truckingTENNESSEE
Q3 FALL 2022
NEWS
A Legacy of Leadership
David Coffey
Nationwide Express
Honoring Pinnacle Award: 80 Years of Tennessee
Tommy Hodges Rep. Pat Marsh Colonial Freight Commercial Drivers
License Update
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Tennessee Trucking News OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Q3 FALL 2022
FEATURES
11 At the Pinnacle
State Representative Pat Marsh of
Big G Express awarded TTA’s highest
distinction, and here’s why…
BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
19 YPC Haulin’ for
the Holidays
BY JESSIE MERRITT
14 Honoring a Legend
Hodges leaves TTA Foundation ‘a
little bit better than he found it’
BY STEVE BRAWNER
16 Member Spotlight:
A Goat & a Wagon
Ruby McBride tells the story of
Colonial Freight’s 80-year history
BY DAVID MONTEITH
27 CDL Bottleneck
Trucking and state regulators to
streamline the CDL process
BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
30 TTA 2022 Annual
Convention & Expo
Highlights & Fleet Safety
Award Winners
BY TTA STAFF
DEPARTMENTS COVER STORY
7 Chairman’s Message: P 20 A Legacy of Leadership
by Jason Higginbotham Nationwide Express’ David Coffey, Michael Coffey
and their late-father Charlie Coffey on leadership
9 From the President: and what matters most
by Donna England, TTA BY DAN CALABRESE
36 Safety Zone
by Marty Pollock
37 A Closer Look
38 Calendar of Events
38 TTA New Members
38 Advertiser Resource Index
IMAGES OF DAVID COFFEY ON COVER AND THIS PAGE BY LAWRENCE KUZNIEWSKI.
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 5
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Chairman’s Message
Tennessee Trucking Association CLOSING A CHAPTER – GOOD
Executive Committee THINGS TO COME
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Hello to all of my fellow TTA members. As your
new chairman, it’s my privilege to write to you for
JASON HIGGINBOTHAM my first issue of the Tennessee Trucking News. It
Ozark Motor Lines was great to see a record attendance at the annual
convention in Destin and I’ve enjoyed getting out and around the state to TTA events and
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE can’t wait to get full steam into events in 2023.
President & CEO Secretary The TTA has finished out 2022 on a strong note. As Donna completes her first year as
DONNA ENGLAND JIM MOSBY president & CEO of the association, we also acknowledge and celebrate the retirement
Tennessee Trucking of Catherine Stuart as foundation coordinator for the Tennessee Trucking Foundation.
FirstBank Catherine is most familiar to many of you from her 15 years of dedicated service overseeing
Association Treasurer the day-to-day activities of the Road Team, scholarship programs, and the annual raffle
TruckPAC Co-Chairman SCOTT SCHUMPERT program. Thank you, Catherine, for everything you’ve done for us in 15 amazing years!
WAYLAND THOMPSON Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs
Middle Tennesse As we finish out 2022 and head into 2023, the Association has many things underway. In
FirstFleet Inc. Vice Chairman addition to many tent pole events such as regional Safety Maintenance Councils, the Young
TruckPAC Co-Chairman MIKE MCFARLIN Professional Council in Middle Tennessee is now active and meets regularly. The YPC is
M & W Transportation Co., Inc. expanding to East Tennessee and will be headed to West Tennessee in the near future, so
TERRY MINOR West Tennesse stay tuned!
Cumberland International Vice Chairman
JASON HIGGINBOTHAM This issue is filled with some great content that I know you will find worthwhile. The
Trucks, Inc. Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. cover story about David and Michael Coffey and the journey their family has had in their
TTF President Non-Domiciled stewardship of Nationwide Express. Additionally, we’ll be shining a spotlight on Ruby
SCOTT GEORGE Vice Chairman McBride of Colonial Freight Systems and their decision to voluntarily close the doors after
& ATA State Vice President nearly 80 years in business. If this wasn’t enough content for this issue, we’ll be shining two
TCW, Inc. NICK D’ANDREA very well-deserved spotlights on a pair of members. First, we will have an article on Pinnacle
Allied Vice Chairman Award winner Pat Marsh. Secondly, but very far from last, we’ll be paying well deserved
UPS tribute to Tommy Hodges as he retires from leadership of the TTA Foundation. Tommy’s
TROY DICKENS East Tennessee dedicated service to this Association, Industry and Country is detailed in the article and I
Rush Truck Vice Chairman hope you will take the time to reflect on his service to us all.
JOHN PEMBERTON
Center, Nashville Pemberton Truck Lines, Inc. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in the first half of 2023 and beyond.
Southeast Tennessee East Tennessee Thank you for being a member of the TTA!
Immediate Past Chairman
Vice Chairman Jason Higginbotham
CONNIE VAUGHAN JEFF REED
Skyline Transportation Jason Higginbotham
McKee Foods CFO
General Counsel Ozark Motor Lines
2022-2023 Chairman, Tennessee Trucking Association
C. DALE ALLEN
Adams and Reese LLP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS AT LARGE CORY LILE
Occusure Workers’ Compensation
BRAD ALLEN
Venture Express EDDIE WAYLAND
King & Ballow
TODD COLEMAN
McGriff Tire Company, Inc. BILL TIRRILL
Fleetco, Inc.
JERRY HAMPTON
Pinnacle Bank SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE
ROB RHEA TOMMY THAXTON
FedEx Freight Best One Tire & Service
WAYNE WEAVER DAREL DYER
Rapid Ways Leasing Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga
BOB WEST PERRY WILSON
R.E. West, Inc. McKee Foods
BILLY WHITE LINDY HENLEY
Clarke Power Services Tranco Logistics
STEVE HOLDEN WEST TENNESSEE
Best One Tire & Service
MARK GEORGE
EAST TENNESSEE Intermodal Cartage Co., Inc.
BILL REED, III TIM GATLIN
Skyline Logistics, Inc. Empire Express, Inc.
CRAIG KENDALL JEFF REEVES
The Peterbilt Store,-Knoxville Reeves Brothers Trucking, Inc.
JIM PETERS TOMMY EARL
TLD Logistics Services, Inc. TAG Truck Center
MITCH FISHER LANCE WILSON
Cummins, Inc. General Truck Sales & Service
MIDDLE TENNESSEE MIKE LATHUM
Wooten Transports, Inc.
WILLIAM KEITH
FirstExpress, Inc. LESTER LAWSON
JNJ Express, Inc.
PAT MARSH
Big G Express, Inc. NON-DOMICILED REGIONAL
BRAD RAHRER MIKE KELLEY
Portland Express, inc. YRC Worldwide, Inc.
ALLIE SHARP SCHWALB HAL DOWLAND
Christenson Transportation, Inc. HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass
JOHN WALTON GREG SHIPMAN
Averitt Express, Inc. Vertical Alliance Group
BILL BOB WEST STEVE GARRISH
R.E. West, Inc. OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 7
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truckingTENNESSEE From the President
NEWS & CEO
Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association IT’S GREAT TO BE TOGETHER
Tennessee Trucking News is owned by the Tennessee Trucking
Association and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing
The TTA’s 92nd Annual Convention showed
Group. For additional copies, to order reprints of individual how great it can be when the trucking industry
articles or to become a subscriber to Tennessee Trucking News, gets together.
The convention, which occurred Sept. 18-20
contact Carol Foster at [email protected]. at the Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, had the largest attendance ever. We reached our
max of 20 exhibitors at our Vendor EXPO. In fact, another exhibitor who was left out this
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake year has already signed up for next year.
Jason Higginbotham of Ozark Motor Lines became TTA’s new chairman after
[email protected] accepting the gavel from Jeff Reed of Skyline Transportation. We’re thankful for Jeff’s
leadership, and we look forward to what Jason will accomplish. One of his goals is to add
Executive Editor Donna England value to the association during his time in office these upcoming two years, and we will
help him do that.
[email protected] Meanwhile, after decades of leadership, Tommy Hodges of Goggin Warehousing
handed the presidency of the TTA Foundation to Scott George of TCW, Inc. Scott is
Creative Director Fran Sherman the son of Phil George, who created the foundation along with Tommy in 1993. No one
[email protected] could fill Tommy’s shoes, but he felt like it was time for a change, and we look forward to
growing the foundation under Scott’s leadership.
