Tarheel Wheels, Issue 1, 2021 ~ David Congdon, Old Dominion Freight Line + more!

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

David Congdon

Old Dominion Exec Receives
State's Hightest Honor

MBUF Analysis | N.C. Human Trafficking Commission | Spotlight: Chris Hill, Hale Trailer

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

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2021 Annual Sponsors OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 SPONSORS Chairman
Keith Barnes,
$15,000 Barnes Transportation

DIAMOND 1st Vice Chairman Allied Chairman
Luke Mangum, Ben Greenberg
McMahon Truck Centers, Mack, TranSource, MHC - Kenworth Manvum's Inc. Goldberg Segalla

$10,000 Vice Chairman Secretary
Jason Smith Crystal Collins
GOLD North Carolina Trucking Assn.
Southland Transportation Co.
Excel Truck Group
Vice Chairman Treasurer
$8,000 Lora Dedmon Mark Patterson
A.V. Dedmon Trucking, Inc. BetterWay Logistics
SILVER
2020–2021 NCTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C.R.T.S. Trailer Sales
Red Classic Transit, LLC Unifi Manufacturing, Inc. C.R.T.S., Inc.
Transure Services, A Relation Company Mark Berry Andy Marchiano
Best Logistics, Inc.
North Carolina Trucking Association introduces our new Eagle Transport Corporation
one-year, sponsorship program. Pay just one sponsorship fee, Bree Bryant Mike Martin
NCTA Technology and Maintenance
while garnering premium exposure throughout the entire Chambers Transportation Services, Inc.
year to our members increasing your visibility and value as Ryan Chambers Council Chairman
Epes Transport System, LLC
an industry leader supporting the NCTA. Eagle Transport Corporation
Lance Collette Amy Medlin
Contact NCTA to learn how to become an annual sponsor. Walmart Transportation
Thermo King Central Carolinas
4 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 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 Gerald Myers
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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER • PAGE 20 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

RECOGNIZING CONGDON FEATURES
WITH STATE’S HIGHEST HONOR
8 Bringing the Trucking Industry to
Old Dominion Freight’s David the MBUF Table
Congdon receives the Order of
prestigious Long Leaf Pine Award The Eastern Transportation Coalition
provides analysis on mileage-based
BY ANDREW DUNN user fees and contemporary
transportation funding
David Congdon, Old Dominion Freight Line; N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore;
Keith Barnes, Barnes Transportation; and Luke Mangum, Mangum's Inc. BY PATRICIA G. HENDREN

DEPARTMENTS 30 An Inside Look 14 N.C. 8th in Nation for
32 NCTA Annual Events Human Trafficking
4 NCTA Annual Sponsors 33 By the Numbers
4 NCTA Board of Directors 34 Outtakes The N.C. Commission on Human
7 President’s Message 36 Advertising Resource Index Trafficking Commission is working to
10 NCTA Annual Conference eradicate human trafficking through
16 NCTA New Members awareness, training and partnerships

BY LACEY C. THACKER

18 NC FIRST Commission's
Highway Funding Advice
The NC FIRST Commission was

created to research and advise the
transportation secretary of potential
components of a sustainable long-range
transportation investment strategy.
The commission's final report and findings
were released in January 2021.
BY JOHNNY KAMPIS

24 Member Spotlight:
Navigating the Pandemic
Chris Hill, Hale Trailer's general manager,

shares experience of working for a family-
owned business in good times and bad
BY ANDREW DUNN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GRAY

IMAGES ON COVER AND THIS PAGE OF
DAVID CONGDON COURTESTY OF
OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE.

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 5

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President's Message

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE Stand Up and Be Counted!
NORTH CAROLINA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION As we continue to move through 2021, two new opportunities are emerging

Tarheel Wheels is owned by the North Carolina Trucking Association on the horizon. Chairman Barnes has long had a mission to establish a North
and is published three times a year by Matthews Publishing Group. Carolina motor carrier benchmarking program that would meet bi-annually
on the day before NCTA board meetings. The Board has agreed to initiate this
For additional copies, to order reprints of individual articles or to new program and is looking for no more than 15 motor carriers to participate in
become a subscriber to Tarheel Wheels, and for information launching it. Partnering with the Truckload Carriers Association and working
about advertising please contact Jennifer Matthews-Drake with Shepard Dunn, the Program Manager/Facilitator for TCA, we will start
at [email protected]. benchmarking best practices that don’t require financial documentation. If the
program proves effective over the next 12-14 months, we will potentially expand
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake it to include additional mode specific and financial best practices. Those who are
among the 15 motor carriers will meet the afternoon prior to the board meeting,
[email protected] enjoy a reception and dinner with the board members in the evening, and continue
meeting the following morning. Lest you think it’s all work and no play, there may
Executive Editor Crystal Collins be a golf outing, (or another exciting leisure activity) in the offing for the afternoon.

[email protected]

Creative Director Fran Sherman

[email protected]

Graphic Designer Barbara Negron

Ad Production Doug Benjamin

Photographers Daniel Gray

Contributing Writers Steve Brawner
Cheyenne McNeill

Renee Miller
Derek Rayment

John Schulz

www.NCTrucking.com We’re also excited to be partnered with Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Transportation
North Carolina Trucking Association Staff Services Group to bring a new benefit to our members. We have designed, and are
conducting, an economic benchmarking survey that will give our members the
President Crystal Collins opportunity to express what they feel are the most pressing needs and concerns in
the industry. The survey focuses on North Carolina trucking industry’s economic
[email protected] conditions and trends. As the industry is evolving, we want to gather data
indicators to determine if economic conditions are on the upswing for North
Vice President of Education, Events & Programs Alison Harding Carolina carriers. The aggregated data will be presented live during our 2021
[email protected] Annual Management Conference in July of 2021, and a final detailed report will
be available for NCTA members only following the conference. The results of the
Vice President Membership Petrina Lawrence survey will help NCTA in strategizing for the future by addressing the real needs
[email protected] that have been articulated by our members.

Director of Operations Lindsey Harris

[email protected]

Regulatory Specialist Steve Massey

[email protected]

An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

So, stand up and let your voice be counted. Together, we can keep making a
difference for the trucking industry in North Carolina.

