Tarheel Wheels Q2 Summer 2019 -- Reinsurance Wreaking Havoc

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q2 SUMMER 2019

N.C. REINSURANCE FACILITY
WREAKING HAVOC

FMCSA'S DRUG & ALCOHOL CLEARINGHOUSE
MEET NCTA'S COUNCILS LEADERSHIP
NC TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

over 100 locations in 16 states

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

Clinton
MHC Kenworth
(855) 337-7164

Concord
MHC Kenworth
(855) 337-7314

Durham
MHC Kenworth
(855) 296-2431

Greensboro
MHC Kenworth
(855) 296-2436

Hickory
MHC Kenworth
(855) 528-6557

Raleigh
MHC Kenworth
(855) 528-6562

Rocky Mount
MHC Kenworth
(855) 343-5939

Wilmington
MHC Kenworth
(855) 343-5944

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

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

SniderFleet.com

NCTA 2019 Annual Sponsors

North Carolina Trucking Association introduces our new one-year, sponsorship program. Pay just one sponsorship fee,
while garnering premium exposure throughout the entire year to our members increasing your visibility and value as an
industry leader supporting the NCTA.
$25,000 Platinum Elite – Triad/Carolinas Freightliner Group

Greenville Raleigh Rocky Mount

$15,000 Diamond
$8,000 Silver

Contact NCTA to learn how to become an annual sponsor.

4 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

COVER • PAGE 9

REFIANCSUILRIATNYCE

WREAKING HAVOC
FOLLOW-UP ON THE CONTINUING
EFFORTS NCTA IS LEADING TO HALT
THE SURCHARGE AND WHAT IT
MEANS FOR YOU.
BY DAN CALABRESE

Q2 SUMMER 2019

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES 24 FMCSA's Drug & DEPARTMENTS
Alcohol Clearinghouse
14 Meet NCTA's Council A push and pull system 4 NCTA Annual Sponsors
Leadership 6 From the Past Chairman by Jerry Sigmon, Jr.
BY DAVE OSIECKI 6 NCTA's Board of Directors
BY STEVE BRAWNER 7 From the President by Crystal Collins
28 From Tracks to Trucks 30 New NCTA Members
16 Trucking Day at the Capitol N.C. Transportation Museum 30 Advertising Resource Index
Education, Reinsurance Facility and Turns Focus to NC Trucking
Infrastructure Among Topics Discussed
BY MARK BROWN
BY THW STAFF

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 5

From the Past Chairman

As Immediate Past Chairman, I Gained More Than I Gave North Carolina Trucking Association

e end of July marks the end of my year as NCTA OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
chairman, but more importantly it’s been seven years
since I joined the executive committee. During that Chairman
time, I’ve learned many things from other trucking Ryan Chambers
executives and from the association itself. I’ve worked Chambers Transportation
with people I would never have known had I simply 1st Vice Chairman
been a member and forgotten about the NCTA. In
the process, I hope I’ve given back to the association a Keith Barnes
fraction of what I’ve gained. If you’ve never taken an Barnes Transportation
active role in the NCTA, I encourage you to start. 
Vice Chairman
roughout this multi-year journey, I’ve developed Luke Mangum
meaningful, lasting friendships with my competitors. Mangum's Inc.
While we all want our own companies to prosper, we’re Vice Chairman
also united by our desire to strengthen trucking and be Jason Smith
good stewards for our industry. Southland Transportation Co.
ATA State Vice President
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned Mike Stevens
is how an association works. It’s di erent than a normal business. An executive Red Classic Transportation Services, LLC
committee member and especially a chairman must interact with diverse people with Allied Chairman
very diverse viewpoints. Step one is to listen much more than you talk. If someone
wants your attention, give it to them, because o en that person is a diamond in Marc Tucker
the rough with important information to share. Once you’ve heard from various Fox Rothschild, LLP
members, you must arrive at what NCTA’s position will be, which o en involves
adapting the best of several ideas rather than choosing one side or the other. Secretary
Crystal Collins
I’ve also learned that politics is tough! As a member of the executive committee, North Carolina Trucking Association
I’ve been more involved politically than I ever thought I would be. rough Calls on
Washington and Trucking Day at the North Carolina General Assembly, the NCTA Treasurer
advocates for the issues that are most important to our industry, our individual Mark Patterson
companies and the motoring public. Sometimes success seems elusive, a good All State Express
example being the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility’s insistence on assessing
a surcharge on commercial liability policyholders. Another lesson learned is that 2019–2020 NCTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
politics moves slowly, especially for an industry that prefers to operate at 65 miles
per hour on the open road. Sometimes you have to pick your battles. But despite the Unifi Manufacturing, Inc Kerns Trucking, Inc.
occasional roadblocks and setbacks, the NCTA never stops ghting for trucking. I’m Mr. Mark Berry Mr. Clyde Kerns
con dent of this: Lawmakers know who we are, they know our position, and they City Transfer and
can come to us for help. Eagle Transport Corporation
Ms. Bree Bryant Storage Company
is upcoming year, I’ll be occupying the most coveted o ce in any organization: Mr. Scott Lassiter
past chairman. e new chairman is Ryan Chambers, Chambers Transportation, will Carolina Tank Lines McMahon Truck Centers
do a great job. But he’ll need our support – our active support. Get involved if you’re Mr. Tony Capps Mr. David Locke Jr.
not already. You’ll gain more than you give.  anks to all who have supported me Longistics Transportation, Inc.
and the NCTA. Eagle Transport Corporation Mr. Brooks Long
Mr. Lance Collette Epes Transport System, LLC
Jerry Sigmon, Jr. Thermo King Ms. Amy Medlin
Chief Operating O cer, Cargo Transporters Central Carolinas MMX Transportation, Inc.
NCTA Chairman Mr. Ben Cox Mr. Randal Menscer
Best Cartage, Inc. Special Event Transportation
6 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019 Mr. Roy Cox Mr. Thomas Moriarty
C.R.T.S., Inc. McGri Insurance Services
Mr. Stephen Currin Mr. Scott Murray
Edwards Wood Products Inc.
SE Davis & Associates Transportation
Mr. Steve Davis Mr. Gerald Myers
Epes Transport System, LLC
A. V. Dedmon Trucking, Inc. Ms. Melissa Nishan
Ms. Lora Dedmon L. J. Rogers Jr. Trucking Co.
Mr. Ronald Rogers
Cargo Transporters, Inc. Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
Mr. Dennis Dellinger Mr. Kevin Sherritze
Brown Trucking Company
Eagle Transport Corporation Mr. Ralph Stanley
Mr. Herb Evans Excel Truck Group

Ezzell Trucking, Inc. Mr. Ken Tyree
Mr. Grover Ezzell Triad Freightliner of
Teague Campbell Dennis
& Gorham, LLP Greensboro, Inc.
Mr. Scott Farwell Mr. Larry Tysinger
Old Dominion Mineral City Transport, LLC
Freight Line, Inc. Mr. Gordon Underwood
Mr. Sam Faucette Underwood & Weld Co., Inc.
Ezzell Trucking, Inc. Mr. Badger Underwood
Mr. Al Ganey Jr. Tidewater Transit Co., Inc.
Goldberg Segalla Mr. John Williams
Mr. Ben Greenberg Swing Transport, Inc.
Mr. Donnie Wilson
ADUSA Wilson Brothers
Mr. Warren Hall Milling& Trucking Co.
Barnes Transportation
Mr. Chris Henry Mr. Je Wilson
Best Cartage, Inc. Yarbrough Transfer Company
Mr. Richard Hepler
Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc. Mr. David Yarbrough Jr.

