; Gaffney, SC; Monroe, NC). All locations are close to major interstate highways with easy access.

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 15

NCTAANNUALMANAGEMENTCONFERENCE

Casino Night

NCTA 2020

91ST ANNUAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
ASHEVILLE, NC | July 19-21, 2020 | Omni Grove Park Inn

• Keynote Speaker Jase Robertson will speak on work-life balance
• By the Numbers: Become Gross Margin Focused – panel discussion led by Chris Henry, FreightWaves
• Chris Henry, FreightWaves, will present on the economics and state of the industry
• Joe Hutelmyer will lead panel discussion – “Future Impact of Insurance on the Trucking Industry” Presentation

and panelists will cover insurance marketplace and “Nuclear Verdicts”
Sponsorship opportunities available. Registration details may be found at nctrucking.com

Questions? Please call NCTA at (919) 834-0387

16 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

NCTAANNUALMANAGEMENTCONFERENCE

Chris and Pete Rose Herb and Forest

General Session

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 17

Four Stars of the NCTA

Getting to know NCTA's
new Road Team captains

BY RENEE MILLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

RICK SOLES LUKE MALLORY CHRIS FOLEY
Rick Soles, or Ricky, as he likes to be Donald Luke Mallory was born Chris Foley from Wallace, N.C., is a

called, has been in the freight business in Cincinnati, Ohio, but as a young die-hard Redskins fan, even though he
for 18 years. It seems to be his calling child relocated to Haiti with his fam- admits, “They’re probably one of the
in life. His mother recalls that even as a ily, where he spent the remainder worst rated NFL teams in recent histo-
child, all Ricky ever wanted to do when of his childhood. Upon graduating ry.” It just goes to show you that things
he grew up was be a truck driver. from high school, Luke attended Bob are not always as bad as they seem.
Jones University where he earned an Fans continue to parade even when
Born in Thomasville, N.C. in 1966, Associate Degree in Applied Science. games are not won!
Ricky started out on the docks at With his degree in hand, Luke moved
Old Dominion Freight Line, where to Greensboro, N.C. and took a job Chris assumed he would spend his
his childhood dream of becoming a at New Breed as a repair mechanic. career in Marketing Management.
trucker only flourished. He went on After seven years with the company, After working as an Assistant Market
to attend the Old Dominion Trucking his department lost their contract, and Manager at Piggly Wiggly for 24 years,
school and never looked back. He has he was laid off. For the next two years, Chris was forced to make a career
loved driving ever since. Luke worked at MatLab, when he real- change when the company abruptly
ized it was time for a career change. He cut the budget. Although relatively
Not everyone stays with a company attended Old Dominion Truck Driver new to the trucking industry, Chris
from dock days to being an NCTA Training School and has continued to says the career change was a transi-
Road Captain, but Ricky feels that he work with the company for the past tion he wishes he had made earlier.
made a great choice by investing his fourteen years, both as a working as a He received his training at Cape Fear
time with Old Dominion Freight Line line-haul driver and driver trainer. He Community College and began driving
and his investment has paid off. He be- is proud to say that he reached his one with Schneider in 2016. A year later,
lieves that he and his family have ben- million perfect miles in 2017. he began driving locally for Ezzell and
efited from his time at Old Dominion is now a trainer for wood chips and
and that the transportation industry Luke balances his trucking life with wood pellets, in addition to being a
holds promise of opportunities for oth- his family and his faith. He and his Road Team Captain.
ers as well. wife and best friend, Brandi have been
married for 23 years, and they have Having fresh eyes for the industry
Now living with his family in Lin- three adult children. Luke is a deacon Chris quickly realized that the Ameri-
colnton, N.C., Ricky is a family man in his church and says that what he has can economy depends on the transpor-
who loves being with his wife and taken away from these experiences is tation industry to keep vital resources
grandchildren. In addition to his ca- that “Life is always changing, but the available and moving throughout the
reer and work as a Road Captain, there Good Lord always prepares us for the country. The most satisfying aspect of
are a couple of little-known facts about next step in life.” being in the trucking industry to Chris
Ricky. He has a passion for history, and is “Serving as a small piece of a vital
he pulls for the Washington Redskins. His surprising CB handle ‘Sleepy puzzle. Everything around us; large
He has been a Redskins fan since he Bear,’ is no reflection of his views on businesses to ‘mom and pop’ stores rely
was 18. “They are the only team I’ve trucking. He believes that good drivers on truck drivers for their products and
ever pulled for and still do.” Ricky are the key to the country’s wellbeing supplies.” Honoring the industry and
loves his work, loves his family, loves and says that the best thing about the the people in it, he says, “Each driver
Old Dominion. He sums his life up by industry is “the freedom and equality it on the road is important, is needed,
simply saying, “I’m feeling blessed, tru- provides.” and has purpose.”
ly blessed!!”

18 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

Chris and his wife Whitney
have two precious daughters, nine-
year-old Lily Brooke and two-year old
Madilyn Kate.

RICHARD CRUMPLER
Hailing from Holly Ridge, N.C.,

Richard has enjoyed being a truck
driver for the past 35 years. He began
his career driving a flatbed for a pri-
vate Owner/Operator. He moved on
to West Point Stevens, where he spent
the next 11 years driving up and down
the East Coast. He has been with his
current employer, Walmart for over
2 years where he makes deliveries for
Walmart and Sam’s Club on the eastern
coast.

In his long and successful history
in the transportation industry, he has
learned that patience is the key to
maintaining consistency in his perfor-
mance. “There are many obstacles on
the road that require drivers to react
with a level head, and there’s rarely
time for incorrect responses,” Richard
explains. His conscious awareness
serves as a foundation for maintaining
his clean driving history and appropri-
ate CSA score.

