Tarheel Wheels Issue 3 2020 featuring Crystal Collins, NCTA President

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

Crystal Collins

NCTA President Marks
Tenth Anniversary

N.C. Top Issues | N.C. High School Path to Industry | Economy

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NCTA 2020 Annual Sponsors North Carolina Trucking Association

North Carolina Trucking Association introduces our new one-year, OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
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

Chairman Allied Chairman
Keith Barnes, Ben Greenberg
Barnes Transportation Goldberg Segalla

1st Vice Chairman Secretary
Luke Mangum, Crystal Collins
Manvum's Inc. North Carolina Trucking Assn.

Greenville Vice Chairman Treasurer
Jason Smith Mark Patterson
BetterWay Logistics
Southland Transportation Co.

Raleigh Rocky Mount Vice Chairman
Lora Dedmon
A.V. Dedmon Trucking, Inc.

2020–2021 NCTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

$15,000 Diamond Unifi Manufacturing, Inc. C.R.T.S., Inc.
$8,000 Silver Mark Berry Andy Marchiano
Best Logistics, Inc.
Contact NCTA to learn how to become an annual sponsor. Eagle Transport Corporation
4 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 Bree Bryant Mike Martin
NCTA Technology and Maintenance
Chambers Transportation Services, Inc.
Ryan Chambers Council Chairman
Epes Transport System, LLC
Eagle Transport Corporation
Lance Collette Amy Medlin
Walmart Transportation
Thermo King Central Carolinas
Ben Cox Kevin Morgan
McGriff Insurance Services
Best Logistics, Inc.
Roy Cox Scott Murray
Edwards Wood Products Inc.
Ezzell Trucking, Inc.
Alan Darr Transportation
Gerald Myers
NCTA Safety and Human Resources Epes Transport System, LLC
Council Chairman Melissa Nishan
Carolina Tank Lines, Inc.
SE Davis & Associates Jim Norwood
Steve Davis Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Mark Penley
Cargo Transporters, Inc. Trinity Transport, Inc.
Dennis Dellinger
Dave Riley
Eagle Transport Corporation L.J. Rogers Jr. Trucking Co.
Herb Evans
Ronald Rogers
Ezzell Trucking, Inc. Carolina Axle Surgeons, Inc.
Grover Ezzell
Gary Sensing
Ezzell Trucking, Inc. Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
Catherine Ezzell-Joyner
Teague Campbell Dennis Kevin Sherritze
Cargo Transporters, Inc.
& Gorham, LLP
Scott Farwell Jerry Sigmon, Jr.
Fox Rothchild LLP
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
Sam Faucette Marc Tucker
Brown Trucking Company
Best Logistics, Inc.
Tricia Foody Kristene Turner
Excel Truck Group
NCTA Women in Trucking
Council Chair Ken Tyree
Triad Freightliner of Greensboro, Inc.
Red Classic Transit, LLC
David Glancy Larry Tysinger
Underwood & Weld Co., Inc.
ADUSA Transportation LLC
Warren Hall Badger Underwood
Mineral City Transport, LLC
Barnes Transportation Services, Inc.
Chris Henry Gordon Underwood
UPS
Best Logistics, Inc.
Richard Hepler Jeff Wafford
Tidewater Transit Co., Inc.
Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc.
Chris Hill John Williams
Swing Transport, Inc.
Relation Insurance Services
Sean Kelly Donnie Wilson
Wilson Brothers Milling & Trucking Co.
Kerns Trucking, Inc.
Clyde Kerns Jeff Wilson
SWTO LLC/Speedway
City Transfer and Storage Company Transport Operations
Scott Lassiter
Archie Wood
McMahon Truck Centers Yarbrough Transfer Company
David Locke, Jr.
David Yarbrough, Jr.
Longistics Transportation, Inc.
Brooks Long

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

COVER • PAGE 16

CAN’T NEVER COULD
Crystal Collins is living proof of the
power of a positive attitude
BY RENEE MILLER

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

FEATURES

8 ATRI’s Top Ten, N.C.-Style
ATRI's new survey results of the

industry's top ten issues according to
N.C. carrier, driver responses

BY STEVE BRAWNER

14 Trucks,Trailers, Tonnage:
What transport data says about the state

of the industry
BY SHEFALI KAPADIA

27 N.C. High School Path to Industry
NCTA works with local community

colleges to bring new talent into the
workforce
BY CHEYENNE MCNEILL

DEPARTMENTS

4 NCTA Annual Sponsors

4 NCTA Board of Directors

7 From the President
By Crystal Collins

30 NCTA New Members

30 Advertiser Resource Index

IMAGES OF CRYSTAL COLLINS ON COVER
AND THIS PAGE BY DANIEL GRAY

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From the President

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE When the goin‘ gets tough, the tough get goin‘. This familiar
NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION saying has been at the heart of the NCTA’s work these past months.
As a pandemic has swept the world, and life as we know it has been
Tarheel Wheels is owned by the North Carolina Trucking Association shockingly interrupted, the NCTA has remained steady and strong
and is published three times a year by Matthews Publishing Group. in its core values to serve the North Carolina trucking industry.
We have retained our commitment to provide direction and keep
For additional copies, to order reprints of individual articles or to the industry informed of important shifts in order to maintain
become a subscriber to Tarheel Wheels, and for information interstate commerce during this uncharted time.
about advertising please contact Jennifer Matthews-Drake
at [email protected]. Even with a raging pandemic and the attention that it has required from NCTA staff,
the ongoing issues that we face in the transportation industry, and in North Carolina
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake specifically, have remained front and center for the Association. The NCTA has
continued, and even expanded, work in these priority areas. Tort reform continues to
[email protected] be a concern. We remain steadfast in holding the North Carolina Reinsurance facility
accountable for their financial shortfalls. In this effort, the Association has asked the
Executive Editor Crystal Collins Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committe to make the audit of the
Reinsurance facility a top priority in 2021. We intend to be relentless until that audit has
[email protected] been conducted and completed.