Graphic Designer Barbara Negron One of the convention’s highlights was awarding the TTA’s highest honor, the Pinnacle
Award, to State Representative Pro Tempore and Big G Express’ Pat Marsh. Pat was the
Ad Production Doug Benjamin first Pinnacle Award recipient since 2014, when it was awarded to TTA’s former president
and CEO, Dave Huneryager.
Photographers Clay Cook Our keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Robert Darling, was fantastic. He shared his experiences
John Ballance working in the White House for President George W. Bush when terrorists attacked
the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. After the attacks, Bob rushed to the president’s
Chris Fain underground chamber, where he helped organize the initial response to the attacks.
Al Ferreira Bob gave our membership a riveting lesson in crisis leadership at the nation’s highest
Daniel Gray levels of government that they could apply to their own fleet operations. Afterwards, he
Allyssa Woodford Hughes sold out of his book, “24 Hours Inside the President’s Bunker.”
Larry Kuzniewski I want to close by changing the subject and saying how proud I am of our Young
Caleb Shane Lollar Professionals Council. The group’s 4th Annual Haulin’ for the Holidays is already a huge
John David Pittman success. It has raised more than $25,000 in Angel sponsorships and toy donations through
Amazon wish list orders, which doesn’t include toy drop-offs. The live toy drive was
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner scheduled for Dec. 14 at the Reliance Partners insurance agency in Chattanooga.
Eric J. Francis A lot of kids will have a merry Christmas because of those efforts. The trucking
industry can accomplish a lot when we’re together.
Kevin Jones
Renee Miller
David Monteith Donna England
Derek Rayment
Jennifer Barnett Reed Donna England
Jack Roberts President & CEO
John D. Schulz Tennessee Trucking Association
Lacey C. Thacker
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 9
Todd Traub
www.TNTrucking.org
Tennessee Trucking Association Staff
President & CEO
Donna England
[email protected]
Foundation Coordinator
Catherine Stuart
[email protected]
Administrative Coordinator
Carol Foster
[email protected]
Communications Coordinator
Ashlee Taylor
[email protected]
Director of Safety
Marty Pollock
[email protected]
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Khadejia Hupp
[email protected]
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
An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations
Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) has served as the voice for Tennessee’s trucking
industry since 1930.TTA is a trade association dedicated to the furtherance of the
trucking industry’s goals and interests in Tennessee and the United States. Our
membership is a diverse group comprised of motor carriers, both public and private,
and companies providing products and services to the industry.TTA serves these
companies as a governmental 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.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ATRITHE NATION’S TOP TRUCK
This year ATRI celebrates 20 years of leadership in critical data and analysis to improve the
BOTTLENECKS 2021trucking industry’s safety and productivity. From the truck stop to the executive suite, to the
ANALYSsItSate house and Capitol Hill, ATRI’s reputation for providing objective industry analyses means
data-driven decision making on the industry’s biggest issues.ince 2002, the American Transportation Research Institute
S(ATRI) has collected and processed truck GPS data in support
truck GPS dataset, ATRI found average truck speeds at some of the
worst truck bottlenecks improve by 100% or more as car drivers
of numerous U.S. DOT freight mobility initiatives. Using truck GPS sheltered in place and trucks kept moving to deliver essential goods.
data from over 1 million freight trucks, ATRI develops and monitors In a separate analysis in April 2020, ATRI found state-level truck
a series of key performance measures on the nation’s freight activity increased in early February as panic-buying drove consumer
transportation system. Among many GPS analyses, ATRI converts demand, followed by a decrease in truck activity as more businesses
its truck GPS dataset into an ongoing truck bottleneck analysis that were closed. However, by April and into May, ATRI’s Truck Activity
is used to quantify the impact of traffic congestion on truck-borne Index began to improve across the states analyzed, signaling a
freight at over 300 specific locations. While other datasets may return to pre-pandemic freight demand.
identify congested corridors, no dataset available today specifically
identifies granular chokepoints in the nation’s truck freight An additional impact on traffic congestion in 2020 was the number IMPROVING SAFETY
transportation system. of roadway construction projects that were able to commence and/ AND LOWERING RISK
or advance at a faster pace due to fewer vehicles on the road during
ATRI’s annual Top Truck Bottleneck Analysis uses a full year of the pandemic. Once traffic levels increased in the second half of
truck GPS data to calculate the top chokepoints. However, 2020 2020, those construction projects became even more congested.
was by all definitions a different year with pandemic-related impacts As such, this year’s Top Truck Bottleneck list reflects a rise in
intersecting with traffic patterns. In a March 2020 analysis using its ranking in a number of locations impacted by roadway construction.
2021 TOP TRUCK BOTTLENECKS • BY THE NUMBERS On topics as wide-ranging as predicting future crash
involvement to safety technology cost-benefit analyses to
AVERAGE PEAK 33.9%up year-over-year TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS 25% 29NUMBER OF STATES obstructive sleep apnea, ATRI’s research provides a blueprint
WITH AVERAGE TRUCK for managing risk and improving roadway safety.
43.0HOUR TRUCK WITH AT LEAST ONE
mphSPEED: SPEEDS <45 MPH: TOP 100 BOTTLENECK:
WA
9# Rye, NY OPERATIONAL DATA
1-95 at I-287 YOU CAN COUNT ON
NY Whether you’re looking to route your drivers around congestion or
CT benchmark your costs against your peers in the industry, ATRI’s
analyses combine real-world data with a deep understanding of
6# Chicago, IL PA industry operations.
I-290 at I-90/I-94
LEADING WITH DATA,
1# Fort Lee, NJ NOT EMOTION
1-95 at SR 4
ATRI’s research uses data and analyses to dissect the true
CA 2# Cincinnati, OH impacts of policies and regulations across a range of critical
I-71 at I-75 topics including Hours-of-Service, autonomous vehicles, CSA,
8# St. Louis, MO tolling, and nuclear verdicts.
I-64/I-55 at I-44
10# San Bernardino, CA 7 TN
I-10 at I-15 # Chattanooga, TN 3# Atlanta, GA
I-75 at I-24 I-285 at I-85 (North)
GA
STATES WITH THE 4# Atlanta, GA
HIGHEST NUMBER OF I-20 at I-285 (West)
TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS: TX
Texas.................. 12 Georgia ................ 7 5# Houston, TX
California ............. 8 Pennsylvania....... 7 I-45 at I-69/US 59
Washington ......... 8 New York .............. 6
Connecticut......... 7 Tennessee ........... 6
For more information on ATRI’s Top Truck Bottleneck analysis, including a detailed description of the methodology, visit www.TruckingResearch.org.
WHERE THE RUBBER
MEETS THE ROAD
ATRI has a long history of research focused on the issues and
concerns of professional truck drivers. From involvement in over
40 national, state, and regional truck parking studies to quantifying
the impacts of detention, ATRI’s analyses provide a key input to
advancing the safety and productivity of the industry’s workforce.
We rely on YOU to make our research successful. Help secure ATRI’s future for
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Visit us today online at TruckingResearch.org
to learn more about our research and commit to
supporting ATRI through a charitable contribution.
At the Pinnacle
State Representative Pat Marsh of Big G
Express awarded TTA’s highest distinction
BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It’s been eight running companies and employing lots “I talked to them
years since Tennessee of folks.” and I was hired by
Trucking Association the owner, Mr. Bud
last bestowed the Marsh has half a century in trucking, Liddell” recalled
Pinnacle Award, the going back to his college days when he Marsh. “He had four
association’s highest majored in transportation at the University daughters and took
honor. It is reserved of Tennessee… which was also, as it happens, me in like a son.”
for people whose his first exposure to the industry.
careers have had a The company
profound impact on “I didn’t have anybody in my family or had six trucks
the trucking industry anybody I knew in that industry,” he said. “But when he started,
in the state, and that I made a lot of good friends at the university and Marsh’s story
calls for a very special who were in the trucking industry.” will be a familiar
person, indeed. one to many folks
Recruited straight out of college by Ford who started their
And there’s no Motor Co., Marsh worked in the traffic careers in trucking,
doubting just how department of the Ford glass plant in as he went from
special this year’s Nashville. But it wasn’t for him, so he started sweeping the docks
recipient is. telling his friends he wanted to get out. And to dispatch and
that led him to a job interview with Goggin on up through the
“I was very Truck Line in Shelbyville. ranks. After about
honored to receive it,” 10 years of working for Liddell, Marsh was
said State Rep. Pat Marsh of Big G Express able to buy the company from his mentor,
and a lifelong advocate for Tennessee who financed the deal and loaned Marsh
trucking companies and the people who’ve the money.