While Richard and his wife Renae,
do not have children, they are ‘par-
ents’ to Riley, their beloved Cocker
Spaniel who adds a dimension of joy
to their lives, as only Cocker Spaniels
can do! Richard enjoys spending time
in his church, but also makes sure to
save time for his two favorite hobbies:
building and fishing.

A little-known fact, for which we are
all grateful, is that he served in the US
Army Airborne Division from 1974-
1980 and as he humorously recounts,
“I actually enjoyed jumping out of per-
fectly good airplanes!”

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 19

BUILDING ON LESSONS
FROM DAD

Getting to know Ryan Chambers,

Chambers Transportation’s Co-founder and President/CEO

BY STEVE BRAWNER AND RENEE MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

I" like to build things, and I always
have,” Ryan Chambers, President of
Chambers Transportation Services
and the NCTA’s new Chairman,
says with a touch of whimsy. Many
people looking for better work/
home balance take up golf, skiing,
fishing or hunting. Ryan is a builder
and even in his ‘hobby’ life he
builds. Along with his friend, Taft
Tucker, Ryan built Carolina Barnworx
five years ago. Known for their custom
handcrafted tables of all kinds, they
even craft the leftover scraps and sell
them as decorative pieces. If you’re in
the market for a dining room table,
console table, end table or coffee
table, this passionate builder and
entrepreneur will be sure you get
exactly what you want. It may take
five or six weeks, because each piece
is handmade and only one or two are
made at a time, but it’s well worth the
wait. For Ryan, building a table is a
hobby like any other. “It’s a break
from the ‘day to day’ of business and
all that. I just enjoy it. It’s almost
cathartic. I don’t think about anything

CONTINUED 

20 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

Ryan’s dad expressed his love for his son by giving him experiences
that would help him grow into the 'builder' he has become.

RYAN CHAMBERS IN FRONT OF CHARLOTTE'S EVENING SKYLINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GRAY
Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 21

else other than the task at hand,” Ryan possession of a load of watermelons, got. So, I sold them to our neighbors for
says almost with a spiritual tone. He perhaps damaged freight, and that 50 cents apiece. That,” he says, “was my
brings the same sense of mindfulness load became Ryan’s first effort at sales. first real job.” It wasn’t his only young
to his work of building a table and Remembering the day that his dad entrepreneurial endeavor, however.
a company. brought that pallet of watermelons
home, Ryan says his dad told him Ryan’s dad expressed his love for
Entrepreneurial activity is nothing he needed to sell the watermelons. his son by giving him experiences
new to Ryan. He started with “My dad just loaded them up in my that would help him grow into the
watermelons when he was only wagon and said, ‘Get to it.’ I realized ‘builder’ he has become. When Ryan was
five years old. His dad, Tullus, was really quickly that the faster I sold the 12 years old, his dad told him he couldn’t
a salesman for two LTL companies watermelons, the lighter that wagon expect that a car would be bought for
during Ryan’s childhood. He came into him when he turned 16. Tullus had a
better deal to offer his son than a free
Albemarle, North Toll Free car. He had a lesson to sell. He told
Carolina 28001 1-800-438-2260 Ryan he would match whatever money
Ryan could earn on his own. That was a
Visit Our Website: www.crookmotors.com challenge that the builder could sink his
teeth into. He immediately got started
Sales • Parts • Service on a newspaper route to earn money for
that car. When asked why his dad kept
“Quality New and Used Trucks Since 1945” giving him these lessons, Ryan says with
a sense of gratitude, “I think he wanted
We buy trucks and trailers too!! me to think through things.”

Richard Almond at [email protected] One day his dad offered to hire 
Ryan to paint their deck for $50. Ryan
22 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 got right on the project and when he
was finished, his dad said he had a
choice. “You can either take the $50
or be paid with a jar full of change.”
Showing his willingness to take a risk
(a necessary ingredient of a successful
entrepreneurial lifestyle) Ryan chose
the jar. “I think it came out to be close
to a hundred dollars,” Ryan says with
pride. “So, it was a good decision.”
After a slight pause he flashes one of
his characteristically big smiles, “Well,
I think some of it was he didn’t want to
roll all those coins.”

With a bit more seriousness, Ryan
reflects, “But, I did learn that not
everything is black and white, and
sometimes the easy way is not the best
way. My dad was really saying, ‘So
here’s your $50, or you can think for a
second, look at this, and decide if the
alternative is better than the thing that’s
staring you right in your face.’” Ryan’s
relationship with his father has been the
bedrock not only of his understanding
and experience of ‘family’ but of his

understanding and practice of business. having good employees,” Ryan said. “We
Back in 1999 Ryan, now 43, and his just thought that people being home
more often are happier and do a better
father started Chambers Transportation job. And, morally speaking, we felt an
Services, Inc., a full truckload carrier. obligation to keep them close to home.”
Chambers currently has an inventory This business model simply mirrors
of 32 trucks, about half of them owned the relationship that father and son had
and half of them leased and driven built over the years between themselves.
by company drivers. Chambers also It was so important, they felt a need to
contracts with three owner-operators share it with the industry. But building
and owns about 180 trailers to service its things is not always easy. Things don’t
accounts. An interesting element of the go as expected. Challenges crop up. New
company is that seventy-five percent of decisions have to be made. Plans change.
the company’s business is within a 250-
mile radius of Charlotte, and the rest Ryan’s dad had worked for McLean
is within a 600-mile radius. Long-haul Trucking Company and then Standard
drivers are out on the road about two Trucking Company. He decided to move
nights a week. out on his own in 1993 and started
Chambers Logistics, a carrier agent
The company started with a strategy serving about 12 customers. It was a
of keeping drivers close, and it doesn’t small operation and at that point Ryan
intend to change that model. “It costs had no interest in a trucking career. He
more money to run a local operation, loved his dad and been appreciative for
but my father and I agreed from the
beginning that home life was the key to CONTINUED 

738750_Peoples.indd 1 CONTACT:
Steve Kezman,

Vice President
People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.