Creative Director Fran Sherman The fear and uncertainty of our lives in the midst of a pandemic has not caused NCTA
to back away from the issues and critical challenges that the trucking industry faced
[email protected] before the pandemic; the shortage of drivers and technicians, the issues of infrastructure
funding, the unacceptable proposition of attempting to fund the NCDOT. These issues
Graphic Designer Barbara Negron will remain even after the pandemic is under control, and a vaccine is widely available
and the NCTA will remain as well; strong, nimble, and responsive.
Ad Production Doug Benjamin
Chairman Barnes‘ mission to establish a North Carolina motor carrier benchmarking
Photographers Daniel Gray program to share best practices will be featured at the Annual Management Conference
in 2021. Additionally, our Truck Driving Competition and Top Tech challenge will be
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner held in the summer of 2021, and the Annual Councils Conference in the Fall of 2021.
Cheyenne McNeill Our emphasis on the role of women in the industry will be highlighted with the newly
established Women’s Council and the Women in Trucking Summit that will be held in
Renee Miller November of 2021. The kind of networking and engagment with peers, the timely and
Derek Rayment on-target information about the industry that the North Carolina Trucking community
has come to expect will continue to be delivered by NCTA. When the goin‘ gets tough,
John Schulz the tough not only get goin‘, they keep goin‘!

www.NCTrucking.com
North Carolina Trucking Association Staff

President Crystal Collins

[email protected]

Instructor & Regulatory Specialist Steve Massey

[email protected]

Office Manager & Bookkeeper Lindsey Harris

[email protected]

An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

Since 1929, the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) Sincerely,
has represented the interests of the trucking industry. NCTA Crystal Collins, President, North Carolina Trucking Association
works to protect the interests of North Carolina’s trucking industry
by working with state and federal regulatory and enforcement ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 7
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
223 South West Street, Suite 900
Raleigh, NC 27603
Telephone: 919-834-0387
Facsimile: 919-834-3926
Website: www.nctrucking.com

ATRI's Top Ten, N.C.-Style

AiTssRuI'essnaecwcosrudrivnegytoreNsu.Clt.scoafrrtiheer, idnrdivuesrtrrye'ssptoonpsteesn

The nationwide driver shortage STEVE BRAWNER to the trucking industry went into effect
remained the top industry concern CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sept. 29 in the middle of the survey.
among both national and North Detention/delays at customer facilities
Carolina respondents in the American them being other industry stakeholders fell from fourth to ninth. Among
Transportation Research Institute’s such as suppliers, driver trainers and drivers, however, it was number three.
“Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry law enforcement personnel.
– 2020” survey. The CSA system advanced from
The driver shortage was one of eight eighth to fourth, which was perhaps
The driver shortage was ranked issues that appeared in the top 10 for the most surprising result. That issue
number one nationally for the fourth the second year in a row, with the other first appeared at number two in 2010
straight year. It was at least the second two making a return appearance after and remained a top five issue the next
year in a row that North Carolina being out of the top 10 for many years. five years. This year, it returned to the
trucking company personnel also Insurance cost/availability made its first top five. Some of the respondents who
ranked it as the top issue. appearance in the top 10 since it was ranked it first said they were concerned
number three in ATRI’s first survey in about the relationship between BASIC
Respondents were asked to select 2005. Tort reform had not appeared scores and crash risks, how different
their top three choices from among 29 in the top 10 since 2011. The rise of enforcement strategies across the states
critical issues and also could write in a those two issues reflects the increasing affect scores, crash preventability issues,
response. The top 10 responses overall occurrence of “nuclear verdicts” that bad data that’s impacting fleets’ scores,
were as follows. have led to rising insurance costs and and other issues.
1. Driver shortage calls from the industry to reform the
2. Driver compensation legal system. The survey was taken in a year
3. Truck parking marked by the COVID-19 pandemic
4. Compliance, Safety, Two issues that appeared on last and a complete disruption of the
year’s list dropped out of the top 10 this economy. The trucking industry – as
Accountability (CSA) year. The ELD mandate was number essential as any in America – quickly
5. Insurance cost/availability seven last year but fell to 18th this year. responded to the shift to e-commerce,
6. Driver retention It was number one in 2016 but has to consumer demand for groceries
7. Tort reform been steadily falling as more carriers instead of restaurants, and to the
8. Economy installed the equipment and adapted to hoarding of certain goods, most
9. Detention/delays at customer facilities the coming requirement, which went notably toilet paper. Traffic congestion
10. Hours-of-service into effect in 2019. Infrastructure/ decreased, making it easier for carriers
congestion/funding fell from ninth to deliver goods. Meanwhile, 2020 was
The survey generated responses from to 12th after remaining in the top 10 marked by societal upheavals and a
more than 3,100 industry stakeholders, the past seven years. That’s not a huge presidential election.
a record amount since it began in 2005. drop, but it perhaps reflects the reduced
The survey also saw the highest ever congestion that occurred during the “Through it all, the trucking
number of drivers participate. It was COVID-10 pandemic. industry survived, and in limited
launched Sept. 8 and ended Oct. 16. instances thrived, as a foundational
There was considerable movement component of both the macro U.S.
The respondents represented a cross- among the eight issues that remained economy and consumer demand on
section of the industry, including 43.9 in the top 10 from last year. Hours- a micro level,” the report noted. “As
percent of them being motor carrier of-service fell from second in 2019 to a leading indicator, recent trends in
personnel, 32.2 percent of them being 10th in 2020. Long-awaited Federal
commercial drivers, and 23.9 percent of Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA) reforms considered favorable