made tucking their careers. “It was very “It was a real blessing,” said Marsh. “When
unexpected – a huge award and a huge I started there we had six trucks. It was
honor”. LTL and we built it up. I had great people I
worked with, a real family, a team. We did a
TTA President and CEO Donna England lot of great things.
said Marsh has been instrumental for years “We saw we needed a truckload carrier to
in working to address big issues for the go along with it, so in 1995 my brother Jack
industry in Tennessee, such as getting the and I started Big G,” he said. “We got the G
state to address the bottleneck in CDL testing off of Goggin.”
and medical certifications. Just a few years later, in 1998, Old
Dominion Freight Line out of North
“Pat is always trying to help out our Carolina approached them about purchasing
industry in any way he can, whether it’s
personally or professionally. He’s just a CONTINUES
super person,” said England. “He’s one
of the icons that you want to honor in
our industry. He’s been a huge success in
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 11
Goggin Truck Line, which Marsh and his “It was just a surprise, especially coming from all
brother agreed to. my friends and peers and people I’ve known for 50
“They didn’t want the truckload carrier, years. It was a very heart-touching moment.”
so they took Goggin Truck Line and all of
our great people went with them,” he said. —Rep. Pat Marsh of Big G Express
“We had Big G Express and it was three years
old and already running 25 to 50 trucks. My Gatlinburg as well as in Alabama and lot of what goes on in the industry in the
brother Jack and I ended up staying with Big South Carolina, before settling into the state and federal area.”
G for the duration.” Florida panhandle during the last 20 years
or so. Marsh also praised the TTA staff for being
It wasn’t a bad decision, to say the least: very active in calling upon the General
Today they run about 600 trucks and 2,000 “We seem to have a lot more interest, a lot Assembly and the congressional delegation
trailers all over the country. And Big G is more participation when you have a beach in Washington, D.C., to keep trucking issues
now employee-owned, as well. to go to,” he observed with a chuckle. “We on legislators’ radar.
probably had 500 people there this year.”
“In 2009, another thing we did, we had As for the industry today, he thinks it’s still
a CFO come on as partner. He did an But he’s quick to add that there’s far more a great opportunity.
employee stock ownership plan and sold it important things to bring home from the
to our employees,” he said. “All our drivers, convention than some tan lines. “Some of our drivers last year made
mechanics, employees – all our people own $100,000, driving brand new trucks,
it together. It’s one of the best things we’ve “It’s good to be around friends and and they don’t have anybody looking
ever done.” competitors – we learn about ways to do the over their shoulder,” he said. “They can
trucking business more economically, learn make as much as they want to make and
Marsh’s connections to the TTA go back about ways to be safer, ways to get more fuel work as much as they want. Coming
four decades, and he remembers attending economy,” Marsh said. “We meet bankers, out of school or university, I think it’s a
the conventions when they were held in insurance people, vendors of equipment and golden opportunity for young ladies and
tires. We get a lot out of it and learn a whole gentlemen to get involved in a fun industry
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12 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
that’s fast-paced and has a lot of interesting Pinnacle Award. He called Marsh “an ideal able to meet people, win their trust, and
people in it.” choice to be added to the list of those who convince them to do business.
have received this prestigious honor.”
Those who know and have worked He is also a dedicated advocate for the
with Marsh were quick to praise him as “Throughout his business and political trucking industry in Tennessee.
a clear choice to receive the association’s careers,” said Allen, “Pat has made
highest honor. countless contributions that have benefitted “Pat’s always understood our industry was
Tennessee’s trucking industry and thus undervalued in the public’s eye,” Hodges
As vice president of Charles Bailey all Tennesseans.” said, “so he was always trying to do the right
Trucking, Sen. Paul Bailey is both a colleague thing in the community to make sure people
of Marsh in the profession and in the Tommy Hodges, the founder of Titan thought of our drivers and companies as
General Assembly. Transfer and owner of Goggin Warehousing contributing citizens to the economy and the
was business partners with Marsh for 18 industry and the community. Whether it was
“I can’t say enough about Pat Marsh,” said years and is quick to describe him as “a engaging in Rotary or as a member of the
Bailey. “He is one of the greatest people you great American,” and that’s just for starters. Tennessee Trucking Association, whatever
could ever meet and one of the best friends a it called for Pat always showed a great
person could have. “I often tell people that Pat Marsh is the willingness to do that.”
kind of guy you want your daughter to grow
“There is no one more passionate about up and marry,” said Hodges. “He’s genuine, For his part – and not surprisingly, for
the trucking industry, as well as being a state he’s always going to do the right thing and those who know him – Marsh’s response is
legislator,” he said. “He just always wants to believes in taking care of other people the one of humility.
do what’s in the best interest of the trucking way they ought to be taken care of.”
industry and his constituents.” “I really didn’t feel like I deserved it,” he
Marsh’s innate skill with people – “He said. “It was just a surprise, especially coming
Dale Allen, a partner with the law firm never met a stranger,” said Hodges – made from all my friends and peers and people
Adams and Reese who has represented him exceptionally gifted at sales. While they I’ve known for 50 years. It was a very heart-
the Tennessee Trucking Association and were working together, Marsh was always touching moment.” TTN
Averitt Express, was the 2012 recipient of the
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Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 13
Handing Over the Reins
Hodges leaves TTA Foundation
‘a little bit better than he found it’
BY STEVE BRAWNER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After 30 years of expectation, and to name the scholarship after about 20 minutes
being the heart and after me was something I just don’t have we had our $300,000
soul of the Tennessee words to express just how honored and pledged,” Hodges said.
Trucking Foundation, humbled that made me feel.”
the last 18 years as In actuality, Hodges
president of it, Tommy Hodges and Phil George started said, the attendees
Hodges has decided it’s the foundation in 1993 to support enthusiastically donated
time for someone else Tennessee’s Road Team, a team of drivers because they were
to lead. who visit schools to teach young people happy with the Road
about sharing the road with truckers. Team and were getting
The owner of George was the first president. good feedback from
Shelbyville-based their drivers.
Goggin Warehousing Hodges and George wanted to raise
handed the reins to $300,000 to generate $10,000 to $15,000 Since then, the
Scott George – the annually to pay for traveling expenses. foundation has seen
son of the foundation’s For the TTA’s annual convention its assets grow. Hodges
other founder – in Alabama, they drew up pledge became president in
during a foundation board meeting at the cards, locked 40-50 motor carrier 2004 after George’s
TTA’s 92nd Annual Convention in Destin representatives in a room, and half- untimely death from cancer. It reached
in September. Board members elected jokingly told them no one could play $500,000 in reserves but lost about
George as the new president. golf until they had raised $300,000 over half of that when the Great Recession
three years. hit. Under Hodges’ leadership, the
Foundation members showed their foundation began adding events and
appreciation by donating more than “We put officers of the association at rebuilding its reserves. At one point, he
$50,000 to the foundation in Hodges’ all the doors to collect the pledge cards, and Huneryager set a goal of reaching
name. The donation made him the and we just kind of, for lack of a better $1 million in reserves. That goal recently
second member of the Founders Club, word, shamed them into pledging, and was achieved.
which started in 2021. Former TTA CEO The rising reserves have allowed the
and President Dave Huneryager was the foundation to fund more activities.
first member. It spends $150,000 to $200,000
sponsoring Road Team events and
Foundation members also announced safety projects. The Road Team has
that the TTA’s scholarship was being grown to 22 captains. Whereas it
renamed in Hodges’ honor and initially focused on teenagers, it now
presented him with a small crystal truck visits other groups including younger
and a plaque. schoolchildren and senior adults. The
foundation has donated more than $2
The recognition was a surprise to million to various children’s charities in
Hodges, who had told TTA President and Tennessee. This year it will give $35,000
CEO Donna England not to mark his in college scholarships.
resignation because he wanted the focus Huneryager said the foundation
to be on the incoming president. wouldn’t have been the same without
“It just blew me away,” he said. “I
first of all didn’t have any idea, had no
14 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Hodges’ leadership. Hodges always “He’s full of good ideas and a lot of willingness
challenged members to create new to do hard work to make those ideas come to
fundraising methods and to toot the fruition. The foundation just couldn’t be in better
industry’s horn. Whenever anything
needed to be done, he made sure hands. … It’s been fun to watch Scott grow
it happened. and become more engaged and
“I have been a member of, or, on staff to have ideas, and he will take those ideas and
at the Tennessee Trucking Association put them into action.”
for the past 30 years,” Huneryager said.