Mr. Chris Hill
Relation Insurance Services

Mr. Sean Kelly

From the President

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE We Want You … to Get Involved

NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION Remember the World War I recruiting poster featuring “Uncle Sam” pointing to the
viewer and declaring “I want you”?
Tarheel Wheels is owned by the North Carolina Trucking Association
and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing Group in the Imagine replacing that top hat with a truck
driver’s cap, and that’s the North Carolina
form of three editions of Tarheel Wheels and one edition of NCTA’s Trucking Association. 
Annual Membership Directory & Buyers’ Directory. For additional
At the NCTA, we want you. Ours is a member-
copies, to order reprints of individual articles or to become a driven, volunteer organization. e more active
subscriber to Tarheel Wheels, please contact Dana Cochran volunteers we have, the better we can serve our
industry. If our members are content merely to
at [email protected] and for information pay their dues, we can pay our bills, but we won’t
about advertising please contact Jennifer Matthews-Drake be e ective.

at [email protected]. So, we want you …
– To get involved. We have many opportunities
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake
Executive Editor [email protected] for leadership and service. Participate in our
Creative Director committees and in our safety and maintenance
Graphic Designer Crystal Collins councils, become an o cer, and join in
Photographers [email protected] our activities.
– To advocate. Pick up the phone and call your elected o cials. Participate in our Calls
Contributing Writers Fran Sherman on Washington and Trucking Day at the North Carolina General Assembly. Donate
[email protected] to our political action committee. Lawmakers nd the NCTA much more persuasive
Ad Production when they are also hearing directly from their constituents – particularly those who
Barbara Negron create 218,540 jobs in this state.
– To take advantage of the opportunities NCTA provides. Our association o ers many
Clay Cook bene ts to its members. Our member-only discounts on products and services save
Larry Kuzniewski you money. Our sta regulatory specialist answers your questions. Our conferences
Caleb Shane Lollar let you network with clients, potential clients and vendors. Our awards and various
John David Pittman o erings, such as this magazine, o er branding opportunities available nowhere
else. Our Truck Driving Championship and Top Tech Challenge let you reward and
Steve Brawner recognize your best team members.
Dan Calabrese – To spread the word. ere is strength in numbers, and the more members we have,
the harder we’ll be to ignore. Invite your motor carrier competitors and your vendors
Renee Miller to join the NCTA. We’ll all bene t.
Derek Rayment – To have fun. Our association’s work is vital to our industry, but work doesn’t have
Jennifer Barnett Reed to be drudgery. e NCTA lets you spend time with people who understand your
mission, your challenges and your day-to-day life. Don’t just take advantage of our
John Schulz opportunities. Enjoy them.
Todd Traub Finally, thank you to Jerry Sigmon, Jr. for his year of service as our chairman,
and thank you, Ryan Chambers, for being ready to move into the driver’s seat this
Doug Benjamin upcoming year. 
Our organization depends on active volunteers like them. If you’re not active yet,
www.NCTrucking.com then get involved. We want you!
North Carolina Trucking Association Staff
Crystal Collins
President Crystal Collins President
[email protected] North Carolina Trucking Association

Event Specialist Amy Ballard Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 7
[email protected]

Instructor & Regulatory Specialist Steve Massey

[email protected]

Bookkeeper Lindsey Harris [email protected]

An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

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

industry in North Carolina.

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

Over 29 years of fast, courteous, dependable service.

WA MT Canada
OR WY
ND ME

ID SD MN VT
WI NH

NY MA
MI CT RI

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

AZ OK VA
NM NC
AR
MS SC
GA

TX LA

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

P.O Box 3129 –Hickory, NC 28603 Phone: (828) 464-8247
86 Allegiance Circle - Evanston, WY Fax: (828) 464-8091
8 •TAwRHwEwEL.iWdeHaEEltLrSanQ2sSpUoMrMtEiRn2c01.c9 om 1-800-342-9838

N.C. REINSURANCE FACILITY

WREAKING HAVOC

FOLLOW-UP ON THE CONTINUING EFFORTS
NCTA IS LEADING TO HALT THE SURCHARGE

AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU.

BY DAN CALABRESE / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

How should a nonpro t created to insure a mounting debt, industry leaders succeeded
high-risk motor carriers retire its at getting the surcharge cut in half – and
long-term debt? And who should be expressed hope it would not continue past the
required by law to contribute? one year.

at’s the question that’s created controversy ose hopes are being frustrated, at least for
within the North Carolina trucking industry the moment, as the Facility has announced
for several years, culminating last year with the its intention to continue the surcharge for
imposition of an additional cost the industry as many as three more years. But the North
is still trying – unsuccessfully so far – to rid Carolina Trucking Association is not accepting
itself of. defeat, and is looking at options that could
include the pursuit of legislative action to get
When the North Carolina Reinsurance rid of the surcharge.
Facility announced in 2017 it would impose a
surcharge on all state trucking rms to cover CONTINUED

Crystal Collins, President of the “We wanted to get a handle on carriers, coach operators, taxi owners,
NCTA, said she and other leaders just what revenue is going to be logging truckers and dump truck
of the organization expressed their generated, because if the revenue operators – among others.
displeasure during a meeting with the exceeds the de cit, nobody gets a
Facility’s board on June 5. refund,” Crystal Collins said. “ ey e purpose of the surcharge is to
just keep the money.” eliminate, over time, a fund imbalance
“What we learned in our quarterly that is approaching $100 million.
meeting of April this year was not that e Facility, which o ers policies
they’ve only lost $100 million, but for hard-to-insure motor carriers, “We’ve de nitely made progress,
they’ve lost an additional $40 million last year announced its intention to and the surcharge as it exists today will
(since instituting the surcharge), impose a surcharge of 14.61 percent on not retire the entire de cit,” said Terry
because people then dropped their all motor carriers domiciled in North Collins, chief operating o cer
policies,” Crystal Collins said. “So Carolina. As a result of intervention by of the Facility. “Mathematically it
essentially what they collected on NCTA, the surcharge was reduced to doesn’t work that way, but as results
the recoupment side paid for the 7.83 percent. develop over time it’s possible that
additional $40 million they didn’t could happen.”
know they’d lost until recently. So we’re e surcharge applies to commercial
back to the $100 million again.” liability coverages, including bodily But NCTA o cials had hoped they
injury liability, property damage could steer the Facility to address
NCTA wanted the Facility’s board liability, medical payments, uninsured the de cit in more structural ways
to wait and see if its revenue would motorists and underinsured – including higher premiums on
catch up before extending the motorists’ premiums. Collision and its actual policies and operational
surcharge, because there would be no comprehensive coverage policies are improvements that could reduce
reversing the surcharge if it ended up not subject to the surcharge. Carriers the Facility’s costs. Since the initial
not being needed. who face the surcharge include motor imposition of the surcharge last year,
NTCA has worked with the Facility in