8 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

truck activity suggest that the U.S. NC TOP INDUSTRY ISSUE RANKINGS 2019-2020
has turned the corner on the COVID 2020 2019
recession, but it is still not clear what
and when a ‘return to normalcy’ will 1 Driver Shortage Driver Shortage
occur – if ever.”
2 Driver Retention Transportation Infrastructure
Even with 2020’s world-changing Congestion / Funding
events, respondents were most
concerned about long-term issues that 3 Insurance Cost / Availability Driver Retention
often appear in the top 10. COVID-19 4 Compliance, Safety, Compliance, Safety,
was only number 13, although it was Accountability (CSA)
number 11 among drivers, while Accountability (CSA)
North Carolina motor carriers selected Economy*
it 10th. Nationally, the economy was 5 Tort Reform
eighth this year after ranking 10th last
year. The economy fell among North 5 Hours-of-Services HOS*
Carolinians from fifth to eighth.
6 Hours-of-Services HOS Driver Distraction
Timing is everything. When the 7 Diesel Technician Shortage Detention/Delay at
survey began in September, the 8 Economy* Customer Facilities
economy was improving, and fleets 9 Detention/Delay at Insurance Cost / Availability
had put in place protocols to keep Tort Reform
the goods moving and keep drivers Customer Facilities
safe. Had the survey launched during
the pandemic’s first peak, or perhaps 10 COVID-19
during the late fall months, COVID-19
likely would have been higher on 2. Driver retention, which was third in 9. Detention/delay at customer facilities,
the list. North Carolina last year which dropped one spot from eighth
to ninth
Among the non-driver motor carrier 3. Insurance cost/availability, which
personnel who responded to the survey, rose from ninth last year to third 10. COVID-19
the results were as follows: 4. CSA, which remained at fourth Transportation infrastructure/
1. Driver shortage 5. Tort reform, which moved up from
2. Driver retention congestion/funding fell out of North
3. CSA 10th to fifth Carolina’s top 10 after placing second
4. Insurance cost/availability 6. Hours of service, which remained on last year’s list. Last year’s number
5. Tort reform seven, driver distraction, also fell out of
6. Economy at sixth the top 10.
7. Transportation infrastructure/ 7. Diesel technician shortage, which
North Carolina motor carrier
congestion/funding was seventh after not appearing the personnel responses were similar
8. Driver distraction year before
9. Detention/delay at customer facilities 8. Economy, which fell from fifth CONTINUED 
10. Hours of service. to eighth

North Carolina provided 125
responses, the third most of any state
after Iowa (324) and Indiana (315). That
number includes only responses from
motor carrier personnel, not drivers.
Respondents in the Tar Heel State
ranked the driver shortage as their top
concern for the second straight year.

Here’s their list.
1. Driver shortage

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 9

to their national counterparts’. The appeared in the top 10 among both contractors. Company drivers listed
top five answers were the same with non-driving motor carrier personnel driver compensation, truck parking,
one difference: National respondents and commercial drivers. This no and detention/delay at customer
ranked CSA third and insurance cost/ doubt reflects their different facilities as their top three concerns.
availability fourth, while the order was daily experiences. Owner-operators and independent
reversed in North Carolina. contractors listed truck parking first
Here’s the drivers’ list. followed by the ELD mandate and
There were differences in the 1. Truck parking driver compensation.
bottom five, with the economy 2. Driver compensation
listed sixth nationally and eighth 3. Detention/delay, which was ninth Respondents were asked to select
in North Carolina, while hours of their top three choices and then to
service was sixth in North Carolina among non-driving personnel rank three proposed strategies for
and 10th nationally. Transportation 4. Hours of service, which was 10th dealing with each of those three issues.
infrastructure/congestion/funding
was seventh nationally while driver among non-driving personnel The driver shortage was listed as
distraction was eighth; neither 5. Driver training the top concern by 13.9 percent of
appeared among North Carolina’s top 6. Automated truck technology respondents and was in the top three
10. Instead, North Carolina ranked 7. CSA, which was third among non- of 26.4 percent of respondents. More
the diesel technician shortage seventh than half (52.6 percent) of national
and COVID-19 10th. Detention/delay driving personnel respondents said the best of the
at customer facilities was ninth both 8. Driver health and wellness three proposed strategies would be
nationally and in North Carolina. 9. Speed limiters to advocate for Congress and federal
10. ELD mandate agencies to develop an apprenticeship
Nationally, only three responses program for 18-20-year-old interstate
The top three responses differed
between company drivers versus
owner-operators and independent

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10 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

drivers. That program would be females also provides a safety benefit, between safety technology and driver
beneficial for an industry where 27.4 as an ATRI analysis in 2018 found satisfaction and retention.
percent of the driver population is females outperformed males in driving
age 55 or older. The proposed federal behaviors and were involved in 20 Driver compensation was ranked
DRIVE-Safe Act is a potential way of percent fewer crashes. second overall. It was the first choice of
addressing the need. 8.6 percent of the respondents and was
A closely related issue is driver in the top three of 19.1 percent. It was
Another 20.1 percent said the best retention, which was ranked as the ranked second by drivers but was 13th
strategy would be to quantify the second most important issue by motor among motor carrier personnel.
impact of delays in issuing commercial carrier personnel and was sixth overall.
learner’s permits and commercial It was the first choice of 5.9 percent of The top strategy, selected by 35.1
driver’s licenses. Those delays have respondents and was selected in the top percent of respondents, was comparing
been a significant issue with the three by 17.1 percent. driver compensation with competing
closure of state offices during the sectors, such as construction. The
COVID-19 pandemic. Almost half of respondents (48.7 second choice of 27.8 percent was to
percent), selected as their top strategy assess programs that provide financial
Nineteen percent said the best researching and prioritizing driver incentives for safety, fuel economy
strategy would be to identify the issues retention strategies based on driver and trip productivity. The third most
associated with expanding recruitment feedback and tenure data. Another popular strategy (27.5 percent) was
of female and minority drivers. 30.1 percent selected evaluating the to quantify the relationship between
According to the Department of Labor, impact of driver benefits such as types of pay models and driver
minorities compose 41.5 percent of insurance and retirement. Finally, satisfaction and productivity.
the driver labor force while females 12.9 percent said the best strategy
compose 6.7 percent. Recruiting was to quantify the relationship CONTINUED 