“No single individual has provided —Tommy Hodges, owner, Goggin Warehousing
more engagement, leadership, and
financial support for our association and destination. He served as TTA chairman its age. The association is soliciting a
foundation than Tommy Hodges. We twice and was chairman of the American manufacturer to do just that.
were blessed to have him as involved Trucking Associations in 2009-10.
as he was for as long as he was. We will George acknowledged that he has big
never be able to recognize him enough to J.B. Baker, who is the only treasurer shoes to fill.
pay him back for all he has shared with the foundation has ever had, said that
us. Simply put, he is the finest man I have national experience made Hodges a “I think Tommy taught me a lot
ever known.” better state leader. over the years, and I think that probably
the most important thing is just his
Hodges’ trucking history reaches back “Tommy’s a top-shelf guy in his own giving spirit,” he said. “He’s always
almost 57 years. He spent more than 30 company and in our industry as a human looking out for what’s good for other
years in the LTL business as co-owner being as well as a leader. … His strengths folks and what’s good for our industry
of Goggin Truck Line before he and are follow-up, motivation, challenge, and what’s good for our association
his partner, current Tennessee House creating challenges, and presence. He’s and foundation.”
Speaker Pro Tem Pat Marsh, sold it to given his physical presence to all the
Old Dominion. projects and made himself available to Hodges had no qualms about passing
the association,” he said. the baton to George.
“I for all practical purposes had
decided that I was just going to retire, and Dale Allen, TTA’s general counsel “He’s full of good ideas and a lot of
that lasted about two weeks because the and lobbyist since 1987, said Hodges, willingness to do hard work to make
phone quit ringing,” Hodges said. a Vietnam War veteran as an Army those ideas come to fruition,” Hodges
military policeman, didn’t ask said. “The foundation just couldn’t be in
He started Goggin Warehousing but anybody to do something he had better hands. … It’s been fun to watch
soon found he missed trucking, so in not already done. Scott grow and become more engaged
1999 he started Titan Transfer. It’s since and to have ideas, and he will take those
grown to almost 700 trucks. He’s enjoyed “To be a great leader, people ideas and put them into action.”
allowing younger employees to run his have got to have confidence in you,
companies under two simple rules: They and everybody who has served on Hodges, 75, has set up his businesses
had to make a profit, and they had to take that foundation board had a lot of so they can run themselves without
care of their people. confidence in Tommy Hodges,” he him. He spends about five cold weather
said. “He’s the type of guy when he was months each year in Florida but goes
“It’s fun just to kind of watch them raising money for the foundation, he’d into the office on a regular basis when
grow and watch the people grow and already given himself.” he’s in Tennessee.
take on new responsibilities,” he said.
“That’s the pleasure I get these days is just Now it’s time for a new generation of He doesn’t expect to fully retire, and
watching this new generation or the next leadership. Scott George, who is CEO while he is stepping back from some of
couple of generations be successful at the of Nashville-based TCW, has been his volunteer activities, his presence will
industry that’s provided so much for me involved in the foundation for many continue to be felt.
and my family.” years and looks forward to building on
Hodges’ successes. One task force is “I never did any of it to receive an
Meanwhile, he’s remained active in the working on expanding the foundation’s award or to get any kind of recognition,”
industry. He’s had a passion since early on technician scholarship program, while he said. “My goal was just to try to
in his career for making trucking more another is working on a scholarship simply leave it a little bit better than you
professional and a more attractive career program for CDL students. He also found it. That’s kind of the way I’ve tried
would like to replace the association’s to lead my life: No matter where you go,
truck, which is beginning to show if it’s nothing but leave it with a smile,
try to leave it a little bit better than you
found it.” TTN
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 15
A Goat & a Wagon
Ruby McBride tells the story of
Colonial Freight’s 80-year history
BY DAVID MONTEITH
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOS COURTESY COLONIAL FREIGHT
A trucking company that said, “Clarence and Lura McBride were “They went through
began with a goat and wagon true entrepreneurs. They weren’t afraid to deregulation,” Ruby said. “During
is closing operations this take on any challenge as long as they had their tenure, it was hard to get into
year after nearly 80 years each other. At one point, they bought a the trucking business and to get
in business. According to fleet of small planes, and Lura was giving authority because the railroads
family history, Clarence flying lessons.” opposed the trucking industry.”
Elbert (C.E.) McBride’s
love for the transportation Leadership of the organization passed The organization weathered the
industry began when he was from C.E. to Lura in 1975. Lura’s brother, storm, diversified the commodities
six years old and purchased John Hill, was named vice president. Six being hauled, and became one
a goat and a wagon, which years later, Hill transitioned to the role of of the earliest to adopt a self-
he used to take loads of mail president while Lura became chairman insurance program for auto
from the railroad station to of the board. Under their combined liability. During this period, the
the local post office. By 1943, leadership, the company navigated the company formally adopted the
C.E. McBride had parlayed company’s, and the industry’s, most name Colonial Freight Systems.
that modest beginning tumultuous years. Tom McBride, Ruby’s husband,
into the $11,000 needed to took the reins in 1996 and passed
purchase Alabama-based the mantle to Ruby 17 years later
Colonial Fast Freight Lines. when he transitioned to the role of
With many items, like chairman of the board.
butter, sugar, and tires, being
rationed during World War The values instilled by C.E.
II, C.E. scraped together and Lura in the company’s early
parts to build his own years persisted throughout the
tractors and trailers. He had leadership changes. In addition
a fleet of a dozen tractors by the end of to commitments to provide
the war. excellent service common to
most operations, one of Colonial Freight
The fledgling trucking company Systems’ posted values says, “Our people
became a family business when Clarence are important, not only as contributors to
married Lura Hill in 1949. Together, they our success but as human beings. We will
navigated the company into specializing recognize and treat them with respect.”
in refrigerated transportation and frozen Ruby said the company strived to make
foods based on the belief that “people its employees feel like family by having
gotta eat.” Eventually, the corporate an open-door policy. “The drivers could
headquarters moved from Birmingham, come into my office and talk about any
Alabama, to Knoxville. issue. Any employee could do that,” she
said. Like many families, CFS made a
Ruby McBride, current president and point of sharing meals together. Any day
CEO of Colonial Freight Systems (CFS) a driver or contractor happened to be
and daughter-in-law to C.E. and Lura, near the office at lunchtime, they could
16 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
count on hopping in a Colonial van to be To our many wonderful lease operators and
taken out for a midday meal. That focus drivers; we cannot describe how much you
on employees became a significant factor have meant to Colonial. We are so proud to
in the decisions about how and when to
close the company. have known each and every one of you,”
“We didn’t want to just sell to a private —Ruby and Tom McBride, Colonial Freight Systems
equity firm that might come in and sometime in November after the few
liquidate the company and leave people remaining Omnitrac GPS units and bits
with no jobs,” Ruby said. “When the of office furniture are sold off.
value of used equipment went crazy, As far as endings go, this has been
we decided this is an opportunity to about as good as it gets, according to
take advantage of the market and pay Ruby. CFS hauled mainly food and
all of our people a severance, so we’re medicine, which means the company
protecting them during that gap while stayed busy throughout the first two-
they’re finding something else.” and-a-half years of the pandemic before
making final deliveries in August.