(704) 756-9440 or [email protected]
For all your transportation needs

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 23

16/03/15 7:05 pm

all the lessons his dad had taught him, Seeing the handwriting on the wall, stops, did payroll and billing.  
but he wanted a little more adventure. Ryan took another risk. He gave up his Even then, being a small business
He wanted to do exploratory work in plan to tromp through oil fields and
the oil industry. He had earned degrees decided instead to join his dad in owner was a difficult row to hoe. The
in Geology and Marine Geology at business. Together they formed company had to rely on personal credit.
North Carolina State University in Chambers Transportation Services to Only four vendors were willing to work
order to pursue his dream. But in 1999, replace Chambers Logistics. His dad with them. They rented their trucks
gasoline was under a dollar a gallon and was in charge of sales while Ryan was in from Penske. Their trailers were supplied
the green movement was at its peak, charge of operations and Linda, Ryan’s by Hale Trailer Brake & Wheels and
so the oil industry did not seem to be a mother, who had been a homemaker Charlotte-based Gerrard Tire, now
promising field.  during Tullus’ earlier trucking industry owned by McCarthy Tire, supplied tires.
And one company gave them a fuel card.
CUMMINS cummins.com ALWAYS ON
INTEGRATED It was a company built on a wing and
POWER™. a prayer. During the first couple of years,
the company hauled dedicated outbound
POWERTRAIN OPTIMIZATION FOR freight for one shipper, a major national
A WORLD THAT’S ALWAYS ON. retailer, and drivers traveled every night
Monday through Friday from Charlotte
Cummins is powering success with fully-integrated to Greensboro, Raleigh, Savannah,
solutions and comprehensive support you need to optimize Knoxville and Charleston.
your operation. Our state-of-the-art engines – including the
X12™, the lightest in its class, and the X15™, 2017’s As anyone in business knows, ‘ups and
top-selling heavy-duty engine in North America – are setting downs’ are a natural part of the ebb and
new performance standards. Both engines uniquely pair with flow of entrepreneurism. Change was
the Endurant™ transmission to create the most advanced on the horizon. The retailer they hauled
powertrains in the industry. Cummins merges efficiency and for changed their business processes
power to keep you moving forward in a world that’s Always On. and three years later Chambers
Transportation lost the account. But
MGS if ups and downs are a natural part of
the ebb and flow of entrepreneurism,
Millberg the ability to weather and withstand
them is the secret to success. A strong
Gordon foundation had been laid through the
relationships that had been built and
Stewart slowly Chambers began to grow –
roughly 30 percent a year – while new
Millberg Gordon Stewart PLLC defends client in The firm practices in the fields of transporta- business partnerships were established
civil litigation throughout North and South Car- tion litigation (rail and trucking), employment with multi-billion dollar corporations.
olina. Since its establishment in 1994, MGS litigation, product liability, and general
has built a reputation for handling its clients’ commercial litigation. The businesses that survive,
legal affairs with skill and vigor. The firm’s attor- MGS has been recognized by a Class particularly in the transportation
neys are experience trial lawyers who regularly I railroad as its “Go-To” Law Firm for tort industry, are those that cultivate and
defend and try cases for target defendants, defense; has been honored as Product Lia- maintain strong relationships. Ryan
often against the best of the plaintiffs’ trial bar. bility Law Firm of the Year in NC; and has recalls the personality of his father. “He
been listed among the Top Rated Lawyers in was passionate about trucking, but … it
PERSONAL ATTENTION. Transportation Law and Employment Law by was mostly the people.” Ryan continues,
A PROVEN TRACK RECORD WITH The American Lawyer/Martindale-Hubbel. “He loved the people in the industry,
LEGALLY SOPHISTICATED CLIENTS. and I think that was the only reason he
stayed in it. He just thought they were
ESSE QUAM VIDERI just genuinely great to be around and he
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 104, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 believed that the industry itself was just
such an important thing for the country.
P: 919.836.0090, F: 919.836.8027 He loved sales and he loved trucking
www.mgsattorneys.com

24 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

and he loved the people.” Ryan’s family relationships are a Central Church. Lisa works in the
Ryan realizes that was another lesson crucial part of his life and his success. preschool building on Sundays and
He and his wife, Lisa, met in high helps run a youth dance ministry at
he learned from his father. In fact, he school and married when they were 25. Central. If that wasn’t enough, she also is
characterizes his own business style “We’ve been together a long time,” he a middle school cheer coach at a private
as one based on relationships. He tells says with another of those big smiles, school. It seems these two were meant
his children that he spends most of his “and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” to be together. “No matter how stressed
time telling stories and those stories “She is my partner and my rock.” Lisa I get at work I know that it will all get
come as a result of interacting with homeschools their two older children better the second I walk into my home.”
others. “I love talking to people,” he says. Ella, Clara and chases around their
“I love finding out their stories. I’m a 2-year-old Lincoln, and as a family Just as there are ‘ups and downs’ in
people watcher. I like being at home. they’re very active in Charlotte at business, relationships are also tried and
I like being at the airport. I wonder
what people are doing, why they’re CONTINUED 
there. … I don’t know how to describe
it. You want to know people’s stories, 24Hr. Towing, Recovery,
and when you want to and do interact Roadside Service & Truck Repair
with people, you’re almost 90 percent
on the way to being a salesman. Selling Diesel Truck and Trailer Repair Fleet of Service Trucks
is just relationships and knowing if the National Account Pricing on Tires
other person needs what you have. And Roadside Computer Diagnostics
if you’re with a customer in a trucking Driveshift Repair
business, then you kind of know that Service Trucks with Parts Inventory
they need trucking, so it’s just a matter
of forming a relationship.” Chris Hill, 800-869-8973
the General Manager of Hale Trailer
Brake & Wheel, who has known Ryan Wilson, Rocky Mount, Dunn & Goldsboro NC
for nearly 15 years confirms this. “Ryan
is a good guy, always got a smiling face, Mobile Spindle Replacement Specialists
and is the kind of person who has never
met a stranger.” (800) 259-6622

With learned wisdom, Ryan muses, Gary Sensing P.O. Box 235
“‘Some think that the word ‘salesman’ Scott Sensing Thomasville, NC 27361
can be a dirty word, but it can be also an Steve Sensing
honored one. My dad fell into that latter Greg Marvin FAX (336) 475-4868
category. He wanted to know you. He [email protected]
wanted to know about you, and then if
you could do business, that was good,
too. But he wanted to be part of your life
and he also wanted to want him to be
a part of your life. In my opinion, that’s
the true meaning of sales.”