Since 1929, the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) Crystal Collins
has represented the interests of the trucking industry. NCTA President
works to protect the interests of North Carolina’s trucking industry North Carolina Trucking Association
by working with state and federal regulatory and enforcement [email protected]
agencies. We are also dedicated to providing excellence in
Education, Training, and Information. And promoting a safe, ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 7
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

Bringing the Trucking

Industry totheMBUFTable
The Eastern Transportation Coalition provides
analysis on mileage-based user fees and
contemporary transportation funding

Trucks are not BY PATRICIA G. HENDREN considered all users
big cars. GUEST WRITER of our transportation
system was necessary.
This may seem wasn’t keeping up with infrastructure
obvious, but prior needs. This is largely because the fuel That’s what we
to our explorations tax, which is rolled into the price we wanted to do – bring
of the effect of pay at the pump, generates less revenue a more inclusive
mileage-based user each year as vehicles become more fuel view to the national
fees (MBUF) on efficient and therefore purchase less conversation about
trucks, conversations fuel. An MBUF model, which charges transportation
about shifting from users based on the amount of miles funding. Formed
a fuel tax system to driven, is a possible alternative. Because over 25 years ago,
a distance-based the declining fuel tax is mainly linked the Coalition is a
approach either tended to treat cars and to passenger vehicles driving farther partnership of 17 states and Washington,
trucks exactly the same or overlooked on a tank of gas or not using gas at all, D.C, whose mission is to bring
trucks entirely. most MBUF studies only looked at cars. implementable transportation solutions to
Some policymakers began suggesting the Eastern Seaboard. Our organization
We at the Eastern Transportation states focus on motor carriers to close works across state lines because that is
Coalition (the Coalition) thought it was the funding gap. At the Coalition, we how people and goods move. We consider
important to change that. recognized early on that any future our states the economic engine of the
transportation funding solution cannot U.S., generating $2 trillion in domestic
We recognize that motor carriers rest solely on the shoulders of motor trade annually – together, Coalition states
have a complex operating environment, carriers, as this approach is inconsistent are equal to the third-largest economy
already pay multiple transportation with the “user pays for what they use” in the world. Truckers literally drive
fees and must comply with a long list of principle. It was clear an approach that this economy, delivering the goods our
existing reporting requirements. Any businesses, homes, and medical facilities
consideration of MBUF should reflect need to thrive.
these unique aspects of the industry and We understand the value of the
engage motor carriers directly to hear trucking industry and in our long history
their concerns and viewpoints. working with motor carriers, we have
observed how the complex operating
WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT environment and diversity of this vital
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING? industry is misunderstood. So, we
knew a spotlight on motor carriers was
In 2018-2019, the Coalition conducted needed to bring policymakers insights
the nation’s very first truck-focused
MBUF pilot. The pilot came as many
states realized transportation funding

8 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

from real-world pilots, data analysis, WHAT WE’RE LEARNING ABOUT more complex for trucks than for
and frank discussions with trucking TRUCKS AND MILEAGE-BASED passenger vehicles. Whereas many
companies, manufacturers, regulators, USER FEES. car drivers use roads and bridges to
and associations. As states like North commute to their workplaces, roads and
Carolina assess MBUF, they need Coalition truck pilots have engaged a bridges are truckers’ workplaces – and
usable information. That’s where our range of trucking companies to reflect driving long distances is an inherent part
work comes in. the industry’s diversity of size, type, and of the job.
ownership. Our 2020-2021 national
USING A REAL- pilot included a variety of truck types, Even charging the same MBUF rate
WORLD APPROACH. such as flatbed, full truckload, less than for all trucks doesn’t work due to vast
truckload, private, for-hire, haul and differences in vehicle operations, types,
We started our MBUF exploration takeaway, and dump trucks. We also ages, performance, and mileage travelled.
by asking the trucking industry what conduct interviews with participating Our 2018-2019 pilot showed that
they knew, liked, disliked, and had companies to learn more about the issues using a single MBUF rate for all trucks,
the most reservations about with important to them and the potential based on the average fuel efficiency,
respect to a distance-based fee. We impact of MBUF on their operation. inadvertently rewards fuel inefficient
also established a Motor Carrier Our diverse participant pool and fleets while penalizing efficient fleets.
Working Group that includes members national reach has the power to provide Trucks also face more fees than cars.
from trucking associations, trucking a nuanced view on the impact an MBUF Motor carriers pay Heavy Vehicle Use
companies, regulators, and truck system would have on the trucking Taxes, Federal Excise Taxes, and, in
manufacturers. We heard agreement sector. These pilots provide meaningful some states, a weight mileage tax. Trucks
that there was a need to increase data to policymakers to assist them when pay more tolls, too. An effective MBUF
funding and investment in roads and determining next steps. policy should consider the diversity of
bridges, but there were concerns about the trucking industry as well as the other
the public’s lack of awareness of the By bringing the trucking industry
fees already imposed on the trucking to the table, we’ve learned that several CONTINUED 
industry, that MBUF would be yet factors make MBUF implementation
another reporting burden or, worse
yet, that MBUF would be unfairly
applied across the industry. The group
also raised questions about who
would set the MBUF rate and how,
and how policymakers would handle
enforcement and compliance to ensure
everyone pays their fair share.

This direct input from the Motor
Carrier Working Group was used
to guide our 2018-2019 Multi-State
MBUF Truck Pilot and our recently
completed National MBUF Truck
Pilot with more than 220 trucks
travelling over 9 million miles across
all 48 contiguous states. Working
with Jacobs, a leader in the study of
MBUF, and EROAD, our research and
technology partner, we drew upon
our experience studying the impact of
regulations on the trucking industry
to gather insights about the feasibility
of MBUF within truckers’ unique
operating environment.