Purdy Brothers Trucking, another Rather than being forced or rushed,
Tennessee-based operation that hauls Ruby and Tom were able to take the
refrigerated and dry van goods, acquired time to close the business on their terms.
a significant number of the CFS assets Family, friends, and vendors have been
and drivers. Ruby said most drivers supportive of the decision. When asked
have found new professional homes,
and many have vowed to stay in touch. CONTINUES
The CFS doors should officially close
Transportation and Logistics DALE ALLEN CANNON ALLEN ROB BREUNIG
Partner Partner Partner
JEFF BROOKS BEN FOX ROCKY KING
Partner Partner Partner
Our Adams and Reese Transportation and Logistics Team advises clients on issues HOLLY McDANIEL ASHLEY HARBIN
relating to the entire supply chain and all modes of transportation: highway, water, Governmental Affairs Associate
air, rail, and pipeline. We understand the particular demands and complexities of Advisor (non-lawyer)
the industry, and therefore, maintain real-time knowledge of statutory, regulatory, www.adamsandreese.com
and legal decisions that impact your business. Through our governmental relations
team and our membership and leadership in several transportation industry ALABAMA | COLORADO | FLORIDA | GEORGIA | LOUISIANA
organizations, we stay up-to-date on relevant legal developments on a regional, MISSISSIPPI | NORTH CAROLINA | SOUTH CAROLINA
national and international level. TENNESSEE | TEXAS | WASHINGTON, DC
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 17
what she’ll miss the most, Ruby said, “The “We didn’t want to just sell to a private equity firm
people, of course.” But she welcomes that might come in and liquidate the company
the break from the logistical headaches and leave people with no jobs. When the value
caused by this year’s early snows in the
Midwest or the aftermath of hurricane of used equipment went crazy, we decided this is
Ian in Florida. an opportunity to take advantage of the market
and pay all of our people a severance, so we’re
“It really felt good to know that we protecting them during that gap while they’re
didn’t have any drivers or trucks in
those areas,” she said. “Now, I find finding something else.”
myself praying for other people’s drivers
and trucks instead of Colonial’s drivers —Ruby McBride, president & CEO,
and trucks.” Colonial Freight Systems
It’s no surprise that the list of people meant to Colonial. We are so proud to by our audience. Colonial Freight will
Ruby and Tom want to thank is long. have known each and every one of you,” be missed by us all. We look forward to
Their “Colonial family” includes Ruby and Tom said. Ruby’s continued involvement with our
members of the McBride family, agents, Association.According to the latest data
terminal managers, business partners, Donna England, president and CEO of from the Federal Motor Carrier and
and customers. “And, as deserved, we the Tennessee Trucking Association, said, Safety Administration, the CFS fleet had
saved the best for last, to our many Ruby McBride has served on the TTA 250 power units and 260 drivers before
wonderful lease operators and drivers; Executive Committee for several years. deciding to end operations. Not bad for
we cannot describe how much you have She led a presentation at our annual a company that started with a goat and a
convention this year on due diligence. wagon. TTN
It was a great story and well-received
18 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Haulin’ for the Holidays is a state-wide initiative by the Tennessee Trucking Foundation and the
Young Professionals Council. In partnership with 5 local nonprofits, we’re making the holidays
brighter for Tennessee children, teens, and families. In its first year, Haulin’ for the Holidays raised
$12,500. So far this year, the group has raised just over $30,000 toward their goal of $40,000.
There’s still time to give! If you’d like to participate, please call or email
at Jessie Merritt at (615) 260-0783 and [email protected]
Click on the QR code here to purchase a toy for the toy drive from Amazon.
Much Gratitude to Our Angel Sponsors: Adams and Reese LLP • Ascend • Christenson Transportation, Inc. • Conard Transportation
• Cumberland International Trucks • Danny Herman Trucking, Inc. • Dunavant • First Fleet • Goggin Warehousing • Intact
• Kimbro Oil Company • MHC • MSW • M & W Logistics Group, Inc. • Ozark Motor Lines Inc. • The Pete Store • Reliance Partners • Repowr
• Rush Truck Centers • Skyline Transportation, Inc. • Titan Transfer, Inc. • Tenney Group • U.S. Xpress
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 19
A Legacy of
Leadership
Nationwide Express’ David Coffey, Michael
Coffey and their late-father Charlie Coffey on
leadership and what matters most
BY DAN CALABRESE
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAWRENCE KUZNIEWSKI
As the head football coach at Virginia commencing a career in the NFL with team launched Nationwide Express.
Tech, Charlie Coffey understood the the Miami Dolphins. Strock later made By listening to his client’s needs, staff
importance of having great players and his mark in the NFL by frequently
also a strong team concept. Then he entering games in relief of David and a keen since of timing, Coffey
applied that understanding – and a keen Woodley and leading the Dolphins to launched the company the same year the
sense of timing – to trucking and started victories. Coffey also upgraded Virginia industry was deregulated by the Motor
Nationwide Express. Tech’s athletic facilities and oversaw a Carrier Act of 1980. The act eliminated
dramatic increase in attendance at the most price controls, barriers to entry, and
The Shelbyville native and member of games. In 1972, his Hokies shocked service restrictions, by allowing carriers to
the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame led the heavily favored Oklahoma State publish their own rates, choose their own
the Virginia Tech Hokies from 1971 until Cowboys in a 34-32 stunner. routes and select the geographic regions
1973. Prior to that, he had been a defensive they wanted to serve.
line coach at the University of Tennessee Coffey found ways to make a
and then a defensive coordinator at the difference, enhance progress, mentor The new law resulted in an explosion
University of Arkansas under Coach players, and achieve surprising results of new trucking companies entering the
Frank Broyles. in challenging situations. So perhaps it industry, as the cost of doing business was
should be no surprise that he was equally significantly reduced by the act. In turn,
At Virginia Tech, his quarterback, Don as successful when, in 1980, he and his that enabled manufacturers to move their
Strock, led the nation in passing before
CONTINUES
20 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 21
goods more quickly and affordably, and clearly where your team, business or carriers, as well as freight forwarders,
thus reduced inventories. industry is headed, and then be willing to steamship lines and custom house
listen to your clients, people, and vendors. brokerage firms. It serves clients in
Deregulation presented an unparalleled He was a big believer that your best ideas Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois,
opportunity for a truckload carrier that for growth will always be spawned from Kentucky Mississippi, North Carolina,
was looking to be more of a strategic this collaborative approach.” South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas,
partner to customers, as opposed to Virginia, Mexico, and Canada.
merely a transporter. For Charlie Coffey, a Today, in addition to its dedicated
man who had a proven ability to identify transport business, Nationwide Express Nationwide Distribution Services
talent and opportunity, this was a true also handles recycling transport, waste was formed in 1986 and has warehouse
game changer. management services, warehousing, locations in Tennessee, North Carolina,
and third-party logistics services. The and Georgia. It offers warehousing,
Fast-forward 42 years: Brothers Michael company runs 120 trucks – 105 in the distribution, and local transportation/
and David Coffey oversee a diverse transport group and another 15 in the shuttle services.
logistics enterprise that does far more than warehouse group.
truckload transport. As they consider the The company’s dedicated recycling
legacy of their father, who passed away All of this operates under the auspices division, which serves steel, aluminum,
in 2015 at the age of 81, they recognize of three companies. Nationwide Express and glass recycling industries, was
his influence of every aspect of today’s handles the transport business, while established in 2013 and serves clients in
Nationwide Express. Nationwide Logistics offers 3PL services Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky,
and Nationwide Distribution Services Mississippi, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee,
“To be successful at any endeavor, you serves as the warehousing group. and Texas.
have to have vision and be willing to
listen,” said David Coffey, who serves as Nationwide Logistics was established The company’s waste management
the company’s president alongside CEO in 1996 and works with a variety division was established in 2021 and
and brother Michael. “You’ve got to see of truckload, drayage and expedite provides service to businesses and
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residential customers in middle Tennessee, the University of Tennessee, where he also transport requires a willingness to venture
including waste management, disposal served in the Reserve Officer Training into areas other companies avoid.
pickup and dumpster rental. Corps. One of the principles emphasized
there was that officers should not ask “We knew we could do it because we
In the past ten years, the transport side their troops to do anything the officers went into spaces that a lot of carriers
of the business has transitioned from themselves would not be willing to do. didn’t want, like hazmat,” David Coffey
irregular-route truckload service to a 100 said. “We’re under a lot more scrutiny
percent dedicated model. Much of that “I’d drive out of our corporate office as a HAZMAT carrier. It’s a lot harder
is focused on the transport of hazardous parking lot, having asked some of our for drivers to acquire and maintain
materials, dry van, and recycled materials, people to do something I didn’t think I hazmat endorsements.”