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

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

10 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

pursuit of those objectives. surcharges on other motor carriers like surcharge, although Sigmon doesn’t
But in the end, the Facility did not the one implemented last year. think it makes sense for the Facility to
sock motor carriers with a surcharge
agree that dropping the surcharge this Because of the high-risk nature of its designed to eliminate it too quickly.
year made sense. policyholders, the Facility is exposed “ ey didn’t get into this $100
to high risk of losses, particularly million de cit in one or two years, and
“ e way the board looked at it, during economically challenging there shouldn’t be a reach to eliminate
which really makes a lot of sense, the times. e red ink that led to the the de cit in one or two years,” Sigmon
Facility is continuing to lose money nearly $100 million shortfall has been said. “It could be accomplished
on commercial auto, although the accumulating for some years. over time.” CONTINUED
results have really stabilized,” Collins
said. “A year ago we had a lot of us the continuation of the SOUTH CAROLINA
negative momentum, and the negative
momentum nally attened out with tlgtrucks.com Peterbilt of Florence
the actions that have taken place.” 302 Blanchard Road, Florence, SC 29506
NORTH CAROLINA
Collins also noted that when the 843.667.8177
Facility agreed to cut the surcharge Peterbilt of Charlotte
in half at NCTA’s request, it almost 3917 Trailer Drive, Charlotte, NC 28269 Peterbilt of Charleston
guaranteed a trade-o of the surcharge 181 Judge Steet, Harleyville, SC 29448
continuing over the course of 704.597.8600
more years. Peterbilt of Raleigh 843.879.0253
4204 Global Street, Raleigh, NC 27610
But the decision was still an
enormous disappointment to 910.892.7105
NCTA leaders.

“I don’t think this is resolved at all,” said
Jerry Sigmon Jr., chairman of NTCA.
“I’m very disappointed. I don’t think they
heeded any of our input at all.”

at leaves NTCA with a decision
to make. According to current law, the
Facility has the authority to impose
the surcharge and the state’s motor
carriers have no legal recourse. But
the Legislature has the power to
change that.

“We’ve got a decision to make,”
Sigmon said. “Do we just say OK? Do
we just take this? Or do we want to
push this further and take this back to
the Legislature?”

e Facility is a non-pro t, created
by the North Carolina Legislature,
for the express purpose of making
it possible for high-risk trucking
operations to obtain insurance that
might otherwise be unavailable on the
open market.

When the Legislature created
the Facility, it provided for two
possible revenue streams. e rst is
premiums on policies, and the second
comes through the authority to levy

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 11

Southern Truck Call today for Jim Harrell, a contract lobbyist
Insurance Services Great Rates! representing NCTA, said the Facility
704-226-0728 seems determined to set rates that
Inc. do not attempt to address the
existing de cit.
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR TRUCK INSURANCE
“ ere’s a fundamental disagreement
We have relationships with dozens of insurance companies allowing you to get the right price there in that the Facility is obviously
with the right service. Whether you have the ideal history or a not-so-perfect history, we'll get making the decision to design a rate
to prospectively address losses and not
you the right coverage with the best company at the best price forYOU. increase it to address previous losses
that have surpassed their collections,”
Serving Virginia, Tennessee, Call, Email, Facebook or Stop By for a Free Quote! Harrell said. “So the decision was to
North Carolina and South Carolina. (800) 742-3881 • Email: [email protected] continue this (surcharge). e current
ratepayers’ policies are not paying
SouthernTruck Insurance is an 104 Avon Street, Monroe, NC 28110 down any of this debt. So someone has
independent agency allowing us to pay it.”
www.STRUCKINS.com
to makeYOU our top priority. According to Terry Collins, the
25 years of trucking • 25 years of insurance statute that created the Facility calls
for it to retire long-term debt through
MGS a speci c recoupment measure, rather
than using increased premiums for
Millberg that purpose.

Gordon “ e statutes kind of dictate what we
can and cannot do, and monies that
Stewart were lost in the past cannot be recouped
through the rate-making process,” he
Millberg Gordon Stewart PLLC defends client in The firm practices in the fields of transporta- said. “In the real world, obviously, if we
civil litigation throughout North and South Car- tion litigation (rail and trucking), employment suddenly quadrupled rates and brought
olina. Since its establishment in 1994, MGS litigation, product liability, and general in a ton of money, that would end up
has built a reputation for handling its clients’ commercial litigation. accomplishing (the de cit reduction),
legal affairs with skill and vigor. The firm’s attor- MGS has been recognized by a Class but that is not what we’re held to doing
neys are experience trial lawyers who regularly I railroad as its “Go-To” Law Firm for tort by the statutes.”
defend and try cases for target defendants, defense; has been honored as Product Lia-
often against the best of the plaintiffs’ trial bar. bility Law Firm of the Year in NC; and has According to Harrell, collections since
been listed among the Top Rated Lawyers in the imposition of the surcharge have
PERSONAL ATTENTION. Transportation Law and Employment Law by only kept even with the accumulation
A PROVEN TRACK RECORD WITH The American Lawyer/Martindale-Hubbel. of operating losses, so no progress has
LEGALLY SOPHISTICATED CLIENTS. been made on retiring the longer-
term de cit.
ESSE QUAM VIDERI
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 104, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 e Facility itself does not sell
policies, but traditional insurers
P: 919.836.0090, F: 919.836.8027 can cede policies to the Facility if
www.mgsattorneys.com they consider them too high-risk.

e idea is to protect the traditional
insurers from the higher risk posed by
particular policyholders.

“We’re the last guy,” Terry Collins said.
“If you can’t get it from us, I don’t know
what you do. at means the voluntary
market’s not willing to write you.”

He emphasized, though, that this

12 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

doesn’t mean the Facility is o ering cut- NC Insurance Committee, co-chaired an eye on what the NCTA is doing to
rate policies. by Rep. Dean Bumgardner, met on the address the issue.
surcharge issue and heard extensively
“One reason for our being is to assure from NCTA members to consider their According to current law, there is
the viability of liability coverage to all perspectives on the surcharge. really no recourse, as the Facility has the
eligible North Carolina risks,” Terry authority to impose the surcharge and
Collins said. “Now obviously you For now, it would probably be wise there is no mechanism for appealing
couldn’t do that at a loss forever. You’d for North Carolina motor carriers to it. e question is whether NCTA can
run out of money and make recoupment include the surcharge in their budget work with the Legislature to change that
go sky high. We are a market of last planning for the 2019-2020 budget status quo.
resort, but our mandate is to ensure the cycle. But it would also be wise to keep
liability coverage is there. Our function ose e orts are ongoing.
is not one of making sure we keep rates
at a certain level so people can a ord it. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Our function is to make sure we rate the
business as accurately as possible, Service, innovation and experience
and that’s based on the anticipated is the Midwestern advantage.
loss cost.” Let it work for you.