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 9

fees imposed on motor carriers and set ensure motor carriers each pay their fair as IFTA and IRP are not perfectly
different rates accordingly. share. IFTA, as well as IRP, are excellent compatible with MBUF in their current
examples of a national approach that forms. Further research is underway.
Coalition work has highlighted that still maintains state independence on
existing regulations like the International rate setting and other areas, resulting in Finally, we’re learning that
Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and efficiencies on the motor carrier industry transparency, simplicity, and compliance
International Registration Plan (IRP) as well as on the agency side. However, are important to truck drivers. Whether
offer potential roadmaps and already while there is overall consensus that setting rates or enforcing compliance,
have credibility within the trucking IFTA and IRP provide a framework states should be transparent in their
community. Both IFTA and IRP collect template for a national implementation approach and consider the impacts
information on miles driven in each state for MBUF, that policymakers should to this diverse and essential industry.
– essential data for MBUF – and have consider, it won’t be a plug and play Additionally, pilot interviews and
audit and enforcement procedures to conversations with our Motor Carrier
Working Group made clear that MBUF
should not further complicate truckers’
already complex fee and compliance
landscape.

SPREADING THE WORD.
The Coalition and its partners are

neutral about whether MBUF is the
solution, but we’re committed to research

10 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

and to seeking trucking industry and American Trucking Associations MBUF implementation looks in the
feedback and raising awareness about have all publicly expressed support for real world.
MBUF’s effect. To accomplish this, we the Coalition’s data-driven work and
present to and welcome feedback from methodical approach. The importance of including
transportation policy organizations, the trucking industry in MBUF
transportation stakeholders, and We also partner with states, like conversations is clear. We are
trucking industry groups. Senior North Carolina, to bring information to committed to keeping the trucking
leadership from the Truckload policymakers. Policymakers understand industry at the table and directly
Carriers Association, Owner-Operator the importance of data-informed engaging motor carriers in the
Independent Drivers Association, decision making, and our research assessment of MBUF. Because any
provides useful insights about how transportation funding approach
must include all road users, we have
conducted and will continue to
conduct passenger vehicle explorations.
To stay up-to-date on our latest work, or to
explore our past truck pilot and passenger
vehicle findings, visit our project website:
www.tetcoalitionmbuf.org.

Patricia G. Hendren, PhD., is the
executive director of The Eastern
Transportation Coalition and may be
reached at [email protected].

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 11

N.C. 8thin Nation for

Human Trafficking

The N.C. Commission on Human Trafficking
Commission is working to eradicate human trafficking

through awareness, training and partnerships

BY LACEY C. THACKER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In January of 2015, a driver noticed an IHNtpwa•hrUeoeNteroNmMcouppersreOtnAheon1tdCsNRa0taagiiTnrntoeHsuTdlittotnRaheacfCAtdhehteAhaFispslseedFRewcxIropoOiCetnihpennsKoltLihs.edIpteIeMNuoNlnmestnlaoAtyGtrnstrrtyahayr.enfepTkofeiosfhcdtrkttreewheeydieedthhamtiunramerthaeen THE COMMISSION’S
RV parked in the commercial vehicle area antdrafifinckpinrgivcaastees hinothme neast,ioann. d in legitimate KEY SUCCESSES
of a truck stop. Based on the training he bis•dtuoedtTrshpanieefnstfrimeiceafkiisnsoiensnddgego.srmaVsasinniuopgcdclttehehirmpilecsraco.sssofTialrrveheneeodesprftyecvraadienucn.tsierbmeaeesnndaottnftsyhao,outlmnbrleuae.nck
received from Truckers Against Trafficking, •2019 Adoption of Standards for Direct Service
he thought something was a bit suspicious, Providers
so he called the National Human
Trafficking Hotline.  •2018 – 2019 Distribution of $1.35 Million in Grant
Funding
Calls made to the hotline don’t always
result in an immediate arrest or rescue, but •2017 – 2019 Three Multi-Disciplinary Human
in this case, local authorities immediately Trafficking Training Symposiums in North Carolina
went to the scene. A young woman was
found being held against her will. T•rEfTarnofhdfmiiencagkNllhidnouimsrgctaihpCnlitnoCraemasffiracmonkdilniisgneswavioeiHllnrtau,ykfmeocironamvnmolevmdemuiennntity. •2017 Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training
•2017 Truckers Against Trafficking Coalition Build
Her captors had beaten her, raped
her, burnt her whole body, branded NC2o•0fooNtrot1haermrraqonn6oturh,utfmtihcifgri-eisChhCchimstatikauewshlrdirniomeneootlliffgnnsllotahieaern.ngigsSxsacri.tashLucrp.dlohaaa2eoeft0allrtfi1opriva9cSgere-ekrb.e2lsLcyiod4uen.n5imsv2nwgeeea0aeildt1trinafdnha3fedonk-diiarnnd3atdt6isenens8driegegn.waxlTerthaendeer •2017 Mandatory Hotline Posting Legislation
her, jammed nails into the bottoms of • Ioo•n ffEh2f0heux1uamn9mms, atehinaesnrnetionrfwtaagrefasfraeiimfcnf7ikidlca1irnk3cnigoancmtguhrebaaaarnctgridonesgssothtehsetarte. (over 20,000 key locations across North Carolina)
her feet, sold her for sex, and she didn’t
remember the last time she had anything • Funding and facilitating research •2016 Federal SOAR Training Pilot
to drink. Doctors later said she was days •oSomi••sifnfaICeaSicnnnnpoperfcoafdeoo2ioraare0rtarlstn1emcSic8tnnreeco,eirgmrotGgnviciaauc.gmaeSrendlr.nsaeel7thegnttaaoBsiupvsdbs-ie1muoneir0elf.rrvi1adwtseeyoauhmnselncmlottethianrwgenetaersiaatnltft,h,shftgeaieusecsoprDlskaceeceeiwrsiapnpsaaessglrtmertmaosteeofnnrtt,
away from death. •2016 N.C. Certified Law Enforcement Training

When people think of human General Assembly Mandates and Legislation:
trafficking, it’s likely they think of popular •Provides Civil Cause of Action for Victims;
films like Taken, Hostel, and Rambo: Last
Blood. Those films have brought to the Expansion of Expunction for Victims; and Creates
forefront an issue formerly thought by Sex Tourism Law, S.L. 2019-158
many to be relegated to “other” places,
but it turns out the United States is a •Restorative Justice Act, S.L. 2018-75
hotbed for human trafficking. Human
trafficking, which occurs any time a •Study assigned to HTC in consultation with the
person is bought or sold for sex or labor, Conference of District Attorneys and the Office of
has been reported in all 50 states, and it’s
a rapidly growing criminal enterprise. •tehI•nromaSsg2sppeue0flifor1ntgia7yvcegl,msikrS,eceaip.senLnltu.stibg2ponpl0fiufcgr1ipcb7oternu-alvs5ienbict7osdwlpripeoecprqrotsuaoa,sitrliwateoicdnnaaidfceaerhscert,iuthlaniptmiieneersobas,ucsansenisnddeigussrnees.,s, Indigent Defense Services, S.L. 2018-75