Ryan must make his dad’s heart glad by
the value he puts on relationships. Luke
Mangum, Owner of Mangum’s, Inc.,
a heavy haul over-dimensional carrier
towing, road service and repair company,
who has served with Ryan on the NCTA
Board says, “Ryan has an easygoing
personality. He listens to you when you
talk and he remembers what you say.”

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 25

“I have low turnover in the
truck driver department
because they see that I’m out
there with them doing the

same things."

tested. Without warning, Ryan’s dad, foresight and pro-active attention to the not uncommon to see Ryan himself,
friend and mentor died of a massive unstable economy, the company might a holder of a Class A CDL, out there
heart attack when he was just 61 years of have lost its footing. At the same time driving along the highway just like
age. Tullus’ funeral showed the impact the Recession was threatening, there those he employs. He actually drives a
of his life. Several hundred people were changing EPA mandates adding couple of times a month, or whenever
attended including many from across to the expense and mechanical issues it’s needed to fill in a gap. Not only does
the country. Ryan was only 30 years of owning trucks. The company that it help drivers, customers and colleagues
old at the time. He had had 25 years of provided Chambers with pre-owned like Mangum trust that he’s ‘the real
business experience since his first foray tractors held on to them longer. This deal.’ They see firsthand that he really
into sales with watermelons. Still, he effectively cut off a source of used is the ‘real deal.’ Ryan says, “I have low
was left with the crushing grief of his equipment. Technology advances and a turnover in the truck driver department
father’s absence; left alone to navigate lack of equipment led to the conversion because they see that I’m out there with
and run a business that still carried his of Chambers to a half-leased fleet. them doing the same things. At least I
father’s spirit and that reminded him hope they see that. The people who I
every day of his loss. Ryan, a ball of fire The seeds that had been planted deal with when we’re doing contracts
himself, would not, however, give up on earlier by Ryan and his dad began to and negotiations on a daily basis are
something his father had trained him so pay off. Their strong customer base not the same people, for the most part,
well to do. and strong contractual relationships that our drivers are dealing with. So, it’s
meant they didn’t have to rely on a good for me to get into the shoes of our
There was trouble brewing. The changing market. They never laid off a drivers and interact with the people they
company had grown to 32 power units, single person during those trying times come into contact with so that I can best
but as the company edged its way and the company’s business model understand what they’re going through.”
upward the Great Recession almost evolved. Surprisingly, they are still a
flattened it. Had it not been for Ryan’s half-owned, half-leased fleet. And, it’s Lora Dedmon, vice president of A.V.

26 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

Dedmon Trucking, has served on the has really leaned into the association it is for all of us.”
NCTA Board with Ryan for years. “He and it’s a much more active association With a head for business and a heart
really takes pride in our industry,” she than when I joined it. I would love it
says. He’s a hands-on guy. You may talk to continue to be like that. I think the for people, Ryan is guy who took the
to him one day and he’s in the truck more people who are involved in our lessons he learned from his dad and built
driving it. So he sees the whole picture industry in this association, the better a life on them. This same guy can build
and I think in that situation he’s great you a table that will last for years.
for our industry. He’s young. He’s
enthusiastic. He has a lot of passion
for what he does and you can tell that
about him when you talk to him. He
believes in what we’re doing, who
we are.”

Ryan joined the NCTA about
15 years ago and has seen it transform
itself. When he started in his late
20s, he was the youngest active
member. “We have a much younger
base now and I think that’s fantastic,”
Ryan says enthusiastically. “They’re
more active and that has been
infectious for everyone else. Everybody

The Inside Scoop Q: First Job? Q: If you could choose any job for one
A: Paperboy day, what would it be?
Q: Night Owl or Early Bird?  Q: If you could live anywhere, where
A: Night owl A: Demolition expert
Q: What one piece of advice would would it be? Q: Biggest pet peeve?
A: A winter-free place A: A bad attitude
you offer a young person? Q: Who or what makes you Q: Worst gift ever received?
A: Always be part of the solution A: A Jar of red pepper jelly
Q: If you could learn to do anything, Laugh most? Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Taft Tucker (woodworking partner A: Crazy socks
what would it be?
A: Play a guitar in crime)
Q: What is your “guilty pleasure”?
A: Riding my motorcycle
Q: Favorite kind of music? Or

favorite song?
A: Anything but country... Anything.
Q: Name one of your weaknesses?
A: A well-groomed beard
Q: One word to describe yourself.
A: The word I would use is quite diffe-

ent than the one my wife would use

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 27

TruckersMakingHeadlines

NCTA’s Annual Councils Conference

BY AMY BALLARD AND RENEE MILLER /
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