Other insurers cede business to the Arthur J. Gallagher
Facility that they don’t believe they can Greensboro - (336) 217-5480
write themselves, which is designed
to reduce risk and higher costs to the Southeastern Agency Group BB&T - McPhil Bray
industry at large. Greensboro - (336) 218-7470 Charlotte - (704) 954-3000

But with all motor carriers now Benton & Parker, Co. ARMS Inc.
having to pay the surcharge to the Charlotte - (704) 845-2949 Burlington - (336) 229-0429
Facility for at least another year –
barring legislative action to the contrary B & H Insurance Services RDR Insurance Services, Inc.
– the traditional insurers and their Winston-Salem - (336) 896-0800 Charlotte - (704) 553-1617
policyholders are paying for the high-
risk policyholders just the same. Ascension/Transure Timmermann Ins. Service, Inc.
Greensboro - (336) 217- 6911 Winston-Salem - (336) 765-5940
“We do not think it’s fair that those Whitsett - (336) 584-9494
policies not ceded to the Facility are
having to make up the di erence, so it’s midwesterninsurance.com
fair to say we’re exploring all options,”
Harrell said.

Terry Collins counters that it would
disrupt the industry more to remove
the surcharge now and possibly have to
bring it back in the future.

“If you implement it once again
later – you take it o , you put it back
on – you create a lot of disruption in the
marketplace,” he said. “It’s tougher for
truckers to plan for, for the taxi driver to
plan for, and for anyone else who has a
commercial vehicle.”

e surcharge originally went
into e ect in October 2018, so any
legislative action to prevent one or more
subsequent years would have to move
and take e ect quickly. Last year the

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 13

MeetNCTA'sCouncilsLeadership

Wendy Smith

NCTA Technology & Maintenance Council Chair

Smith: ’Don’t make your gender an BY STEVE BRAWNER it red up, and I went and got him. I’m
issue, and it won’t be like, ‘Here we go.’”
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Wendy Smith was the third of four Now she’s Red Classic
daughters of a truck driver and small h wheels – just anything that came Transportation’s regional maintenance
farmer who wanted sons. So maybe it’s up,” she said. “And did the same thing manager for the Carolinas. She is
not surprising she’s now a maintenance on the equipment working on tractors, responsible for maintaining 4,000 pieces
professional in the trucking industry. working on combines. I think the with 23 maintenance shops and 110
diesel technicians across the Carolinas.
From an early age, she liked taking rst thing I tore apart myself was a
things apart and learning how they lawnmower when I was seven, Red Classic is a for-hire company
worked. In fact, maybe her career without permission.” owned by Charlotte-based Coca-Cola
started when she was seven years old Consolidated, the country’s largest
and growing up in Wilmington. Without permission? independent bottler. It hauls the
“ ey were not paying attention to company’s beverages as well as other
“We were always doing anything from me, so I disassembled the lawnmower products for outside customers.
decent-sized engine repairs to rebuilding while my sister was working on a pickup
truck. So my father came out and was Smith is this year’s NCTA Technology
like, ‘All right. Put it back together, and it & Maintenance Council chair. is year,
had better run.’ So I put it back together, the Council has been focused on getting
more technicians involved.

“It does seem like so much is focused
on maintenance managers and what we
think needs to happen,” she said. “But if
we can get to the techs and talk to those
guys, we can nd out what’s really going
on in the industry, and then we can
help give them some of the resources
that they need either to become better
at xing trucks, or even to give them a
career path to grow.”

Maintenance professionals are
dealing with common challenges.
Truck maintenance is becoming more
complicated and technical. Trucks
are brimming with electronics and
telematics. Everyone is trying to nd
quali ed technicians, but not as many
are entering the industry and fewer
young people are tinkering with their
cars at home. It’s harder to nd talent, so
motor carriers must grow their own.

Smith started her career in

14 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

transportation but not in maintenance. eventually becoming a distribution While the number of women in
In high school she decided that a person manager. ese, she learned she enjoyed trucking operations has grown,
who understood business nancials working with technicians. She joined maintenance remains a mostly male
could do anything. She graduated from Red Classic Transportation in October turf. Smith does occasionally have to
UNC-Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree 2013 as an area maintenance manager, prove herself, but once that’s done, the
in accounting, but she knew before eventually becoming regional manager. men “actually think it’s really cool,” she
she le school that she didn’t have the said. She believes more women will enter
personality to stare at spreadsheets all While she’s not an accountant, she the eld.
day. As a student she was working part- believes her education continues to
time at what is now Carolina CAT in the serve her well. In a commercial setting, “I mentor some of the young ladies
material handling division, and when she understands how to manage both within the company,” she said. “And
she graduated she accepted a full-time revenues and expenses. Her training what I tell them is, ‘Don’t make your
job as eet coordinator. helped instill in her a methodical, gender an issue, and it won’t be.’”
organized approach.
She moved up the ranks, becoming "I think the first thing
branch manager of a newly acquired Inside that trucking executive is still I tore apart myself
Li One branch in South Carolina at the that seven-year-old girl who liked to take was a lawnmower
age of 25. She was trained by Caterpillar things apart and put them back together. when I was seven,
as a Six Sigma Black Belt, a professional Most of Smith’s hands-on work involves without permission."
skilled in the Lean Six Sigma helping techs, particularly older ones,
methodology used to solve problems. with computer diagnostics. But she still
gets her hands dirty sometimes when a
She le the company in 2009 during location is short-sta ed. She’s repaired
the economic downturn to work for forkli s, made minor truck repairs and
Dean Foods as a distribution analyst, helped hang doors on trailers.

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

SERVICES

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

technicians
• We work on ALL TYPES

of reefer units

AMENITIES

• Comfortable waiting
lounges

• FREE WIFI
• Clean shops
• Close to eateries

FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

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

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

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 15

Trucking Day
at the Capitol

Education, Reinsurance Facility and
Infrastructure Among Topics Discussed

BY THW STAFF

16 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

The North Carolina Trucking and the support you give to our industry. the drivers. We understand you make
Association (NCTA) hosted Trucking contributes enormously to North Carolina move," he added. "North
Trucking Day at the North our economy and we all know that our Carolina would not be the state that
Carolina General Assembly Wednesday, modern economy could not exist without it is without you. We know there are
June 12. Members of the General reliable truck transportation." hurdles ahead for transportation and
Assembly met with members of the we appreciate your voice and
NCTA to discuss legislation and to bring Rep. John Torbett, chairman of your participation in helping us
awareness to the trucking industry. the Appropriations, Transportation
Committee in the North Carolina House nd solutions." 
e day started with a breakfast at the responded, " e breakfast we enjoyed Mr. Morris told those in attendance
Legislative Building on Jones Street in today, the cars we drove to get here and that 218,540 jobs in North Carolina are
Raleigh. Frank Morris, Chairman of the the clothes we are wearing all arrives by trucking industry jobs. " at's one in
NCTA Legislative Committee kicked o transportation. Some of you in this room every 16 jobs in the state," he said. Crystal
the breakfast with introductions. Each may be online shopping right now as you Collins, president of the North Carolina
member of the NCTA in attendance listen to me, and those items you order Trucking Association who spends a lot
shared with the legislators what company will be delivered; at least in part, by truck. of time at the North Carolina General
they represented, their a liation I am a strong advocate for the trucking Assembly with lobbying e orts on behalf
to the trucking industry and how industry and the needed infrastructure of the industry and the association
many families and jobs each for what you do for our economy." members said one of the most important
company represents. statistics on trucking is how many
Rep. Torbett added, "While I apologize communities depend solely on it. "Eighty-
Jerry Sigmon, Chairman of the NCTA for the many orange barrels your drivers six percent of communities depend
and Chief Operating O cer for Cargo see across the state, it is our hope the exclusively on trucks to move their
Transporters, Inc., told the legislators that construction on our roads will help goods," she said. " at’s 324,805 tons
his company has 520 trucks and employs with some of the bottle-necking in moved by trucks in this state every day."
over 700 families. "We appreciate you the state and create safer highways for