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ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 11

2020 NORTH CAROLINA VS NATIONAL TOP INDUSTRY ISSUES

Rank NC Industry Issues National Industry Issues Motor National Industry Issues
Carriers Commercial Drivers

1 Driver Shortage Driver Shortage Truck Parking

2 Driver Retention Driver Retention Driver Compensation

3 Insurance Cost / Availability Compliance, Safety, Detention/Delay at
Accountability (CSA) Customer Facilities

4 Compliance, Safety, Insurance Cost / Availability Hours-of-Services HOS
Accountability (CSA)

5 Tort Reform Tort Reform Driver Training Standards

6 Hours-of-Services HOS* Economy Automated Truck Technology

7 Diesel Technician Shortage Transportation Infrastructure Compliance, Safety,
Congestion / Funding Accountability (CSA)

8 Economy Driver Distraction Driver Health & Wellness

9 Detention/Delay at Detention/Delay at Speed Limiters
Customer Facilities Customer Facilities

10 COVID-19 Hours-of-Services HOS ELD Mandate

NC TOP INDUSTRY ISSUE RANKINGS 2019-2020

Rank 2020 Rank 2019
1
2 Driver Shortage 1 Driver Shortage
3
4 Driver Retention 2 Transportation Infrastructure/
5 Congestion/Funding
5
6 Insurance Cost / Availability 3 Driver Retention
7
8 Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) 4 Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
9
10 Tort Reform 5 Economy*

5 Hours-of-Services (HOS)*

Hours-of-Services (HOS) 6 Driver Distraction

Diesel Technician Shortage 7 Detention/Delay at Customer Facilities

Economy 8 Insurance Cost / Availability

Detention/Delay at Customer Facilities 9 Tort Reform

COVID-19 10

12 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

Truck parking ranked third overall PARTS • SERVICE • SALES
thanks to it being selected first by
drivers while ranking only 13th Charlotte, NC Statesville, NC
among non-driving personnel. It 4633 Equipment Drive 2221 International Drive
was the first choice of 7.6 percent (704) 597-1110 (704) 252-5400
of respondents and was listed by
20.5 percent of all respondents. Lexington, SC
The top strategy for addressing the
issue, selected by 39.5 percent, was 1828 Two Notch Road
identifying strategic locations on (803) 359-0950
the National Freight Network for
new or expanded parking. Another
34.1 percent said their top choice
was creating a new dedicated federal
funding program to increase parking
at critical locations. Another 13.3
percent favored researching the value
of real-time parking information and
parking reservation systems.

CSA ranked fourth overall but
was the third choice of motor carrier
personnel. It was the first choice
of 8 percent of respondents and
was selected in the top three by 18
percent. The top strategy selected
by 37.3 percent of respondents was
working with FMCSA to update its
carrier prioritization methodology,
improve its accuracy and provide
greater transparency. Another 34.2
percent said the best strategy would
be to encourage FMCSA to regularly
evaluate the crash types that can
be reclassified as nonpreventable.
Finally, 18.6 percent favored evaluating
how Pre-Employment Screening
Program reports compare to motor
vehicle records.

Outside of the top 10, the next
three issues nationally were driver
distraction at number 11, followed
by transportation infrastructure/
congestion/funding at 12 and
COVID-19 at 13. It was the second
year in a row that driver distraction
was number 11.

Rebecca Brewster is president &
COO of the American Transportation
Research Institute and may be reached
at [email protected].

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 13

Trucks, Trailers, Tonnage:

What transport data says about the state of the industry

BY SHEFALI KAPADIA
GUEST WRITER

Economic forces, consumer demand, nearly three times that of November fleets locking in build slots, which
seasonality, natural disasters and 2019. FTR said the order boom reflects could be sparse next year.
myriad other factors contribute to Class 8 net truck orders in North America
transport's cyclical market.

The charts below show the latest data
on Class 8 truck orders, trailer orders,
monthly tonnage and TL linehaul
rates. We'll update this page frequently
as new data is released.

Comments, questions or feedback?
Please send an email to: transport.dive.
[email protected].

Class 8 Orders
Class 8 truck orders point to

confidence in the market and the
need to scale up capacity in
anticipation of freight demand.
Fleets buy trucks to replace the older
models in their inventory, or to
aid expansion.

Preliminary estimates of Class
8 orders "exploded" to 52,600 in
November, FTR said. Orders were

14 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

Tonnage For-hire truck tonnage index
The American Trucking Associations

has been tracking tonnage, calculating
the index based on member surveys,
since the 1970s. In the chart below,
the baseline is 100, which represents
conditions in 2015. Tonnage primarily
reflects freight movement through
contracts versus on the spot market.

The index in October fell to 106.8.
ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello
attributed the drop from September
to seasonality. "There are plenty of
carriers still saying that tonnage, retail
tonnage in particular, is good," he said
in a news release.