There you are, feeling full of inspiration and camaraderie! guard for the 2019-2020 NCTA
pride at being in a room full of the Each year at the conference the Council Chairs. Michael Martin
Executives of North Carolina’s best with Best Logistics Group is the new
companies. You’ve competed for this North Carolina Trucking Association Chair of the NCTA Technology and
moment, and now look forward to its honors trucking companies for their Maintenance Council. Alan Darr with
unfolding. You wait with bated breath, fleet and industrial safety performance Ezzell Trucking is the new Chair of the
adrenaline rushing through you, for based on specific criteria. And when NCTA Safety and Human Resource
the final result to come in. There’s a that highlighted moment arrives when Council. Both plan to hit the ground
kind of hush. You’re totally present to the winners of The Fleet Safety Award running to assist NCTA in the strategic
the energy in the room. You’re fully and The Industrial Safety Award are planning of next year’s council
attentive – on the edge of your seat, announced, you feel the adrenaline meetings and continued growth of the
feeling the power of the caliber of rush. These coveted awards are given NCTA Annual Councils Conference.
people around you, and the excitement to companies that have competed
of anticipation. That’s the feeling at the and are being honored as the safest Participants leave the Annual
NCTA Annual Councils Conference trucking companies operating in Councils Conference already looking
when the Fleet Safety and Industrial North Carolina. The companies that forward to the next annual event and
Safety award recipients are announced. win the awards prove to be a vital part with a desire to enter and win the
The competition is strong, and the of the solution for safety concerns in awards competition. If you’re thinking
positive benefit of receiving the award the industry. They are also proven as you might want to join them, the 2020
is huge. This year the NCTA Annual a credible company with their own NCTA Annual Councils Conference
Councils Conference took place present and future customers as they will return to the mountains and take
September 29 through October 1st in are validated as a verified safe company place at the Asheville Renaissance
Wilmington, NC, kicking off with a with whom to do business. Hotel in Asheville, NC on October
welcome reception and dinner where 11-13. NCTA is looking forward to
members got a chance to network with The Fleet Safety Award is based another informative event next year,
their peers, visit with the exhibitors on a company’s Carrier Profile Data, and want to thank all of our sponsors,
and enjoy riverfront views. Shawn number of miles driven, and accidents attendees, and speakers that make the
Brown from Cargo Transporters per year; as well as the severity of each event successful.
provided entertainment throughout accident. Awards are categorized by the
the event as the host and emcee. amount of miles driven and include all NCTA Members Honored
miles as well as local miles only. One for Safe Driving and
A vast array of topics was covered Grand Champion is recognized, and Fleet Excellence
that affect the entire industry, and that this year Moen, Inc. was the recipient.
give participants new information Each year, the North Carolina
and insights about meeting their The Industrial Safety Award Trucking Association honors
own company’s everyday business recognizes companies with the best trucking companies for their fleet
challenges. From industry updates ratio of hours worked, relative to and industrial safety performance
to improved fleet management, time lost due to industrial accidents. based on specific criteria. The Institute
participants come away from the Winners are selected in categories for Transportation Research and
conference energized and enthused based on average number of employees Education (ITRE) at North Carolina
with new ideas to implement in their for the contest year. State University created a scoring
own companies, and they have some system to calculate results and aid in
fun while they’re soaking up the This year’s NCTA Councils the selection process.
Conference also brought a changing

28 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

TruckersMakingHeadlines

2018 FLEET SAFETY AWARD WINNERS

Under 5 Million Miles (All) Under 5 Million Miles (Local) 5-15 Million Miles
Winner – Moen, Inc. Winner – Garland C. Norris, Co Winner – Unifi Manufacturing, Inc.
Runner Up – D.M. Bowman, Inc. Runner Up – Longistics Transportation, Inc.
Runner Up – TCW, Inc.

no photo available

15-25 Million 25 Million Plus Overall Grand Champion Award
Winner – Brown Trucking Company Winner - CLI Transport, LP Moen, Inc.
Runner Up – Fleetmaster Express, Inc. Runner Up - Walmart Transportation

2018 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AWARD WINNERS

1 to 100 Employees  101 to 300 Employees 301 or More Employees
Unifi Manufacturing, Inc. Swing Transport, Inc. Walmart Transportation

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 29

TruckersMakingHeadlines

NCTA Technology and Maintenance Council

BY AMY BALLARD / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Introduced this year, is an award & Maintenance Council. He has served In addition to our state organization,
to honor the top maintenance as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman Stacy Mr. Earnhardt has also been
professional within the association. The and from the very beginning made actively involved in the American
Maintenance Professional of the Year sure that the Council remained focused Trucking Association’s national
Award is presented to an individual on training and education that would Technology & Maintenance Council.
who is entrusted with the duties hold value for anyone from a 1st year He served as a Study Group Chairman
and responsibilities of maintenance diesel tech student to a fleet manager or for five years, served as a Director at
supervision for his/her company. This maintenance director. He helped start the Large, and currently serving as the
award is to honor the individual, who in Top Tech Challenge which is now in its Vice-Chairman. Mr. Earnhardt is the
the opinion of their peers, is outstanding 6th year. Chairman elect to assume the position
in their activities and accomplishments at the end of the at the 2020 ATA TMC
in maintenance and maintenance Annual Meeting & Transportation
supervision in his/her company and in Technology Exhibition in February.
the State of North Carolina.
Mr. Earnhardt has volunteered
The 2019 NCTA TMC Maintenance countless hours of time and is not only
Professional of the Year was awarded dedicated to maintenance but to the
to Stacy Earnhardt, Director of Asset future of maintenance. NCTA is proud
Management of Best Logistics Group. of Mr. Earnhardt’s accomplishments and
representing North Carolina in a national
Mr. Earnhardt has been an active and leadership position.
integral part of the NCTA Technology

NCTA Safety and Human Resources Council

Safety Professional of the Year

BY AMY BALLARD / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The NCTA Safety and Human Swing Transport, Inc. seat, he developed a keen sense of
Resources Council (SHRC) Safety Mr. Whitley has been in the safety for himself, the equipment he
Professional of the Year Award is used, and the general public he shared
presented annually to an individual to trucking industry for 49 years and the road with.
the motor carrier safety professional with Swing Transport for 40 years.
whose job qualifications, achievements From his many years in the driver’s Active in the NCTA Safety and
and ability to design and direct safety Human Resources Council, he
programs that are deemed most has served on the (SHRC) in a
outstanding. The program is designed variety of roles including council
to promote high standards in the member, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice
qualifications and performance of those Chairman, and Chairman. Mr.
in the motor carrier safety profession. Whitley has also served on the NCTA
SHRC Education and Training,
The NCTA SHRC 2019 Safety Finance and Membership Committees
Professional of the Year was awarded and volunteers at the annual Truck
to Wayne Whitley, Safety Director with Driving Championship.