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 17

Mr. Morris encouraged the members facility is over $100 million in debt. For • Short Term Work Training - Support
of the House and Senate in attendance the next 10 quarters at least and possibly the short-term work training budget
to help the trucking industry speci cally for three years, the Facility will collect
with the following industry issues: taxes from many commercial policies proposal of $12 million to help fund
that do not bene t from the facility. truck driving certi cation courses,
• Education - Provide support NCTA asked the General Assembly among others. North Carolina has a
and funding for more educational to assess the statutory structure of the shortage in drivers, and this program
opportunities for those entering the facility to ensure it is proper for the will help train drivers for this career.
workforce whether it be for drivers, modern day, maintaining that it is
mechanics, technicians or any position in unfair for those not using the facility to • Infrastructure - Address the dire
trucking operations management. subsidize those that do. infrastructure needs across the state.

• NC Reinsurance Facility – e Following the breakfast, NCTA
members attended legislative sessions
Albemarle, North Toll Free and participated in face-to-face meetings
Carolina 28001 1-800-438-2260 with elected o cials from their business
district, as facilitated by the NCTA sta .
Visit Our Website: www.crookmotors.com "We are united in one voice on behalf
of trucking," Collins said. " is is the
Sales • Parts • Service day to show our united support for
our industry."
“Quality New and Used Trucks Since 1945”
Dr. Jamie Wicker, associate vice
We buy trucks and trailers too!! president for the Transportation and
Public Safety division of Johnston
Richard Almond at [email protected] Community College attended to reiterate
the need for educational funding. "We
18 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019 are here today to lend assistance to the
NCTA in pushing the agenda items
that also bene t the community college
system, speci cally for short term
training," Dr. Wicker said. " e North
Carolina community college system is
a valuable resource for our students and
should be given investment and attention
by our government leaders."

Scott Farwell, a law partner with
Teague Campbell in Raleigh, attended
the event to show his support for the
industry and NCTA. He met one-on-
one with Rep. Julie von Haefen, who
represents the 36th District and echoed
the concerns of the industry. " is is an
important day that I would not miss,"
Farwell said. "We need
our legislators to see us and we them. We
need to stand uni ed and we need to
keep the lines of communication and the
dialog open."

“Face-to-Face meetings with elected
o cials are the most e ective in uential
form of advocacy educating the General
Assembly why trucks are essential to
the North Carolina’s economy”, Collins

said. e NCTA represents more than
400 trucking companies and allied
members. ere are more than 21,200
trucking companies located in the state
and 85.6 percent of North Carolina
communities depend exclusively on
trucks to move their goods. e total
trucking industry wages paid in the
state in 2016 exceeded $10.2 billion.
We will continue to meet with our
elected o cials to let them know how
important the trucking industry is to
North Carolina’s economy," Collins
said. " e decisions our legislators make
impact our members and their business.
Trucking Day is just one way the NCTA
gives the trucking industry a voice by
letting our representatives know how
their decisions a ect the industry.  is is
a member only event and makes a huge
impact on the work NCTA accomplishes
during the legislative session and
throughout the year."

24-HOUR HEAVY DUTY TOWING &
RECOVERY & ROAD SIDE

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

FRED'S TOWING &
TRANSPORT, INC.

400 Industry Drive
Henderson, NC 27537

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

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

Central Dispatch 252-430-0082

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 19

MeetNCTA'sCouncilsLeadership

David L. Jarrett

NCTA Safety & Human Resources Council Chair

David Jarrett: Better to be safe skip steps and how to operate something Jarrett said he can call his peers at much
than lucky or how to do something, and we get larger eets for advice on best practices.
in a hurry. And that’s usually when an
e NCTA Safety & Human Resources accident happens.” e Council has continued to maintain
Council chairman has a simple a productive relationship with the
philosophy when it comes to safety: At All State Express, Jarrett oversees Tennessee Highway Patrol. Jarrett said he
“You’re either safe or you’re lucky.” And safety and maintenance for a eet with 86 is a “big believer in the thin blue line. We
he doesn’t want to count on being lucky. tractors, all owner-operator-driven, and all are because we have to work this thing
135 Sprinter utility vans. e less-than- together to keep it safe. We are proud of
David Jarrett, executive director truckload carrier travels throughout our law enforcement and everything that
of safety and maintenance at All the United States and also ventures into they do to keep it safe on the highways
State Express, said he wants his eet’s Mexico and sometimes Canada. Its and protect us.”
employees to think before they act. For motto is “Time matters.”
example, many accidents occur when Jarrett grew up on a farm in Trinity,
drivers are backing and don’t exit the cab Being involved with the Safety & the son of Depression-era children.
and survey the situation. Human Resources Council has provided His mother only nished the eighth
networking opportunities with fellow grade but was well-read. His father
“When we get in trouble as human safety and maintenance professionals.
beings, two things happen,” he said. “We CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

20 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019 CONTACT:
Steve Kezman,
738750_Peoples.indd 1
Vice President
People’s United Equipment Finance Corp.

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

16/03/15 7:05 pm

David L. Jarrett

emergency road
service & Towing

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

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 21

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Jarrett enlisted in the Army in the early “To go to D.C. and
couldn’t read but could do complicated days of the Reagan administration, when actually sit with
math and geometry and “had a work its recruiting slogan was, “Be All You Can a congressman
ethic like no other,” Jarrett said. In that Be.” He became a platoon sergeant and and senators as a
environment, Jarrett developed a love attained the rank of sergeant rst class. country boy from
for vehicles at a young age. At age 4 or He served in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf North Carolina just
5, he would sit in his dad’s or his uncle’s War with a nuclear-biological-chemical amazes me, and I’m
lap and steer the tractor. He wasn’t much decontamination unit. He le his wife so reverent of our
older when he started driving it alone and two-year-old son at the airport in government and
while others loaded hay. Colorado, where it was 21 degrees, ew our way of life and
America itself,” he
CUMMINS cummins.com said. “I don’t take it
INTEGRATED for granted. I have a
POWER™. lot of respect for it,
regardless of what
POWERTRAIN OPTIMIZATION FOR side the politics is.”
A WORLD THAT’S ALWAYS ON.
ALWAYS ON
Cummins is powering success with fully-integrated
solutions and comprehensive support you need to optimize
your operation. Our state-of-the-art engines – including the
X12™, the lightest in its class, and the X15™, 2017’s
top-selling heavy-duty engine in North America – are setting
new performance standards. Both engines uniquely pair with
the Endurant™ transmission to create the most advanced
powertrains in the industry. Cummins merges efficiency and
power to keep you moving forward in a world that’s Always On.