Traffickers recruit out of our schools, •N.C. DHHS “Feasibility Study for Provision of Anti-
online, in shopping malls, as well as Human Trafficking Training,” S.L. 2017-151
the streets and other locations. A large
•Sa(p••GiwnuIDa.cadSnber.eeed1l2vnni10cee5lt1seliCs6omfg-yi,p8sihiis1ridnule.na3mqgdgt0uailg(ionreraeaen)tdr(pgsa1t3scfiofoi)hci)bnnkoeianltogalaulrwpgeirnehsevtNpneinoonfretnoitohvrsnCceeaeartnmreydoalienmna.ts •National Human Trafficking Hotline Awareness
Posters, S.L. 2017-57

•Participation in Erin’s Law, S.L. 2014-199, §4:
Study on Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
roercsoemrvmiceenpdrionvgissioolnutaiHnodnEsLP US RAISE AbWasAedRoErNgaEnSizSa!tions, healthcare, public
The CoTmO ACmSOKiNsQsTiAUoCEnTSTTiIHsOEhNNoSAu, RTsIEeOPdONARinTL AHaNUnMdINACNIDTERNATF,FOICsRaKfIFNeINtGyD,HHaOnETLdLPINFcOEhRAilTAd1Pa-O8d8TvE8oN-3cT7IaA3c-L7yV8.I8SC8oTIMfa. r, the
staffed by the North Carolina Judicial commission, through mandates and
Branch. Its commissioners consist of legislation, has participated in Erin’s Law,
members from transportation, law aNCsctouurtds y onFeoxterhcmeuotiprveeriednifvroeercmntoatrt,iiooantn,9c1oo9n-f8tac9ch0t -Ci1lh4dr2is4stienoexr uLoanlg,
enforcement, the judicial branch, faith- a@bNCucosuerts; [email protected]. t; posters
NC Courts HTC.NCCOURTS.GOV

12 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

for the National Human Trafficking PARTS • SERVICE • SALES
Awareness Hotline; distributed over $1.3
million in grant funding; and provided Charlotte, NC Statesville, NC
training to certified law enforcement 4633 Equipment Drive 2221 International Drive
across North Carolina. North Carolina (704) 597-1110 (704) 252-5400
is currently ranked as the 8th highest in
reports of human trafficking, according Lexington, SC
to the NCHTC. 
1828 Two Notch Road
Christine Long, executive director of (803) 359-0950
the North Carolina Human Trafficking
Commission, says, “We know globally
that human trafficking is the fastest
growing crime, second only to drugs,
as far as organized criminal industries.”
Long notes that there are a lot of
misconceptions about what exactly
human trafficking is, in part because
many people think of it as referring
exclusively to sex trade, but there is also
a huge pool of labor trafficking. In both
cases, it’s a hidden crime. As a result,
raising public awareness is a top directive
for the commission.

Given the abundant anecdotal evidence
of the Commission’s effectiveness,
Tarheel Wheels inquired about specific
data demonstrating the impact of their
work, including:

• The number of individuals arrested
so far in total, as well as year over year

• The number of individuals rescued so
far, as well as year over year

• Of those rescued, the number of
males and number of females and
their respective age groups

• The list of intended use for those
rescued (e.g. sex, labor)

• The top five cities in N.C. for
human trafficking

• How many are abducted versus
coerced over time

• The common places from which
victims are abducted or approached

When we inquired, Long responded,
“Trust me, if there was specific data
like you’ve asked for, then we would be
distributing it to everyone, everywhere.”
Data is complicated, Long said, not

CONTINUED 

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 13

only because human trafficking is a trafficking, or because they may not North Carolina is currently
hidden crime, but also because there know there is a specific code for it, ranked as the 8th highest
is not a structural process to require human trafficking is often miscoded due
or even offer for agencies to report to a simple lack of training. In addition, in reports of human
stats. For example, nonprofits getting health care info is protected by privacy trafficking, according to
Governor’s Crime Commission laws, which means gaining access to the the NCHTC. Marc Nichols,
grants to help victims must enter their records to add the data to a database Ret. Major N.C. Highway
quarterly stats into a system, but that is near impossible. The Commission Patrol, and director of
system doesn’t track duplicate cases or is part of a national discussion about government & industry
generate combined reports to show a possible ways to address coding and
state picture. For non-profits that do reporting issues, and it has recently been partnerships with
not get government funds, then there participating in conversations specific to Drivewyze, and NCTA
is no required system at all for data and possible solutions for North Carolina. member, was appointed
different government departments have commissioner by the
different databases that don’t talk to Long explains that not only is public NC General Assembly
each other. awareness important, so is buy-in to the North Carolina
from many agencies. “It’s a crime that Sheriff’s Training and
Long explained that law enforcement takes multiple disciplines in order Standards Division.
sometimes misses cases or classifies to adequately stop it. It takes law
the report as domestic violence or enforcement, healthcare, social services, TRUCKING PARTNERS
prostitution, despite there being a specific the court system. It really is a goal to Kylla Lanier, deputy director of
code for human trafficking. There is a not only raise awareness among the
similar problem in the health industry: public, but also among all these different Truckers Against Trafficking was at the
Because healthcare professionals may disciplines so they know what to look for Mid-America trucking show in March of
lack training in recognizing human and what to do to stop it,” she says. 2015, a couple months after the woman
was rescued from the RV. “We had
Mobile Spindle Replacement Specialists drivers come up to us sobbing, because
they had seen the RV,” and they realized
(800) 259-6622 they could have saved her sooner, if
they’d known what to be on the lookout
Gary Sensing P.O. Box 235 for. Lanier attributes part of the demand
Scott Sensing Thomasville, NC 27361 for sex slaves to porn addiction, which is
Steve Sensing prevalent in the United States and across
Greg Marvin FAX (336) 475-4868 the world. In addition, there’s a constantly
[email protected] increasing demand for cheaper products,
and cheaper products require cheaper
labor. Finally, global financial instability,
increased by COVID-19, creates a larger
victim pool. 