30 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

TruckersMakingHeadlines

North Carolina Winners at the

ATA TMC SuperTech Competition

BY AMY BALLARD / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The American Trucking Associations TMC SuperTech Competition is North America’s premier skills competition for
professional commercial vehicle technicians. ATA TMC SuperTech contestants come from all segments of the trucking in-
dustry, and many are state, regional or corporate champions. This year the NCTA had three technicians place at the top of
the competition.

Mr. Kyle Ballard, with Clarke Pow-
er Services placed 10th in the ATA
SuperTech competition, which is the
highest finish for one of our competitors
in NCTA history! Mr. Ballard won the
Grand Champion Award at the NCTA
TMC Top Tech Challenge in May.

Mr. Dylan Gusler, a Forsyth Technical
Community College student finished 2nd
place in the overall FutureTech Compe-
tition, in addition to winning one indi-
vidual station. Mr. Gusler was our 1st
place student technician at NCTA TMC
Top Tech Challenge in May.

Mr. Aaron Burdick, with Clarke Power
Services competed in the Light/Medi-
um Duty division of the ATA TMC Su-
perTech, earned first place and won six
individual stations. Mr. Burdick placed
2nd in the NCTA Top Tech Challenge
in May.

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 31

Highway Legend

How a false stat about trucks & road damage is based on 60 years of distortion

BY AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
GUEST WRITERS

There’s a time-worn statistic peddled
by truck critics that a “single tractor-
trailer does the same amount of road
damage as 9,600 passenger vehicles.”
But there’s an issue with this eye-
popping figure: It is egregiously false.
Like any tall tale, this falsehood
has spread and morphed over time,
taking on new forms and iterations
but still lacking any basis in truth. One
governor put the ratio at 10,000 to 1; a
lawmaker recently claimed 4,000:1.
The genesis of this myth dates
back decades. The original 9,600:1
Arrangement of test loops 5 and 6 for the AASHO Road Test (1962)

figure is supposedly derived from as AASHO. Mind you, this was nearly
the AASHO Road Test conducted in Association of State Highway and
1962 — a project of the American Transportation Officials, then known 60 years ago.
The Road Test was a legitimate
and valuable research effort to help
Southern Truck Call today for highway engineers understand how
Insurance Services Great Rates! pavements of varying strength and
704-226-0728 construction respond to truck axle
Inc.

loads. Using those findings, engineers
could then determine how to best
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR TRUCK INSURANCE design highways to withstand the
expected vehicle volumes and loads
We have relationships with dozens of insurance companies allowing you to get the right price over long periods of time.
with the right service. Whether you have the ideal history or a not-so-perfect history, we'll get

you the right coverage with the best company at the best price forYOU.

Serving Virginia, Tennessee, Call, Email, Facebook or Stop By for a Free Quote!

North Carolina and South Carolina. (800) 742-3881 • Email: [email protected]

SouthernTruck Insurance is an 104 Avon Street, Monroe, NC 28110 “There are prevalent
independent agency allowing us misconceptions that
www.STRUCKINS.com
to makeYOU our top priority.
25 years of trucking • 25 years of insurance

trucks damage
pavements more than
passenger cars.”
— The National
Your “One-Stop-Shop” for all your semi-trailer needs. New and used Academy of Sciences,
semi-trailer sales, service, parts with six convenient locations to serve you. Transportation Research

Raleigh, NC Statesville, NC Mt. Airy, NC 1-800-662-7026
Columbia, SC Ashland, VA Roanoke, VA www.crtsinc.com

Board

32 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

To conduct the study, portions
of the test road were deliberately
under-designed in order to actually
achieve deterioration. After all, the
engineers were trying to observe
how axle loads and pavement interact
to cause damage.

Distorting the AASHO A copy of and photographs from the 1962 Road Test
Road Test
equivalent damage to roads as 9,600 included in the study. This was not the
After the AASHO Road Test’s passenger vehicles — nor did it intent nor scope of the experiment,
publication, politically-motivated non- produce any similar ratio. In fact, and the claim has no scientific or
engineers used portions of the study — passenger vehicles weren’t even factual validity.
completely out of context — to concoct
an erroneous ratio that compares road CONTINUED 
damage caused by trucks versus the
damage inflicted by a car.

But nowhere in the Road Test does
it find that tractor-trailers do the

SAVE ON MEMBER BENEFIT:
PREPASS
FREE!FIRST MONTH

prepass.com/NC • 866-228-1424

Promo Code: NCTA

Offer good for first time PrePass customers for the
weigh station bypass service. Service contingent upon
application approval. Qualified applicants will receive one
month of service at no up-front cost. At the end of the
trial period, service will automatically renew at regular
PrePass rates. Customers may cancel service at any time.