Truckload linehaul rates MGS
The Truckload Linehaul Index
Millberg
from Cass measures per-mile linehaul
rates. In the chart below, the baseline Gordon
is 100, which represents conditions
in 2005. Rates fluctuate as a result of Stewart
supply, demand and balance (or a lack
thereof) in the market, but they also Millberg Gordon Stewart PLLC defends client in The firm practices in the fields of transporta-
include factors such as fuel prices and civil litigation throughout North and South Car- tion litigation (rail and trucking), employment
insurance costs. olina. Since its establishment in 1994, MGS litigation, product liability, and general
has built a reputation for handling its clients’ commercial litigation.
In October, the index increased 1% legal affairs with skill and vigor. The firm’s attor- MGS has been recognized by a Class
over September, but it is still down neys are experience trial lawyers who regularly I railroad as its “Go-To” Law Firm for tort
nearly 3 percent YoY. Cass said spot defend and try cases for target defendants, defense; has been honored as Product Lia-
rates have not yet peaked, an indication often against the best of the plaintiffs’ trial bar. bility Law Firm of the Year in NC; and has
that "more rate increases will be ahead been listed among the Top Rated Lawyers in
for carriers in 4Q20 and 2021 – the only PERSONAL ATTENTION. Transportation Law and Employment Law by
debate is how high they’ll go." A PROVEN TRACK RECORD WITH The American Lawyer/Martindale-Hubbel.
LEGALLY SOPHISTICATED CLIENTS.
Trailers
FTR's trailer data covers orders ESSE QUAM VIDERI
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 104, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
for dry vans, refrigerated vans and
flatbeds. Orders for trailers, like the P: 919.836.0090, F: 919.836.8027
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Originally published in Transport Dive
Sept. 14, 2020 | Updated Dec. 3, 2020
Reprinted with permission.

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 15

“I learned early on what public
service was about, and I knew I

wanted to be a part of it.”
—Crystal Collins

PHOTOGRAPHS OF CRYSTAL COLLINS ON COVER AND PAGE 5 BY DANIEL GRAY. PHOTOGRAPH THIS PAGE BY CHRIS FAIN.
16 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

Can’t Never Could

Crystal Collins is living proof of the power
of a positive attitude

BY RENEE MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Leadership takes grit and
grit is developed through our
experiences and responses to
those experiences. It involves
having the ability not only
to innovate, but then guide
the process and people into a
new way of being.

When Crystal Collins took
the position of president of
the North Carolina Trucking
Association (NCTA) ten
years ago, the association
faced severe financial
challenges. “We didn’t have
enough money even to make
payroll,” she said. Dennis
Dellinger, president & CEO
of Cargo Transporters,
Inc., former NCTA board
chairman and current NCTA
board member, agrees.

CONTINUED 

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 17

“Deregulation in the 80s and a shift not a trait given at birth. Looking Crystal in Paris
in manufacturing to Asia in the late thoughtful, she remarked, “You aren’t
90s changed the landscape of our born a leader, you learn it.”
association relative to revenue and
staff.” Dellinger continues, “Needless One person she learned it from was
to say, we were all but broke when her father, Mac Collins. A successful
Crystal showed up for her first day entrepreneur with multiple businesses,
of work at the Raleigh office.” In the Mac was instrumental in helping groom
ten years she has been there she has Collins into a leader. She learned to
not only increased the $6,000.00 cash take risks. She learned about a strong
available on her first day of work work ethic. She learned about making
to over $750,000; she has increased sacrifices for the greater good.
membership productivity and volunteer
involvement in NCTA. But, we get As Mac became more involved
ahead of ourselves. in the trucking industry because of
his businesses, Collins Ready Mix
Leaders see needs, opportunities and Concrete and Collins Trucking, Inc.,
gaps between what is and what can be. it was becoming clear to him that
They’re fearless in stepping into the state laws didn’t always work in ways
breach in order to create something that supported those who were on
that will improve a situation that needs the ground doing the work. A leader
shoring up. While it seems that Collins himself, he decided to step into the
is a born leader, she believes that it’s breach, and lend his skills to the
political process.

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Mac Collins, President George W. Bush, She was knocking on doors, handing Jordan. She saw the respect President
Crystal Collins out campaign literature, attending Bush had for her father. When taxes
rallies and learning firsthand what needed to be explained in general
Collins remembers her first forays leadership entails. Politics became a business terms, the President always
into politics. When most 10-year-old part of the Collins’ family life as Mac had Mac by his side.
girls were playing with Barbie dolls, went on to be a member of Congress
Collins was campaigning to help get her and have a seat on the Ways and Means Just as Collins had been exposed to
dad elected as county commissioner. Committee. “It began at the local level, the importance of politics and public
then the Georgia State Senate, and then service by her parents, she later did the
the U.S. House of Representatives,” same for her two daughters, Tiffany
Collins’ mother, Julie, said. “We were all and Savannah and they, too have taken
involved and supportive. Crystal, along those experiences to heart. Today,
with her sister and brothers, was always Tiffany, 29, has a degree in Political
there to support and campaign.” Science, while Savannah, 24, has a
degree in Communications and will
Collins is clear about the impact that complete a Master of Science degree
politics has had on her life, “I learned in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity
early on what public service was about, Certification in the Spring of 2021.
and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
She had met and talked with political While politics were a primary path
power players like President George W. toward understanding the importance
Bush, U.S. Speaker of the House Newt of serving others in a leadership role,
Gingrich and even King Hussein of
CONTINUED 

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Collins, captain of the Piedmont it wasn’t the only avenue through even describes herself that way. “I’m
Academy basketball team mid-air in which Collins exercised and honed ambitious, driven, even competitive. I
a stellar jump shot. those skills. Team sports were a crucial was raised to be independent and self-
element in how she developed the skill sufficient and I raised my daughters
to work successfully with others. An the same way.” These traits weren’t
introvert herself, team sports gave her a forced on her. She didn’t have a boss
forum for building and leading a team. who demanded them of her. They
were nurtured into her by her family
As the captain of the high school throughout the whole of her life.
basketball team, Collins said, “It taught
me so much about leading and team “My role models,” says Collins, “were
building. I even use it as an analogy in right in my family, beginning with both
my work and in raising my girls. Team my maternal and paternal grandparents.
sports require that you be willing to On my mama’s side my grandmother
step up and lead, take and give direction was career driven, advancing her career
and have the confidence that people will with the federal government, while my
follow you.” orphaned grandfather made his way to
a successful sales career by sheer moxie
Collins’ early learnings about and will.
leadership through team sports were
foundational to how she operates in her My paternal grandparents set the bar
role now. for entrepreneurism. My grandmama
was the first female elected to city
Leaders are usually described as being council and went on to establish the
driven and Collins is no exception. She