North Carolina is currently ranked
as the 8th highest in reports of human
trafficking, according to the NCHTC.
Marc Nichols, Ret. Major N.C. Highway
Patrol, and director of government &
industry partnerships with Drivewyze,
and NCTA member, was appointed

14 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

commissioner by the NC General MILESTONE HAS YOUR TRAILER
Assembly to the North Carolina Sheriff’s
Training and Standards Division. Nichols MILESTONE KEEPS YOU MOVING
points out that North Carolina is the
halfway point between New York and Flexible leasing For solutions to your trailer leasing needs
Miami. Interstate 95 runs north to south 90,000+ fleet assets visit milecorp.com/NCTA or contact your
through the state, while Interstate 40 runs National network North Carolina Account Manager below:
east to west. “It’s called a bridge state for Peak surge and storage capacity
a reason,” Nichols says, and that’s part of Fleet purchase and restructuring RICK BALLWEG
what makes the state rank so highly Exceptional service [email protected]
in reports. (704) 920-0485

North Carolina can’t do anything milecorp.com/NCTA
about its location, but it can do
something about collecting data. Yet, TRUCKING IS LIFE
even that brings challenges. Because
human trafficking is often miscoded as From the smallest repair to the biggest, our team is dedicated to getting you
prostitution, the numbers can easily back on the road with service you can count on. We have the very best certified
be skewed.
technicians, and product support personnel in the business, guaranteed!
While some see the increase in human
trafficking reports as an increase in NOW HIRING TECHNICIANS TO JOIN OUR TRUCK SHOP
human trafficking, that may not be Interested in working with us?
the whole truth. Instead, the attention
recently given the subject has resulted in Please contact us at 919.836.4460
greater awareness, which means more or gregorypoole.com/careers
trafficking is being correctly recognized
and reported, rather than being ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 15
erroneously conflated with prostitution.

Nichols also pointed out that increased
reporting of trafficking does more than
arrest criminals; it puts authorities in a
better position to have compassion and
understand what can be done to help
victims. The end goal is to find a solution
for them and get them the help
they need.

Nichols emphasizes that if a victim of
human trafficking broke the law, they
may still be subject to appropriate jail
time. But, their actions weren’t entirely
of their own volition. Traffickers, he
explains, get in the heads of the victims.
They try to find people with low self-
esteem, such as runaways, who are
on their last leg. The trafficker may
manipulate the victim through false
pretenses of love and companionship.
When they do that to one victim, they’re
also doing it to the next.

CONTINUED 

NCTA'S Drivers trained through Truckers HUMAN TRAFFICKING THE
New Members Against Trafficking are advised to call the IN NORTH CAROLINA KEY
Human Trafficking Hotline. Whether law
(as of May 24, 2021) enforcement is called in depends on the • Ntooprth1C0aroslitnaatheass consistently ranked within the • 20
Adaptive Risk Advisors, LLC tip. If the hotline gets an actionable tip, with the most reported human Pro
Clayton Homes the driver will be instructed to hang up
Down East Trailer Rentals, LLC and call 911. The hotline will also contact trafficking cases in the nation. • 20
East Coast Shoring, Inc. their resources, from victims services to Fu
EROAD contacts in the FBI, depending on the •dTtrhaeeffrimeckisoinnggo.rVsainipgcltehimpicrossfialreenodpfcvraiecntsibmeesnaotnf yhaoulmnlea.n
InRange Technologies case. But, once 911 relays the call to the • 20
ISAAC Instruments LLC sheriff’s office, the hotline loses control • Efrnodminagllhduimscaipnlitnraesffiacnkdingewveill rtaykecionvmolvmemuenntity. Tra
Magnus Technologies over the action taken. If the sheriff’s
Phillips Industries office is not trained in human trafficking •North Carolina S.L. 2019-245 added a new • 20
SKF USA Inc and believes it to be just a vice call, they
Southeast Industrial Equipment might not investigate it. Despite this lack rtoherqnouuicgrehhmtiewldnetlffsother gsxcrahudoaeolltopaererbscouenisvneeeltrianankiinnddinesrgegaxrten • 20
Stoughton Lease of control, involvement from the hotline trafficking.
Synchrono Group Inc. d/b/a often improves outcomes for trafficked • 20
SynchronoSure people, in part because of aggregation •Ionf20h1u9m, thaerne wtreareff7ic1k3incghaarngdesother (o
TBS Factoring Service, LLC of data. The tip goes into a database offenses of a similar nature across the state.
V3 Transportation that helps federal agencies identify • 20
Vector Fleet Management, LLC yearly hotspots. •oSoifnfScpoeco2ia0tl1eS8ne,rtGviiac.Sel.s7htoBu-i1mn0v1aeansllottirwgasafthftieecDkceiapnasgretmosefnt
Visco Transportation Corporation minors regardless of whether the perpetrator • 20
Sometimes, the hotline can help
For information on how to a trafficking victim directly and is a parent or caregiver. Gener
join NCTA, please visit immediately. In one instance, a driver • Pro
www.nctrucking.com" called the hotline on a girl he’d spoken •In 2017, S.L. 2017-57 required certain businesses,
with in the parking lot, and the hotline Ex
asked to speak to her as well. That tehromasppflifotiayclmsk,eipnnut bgolfifcipcteruasnbtoslpipocrotaastiwtonaafarhceiulnitmieesas, sannsdign. Se
night, they arranged transportation
to a shelter, contacted her family, and • Sapiwnucaberel2ni0ce1ss6mi,shirduemqdualinreetdrsatcfofihcbkoeintogaulpgirnehvtNeinonretitohvnCeaarnrydolina. • Re
got her a paid bus ride back to her
family—with an escort for protection (G.S. 115C-81.30(a)(13)) • Stu
from her abusers. Co
Ind
N.C. ROAD TEAM CAPTAIN
SPREADS THE WORD • N.
Hu
“Any chance I get to bring up the
human trafficking issue, I’m going to do • Na
it,” says Antoine Sadler. Po