as well as yard management for various could do, which was to be consistently
corporate clients. and away from their families,” David There is also less competition in that
Coffey said. “So that, along with our market, so while the upfront investment
“When people ask me who our team’s belief that we could make the requires more, the rewards are worth it
competitors are, it’s hard to say,” David transition to 100 percent dedicated, is if a company can consistently meet the
Coffey said. “In this window it may be X, what drove that transformation.” standards and provide the service.
in that window it may be Y. We’ve been
able to find specific markets in need of Not only did that improve the Both brothers learned the business from
quality service and fill that gap.” experiences of Nationwide drivers, the ground up, starting at very young ages.
it also protected the company from Michael Coffey, who now holds the title
The move into dedicated transport, the unpredictable impact of factors of CEO, began his trucking career with
and away from irregular-route truckload, like the spot market rate – which isn’t Goggin Truckline in 1981 after graduating
has as much to do with principles of always friendly for irregular-route from the University of Tennessee.
leadership as with market opportunities – truckload carriers.
although both were factors. David Coffey At that time, Charlie Coffey had an
majored in supply chain management at But going full-bore into dedicated
CONTINUES
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 23
interest in Goggin Truckline That process of finding and he had good players,
along with Pat Marsh, who is developing people – whether it was his and a bad coach when
now a Tennessee state legislator sons or any other members of the team he had bad players. His
and founder of Big G Express. – proved to be a cornerstone of Charlie philosophy was not so
Likewise, Marsh had an interest Coffey’s philosophy in building the much on the management
in Nationwide. company. It’s another thing he learned of the business but on the
on the football sidelines. importance of identifying
As it happened my father quality people, developing
was more interested in “My dad was a football coach for 20- them, and giving them
the truckload side, which plus years,” Michael Coffey said. “He the opportunity to do
was Nationwide Express, always said he was a good coach when what they do best.”
and Pat wanted to grow
Goggin,” Michael Coffey said. Indeed, the brothers
Fortunately, they worked that noticed that it felt at
out and both went on to have times like they were the
outstanding careers in the offensive and defensive
industry with their respective companies. coordinators, serving under the watchful
eye of the head coach.
At that point, Michael joined “He always allowed us to do our jobs
Nationwide and was immersed into and gave us the freedom to make our
every facet of the business, from own decisions, as long as we owned the
driving, to operations, sales, safety, and results,” Michael explained. “After talking
warehouse management. It gave Michael to so many coaches who were on his staff
a keen understanding of his father’s over the years, that was how he thought
approach to identifying, recruiting and you got the best out of people. What
developing leadership. David and I count as one of our greatest
blessings from working with our father
Your trusted choice for full service transportation auctions. was learning and implementing that
philosophy early in our careers.”
Contact Us Today to List YOUR Equipment. Much of the people philosophy is also
tied to the company’s Christian faith.
John Yehl Nationwide has a prayer group that meets
Director of National Accounts - Transportation every Monday morning at 10 a.m. And
(502) 888-4010 much like a football team that draws up
[email protected] plays in the locker room before the game,
the Monday morning gathering plays a
strategic role in how the company walks
its faith out into the industry, how it treats
its clients, vendors, and people.
Along with the prayer team, the
company employs MarketPlace Chaplains
who provide a care team accessible by all
employees. This team is available 24/7
to help with life issue and crisis events.
Nationwide also provides a benevolent
program set up to aid those who are
facing an unexpected financial challenge.
Nationwide is entering into its sixth year
as a member of C12, an international
Christian business forum, that provides
a framework that compels and equips
24 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Christian business leadership to achieve “My dad was a football coach for 20-plus years.
excellence through the power of peers. He always said he was a good coach when he had
good players, and a bad coach when he had bad
Most of Michael’s time is now spent
working with Nationwide’s warehouse players. His philosophy was not so much on the
operations team, working to solve clients’ management of the business but on the importance
logistics challenges. He also spends time
in the maintenance department, which of identifying quality people, developing them,
has been challenging at times because of and giving them the opportunity to do what they
the supply chain problems involved with
getting parts to service Nationwide’s fleet. do best.”
David Coffey, meanwhile, oversees the —Michael Coffey, CEO, Nationwide Express
dedicated fleet, Nationwide Logistics, and
most recent service offering, Nationwide technology and equipment.” Tennessee, but it didn’t come easily. The
Waste Management, while serving as the Another strength is the stability of the school gave out 100 scholarships that year,
company’s president. and he got the 99th.
company’s team of drivers, which includes
He points to several signs of strength several who have been with the company But he fought his way through to
to help explain the company’s endurance more than 30 years. Much of that loyalty become a starting guard, and one of the
over the course of more than four decades. comes from Charlie Coffey’s ability co-captains of the team in his senior
One is financial integrity and stability. to relate to people at every level of the year of 1956. Coffey also maintained the
company – which stems from even before highest-grade point average of any player
“My father was a huge proponent of he went into coaching. on the team. It was enough to earn him a
company-funded growth, if at all possible,” spot on the Volunteers’ coaching staff after
David Coffey said, “and keeping an eye to As one of 10 children in his family, he graduated, and that set him on the road
the future as it related to advancements in Charlie Coffey was the only one to attend
college. An offensive lineman, he got a CONTINUES
football scholarship at the University of
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Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 25
that would eventually lead to an taken care of, from our drivers all the that came from Charlie Coffey’s
assistant coaching position at way to our customers,” Michael Coffey life experiences.
the University of Aransas under said. “It’s deeper than that. It’s different.
then-head coach Frank Broyles, It was hard for me at first because for “He understood the
and then to his own head the first three quarters of my career, I importance of teamwork and
coaching stint at Virginia Tech. was a little more worried about being people – in management,
politically correct. Now it’s about being driving, forklift operators,
“He had an innate ability biblically correct.” technicians or whatever,” David
to take on challenges and see Coffey said. “He also understood,
opportunities where others saw It’s also about finding the best path having played and coached at
obstacles,” David Coffey said. forward for any person, no matter what the college level, that you had to
“Odds didn’t bother him. He their starting point – another principle empower people and let them do
felt that with the right group of what they do best.”
people, he could succeed.”
Successfully leading and
It always came back to the people building up people, having the guts to try
with Charlie Coffey, and so it does today what other companies wouldn’t do and, of
with his sons and with the company he course, taking advantage of opportunities
founded with a vision back in 1980. They like deregulation – it’s all proven to be a
know the company can only grow and combination that’s brought forth growth
thrive if they continue to treat people and prosperity for Nationwide Express.
according to the philosophy their father
used to build the company. Considering how well-versed the
company’s current leadership is in its
“It’s not just making sure that your founder’s philosophies, that course appears
trucks are loaded and everybody’s being set for the foreseeable future. TTN
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CDL Bottleneck
Trucking and state regulators to
streamline the CDL process
BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When the Tennessee Trucking “The partnership we have with the department and
Association’s membership converged the state is invaluable, and their work is going to
on Sandestin, Fla. in September for help make sure Tennessee’s trucking companies
the 2022 Annual Convention, one of can keep delivering the things people and
the most significant panel discussion businesses need to drive the state’s economy.”
was — for all intents and purposes —
old news. — Donna England, president & CEO,
Tennessee Trucking Association
But really important, really good
news, nonetheless. bottleneck in testing and final approval Department of Safety and Homeland
of commercial driver’s licenses. Security, who had assured her that a fix
That panel was convened to bring was being worked on. Pat Marsh called
TTA members up to speed on Association President and CEO me and asked what I thought about
landmark legislation passed in the Donna England said it was important inviting the CDL folks to the convention
General Assembly and signed by Gov. that members understood how TTA to update our folks on what they are
Bill Lee to address one of the perennial was working to resolve the issue. She
bugbears for the state’s trucking and her staff had been in contact with CONTINUES
companies and would-be drivers: The Commissioner Jeff Long of the Tennessee
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 27
doing to help ease Senate regarding the changes Gov. Homeland Security
the backlog. Bill Lee wanted to make this year to to discuss
the CDL program,” said Bailey. “ One the problems
The table was set. of the primary changes was allowing trucking companies
The guests were more third parties to be licensed in Tennessee
invited. And the testers in the state, simply because were facing.