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first nursing home in my daddy’s my dad’s political aspirations, modeled Monument on site at Collins Trucking in
hometown. Grandpa opened his own family strength and support and Georgia commemorating Collins' grand-
business and my daddy worked there cultivated us all into adulthood. These pa's famous saying
when he was in high school, just as I are the people who have been my
worked in daddy’s grocery store when I mentors and models for leadership.” Purchase Advertising Institute, and
was in high school. within three years had risen from
Her mother, now widowed, manager to director to vice president
Grandpa Henry’s timeless phrase remembers those early years. “We were of membership. Still, she was searching
‘Can’t Never Could,’ really applied to a very close family. We lived in a small for more and was itching to be back
everyone in my family. My own daddy’s town where the main entertainment in the trucking industry. As she said,
several entrepreneurial endeavors was the family,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m never satisfied with who I am.
and his example of leadership were “Crystal grew up at a good time. We I’m always looking for ways to better
formative for me; and my mother spent Sunday dinner together at her understand myself. I’m resilient and
helped lead the business, supported grandparents’ home a quarter of a mile a risk-taker; always looking for what’s
away. Three generations lived in that next, how I can contribute more.”
town. But, it was more than just being
together. We really supported one Collins approached the American
another. When someone had a sports Trucking Associations, to see about
event or school function, everyone working for them. Unfortunately, they
showed up. Our neighbors helped form weren’t hiring executive level personnel.
Crystal practically as much as we did Rather than giving up on her desire
as she grew up. Being the eldest of four to be back in the trucking world, she
children, she was always the supervisor. showed her guts and grit by simply
She had the ability to connect and convincing the ATA leadership to hire
understand very early on.” her as a vice-president for membership.

Reminiscing on her childhood, She enjoyed her work at the ATA, but
Collins remarked, “I was always her then-boss realized that Collins had
thinking ahead. I was restless growing more to offer, and when the opportunity
up in a small town. I wanted more. to lead the North Carolina Trucking
I wanted to expand myself.” She Association came available, he told her
had that opportunity when a family about it. She wasn’t in the job market,
move took her to Washington D.C. but it seemed to be the challenge she
She went to work for the Point-of- had been looking for, and off she went
to Raleigh with her youngest daughter
Savannah. “It’s in me to move forward
in order to make something happen.
I have that strong work ethic that was
instilled in me by my family’s example.
I believe in my capacity to lead. So,
I just figure it out,” she admits with
confidence and a bright smile.

The Collins Family CONTINUED 

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 21

Even though she’s been in she has consistently delivered
North Carolina for the last 10 results rather than rhetoric
years, she hasn’t lost touch with in the industry. Collins has
the importance of the political confidently stepped in the
process both to hinder and help breach, like her father before
the trucking industry and NCTA her, to bring about change
in particular. Politics is in her and become, herself, a role
DNA and she uses her contacts model for other women.
and knowledge to help further Just this year, she launched a
the work of NCTA. As Keith brand new NCTA Women in
Barnes, chairman of NCTA said, Trucking Council dedicated to
“She is the backbone to make recruit, nurture and promote
sure that ideas are carried out. women at every level in the
She is in touch with the political trucking industry.
landscape and who can help our
association’s cause.” Even though she inherited
Collins was instrumental a broke and dispirited
in passing the Military CDL organization when she became
90-day extension bill, the no president of NCTA, Collins
tolling on interstate highway has used her considerable skill
existing capacity and stopping not only to increase revenue
the increase on the sales tax and improve operating
cap on equipment helped pass productivity. She has also
intrastate carriers requiring significantly re-shaped and
a USDOT number. She was re-energized NCTA resulting
involved with the passing of Savannah, Tiffany and Crystal in a membership increase
of over 6 percent every year
the COIV-19 liability safe harbor continuing partnership with the state along with an increase of volunteer
protecting business from predatory law enforcement and federal agencies participation on each committee of the
litigation practices and Build NC and was herself honored as the chair NCTA. She has re-instated committees
Bond of 2018 to help the trucking of the Trucking Association Executive that had previously been inactive and
industry. She has encouraged and Council for Region II in 2014-2015. has created new working groups to
expanded the representation on The Even in a male-dominated industry address issues for heavy haulers and
Call on Washington event, where Collins has been able to shift opinion, Higher Education Workforce.
members of the trucking industry in enable new ways to communicate, Recognizing the importance of
North Carolina are able to interact deepen trust and get things done. Two communication for all who are
face-to-face with those who draft things stand out. First, she had strong involved in the trucking industry in
and enact legislation that affect the male role models who supported her North Carolina, Collins has re-instated
trucking industry. and helped her believe that she could the publication of Tarheel Wheels
Closer to home, Collins is a do whatever she set out to do. Second, magazine. The statewide magazine
stakeholder and participant on several targets the various and diverse concerns
NCDOT committees and groups that affect every layer of the industry
including the NCDOT I-95 Tolling throughout the state and beyond.
Advisory Committee, the NCDOT Under her leadership, NCTA’s Annual
Emergency Management Private Management Conference has tripled
Partner Advisory Group, the NCDOT in number of attendees and she has
Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the increased sponsorship revenues to
NCDOT Freight Planning Committee $200,000, the largest ever for a new
and the NCDOT 2040 Statewide information-focused event.
Transportation Plan. She has reinforced One of the first and most important
and enhanced North Carolina’s decisions she with the help of the