Sadler has been driving for 25 years, • Pa
and with Walmart since 1995. A Stu
proud member of the North Carolina
road team, in 2016, he also joined the display traileCrOrNuTnACbTyTHTErNuAHcTkIEOeLrNPsALUHSUMRAANITSRAEFFAICWKINAGR
Walmart road team. His first event? Against TrTaOffAiScKkQinUgESwTIOitNhSa, rRtEiPfOaRcTtsAN INCIDENT, OR FIND
Orlando, Florida, for human trafficking and information about what human
day. “Before, I thought trafficked persons trafficking really is and how it can be
had made a bad choice [that got them combatted, his perspective changed NCcourts
there]. I figured, they did this. I’ll move completely. He made a conscious @NCcour
on and let the local authorities handle it.” decision to spread the word to his NC Court

After going through the freedom fellow drivers that victims of human
drivers project trailer, a travelling trafficking aren’t simply people who
made a bad decision. “I hate to call
them victims, so I just call them people
who have been affected,” Sadler says.
Sadler has a personal reason to care:
Many years ago, his friend’s niece was
abducted, and he saw how that affected
her family. It was a similar situation to
that of many human trafficking victims-
-somebody saw her in public, and then,
all of a sudden, she was gone. She has
still not been recovered.
It’s not just women who are trafficked.
“I thought it was only women who

16 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

were involved, and by their own choice. The more Sadler hears, the more it makes him want
E CSUOCMCMEIaSbItSSaolSEukItSeOdbeNtion’agSyaobudnugctmedawn iwthhhoitsoslidstmer,eand to help. He acknowledges that sometimes it can make
Y people feel angry they didn’t do more to help sooner,
but he reminds them—and himself—they didn’t have the
0o1v9idAerdsoptionhoef Swtaansdabrdesinfogr DeixrepctlSoeirtveicde while his sister knowledge or understanding to act before they did.
DwTistharibasututimosneaodnf $tao1n.3fdo5rMhciielsliohsniisminteGrirnawntoterceoroepsecruaetdio,n.”
018 – 2019
unding

017–2019 TharneedMtoultdi-DayischipalinvaeryaHnumoargn anization that helps make people feel angry they didn’t do learning about human trafficking, he
afficking TrainhinugmSyamnpotsriaumffsicinkNinorgthvCiacrtoilminas.  more to help sooner, but he reminds created checkpoints for her. “I know
017 Darkness toWLighht iSlteewmardesmofbCehrilsdroenfTtrhaieninpgublic may them--and himself--they didn’t have every stretch of road between here and
017 Truckers sAhgaairnest tTrhaefficvkiinegwCothalaititontrBaufilfdicking victims the knowledge or understanding to act Wilmington. I gave her checkpoints
017 MandatobreycHaomtlinee PvoisctitnigmLesgtishlartioonugh fault of their before they did.  when she would leave to go to school or
over 20,000 okewy lnoc,atthioants’sacirnosps NarotrthbCeacraoulinsae) many victims from school back home. 
016 Federal SaOreARaTlsraoiniandg dPiiloctted to drugs, a state that His goal isn’t to make reports; it’s to
016 N.C. CerotiffiteednLarwecEnefiovrceesmleinttt lTerasinyinmg pathy. But Lanier spread the word. Sadler laughs, saying He pauses before adding, “You
points out that drugs are what allow that pulling the trailer up and down the never know who is out there. It
xropavalidAnessissoeCnmiovbifllEyCttxrhMapaueuausnenvcmdtoiiaocfatnAteiscftmothaironeVndtyiocfoL’triermnegVsuii;seclamtaximntpidobse;nCr:trhieeaentiercs ibnogdoiensatodathiley interstate creates chatter. “That trailer is just bothers you a little bit to know,
ex Tourism Labwa, Ssi.Ls..2“0B19e-i1n58g raped one time can take a advertising. You talk about it, and by the my kid is out here, no different
estorative JustliocenAgctt,iSm.L.e20to18r-7e5turn to a place of healing. time you get finished, you’ve got a whole than someone else’s. Will someone
udy assignedImto HagTCininectohnsautltaptieonrswoitnh thbeeing raped one group of drivers on the CB talking. step up if my kid needs help? That’s
odnigfeernetnDceefeonfdtsDieamisSytre.iecrHvteiAcvoetteosw,rrnSyec.Lyo.ds2uaa0ynl1dd,8o-tyh7re5o5Ou-fff2iuc0enotcifmtioens?e”vTerhyat, Everyone has a story to tell, and it’s all the biggest thing I do, as far as
u.Cm.aDnHTHraSffi“cFkieinnagspibTraialirtinyti,nSgitus,d”wyS.fhLo.ry2P0rho17vigi-s1iho5n1roaftAenstio- f borderline because they’ve seen the trailer.” training. I want to know everyone in
oasttieorns,aSl .HL.u2m0adp1n7iesT-r5rosa7roffdincekairnl,gitaHynoddtliindseoiAsrwsdoaercrei,naeptsiosvset traumatic stress my industry will step up and help
disorder are When Sadler, who does quite a bit of someone else.”
articipation insEereinn’s Laamw,oSn.L.g20tr14a-f1f9ic9k, i§n4g: victims.  driver training, gets his turn to speak at
the end of a three-day assessment for National Human Trafficking Hotline:
udy on Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse new drivers, he always says the same 888-3737-888 Contact for help, to
thing: “The same way we helped you talk, or report an incident. Help is
GDRHEHOENTLLPIENFOSE RSAtMTA!o1PSA-hO8aeK8TdlE8pIlN-eN3Trs7IGpA3f-Ler7eeAV8alI8Csd8DTsItMtIhFr.oeFnEwgRolyrEdtNhtaCotEihnicsrreoalseeis get to where you are, now it’s your turn available in your language. It is free
rates of reporting. If people know what to help,” before passing out wallet cards and it is confidential. CONTACT THE
For motroe ilnofoormkatfioonr,,ctohnteacyt Cahrreistimne oLorneg,likely to see with the trafficking hotline printed on NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING
eCHxheTrcisCutitateni.vremnNea.Sddf.pCfLiriorhecCnceagktpoO@siro,innzaUcrgtcet9oRsd1uu9Trtotn-hsS8.euo9a.sr0Gstg-nu.1sO4oae2eltV4iamnocrgteiavannitdyp.urSetatpidnolregtring them. He continues, “Because, before HOTLINE AT 1-888-373-7888 TO ASK
rts you became a Walmart driver, you didn’t QUESTIONS, REPORT AN INCIDENT,
ts understand what our culture was. Now, OR FIND HELP FOR A POTENTIAL
you’re going to receive training on how VICTIM. For details on how you may
oneself in danger. “I don’t want you to recognize human trafficking.” train yourself and your drivers to know
climbing out of the truck and doing a what to look for, please visit www.
Sadler’s daughter attended college truckersagainsttrafficking.org
several hours from home, and after