good old news we’re getting so far behind on those
was delivered. seeking a CDL and us not having “We finally got
enough state facilities and inspectors them to agree to
Two of the to be able to work on the backlog.” run legislation and
people at that change the rules
table were Michael He’s experienced the side effects of and regulations and
Hogan, assistant that professionally, too. the things the
commissioner of state can change,” he
driver services “You got people trying to get their said. “There are a lot
for the Tennessee testing completed and having to wait of federal rules we
Department two or three months – some people cannot change, but
of Safety and just don’t have that much time to wait there were things we
Homeland Security, to get a job,” he said. “When you have could do in the state
and Elizabeth that kind of backlog, it really puts a to make it easier,
Stroecker, director hurt on the trucking companies.” more streamlined.”
of legislation and assistant general Once the legislation was written,
counsel at the department. Their work Marsh, too, was familiar with the Marsh and Bailey met with company
was key to helping find the resources pain point. owners, driver recruiters, driving
and put in place plans to address the schools, and representatives of the
bottleneck. The legislation to make “I knew all about our difficulty in Homeland Security Department to
everything happen was carried in the attracting and being able to move talk about how the changes could help
General Assembly by Rep. Pat Marsh potential drivers through the CDL address the CDL bottleneck.
and Sen. Paul Bailey. process,” he said. “It’s a real maze, it’s “We met with everybody and found
a nightmare, and the guys who want out their problems and got with the
The main problem was a familiar to be truck drivers, they don’t have the department and asked them to come
headache for anyone who owns a luxury of waiting 30 to 60 days.” up with ways to streamline it, and they
business these days. did,” Marsh said. “In my opinion, the
Marsh said he and Bailey met with best thing we did in this legislation is
“Like in many industries, the CDL the commissioner of driver services allowing for more third parties to get
unit as well as the department as a and other people in the Department of involved in the skills testing. That’s
whole have been experiencing staffing going to be the main cog in all of this.”
shortages,” said Hogan. “That’s had an And the response has been very
impact on the number of skill tests and encouraging, as a lot of employers
training that can be offered.” that need drivers are taking steps to
become certified to do the testing once
There are seven locations across the the state opens it up to new companies
state that offer CDL skill testing, each to enter the program.
of which have two dedicated CDL “Coca-Cola wants to be a skill tester,
examiners that conduct those tests. Electric Co-op wants to test,” said
Each test takes two hours, and each Marsh. “The department has to train
examiner can conduct three tests a day. the testers, then they can have them all
So if everything goes perfectly, Hogan over the state and get these guys tested
explained, a total of 35 tests can be very quickly and get them out in
given in a single day across Tennessee. a truck.”
But increasing the pace of CDL
“If there’s a no-show [among the
examiners],” he said, “we can’t pick up
the phone and call someone and say,
‘Come on in.’”
“I carried the legislation in the
28 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
testing wasn’t the only issue addressed Coverages: Truck Insurance...It’s What We Do
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Additionally, the Department of
Corrections will be given resources
to help people who have completed
their sentences enter CDL training, so
they can get a good job after serving
their term. Overall, the bill means the
Department of Homeland Security will
be hiring additional people to handle
the auditing of third-party testers, to
ensure everything meets the standards
set out in the licensing law.
The efforts of the state government
to help streamline these processes
are just one more fruit of the long-
term relationship between the
Tennessee Trucking Association
board, lawmakers, and regulators, said
England. It’s also a standout example of
how the association works to benefit its
members, she said.
“We really appreciate Assistant
Commissioner Michael Hogan
and Elizabeth Stroecker from the
Tennessee Department of Homeland
Security for coming to our convention
and getting in front of our members
and giving an update on what they’re
doing to ease the congestion of CDL
testing and medical certification,” said
England. “The partnership we have
with the department and the state is
invaluable, and their work is going to
help make sure Tennessee’s trucking
companies can keep delivering the
things people and businesses need to
drive the state’s economy.” TTN
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 29
Tennessee Trucking Association’s
2022 Convention Coverage
2022 Allied Professional of the Year 2022 Tennessee Road Team Captains 2022 Young Professional of the Year -
- Bill Tirrell, Fleetco, Inc. Joe Fischer, Eaton Corporation, Donna
England, TTA
2022 Hugh Galbreath Safety Professional Caleb Vance, Penske Truck Lease, Donna England, TTA and Patrick Mike McFarlin, M & W Transportation Co., Inc.,
of the Year - Kelly Moore, Ascend Mendenhall, Rush Truck Centers, Nashville - 2022 William H Reed Reggie Johnson, Former UT & NBA Player
Transportation, LLC, Donna England, TTA Call on Washington Scholarship Awards
Large Fleet Grand Champion Award - Jeff Reed, Skyline Jason Higginbotham, Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. & $1000.00 Auction
Transportation, John Walton, John Tetreault, Averitt Express, Inc., Drawing Winner - Tina Lathum, Higginbotham Transportation Services
Marty Pollock, TTA ,
30 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Tennessee Trucking Association’s
2022 Convention Coverage
Jason Higginbotham, Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. Bobby Rue, Tommy Higginbotham, Carolyn & Kevin Davis, Due Diligence Presentation- Ruby McBride,
Incoming TTA Chairman Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. Colonial Freight Systems, Inc.
Jeff Reed, Skyline Transportation, Inc. Eston Pyle, Taimen Jessie Merritt, Reliance Partners & Sarah Greg Thompson & Randy Vernon, Big G Express, Inc.
Trucklines, LLC, Marty Pollock, TTA Heffington, M&W Transportation Co., Inc.
Harold Sumerford, ATA Jason Higginbotham, Tommy Higginbotham & Michael Technology and Insurance Panel - Jessie Merritt, Reliance
Chariman, J&M Tank lines, Inc. Higginbotham, Ozark Motor Lines, Inc.. Partners, Justin Whitaker, Koffie Labs, Inc. Jim Heide, Loadsure
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 31
Tennessee Trucking Association’s
2022 Convention Coverage
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Darling, 2022 Annual Auction Road Team in Action
Keynote Speaker
Corey Lile President Occusure Workers' 2022 Annaul Convention Golf Outing Connie Heyob & Jake Martenis, Phoenix Systems
Compensation & Neal Heath Executive VP International, Inc.
Occusure Workers' Compensation
Legislative Panel Discus…sentative Road Team in Action Live Auctionerer - TJ Daniel, Huff & Puff Trucking, Road
Pat Marsh Team Captain
32 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Tennessee Trucking Association’s
2022 Convention Coverage
USI Insurance Services, LLC, Allen Wade, ORBCOMM, Jamie Taylor Vertical Alliance Group
Todd Batson Greg Shipman
Crowe-Mallette & Associates, Julie & Ken Mallette Shell Lubricants, John Johnson Resonea, Dan Crowder
Corporate Medical Services, Megan Wyatt JB&B Capital, Randy Brock, David Prentice, & Rob Breunig, 7FLEET Diesel Network,
& Grady Phillips Adams and Reese LLP Bob Christopher, Jon DeVet
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 33
Tennessee Trucking Association’s
2022 Convention Coverage
Dobbs Truck Group, Randy McCormick, PrePass Safety Alliance, Hal Dowland, Don Reeves NoCell Technologies, Tara Lawson
Jimmy Files
iiX, a Verisk business, ISAAC Instruments LLC, Perry Nix, Netradyne, Steve Coyle RC Trailer Sales & Service, Robb Ramey
Jerry Luneke Mike Stapleton
TOW PRO, Inc., Aaron Keaton, Mike Lanier Alliance Interstate Risk Service, Inc., Barbara Evans & Transflo, Brian McLean
Mike Zucco
34 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
Tennessee Trucking Association’s
Thank you, 2022 Convention Sponsors!