22 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

Ringing the bell! Collins is now four disease. Crystal had that mindset. She Mac, Crystal and Julie
years out and remains cancer free. never looked at it in any other way.”
The best treatment for Collins would it herself. A moment of gratitude and
board executed was the sale of the be at MD Anderson in Houston, future hope ignited. In other words,
219 W. Martin offices that resulted Texas and at her first appointment it was a big deal. A rite of passage. A
in the immediate reversal of NCTA’s with the doctors there she showed her confirmation of grit.
financial deficit. As Dellinger described characteristic grit. “They told Crystal
it, “A testament to Crystal’s tenacity is that they could get her through it if she As strong as Collins is, she admits
an engaged board of directors and a could hold up under the intensity of she could not have done it without her
committed membership resulting in a the chemotherapy and radiation,” her family. “When I flew to Houston every
financially strong and thriving NCTA.“ mom recalled. “Crystal said she could week, a member of my family was
do it. And she did. always with me. When I went through
Career success is important, but radiation, my daughters or my parents
the test of one’s mettle is found in “She flew every week for nine were always with me. I was never
the stuff of everyday life. Her ‘can weeks from Raleigh to Houston for alone. My sister was my ‘partner in
do,’ ‘must do,’ ‘will do’ attitude was a chemotherapy, and when radiation crime’ when I took courage and shaved
bulwark of strength when she received began with continued chemotherapy, my head, rather than having random
a sudden and unexpected cancer it was every day for a six and half strands flying about leaving me looking
diagnosis in 2016 that threatened weeks. The radiation was the hardest. like an aging Einstein. My brothers
all the accomplishments she was She was under a mask that was bolted gave flight miles, texted, called and
making at NCTA. In the space of to the table. She couldn’t cough or even ripped up the carpet in my condo
a moment, danger loomed, fear sneeze. She had to have it in her mind because of my immune-compromised
mounted, uncertainty unleashed that she could do it. She showed more situation. It brought the family closer
itself. Doctors told her she had stage strength than I would have, if it had together than we’d ever been,” Collins
four throat cancer. A malignant and been me. And, oh, what a blessing it said with gratitude shining in her eyes.
inoperable tumor was wrapped around was five months later on the last day of “And, the staff and technicians at MD
her carotid artery. The cancer had treatment to be there when she rang the Anderson were amazing. Even when
already spread to her lymph nodes bell celebrating the end of treatment!” I insisted on continuing to work, they
and highly aggressive chemotherapy were gentle as they urged me to put
would be required to shrink the Collins heard the bell rung many down the laptop because I needed rest.”
tumor. Radiation combined with times, but it took on even greater
chemotherapy would need to follow if significance when she was able to ring As if the universe was testing her
she was to achieve a full recovery. further, six months into recovery, her
house was damaged by the Raleigh
Crystal’s mom remembers the long fires and she had to move, her faithful
months that ensued. “Crystal was dog had to be euthanized, her beloved
stronger than ever,” she said. “The
mind is 99 percent of defeating the CONTINUED 

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 23

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION 8,000
ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020
Crystal Collins

NCTA President Marks
Tenth Anniversary

N.C. Top Issues | N.C. High School Path to Industry | Economy THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION Q2 SUMMER 2019
Q3 FALL/WINTER 2019-2020

N.C. REINSURANCE FACILITY
WREAKING HAVOC

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MEET NCTA'S COUNCILS LEADERSHIP
NC TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

NCTA CHAIRMAN STRONG
RYAN CHAMBERS
CHAMBERS TRANSPORTATION

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

READERSANDNCSUPERTECHWINNERS

NCTA’s Tarheel Wheels reaches more than 8,000 leaders in transportation throughout North
Carolina and beyond. That makes advertising in Tarheel Wheels an excellent business decision.
If you want to reach this highly targeted and influential group of industry decision-makers and ask
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edition of Tarheel Wheels.
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father died unexpectedly and she is
still rebuilding her home because of
the fire damage. “I’ve had the strength
to get through all of these things,” she
said, “because of the strength I learned
I had when I went through cancer
treatment.” Yes, the woman has grit!

‘What now?’ is a question that
haunts us all, not only when life
throws us curve balls, but when we
simply want to continue to succeed
as a human being in life. There’s no
doubt that Collins’ take on the world
has been altered. With a playful smile
she said, “I’m pretty good at what I
do, but I’m still thinking about how I
can continue to make a difference and
leave a legacy that will help others in
the industry. I’m still looking for my
purpose.” Ah, purpose – that elusive
thing we wonder about, seek for, chase
after and finally discover unfolding
hardly without our notice.

Crystal with her daughters Tiffany and Savannah at the Trump Inauguration

When Collins was going through her This woman who loves to ride
cancer treatment, she got to know other motorcycles, read books and hikes the
patients on her journey – some even great outdoors has walked a career path
worse off than she. “I’d talk to them, listen and a life journey that has changed
to their cancer stories,” she said. “I’d see her and the industry she serves. Not
them over and over offering words of closeted in an ivory tower, she wants
encouragement. It made it better to help people to know what makes her tick, the
someone else. That left an impression on importance of her family, how she has
me. I want to continue helping. I want overcome adversity.
to keep doing what I love best – helping
to find solutions to help North Carolina Most of all, she simply wants to
trucking industry be more productive keep being Crystal Collins, a woman
and profitable. I want to help those who committed to making a difference in
have cancer. I want to be a female role people’s lives and being. As Barnes
model and help mentor women who are said, “[Crystal is] an asset to NCTA
trying to forge their path in this industry. and the transportation industry.” This
I believe my purpose is unfolding, in its fiery redhead, sporting her pearls, is
own time.” ready for the next decade at NCTA
and has an eye out for the continuing
It seems that helping isn’t really a unfolding of her purpose. Her personal
new part of Collins’ personality. Her and professional struggles and triumphs
mom said, “Crystal’s greatest weakness have led her to listen more to her
is always putting others before herself.” intuition, and her own inner compass,
Then, after a moment’s pause she so that nothing in her life is wasted or
continued, “Really it’s both her weakness lost. Perhaps, we can all take something
and her strength.” from her example.

ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020 TARHEEL WHEELS • 25

N.C. High School Path to Industry
NCTA works with local community colleges to bring
new talent into the workforce

BY CHEYENNE MCNEILL
GUEST WRITER

Transportation Program Director Fred Stamey built the Truck Driver Training program from its inception years ago.
Photo: Courtesy SCC

When local industry leaders the rigorous Truck Driver Training of the Transportation Basics program
approached the administration at program through the college’s Workforce will be able to enter into the industry
Sampson Community College about Development and Continuing Education fulfilling any number of logistics roles,
incorporating more logistics and supply division. And they did it while still whether it’s the front-line facing duties of
chain courses into the Truck Driver enrolled in high school. a truck driver, or a back-office operations
Training curriculum, the college quickly role assisting the driver to complete
began to determine the best way to meet Catherine Ezzell Joyner, President of a dispatch,” Joyner stated. “These
this need. Ezzell Trucking, Inc., advocated for the logistics professionals are part of an
program at the college, knowing it would essential workforce, and they serve the
Understanding that there were high be an asset to her company and other community in times of need, especially
school students interested in Truck regional partners. this year when faced with the pandemic.
Driver Training, and knowing the The logistics industry is always evolving,
program would meet local industry “Logistics is an integral part of our and the career opportunities available are
needs, Sampson Community College economy. Without logistics, the supply growing with it.”
designed the Transportation Basics chain is disrupted: food would disappear
program. Students took several Supply from grocery stores, hospitals would The Transportation Basics program was
Chain Management Courses, received run out of medical supplies, and gas created as a Career and College Promise
a certification for completion, and then stations would close – all in a matter of (CCP) Pathway for high schoolers,
went on to complete requirements for days. All industries use some aspect of meaning tuition costs are waived—
logistics to operate. The SCC graduates

26 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020

enrolled students need only the requests of various
pay for fees as the college industry leaders for students
covers the cost of books. with training in logistics and
Though ten students began supply chain management and
the program in January, only bridging the gap that exists
three were able to maintain when a high school student
the rigor. Those three wishes to earn their CDL, but
students—Jordan Yaw, Nathan can’t drive across state lines
Royal, and Dawson Raynor— until they are 21,” Ezzell stated.
graduated with other Truck According to the U.S.
Driver Training students on Bureau of Labor Statistics,
September 3. the average age of a person
Yaw acknowledged the in truck transportation
toughness required to excel in Transportation Basics graduates at Truck Driver Training gradu- is between 45-54 years.
the program. From long hours ation. From left to right: Nathan Royal, Dawson Raynor, Jordan Creating this program
of class, dedicated instructors, Yaw (Photo Credit/ Cheyenne McNeill) allows these students to
and rigorous challenges on the Basics student Nathan Royal managed break into the industry
road, he admits completing the program to graduate at the top of the Truck early, create long careers if they
certainly was not easy. Still, he encourages Driver Training program – even above choose, and have the opportunity
those interested in the program. the other graduates. for advancement through the Supply
“If it’s something you want to do, it Ezzell commended the collaborative Chain Management certificate.
most definitely can be done. But, you have efforts that allowed the program and “The program is the first-ever of
to want it,” he stated. students to succeed.
Despite the difficulty, Transportation “SCC has done a fantastic job adapting CONTINUED 

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its kind in North Carolina,” shared faculty, Supply Chain Management school students. It was a great collaborative
Amanda Bradshaw, Dean of Workforce faculty, counselors at local high schools, effort between our local high schools and
Development and Continuing Education. and transportation industry leaders. SCC’s Supply Chain Management and
“The students also have the option to Each voice allowed the program to Transportation Basics programs,” stated
return at a later date and complete a be custom-made—making it quite Dr. Susan Baxter, Business Division Chair.
degree program for the Supply Chain specialized but tailored to the careers “These three young men persevered
Management area.” these students will soon begin. through all facets of the programs and
are now ready to start their careers - just
The program was created through “We were excited to be able to offer months after finishing high school. We
the joint effort of Truck Driver Training this one-of-a-kind program to local high offer sincere congratulations and wish
them all the best in their new careers.”
CUMMINS cummins.com ALWAYS ON
INTEGRATED The addition of the Transportation
POWER™. Basics program demonstrates only one
way that the Truck Driver Training
POWERTRAIN OPTIMIZATION FOR program has expanded. After nearly 15
A WORLD THAT’S ALWAYS ON. years located off-campus, the program
and its training site have temporarily
Cummins is powering success with fully-integrated returned to Sampson County. For now,
solutions and comprehensive support you need to optimize students and faculty train in vacant
your operation. Our state-of-the-art engines – including the parking lots on campus. However, within
X12™, the lightest in its class, and the X15™, 2017’s the next year, the program will move
top-selling heavy-duty engine in North America – are setting to a brand-new training site on land
new performance standards. Both engines uniquely pair with donated by the Clinton-100 Committee.
the Endurant™ transmission to create the most advanced This donation was the catalyst that led to
powertrains in the industry. Cummins merges efficiency and funding from the Cannon Foundation,
power to keep you moving forward in a world that’s Always On. the Golden LEAF Foundation, and
the U.S. Economic Development
Administration which will enhance the
Truck Driver Training program.

From an initial total of two trucks
donated by Prestage Farms, the
number of trucks in SCC’s fleet has
grown significantly. With the use of
state equipment funds, the college has
expanded and maintained the fleet to
include eight additional rigs with trailers,
and three box trucks to support the
Class B training program. Up until late
August, Ag Provisions in Duplin County
allowed the college to house its trucks in
its parking lot; this is also where students
were trained.

President of Sampson Community
College, Dr. William Starling, says
the progress and growth of the
Transportation programs at Sampson
Community College begin with its leader.

“Anytime you find a program of this
excellence that began with modest
funding you will find a passionate

28 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 3 WINTER 2020