100-yard dash. Just be observant. See
something, say something. Make the
phone call. Be that one. I’d rather you
err on the side of caution. If you’re
wrong, but you had good intentions,
nothing happens,” Sadler says. But,
if a driver makes a good call, it could
result in a 13-state human trafficking Your “One-Stop-Shop” for all your semi-trailer needs. New and used
semi-trailer sales, service, parts with six convenient locations to serve you.

ring being broken up--which Raleigh, NC Statesville, NC Mt. Airy, NC 1-800-662-7026
happened recently. Columbia, SC Ashland, VA Roanoke, VA www.crtsinc.com

The more Sadler hears, the more
it makes him want to help. He
acknowledges that sometimes it can

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 17

NC FIRST
Commission's Highway

Funding Advice

BY JOHNNY KAMPIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The NC FIRST strengthen the state’s transportation its transportation
Commission was infrastructure while also supporting investments rely on
created to research a “user pays principle,” which the only a few revenue
and advise the commission says most adheres to sources that are tied
transportation principles of fundamental fairness. to long-standing
secretary assumptions that are
of potential The Tax Policy Center calls motor quickly becoming
components of fuels taxes an “imperfect user fee because obsolete in the modern
a sustainable they do not differentiate among vehicles society.
long-range that cause greater or lesser road wear
transportation for the same amount of fuel consumed “We are entering a
investment or between travel on crowded and new era characterized
strategy. The uncrowded roads.” by dramatic population
commission’s final growth and seismic
report and findings LONG-STANDING ASSUMPTIONS technological, social,
were released in January 2021. ON HOW WE TRAVEL QUICKLY and environmental
BECOMING OBSOLETE disruptions to the
The North Carolina FIRST transportation sector,”
Commission’s recommendations to Nancy L. McFarlane and C. Howard they wrote. “As a result, traditional
boost transportation spending with Nye, the co-chairs of the NC FIRST revenues are already inadequate to meet
a goal of improving road conditions Commission, said in the report our state’s increasingly growing needs;
could have major effects on the state’s that the state is at a crossroads, as moreover, they will continue to decline.”
trucking industry. The co-chairs wrote that to provide
a reliable transportation system for the
The Legislature formed the North future, the state needs to develop a new
commission in March 2019, charging sustainable investment model to close
the blue-ribbon panel of state leaders the gap between old funding models
with studying the transportation and modern investment needs based
and infrastructure challenges facing on how people drive and purchase
North Carolina. goods and services. Now, as revenues
from traditional sources decline,
In its report, released in January, the highway construction and other costs
commission pointed out the decreasing are rising, further widening the gap and
viability of the motor fuels tax base, necessitating quick action, the
offering several options to diversify report says.
revenue sources and modernize The commission’s report offers
investment strategies. The goal is to numerous suggestions for ways to

18 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

stabilize transportation revenue while the tax burden. The commission said Deteriorated and
increasing investments – and it suggests the Department of Transportation congested roads
that North Carolina should boost should examine what other states cost North Carolina
those investments by $20 billion over are doing to establish competitive drivers $3.4 billion
the next decade to improve the state’s trucking fees(STATE COMPARISON
infrastructure. Combined state and REPORT), and conduct a cost each year.
federal spending on North Carolina allocation study to determine if the
roads now tallies about $5 billion a tax on trucks is commensurate with NCDOT should also be freed from a
year, so the recommendation would the damage they cause. statutory cap that limits it to actually
represent a 40 percent increase. North • Authorize a road impact free for building just 11 toll-road projects,
Carolina currently ranks just 44th in the e-commerce deliveries – The already the commission said. The report
U.S. on government investment in state- growing trend of purchases on the notes that the pushback from this
owned roads. internet was accelerated by the concept could be immense, including
COVID-19 pandemic and its stay-at- concerns about “double taxation” and
The additional revenue should boost home orders. The growth in deliveries opposition from the trucking industry
the state’s transportation infrastructure to – including a boon in grocery and on truck-only tolls.
the second-highest score on a five-level take-out conveyance – has increased The recommendations in the report
evaluation model that the North Carolina traffic congestion and added more reach across the transportation sector,
Chamber Foundation and N.C. State wear-and-tear to local roadways. The and suggest everything from taxes on
University developed. commission recommends the state ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft
implement a road impact fee assessed to a per-mile levy on all drivers to higher
A MIX OF RECOMMENDATIONS as a surcharge on the gross receipts registration fees on electric vehicles.
COULD HAVE FAR- of purchases of retail goods delivered The commission said the state should
REACHING IMPLICATIONS to homes and businesses. Being look to implement more public-private
future-looking, this recommendation partnerships and establish the position of
Several recommendations in the includes not just manual delivery, but Chief Innovation Officer at NCDOT. The
report could have major impacts for the also autonomous vehicles and drones. department should “conduct a holistic
trucking industry, including: If the state adopted an additional fee evaluation of state-owned infrastructure
that matched existing state and local for monetization potential.”
• Amend DMV registration fees for sales tax rates, the fee would generate The commission hopes that any
heavy vehicles – The commission an estimated $600 million over action on its recommendation could
says that the weight of vehicles is 10 years. also provide ancillary benefits, such as
the biggest determinant in road • Consider increased use of toll reliving traffic congestion in major cities
damage, with an exponential effect roads – The commission says and creating a more productive citizenry.
as weight increases. A single 40-ton that tolling is a proven strategy for Implementing recommendation in the
truck causes as much damage as addressing growing infrastructure report could also prepare North Carolina
9,600 mid-sized cars, according to needs that can generate substantial for the future, such as the autonomous
U.S. Government Accountability revenue (from both in-state and out- vehicles that should be ushered in by the
Office study 13-77 “Highway of-state users) for specific projects, growth of 5G wireless.
Trust Fund: Pilot Program Could increase safety and create equity for
Help Determine the Viability of taxpayers – since people actually TRUCKING INDUSTRY ALREADY
Mileage Fees for Certain Vehicles” driving the toll roads pay for those PAYS ITS SHARE
(NAME OF STUDY?) cited in the roads. But North Carolina’s use of
report. Those smaller vehicles (NC tolling is minimal and “lacking in The North Carolina Trucking
TRUCKING FACTS stats opposite) vision,” the commission said. The Association says it already pays its way
currently shoulder more than their report suggests that NCDOT should when it comes to state roads, contributing
share of highway costs, that report be allowed to pursue toll projects that 33 percent of all taxes paid by North
says, but research from the NCTA could help relieve freight congestion, Carolina motorists despite trucks
shows the opposite . The commission including adding truck-only toll lanes representing just 7 percent of vehicle miles
said that while North Carolina on busy roads such as Interstate 95.
graduates its DMV registration CONTINUED P26 
fees based on weight, it couldn’t
determine if the rates fairly distribute