Milestone Trailer Leasing provides short-term, special commercial with his unit, and landed in
projects and peak season rental solutions. Milestone offers the desert sun. He also served in Hawaii,
industry leading flexibility to meet the changing needs of Korea, New Zealand and Japan.
our customers. Our trailer rental options allow you to meet the
changing needs and demands of your company while conserving While serving with the Army, he
capital and optimizing cash flow. earned an associate’s degree in logistics
and transportation management that led
Advantages of Renting with Milestone: to his civilian trucking career. He rst
transported NASCAR race cars across
• Our rentals are billed on 12 calendar months, NOT 4-week cycles (which the country for promotional events for
results in 13 bills over the course of a year from our competitors)
ve years, and then drove commercially
• We provide competitively-priced equipment for storage, cartage and over- for 10 years for several companies across
the-road needs the United States.

• Adjustable rental terms (keep equipment for only as long as you need it) He then le the cab for a management
career. He spent ve years with Best
• Access to one of the largest and fastest growing trailer lessors in the U.S. Logistics Group, eventually becoming
risk and compliance manager, driver
• Nationwide network – 25+ convenient locations across the US trainer and recruiter. He then spent ve
years as director of safety and human
• Model Years: We have a complete range of equipment to fit any resources at Chief Express. While
application; factory direct new 2019s & 2020s, mid-range model there, he was awarded the NCTA Safety
years for economical over-the road use, and well-maintained older Director of the Year award, and the
units for cartage and storage use company was awarded the Fleet Safety
and Industrial Safety awards. He le
Milestone Trailer Leasing (704) 626-1735 Chief Express to become vice president
8311 Statesville Rd | Charlotte, NC 28206 milecorp.com of safety and safety director at Salem

22 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

Corporation before taking his current PARTS • SERVICE • SALES
position at All State Express.
Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 23
Jarrett still maintains a CDL and
occasionally pulls a load because, he said,
“It’s in my blood!” He’s thankful to have
worked in the trucking industry in so
many roles.

"I have been blessed to have driven
a truck, been an account manager,
dispatcher, recruiter, safety manager and
executive safety manager, something
that has allowed me to learn the industry
inside and out,” he said.

Outside the o ce, he has been
married for 35 years to his high school
sweetheart, Lori, and they have two
grown children, Matthew and Emily.

eir rst grandson is due in August.
In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking,

shing, playing music and traveling.
He especially enjoys driving on the
open road on his Honda CTX1300
cruiser motorcycle.

A history bu , he takes pride in
participating in the NCTA’s annual Call
on Washington, which this year will
occur Sept. 17-19.

“To go to D.C. and actually sit with
a congressman and senators as a
country boy from North Carolina just
amazes me, and I’m so reverent of our
government and our way of life and
America itself,” he said. “I don’t take it
for granted. I have a lot of respect for it,
regardless of what side the politics is.”

When he began working in safety, a
retiring executive over lunch told him
to always take care of drivers, because
without them, “None of us have jobs.”

e executive told him that his wife had
died at a young age and he had raised
his four children himself, and he had
never missed paying a bill thanks to the
trucking industry.

Likewise, Jarrett is thankful for the
opportunities trucking has o ered him.

“We’re the backbone of America,” he
said. “We move the country.”

FMCSA's Drug &
Alcohol Clearinghouse:
A Push and Pull System

BY DAVE OSIECK / GUEST WRITER

Starting Jan. 6, 2020, all 500,000 Secretary of Transportation to create promote highway safety. It applies to
of the country’s motor carriers, it as part of a highway reauthorization truck drivers and also school
including owner-operators, will bill called Moving Ahead for Progress bus drivers, construction
be required to use FMCSA’s new Drug in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). It equipment operators, federal
and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Carriers would take another four years before employee drivers who have CDLs, and
will be required to pull information FMCSA published the nal rule others. It also applies to Canadian and
out of it and push information into designed to implement the program Mexican drivers who are required to
it. And at rst, there won’t be much on Dec. 5, 2016. Starting this fall, comply with the agency’s drug and
information in the system. drivers and eets can establish a alcohol requirements.
Clearinghouse account before the new
Government o en moves slowly, system goes into e ect. It will be especially valuable in
and the Clearinghouse is no exception. helping carriers identify prospective
Congress in 2012 directed the e Clearinghouse’s purpose is to drivers who have had a DOT drug and

24 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

alcohol program violation working for those for motor vehicle records, past will check the system to see if any data
an ex-employer, but conveniently le employment, and a criminal record appears. On a limited query, the system
out that detail during the application allow drivers simply to sign their name will merely con rm that information
process. With some limited exceptions, on the bottom of an employment is available on that driver; if so, eets
the Clearinghouse will contain application containing certain consent- then will be required to perform a full
violations reaching back ve years, related information. One obvious query to learn exactly what happened,
or until the driver has successfully and foreseeable problem with the when it happened, and if the driver has
completed the return-to-duty process, Clearinghouse’s full query consent completed the necessary return to duty
whichever occurs later. approach is this: What happens if a steps in order to operate a CMV.
driver cannot remember his or her
Motor carriers will be required to username or password when logging For limited queries, drivers can
query, or pull information out of the in to the system? Who among us hasn’t provide their consent when hired and
Clearinghouse at certain times de ned forgotten a bank account or credit will not be required to provide it for
in the rules. ey must perform a “full” card password? If a driver is unable to each individual, subsequent limited
query each time they want to hire a access the system to provide consent, query. Carriers will be able to batch the
CDL driver, but they’ll have to obtain then the carrier won’t be able to check limited queries for all their drivers, and
the driver’s consent rst. Drivers will the Clearinghouse at that time during many probably will. Regardless of how
have to log in to the Clearinghouse and the hiring process. it is performed, carriers will have to
check an electronic box allowing the perform this action at least annually.
carrier to view their records. Full queries must occur each time
a carrier hires a CDL driver. Carriers While eets will be required to pull
is approach to driver consent must also perform an annual “limited” data from the system, they’ll also be
is unique. Other motor carrier query of each of their drivers, where they required to push data into it. Any
industry background checks such as
CONTINUED



Your calendar and

Save the date!