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 33

Setting the Record Straight that trucks damage pavements more tire types, weather, and soil conditions
than passenger cars. This is only true of the Road Test. Obviously, many
Although some lawmakers still when (1) the pavements are under- things have changed from 70 years ago
float this false statistic — wittingly or designed for the amount of truck (e.g., pavement materials; pavement
unwittingly — a number of scientific traffic that is actually using them; (2) designs; truck loadings; tire types,
studies and other authoritative voices trucks, through overloading generally, sizes, and inflation pressures; travel
from the engineering community have are imposing heavier axle loads than speeds; weather patterns).
corrected the record. anticipated; or (3) other factors not
properly evaluated in design have FPI also echoes the important point
The National Academy of Sciences affected the ability of pavements to that the intent of the Road Test was in
refuted the ratio in 1979, underscoring support traffic.” no way to compare cars and trucks, and
the fact that the AASHO Road Test that the experiment’s inputs are wholly
was partially conducted on under- In a recent 2018 report, FP Innovations incompatible to make that leap of analysis:
designed pavement. More to the point, highlighted more glaring issues with
NAS explained that properly designed using the Road Test to assess truck A third limitation of ESALs is that
highways —a lesson actually derived damage versus that of cars, including how they don’t account for tire parameters
from the AASHO test — are built to incredibly dated the data is: (type, size, inflation). The original
withstand the truck and passenger tests were conducted with bias ply
vehicle traffic that travels on them. A second and more important tires, which have now been completely
limitation of the ESAL concept (and replaced with radial tires. Tire
“When a highway is properly truck factors) is that it is based upon parameters have been found to strongly
designed…it will not be damaged by dated and specific conditions tested influence near-surface pavement
the traffic it is designed to support. almost 70 years ago at one location. deterioration, notably cracking.
This is an important point because They reflect the pavement, vehicle and
there are prevalent misconceptions

TEHCOHWNIMCAIANNYSOWFIYLOLUCROMDRPIEVTEERISNA2N0D20?

North Carolina Trucking Association’s
2020 Truck Driving Championship
& Top Tech Challenge
May 8 -- 9
Raleigh, North Carolina

Registration details may be found at nctrucking.com

Questions? Please call NCTA at (919) 834-0387

34 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

When you hear claims of a tricycle — and watch what happens fact: the primary cause of highway
trucks doing 9,600 times to it over a few years. Unused airport damage is NOT the number and weight
the damage as a single runways, for example, designed to of vehicles traveling the road.
accept terrific punishment will buckle,
car, ask the claimant crack, sag, and break up from no cause Bottom Line
what their source is. whatsoever but weather.
Know that this stat is When you hear claims of trucks
egregiously false and has Here’s a question: If heavy trucks doing 9,600 times the damage as
been thoroughly refuted are chiefly responsible for shortening a single car, ask the claimant what
and debunked by actual pavement life, how does one explain their source is. Know that this stat
scientists and engineers. the Baltimore-Washington Parkway — is egregiously false and has been
which prohibits truck traffic — recently thoroughly refuted and debunked by
The faulty 9,600:1 analysis totally becoming so riddled with potholes that actual scientists and engineers.
omits environmental factors, which officials had to lower the speed limit to
are the driving force behind highway give cars enough time to dodge them? Cherry picking findings from a
deterioration. Take a pavement which 60-year old study and applying them
has no traffic at all on it — not even The answer is water. Highway wildly out of context is not sound
engineers know that weather and science. It is propaganda — often
the environment — warm no-freeze driven by a political agenda.
climates, freeze and thawing cycles,
precipitation, and subgrade soil — play This article was written by American
the major role in highway deterioration. Trucking Associations staff and
although originally published in August
Government studies from the Federal 2019, we feel its relevance is timeless.
Highway Administration confirm this

NCTA 2020 Effective January 15, 2020, the
North Carolina Division of Motor
2020 ANNUAL COUNCILS CONFERENCE Vehicles (NCDMV) will no longer
accept fax as a means to submit
ASHEVILLE, NC | OCT 11 - 13, 2020 | Renaissance Hotel Commercial Driver License medical
examiner certificates.
Each year at the conference the North Carolina Trucking
Association honors trucking companies for their fleet Drivers required to maintain a certified
and industrial safety performance based on specific medical status must provide a U.S.
criteria. These coveted awards are given to companies Department of Transportation medical
that have competed and are being honored as the safest examiners certificate to the NCDMV
trucking companies operating in North Carolina. by visiting a local driver license office,
emailing [email protected] or
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available! mailing it to:
Registration details may be found at nctrucking.com
N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
Questions? Please call NCTA at (919) 834-0387 CDL Medical Certification Unit
3126 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3126

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 35

TruckersMakingHeadlines

North Carolina Drivers Honored

for Safety and Excellence on the Road

BY AMY BALLARD / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The North Carolina Driver of the Year and Driver of the Month awards honor the best of our fleets on the road, high-
lighting safety both in and out of the cab. These drivers are recognized for their years of service, while remaining
safe. The NC Driver of the Year must be a previous Driver of the Month.

NCTA 2019 DRIVER OF THE YEAR AND 2018 DRIVERS OF THE MONTH

The 2019 North Carolina Driver of the Year Award went
to Robert Baity of Unifi Manufacturing, Inc. Robert has
worked for Unifi for 11 years and has been an outstanding
professional truck driver throughout his career. He has
driven for over 42 years and has 2,575,468 miles without a
chargeable accident. He was recognized as one of the NCTA
Drivers of the Month in 2018.

Robert’s employer had this to say about him, “Robert is
quiet person that doesn’t care to be recognized for his ac-
complishments. He is truly a professional driver dedicated
to safety. We are very proud of him representing Unifi as
well as being named North Carolina Trucking Association
2019 Driver of the Year.”