PREMIER GOLF SPONSOR
Vertical Alliance Group
DIAMOND FOUNDATION AUCTION CLOSING PARTY SPONSOR
UPS Occusure Workers’ Compensation
PLATINUM
Adams and Reese LLP ◆ Bridgestone Commercial Solutions ◆ Cummins, Inc. ◆ Elegant E-Learning ◆ FedEx Freight Corporation
Freightliner Trucks and TN Dealers ◆ Freightliner Trucks ◆ Velocity Truck Centers ◆ Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga
Premier Truck Group of Knoxville ◆ TAG Truck Centers, Memphis & Jackson ◆ Kile Truck Refrigeration
Navistar, Inc. (Tennessee International Dealers) ◆ Cumberland Companies ◆ Lee-Smith International, Chattanooga
Landmark International, Knoxville, Cookeville, Morristown ◆ Tri-State International, Union City, TN, Bowling Green, KY, Murray, KY,
Oak Grove, KY ◆ Volunteer International, Jackson ◆ Peterbilt Motors Company ◆ PrePass
Volvo Trucks North America / The Tennessee Volvo Dealers ◆ Nacarato Trucks Centers, LaVergne, TN
General Truck Sales & Service, Memphis, TN ◆ Worldwide Equipment, Inc., Chattanooga, Crossville & Knoxville, TN
GOLD
Best One Tire & Service ◆ Clarke Power Services ◆ Fleetco Inc. & Fleetco Trailer Leasing LLC
Great West Casualty Company ◆ INA Towing Network, LLC
Joe Morten & Son, Inc. ◆ MHC Dealers in Tennessee ◆ MHC Kenworth
Kenworth Truck Company ◆ PACCAR Financial Corporation ◆ PeopLease ◆ Transflo
SILVER + EXPO
7FLEET Diesel Network ◆ Alliance Interstate Risk Service, Inc. ◆ Corporate Medical Services ◆ Crowe-Mallette & Associates
Dobbs Truck Group ◆ Drivewyze ◆ iiX, a Verisk business ◆ ISAAC Instruments LLC ◆ JB&B Capital ◆ Netradyne
NoCell Technologies ◆ ORBCOMM ◆ PrePass ◆ RC Trailer Sales & Service ◆ Resonea
Shell Lubricants ◆ TOW PRO, Inc. ◆ Transflo ◆ USI Insurance Services, LLC ◆ Vertical Alliance Group
SILVER
Altria Client Services LLC ◆ Eaton Cummins Automated Transmissions ◆ Love’s Travel Stops ◆ McGriff Tire Company, Inc.
M&T Capital and Leasing Corp ◆ Pilot Company ◆ The Peterbilt Store – Knoxville & North Georgia
BRONZE
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. ◆ Bellenfant, PLLC ◆ BMO Transportation Finance ◆ Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs
Comdata Corporation ◆ DriverReach ◆ EFS a Wex Company ◆ FirstBank ◆ Heniff Transportation ◆ Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP
King & Ballow ◆ Lee-Smith International, Chattanooga ◆ McNabb, Bragorgos, Burgess and Sorin, PLLC ◆ Meritor, Inc. ◆ Pinnacle Bank
Pressure Systems International ◆ Rush Truck Center, Nashville ◆ S&E Productions ◆ Simpson & Lillie, PLLC
The Hyatt Company of TN, LLC. ◆ Trimble Transportation ◆ Utility Trailer Sales of East Tennessee ◆ Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.
Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 35
Safety Zone
TTA’s new safety director offers details on rules, tips and opportunities
BY MARTY POLLOCK
TTA DIRECTOR OF SAFETY
The trucking industry in the U.S. is comes to casualties of truck-involved September 2022, the initial action of
consistently on the rise, even though accidents across the country, with the 62.5% of non-truck drivers contributed to
newer and faster means of transport greater part (97%) having been occupants a fatal crash compared to 34.7% of initial
are being invented by the day. Truck of the passenger vehicles; car, van, or SUV. actions of Large Truck drivers.
transport is considered to be one of the A study from the University of Michigan
most suitable ways to get goods across Transportation Research Institute noted There have been seven (7) fatal crashes
the United States, with about 70% of all that 81% of the time when there was a involving a Large Truck occurring in a
products reaching their destination by car-truck accident, the car drivers were Construction Maintenance Zone thus far
way of a truck. assigned the fault. On the contrary, this in 2022.
only happened for 27% of all truck drivers
The industry has gained great notoriety involved in such accidents. “Collisions with other moving vehicles”
over the years, especially in the last couple continues to be the prominent manner of
of decades and lots of people all over the To sharpen the focus, let’s take a look contact for fatal crashes involving Large
country consider this to be their main at a summary of Large Truck Crashes Trucks. Front to rear contact occurred in
source of income and a lucrative one at in Tennessee, including driver actions, 31.6% of the crashes.
that. As anyone traveling today will tell conditions, day of week, and other
you, there are quite a few types of trucks important related information. Five (5) fatal crashes involving Large
on the roads. These mainly differ by the Trucks occurred during dawn/dusk
amount and type of cargo they can carry, In September 2022, there were 14 hours so far in 2022. And, fatal crashes
with some specialized for frozen goods, crashes involving Large Trucks resulting occurred more frequently on non-
while others handle large oversize loads in 16 fatalities compared to 12 crashes interstate roadways.
and still others with a smaller load for and 14 fatalities in September 2021.
nearby delivery. The number of Other Units is generally Large Truck crashes occur on week days
greater than the number of Large Trucks 93.2% of the time. In the Calendar year of
Each day, millions of drivers get into involved. Fatal crashes in September 2022 2022 through the end of September, fatal
their passenger vehicles and drive and involved 20 Other type vehicles. The good crashes have most occurred on Monday
with so many vehicles and trucks on the news is, the moving averages for crash and Tuesday between 9am and 3pm and
roadways, accidents are bound to occur. count and fatality count, involving large the weather was a non-factor in most fatal
People generally use the roadway system trucks, appear to be leveling out after crashes. Source of Tennessee Summary:
in a safe manner on any given trip, but nearly three years of continuing increase. TDOSHS, TITAN, Statistics & Research
mistakes, lapses in judgement, and other
more significant risky behaviors still During January through September Safety is considered essential for every
occur. Every Safety Manager worth their 2021, the Driver condition “Appeared motor fleet carrier regardless of size or
salt know, it’s crucial to get more insight Normal” occurred in 85.5% of the function and fleet managers know good
regarding the most common causes of crashes involving Large Trucks while programs help reduce accidents and pay
accidents, the stats resulting from them, 56.8% for other drivers. In January off in the end. Understanding accidents
and the best ways to improve upon them through September 2022, it occurred and their causes can help you create better
for a safer environment overall. 78.9% of the crashes and 48.0% for other standards and stronger policies that goes
vehicle drivers. beyond the bare minimum. Developing
According to the National Highway and maintaining a safety culture IS and
Traffic Safety Administration Fatality The initial action of the non-truck ALWAYS will be one of the top priorities
Analysis Reporting System, the statistics driver was more often the contributing for a successful company.
show rather steady numbers when it factor in fatal crashes involving large
trucks. From January 2022 through SAFETY starts with “S” (self) ends with
“Y” (you).
Stay in the Zone ! TTN
36 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022
A Closer Look...
The latest services, products and noteworthy news
from TTN's advertisers
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Q3 FALL 2022 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 37
Calendar of Events Tennessee Trucking News
DECEMBER ADVERTISING
RESOURCE INDEX
14 YPC Haulin' for the Holidays
Live Toy Drive Adams and Reese LLP 17
13-14 NATMI Safety & DOT American Transportation Research Institute
Compliance Workshop
ATRI 10
15 Tennessee Trucking Foundation
Raffle Drawing ATA Comp Fund 13
New TTA Members Big Iron Auctions 24
ALLIED Clarke Power Services 22
Argos Connected Solutions
Drivers Legal Plan 23
CapitalExpress
Copart Great West Casualty Company
INSIDE FRONT COVER
Data Facts
HDVI Navistar International INSIDE BACK COVER
Homeautolifequote.com Insurance Services Joe Morten & Sons 29
Palomar Insurance
Stoneridge, Inc. McMahon Truck Group 29
TAB Bank
MHC Kenworth 8
CARRIER
46 Logistics, Inc. Nacarato Truck Group 25
BH Trans, Inc.
Bulkmatic, LLC Velocity Truck Group 4
Commercial Metals Company PrePass Safety Alliance 12
Fleeman Carriers, Inc.
Rush Truck Center BACK COVER
Houser & Son Trucking, Inc.
JBF Transport Southern Tire Mart 3
Lebanon Valley Logistics TAG Truck Center 6
Pearl Logistics, LLC
Truckers Against Trafficking 26
Transport One Logistics, LLC
Transwood, Inc. This edition of Tennessee Trucking News was
made possible with the support of these corporate
38 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2022 advertisers, all TTA members. They support the
trucking industry by enabling Tennessee Trucking
Association to provide this publication to its
members, prospective members, elected officials
and the business community at large. They deserve
your consideration and patronage when making
your corporate purchasing decisions. Thank you!
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