!porting "lay !hoot

!ctober 11, 2019

Drake’s Landing
3146 Chalybeate Road
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526









* Registration begins at 9 am
* Shoot begins at 10 am
• I n calmudmeos ,1 0g0o lrfo cuanrdt,s g autn 1 r3e snttaatli,o annsd, eluyen/ceha. r protection,

Learn moSrpeo annsdo rrsehgiipst Oerp opnolritnuen aitti ewsw Awva.nilcatbrluec!k ing.com

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 25

24Hr. Towing, Recovery, time a CDL driver has a qualifying
Roadside Service & Truck Repair violation, it must be entered into
the system within three days. ose
Diesel Truck and Trailer Repair Fleet of Service Trucks violations include a blood alcohol
National Account Pricing on Tires test of at least .04% concentration, a
Roadside Computer Diagnostics refusal to test for alcohol or drugs, or
Driveshift Repair a eet’s actual knowledge of a DOT
Service Trucks with Parts Inventory testing program violation. Actual
knowledge would include a carrier’s
800-869-8973 direct observation of use on duty and
a driver’s admission of use on duty,
Wilson, Rocky Mount, Dunn & Goldsboro NC among others. When a driver completes
the return to duty process, that also
Your “One-Stop-Shop” for all your semi-trailer needs. New and used will be entered into the Clearinghouse.
semi-trailer sales, service, parts with six convenient locations to serve you. Drivers will be able, under FMCSA’s
rules, to challenge their report’s
Raleigh, NC Statesville, NC Mt. Airy, NC 1-800-662-7026 accuracy but not the accuracy of test
Columbia, SC Ashland, VA Roanoke, VA www.crtsinc.com results or their own refusals to test.

Mobile Spindle Replacement Specialists Many eets hire third party service
agents to handle many portions of their
(800) 259-6622 DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
In fact, an entire cottage industry has
Gary Sensing P.O. Box 235 developed around the DOT testing
Scott Sensing omasville, NC 27361 requirements. For Clearinghouse
Steve Sensing FAX (336) 475-4868 compliance, service agents can be
Greg Marvin [email protected] authorized by motor carriers to perform
the queries and report information to
the system on their behalf.

e new Clearinghouse-related
requirements will be time-consuming.

ey will add burdens on carriers,
as well as costs. In fact, there will be
a cost involved each time a carrier
queries the system, though the
transaction costs for the full and
limited queries has not yet been
determined by FMCSA.

Interestingly, eets won’t be getting
much for that money at rst. When
the system goes into e ect Jan. 6, 2020,
the Clearinghouse will be empty, and
it will take a while for information
to be entered. Only violations that
occur a er that date will be included.
Meanwhile, eets will continue to be
required to inquire about a driver’s
drug and alcohol violation history
with previous employers during the

rst three years of the Clearinghouse
implementation, or until Jan. 6, 2023.

26 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

FMCSA’s Clearinghouse rules also SAVE THE DATE
contemplate what could happen if a Sept. 29-Oct. 2

eet submits inaccurate information NCTA ANNUAL COUNCILS
about a driver, perhaps as a retaliation CONFERENCE & EXPO
tactic a er the driver has le the
company. If that happens, the carrier’s Wilmington Convention Center & Embassy Suites
Clearinghouse registration can be Register Today at www.NCTRUCKING.com
revoked. While the carrier can remain Connect with your peers. Expand your knowledge.
in business, it will have to use an
alternative method to determine if a Catch up on ever-changing industry news and regulations.
driver applicant, or an existing driver Come to network. Leave motivated to perform better.
within the eet, is quali ed. at Top three reasons to attend?
method could involve contacting
FMCSA and requesting the agency Seeing new products in our exhibit hall, staying up-to-date on changes and
perform the check. industry issues, and connecting with suppliers, distributors, and customers.

As you might expect, there are Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 27
special rules for owner-operators.

ey will be subject to all the
requirements for companies as well
as all the requirements for drivers,
and they will have to designate a third
party administrator to assist them in
complying with the rules.

Finally, there’s a yet-to-be-completed
component for state CDL licensing
agencies. When drivers obtain their
CDL, or renew, transfer or upgrade
it, state licensing agencies will be
required to check the Clearinghouse
to determine the eligibility of the
driver to operate a commercial motor
vehicle. Government enforcement
agencies will also have limited access
to driver records in order to enforce
the regulations while also maintaining
some level of driver privacy.

On the heels of the ELD mandate,
the Clearinghouse will be the next
major change in an industry that
o en faces major changes and
compliance challenges. In order for
carriers to learn the details of the
new Clearinghouse, FMCSA recently
created an informational website for
the industry. is site can be found
at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.
gov. Fleets are encouraged to check
it out, and subscribe for updates
from FMCSA as the January 2020
compliance dates nears.

FROM TRACKS TO TRUCKS
N.C. TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
TURNS FOCUS TO N.C. TRUCKING

T BY MARK BROWN / GUEST WRITER PHOTOS: COURTESY N.C. TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
he N.C. Transportation Museum represent all forms of transportation, and trucks were in use in 23 countries of the
has long been known as a location exhibits focusing on North Carolina’s rich world. e company built more than 3,000
where railroad history happened trucking history have been steadily growing. six-ton trucks for the U.S. Army during
and is preserved. e museum is located With the 2017 opening of the 90,000 square World War II and another 10,000 or more
on the grounds of what was once Spencer foot Back Shop, the museum doubled were built to the Corbitt design by four
Shops, Southern Railways’ largest its exhibit space. Plus, with more recent other rms including Brockway and White.
steam locomotive repair facility in the help from Old Dominion Freight Line’s
southeast. Chosen as a midpoint between Congdon family, a greater expansion of e N.C. Transportation Museum
currently displays a two-axle, 165
Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Ga., the Tarheel trucking history is nally possible. horsepower Corbitt diesel tractor from
facility provided regular maintenance e varied aspects of the state’s
1953. e truck was purchased new by
and full overhauls for the railroad’s eet of trucking industry make the topic one ripe North Carolina’s urston Motor Lines and
steam locomotives, employing some 3000 for interpretation. was one of the last produced by Corbitt.
workers at its peak during and immediately Manufacturing
following WWII. Corbitt sold a record 600 trucks in 1946, but
North Carolina has a long history of truck production trailed o as post-war demand
Today, steam and diesel locomotives and manufacturing, dating back to at least 1910, was lled and the company was sold and
railroad passenger cars from the past reside as the rst trucks rolled of the assembly line disbanded in 1954.
in the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest at Corbitt Motor Truck Company’s plant In the early 1930s, the Perley A. omas
remaining structure of its type in North in Henderson, North Carolina. Corbitt Car Works, a company famous for their
America, and the only roundhouse le in manufactured trucks that served the home streetcars, saw orders vastly decrease
North Carolina. Seasonal train rides are front for over 40 years and the U.S. military while the company’s work force shrank
enjoyed by visitors, providing a “from the from the World War I era through the from 125 to 10, including omas and
rails” view of the 60-acre historic site. Korean Con ict. his three children. In 1936, omas took
e museum was founded, however, to By 1915 Corbitt was advertising that its the company’s rst order for school buses,