Robert Baity, Unifi Manufacturing, Inc.
Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 42
Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,575,468
Accident Free Record: 42 Years 2,575,468 Miles

JANUARY 2018 FEBRUARY 2018 MARCH 2018

James Mraz II, FedEx Ground Frank Bowers, Old Dominion Freight Line Donnie Woods, Unifi Manufacturing, Inc.
Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 29 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 33 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 37
Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 1,000,000 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 1,275,217 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 1,576,000
Accident Free Record: 29 Years 1,000,000 Miles Accident Free Record: 33 Years 1,275,217 Miles Accident Free Record: 37 Years 1,576,000 Miles

36 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

TruckersMakingHeadlines

APRIL 2018 MAY 2018 JUNE 2018

George Merritt, Jr., Ezzell Trucking, Inc. Lonza Moore, Ezzell Trucking, Inc. Dennis Pardue, Unifi Manufacturing, Inc.
Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 21 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 21 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 22
Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,100,000 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,100,000 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,211,472
Accident Free Record: 21 Years 2,100,000 Miles Accident Free Record: 21 Years 2,100,000 Miles Accident Free Record: 22 Years 2,211,472 Miles

JULY 2018 AUGUST 2018 SEPTEMBER 2018

Robert Crater, Unifi Manufacturing, Inc. Robert Greene, Barnes Transportation Services, Inc. Gary Lee Killian, Cargo Transporters, Inc.
Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 37 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 31 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 23
Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,279,748 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,900,000
Accident Free Record: 37 Years 2,279,748 Miles Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 2,450,000 Accident Free Record: 23 Years 2,900,000 Miles
Accident Free Record: 31 Years 2,450,000 Miles
OCTOBER 2018
NOVEMBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018

Jerry Lee Dancy, Cargo Transporters, Inc. Wayne Smith, CPC Logistics Jessie Hardin, Walmart Transportation
Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 30 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 34 Years of Commercial Driving Experience: 42
Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 3,600,000 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 3,900,000 Approximate Commercial Miles Driven: 4,000,000
Accident Free Record: 30 Years 3,600,000 Miles Accident Free Record: 16 Years 1,900,000 Miles Accident Free Record: 42 Years 4,000,000 Miles

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 37

NORTH CAROLINA 2019 Newest Members ADVERTISING
COMMUNITY COLLEGES RESOURCE INDEX
APPROVED TO OFFER THE Breeden Insurance Services, Inc.
TRUCKING OPERATIONS Carolina Logistic, Inc. Q3 Fall/Winter 2019-2020
MANAGEMENT TRACK Carolina Transportation, Inc. Battleground Tire & Wrecker Back cover
Carolina Trucking Academy
AND COURSES: D & D Instruments, Inc. BestPass 11
Delta Express Inc.
Caldwell Community and Technical Institute Delta v Forensic Engineering Carolina Axle Surgeons 25
Central Piedmont Community College Dispatch & Services Inc.
College of The Albemarle Grammer Industries Crook Motor Company/Western Star 22
Davidson County Community College Hammer Truck Sales, LLC
Edgecombe Community College Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Cummins 24
Haulynx
Fayetteville Technical Community College Hill, Chesson & Woody A Gallagher Excel Truck Group 9
Forsyth Technical Community College Company
Gaston College Incentive management Group Fred’s Towing and Transport 10
Guilford Technical Community College Industrial Sign and Graphics
Lenoir Community College Inspire Medical Systems G & S Road Service 14
Nash Community College Latorre Insurance
Randolph Community College Lenoir Community College Great West Casualty Co. Inside Back Cover
Sampson Community College M & P Specialty Insurance
Surry Community College Metro Trailer Leasing, Inc. Ideal Transport, Inc 6
Vance-Granville Community College MMX Transportation, Inc.
Wake Technical Community College OccuSure Workers' Compensation Innovative Driver Services 34
Specialists
NORTH CAROLINA Pinnacle Financial Partners The Larson Group Peterbilt 13
COMMUNITY COLLEGES Prestage Farms, Inc.
OFFERING TRUCK DRIVING ProFlo Solutions Mangum's Towing & Recovery 25
TRAINING PROGRAMS: Quality Driver Solutions
Ricks Transport Millberg Gordon & Stewart 24
Davidson County CC** Rushing Enterprises, Inc. (MGS Law Firm)
Fayetteville TCC Shelba D. Johnson Trucking
Gaston College Sprint Corporation MHC Kenworth Inside front cover
James Sprunt CC Tenstreet
Johnston CC* U.S. Legal Services NCTA’s 2020 Annual Conference 16
Lenoir CC USI Insurance Services
Nash CC Webasto Thermo & Comfort North NCTA’s 2020 Councils Conference & Expo 35
Piedmont CC American, Inc.
Pitt CC Wireless Ventures NCTA’S 2020 Truck Driving Championship
Richmond CC
& TopTech Challenge 34
Roanoke Chowan CC
Rowan-Cabarrus CC People's United Equipment Finance 23

Sampson CC PrePass 33
South Piedmont CC
Snider Fleet Solutions 3
Surry CC
Tri-County CC Southern Truck Insurance Brokers 32
Tri-County CC
Tarheel Wheels 38
NORTH CAROLINA
COMMUNITY COLLEGES Thermo King Central Carolinas 15
OFFERING DIESEL AND
Utility/CRTS 32
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS: This edition of Tarheel Wheels was made
possible with the support of these corporate
Asheville-Buncombe TCC advertisers, all NCTA members. They support
Cape Fear CC the trucking industry by enabling North
Carteret CC Carolina Trucking Association to provide
this publication to its members, prospective
Central Piedmont CC members, elected officials and the business
Coastal Carolina CC community at large. They deserve your
Davidson County CC consideration and patronage when making
your corporate purchasing decisions. Thank you!
Forsyth TCC
Guilford TCC
James Sprunt CC
Johnston CC

Wake TCC
Wilkes CC

38 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

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®.

Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 39

Kirk’s Sineath Towing

The man standing beside the wrecker with hat on is Serving the
J.I. Sineath, the founder of the company. Picture was taken in Trucking Industry
downtown Greensboro around 1928.
Since 1925
Kirk’s Sineath Towing
700 Patton Avenue Truck and Trailer Repair
Complete Shop Facilities
Greensboro NC 27406 24Hour Mobile Truck Repair
24Hour Mobile Tire Service
Computer Diagnostics
Towing

336-272-3456

www.kstowing.com