28 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

instead of the company’s Volvo, the world’s h largest truck containerized shipping, now an
traditional streetcars. It was manufacturer today, maintains its North industry standard.
a transition that not only American headquarters in Greensboro, with
saved the High Point, N.C. the world headquarters of Mack Trucks, None, however, have had the
production facility, but Inc. next door. Volvo obtained control of lasting success of Old Dominion
turned it into one of the most the venerable American truck builder in Freight Lines. Founded in 1932
successful manufacturing 2001. Both companies display a substantial by Earl Sr. and Lillian Congdon in
companies in North Carolina. presence in the state. Virginia, the company saw solid
early growth in its home state.
A part of the museum’s Trucking Through Time Earl Sr. passed away in 1950, but
collection is one of the Museums may house artifacts, but the Old Dominion remained a family
company’s early buses, a company with Lillian assuming
1940 model. Built on a 1939 stories behind those artifacts are the true the presidency with sons Earl Jr.
Chevrolet chassis with an in- history being preserved. North Carolina’s and Jack also coming on board.
line 6-cyclinder Chevrolet engine, it features trucking industry represents great stories Having expanded operations into North
seats along each side a of small companies that grew to become Carolina through the 1950s, the company
nd a center bench, outward opening entry industry leaders. headquarters moved to High Point in 1962.
doors for emergency egress, and bow Over the next 50 years, the North
arch supports in the steel body that had urston Motor Lines began in 1932 Carolina based company expanded into a
been perfected during omas’s years in in Wilson, N.C. when recent engineering nationwide and international carrier. Today,
streetcar production. school graduate Doc urston failed to nd Old Dominion claims 235 service centers
work in the midst of the Great Depression. across the U.S. with international locations
With continual innovation and Instead, he bought a truck. Over the next in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and China.
expansion, the Perley A. omas Car 55 years, urston Motor Lines grew to
Works built buses for school systems employ thousands in North Carolina. The Future of Trucking History
across the nation, eventually reorganizing e N.C. Transportation Museum
and rebranding the company as omas Carolina Freight Carriers began as a one-
Built Buses. By 1996, omas was the truck company in 1931 in Cherryville, N.C. currently displays two Old Dominion
largest bus manufacturer in the United a er C. Grier Beam lost his rst post-college Freight Line trucks, a 1946 Ford straight
States. Purchased in 1998 by Freightliner, job at a chicken plant due to the depression. truck and a 1950 White Super Power truck
a subsidiary of Daimler Chrysler, the Initially working from a corner of his with Trailmobile trailer, representative of the
company continues to operate in High brother’s Shell Station, Beam grew CFC company’s early days.
Point, N.C. In 2016, omas became the into a major regional carrier in the 1970s,
rst North American bus manufacturer to a nationwide carrier in the 1980s and was In December of 2018, a donation to the
celebrate its centennial. moving into international markets at the N.C. Transportation Museum was made
time of his death in 1992. by the Congdon family in honor of Old
e largest truck manufacturer in the Dominion Freight Line’s founders Earl, Sr.
world, Daimler AG’s presence in North McLean Trucking of Winston-Salem, N.C. & Lillian Congdon and their sons and wives
Carolina is, of course, not just limited to also grew from a one-truck operation in 1934 commemorating their contributions to the
school buses. Subsidiary Freightliner has to the largest trucking firm in the southeast transportation industry.
operated a manufacturing plant in Mt. and fifth largest in the United States by the
Holly and a parts manufacturing facility in 1950s. Malcom McLean accomplished that e donation funded an automotive shop
Gastonia since 1979, while Freightliner’s great success with his revolutionary idea of nearly adjacent to the museum property.
largest North American plant, located in
Cleveland, N.C., was built in 1989. e 9,500 square foot building includes
a full automotive maintenance garage
e museum’s 1995 Freightliner FLD for automotive and truck repair, space to
sleeper series truck is representative of maintain and repair nearly any vehicle in the
the company’s innovations both with museum’s collection, and secure storage for
mechanical e ciency and driver comfort. vehicles not on display.

e FLD truck series was wildly popular Repairs to the shop are underway with
with over-the-road truckers, due to sleeper’s completion hoped for later in 2019, allowing
integration into the cab and the 70” height, the museum to better restore vehicles, to
allowing most drivers to stand upright. maintain them to working condition, and
to illustrate and communicate the history of
trucking in North Carolina.

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 29

DIGITAL MAGAZINE New 2019 Members
NOW AVAILABLE!
Breeden Insurance Services Inc.
Tarheel Wheels — complete with
sound e ects — online with a Carolina Logistic, Inc.
week of distribution.
Carolina Transportation, Inc. ADVERTISING
Another awesome feature of this Carolina Trucking Academy RESOURCE INDEX
great new technology is that websites D & D Instruments, Inc.
in the digital magazine are "live." So,
viewers may click on a site featured Delta |v| Forensic Engineering Q2 Summer 2019
in an ad and be transported directly Delta Express Inc. Battleground Tire & Wrecker Back cover
Dispatch & Services, Inc.
to that advertiser's website. Hammer Truck Sales, LLC BestPass 10
Check it out: www.nctrucking.com Hill, Chesson & Woody A Gallagher
Company CRTS 26
is is just one more service that Huked Up Trucking, LLC
we're happy to o er on behalf of our Incentive Management Group Carolina Axle Surgeons 26

THW advertisers. Crook Motor Company/Western Star 18
For more information on advertising
Cummins 22
in Tarheel Wheels, contact our
publisher, Jennifer Matthews-Drake, Excel Truck Group 23
at [email protected].
Fred’s Towing and Transport 19

Industrial Sign and Graphics G & S Road Service 21

Inspire Medical Systems Great West Casualty Co. Inside Back Coverr
Lenoir Community College
M & P Specialty Insurance Ideal Transport, Inc 8
Metro Trailer Leasing, Inc.
MMX Transportation, Inc. Innovative Driver Services 12
Moseley Marcinak Law Group LLP
OccuSure Workers' Compensation Larson Group Peterbilt 11
Specialists, LLC
Pinnacle Financial Partners Mangum's Towing & Recovery 22
Proflo Solutions
Quality Drive Solutions Millberg Gordon & Stewart 12
(MGS Law Firm)

MHC Kenworth Inside front cover

Midwestern Insurance Alliance 13

Milestone Equipment Holdings 22

Millberg, Gordon & Stewart 12

North Carolina Trucking Association

(NCTA) 25, 27

Ricks Transport People's United Equipment Finance 20

Shelba D. Johnson Trucking Snider Fleet Solutions 3
Southern Christian Transportation, Inc. Southern Truck Insurance Brokers 12
Sprint Corporation Tarheel Wheels 30
Super Fleet Services Inc. Thermo King Central Carolinas 15
The Boyd Group
USI Insurance Services is edition of Tarheel Wheels was made
Valley Proteins possible with the support of these corporate
Webasto Thermo & Comfort North advertisers, all NCTA members. ey support
America, Inc. the trucking industry by enabling North
Wireless Ventures Carolina Trucking Association to provide
this publication to its members, prospective
members, elected o cials and the business
community at large. ey deserve your
consideration and patronage when making
your corporate purchasing decisions. ank you!

30 •TARHEEL WHEELS Q2 SUMMER 2019

800.228.8602 Knowledge is Power

gwccnet.com Not All Trucking Companies Are Alike

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

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

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

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

Q2 SUMMER 2019 TARHEEL WHEELS • 31

Battleground Tire

& Wrecker 24 Hour
Serving the Live Dispatch
Trucking Industry
(No Answering
Since 1970 Machine)

Full Service Repair Shop
Mobile Tire Service
Towing
Mobile Truck Repair

National Tire Accounts

GREENSBORO BURLINGTON
700 Patton Avenue 6204 S. NC 62
336.272.3456 336.227.2991

www.battlegroundwrecker.com