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 19

Recognizing Congdon with
State’s Highest Honor

Old Dominion Freight’s David Congdon receives
prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

BY ANDREW DUNN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

David Congdon, Old Dominion Freight Line, with his parents Earl and Kitty.

David S. Congdon’s storied career in his grandparents in 1934. His starting pay executive before ultimately being named
the North Carolina trucking industry was $1.65 per hour. the CEO in 2008.
began with planning a trip to Japan.
“I began to enjoy some pocket change. During his tenure, Thomasville-based
At age 14, his Boy Scout troop was My work ethic was born at that time,” Old Dominion Freight Line went public,
planning to head to the World Jamboree Congdon said. “I always felt like I wanted grew to more than 23,000 employees
on the western side of Mount Fuji. The to work my way up in the company.” and 238 service centers — and became
trip wouldn’t pay for itself, so Congdon known as one of the leading less-than-
took a job on the docks at Old Dominion Over the next five decades, he did just truckload (LTL) freight carriers and
Freight Line, the company founded by that. Congdon, 64, worked in the family transportation companies in the nation.
business as a truck driver, mechanic and

20 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

Now the state of North Carolina is from the beginning. As it turns out, was rising through the ranks. Growing up,
recognizing Congdon’s achievements in Congdon’s work ethic he learned on the family life centered around the trucking
business and in the community. Gov. Roy docks runs in the family. industry and Old Dominion.
Cooper has awarded him the Order of
the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor for Congdon’s father, Earl Congdon Jr., “Conversation around the dinner table
service to the state that can be bestowed started on the docks as well, unloading was always about trucks, and always
by the Office of the Governor. and washing trucks. At age 19, he was about different business things going on
thrust into a leadership role in the at the time,” Congdon said. “The family
The award will be presented at the Old company when his father passed away. business is all we’ve known and done.”
Dominion Freight Line headquarters He served as general manager of the
in Thomasville, NC on April 22 by NC company by day and took classes at the Congdon worked on the docks as
House Speaker Tim Moore. University of Richmond in the evening. a teenager, and then returned to the
company after graduating college. He
“He is committed to the trucking In 1962, Earl Congdon Jr. became attended the N.C. Truck Driver Training
industry, an industry that represents CEO of the company, a title he’d hold School in Raleigh and hit the road.
one in every 16 jobs in this state,” wrote until 1985. The company moved
NCTA President Crystal Collins in a its headquarters to High Point and “I really spent the next 20 years
recommendation letter for the award. began expanding through acquisitions working my way through a variety of
“He is committed to leadership ... He is throughout the Southeast and roles and responsibilities and getting
committed to education and workforce Northeast. By the 1970s, Old Dominion’s prepared to run the company,” Congdon
development. ... David Congdon is highly territory stretched from New York and said. “The old adage is I’ve ‘been there
deserving of this noble honor.” Massachusetts down to Florida, and as and done that.’ I understand what it is
far west as Arkansas and Louisiana. to move freight across the dock. I know
FAMILY BUSINESS what it’s like to turn wrenches on a truck.”
While Amazon and FedEx get In the 1980s, Congress decided to
deregulate the trucking industry, allowing Congdon oversaw fleet maintenance
packages directly to your door, it’s Old companies to expand nationwide. for a number of years before being
Dominion Freight Line that’s getting named president of the company in 1997,
bulk shipments to their warehouses. “It was a bloodbath in the industry,” then CEO in 2008. He served in that role
Everything from dry food to restaurant Congdon recalls, with companies cutting until 2018.
equipment to fabric, it’s all shipping on an prices and raising discounts to stay afloat.
Old Dominion truck. After borrowing heavily to get through As a senior executive, Congdon
the period, Old Dominion needed to brought to fruition a vision for Old
“Anything from clothes on your back raise money. They did so by going public Dominion Freight Line to move from
to food that you eat to the chair you’re in 1991. being a regional hauler to a truly
sitting in,” Congdon says.
While all that was happening, Congdon CONTINUED 
Today, Old Dominion has 47,000
tractors and trailers shipping nearly 9
million tons of freight across the country
and bringing in $4 billion in revenue
per year.

But it all started with one truck
running the 94 miles between Richmond
and Norfolk, Va.

Earl and Lillian Congdon founded the
company in 1934, just before Congress
began regulating the trucking industry.
The first shipment on the daily route was
a load of crated eggs.

Soon, Old Dominion was a leader
in the war effort, shuttling equipment
between the military bases in the two
cities during World War II.

The company was a family business

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 21

nationwide company, trucking to and “It’s what we did as a team to make it happen. It
from the West Coast. requires bringing a team together, having a common
vision and making sure you have the right people in
During that time, the market value
of the company rose from $200 the right positions and being accountable to each
million to $24 billion. But the biggest other.” — David Congdon, Old Dominion Freight Line
accomplishment in Congdon’s mind is
assembling the team that was able to get sons-in-law working for the company, created by former Gov. Terry Sanford as
it done. along with two nephews — the sons of a way to honor distinguished visitors and
his oldest sister. friends of the state. The first recipients
“It’s what we did as a team to make appear to be four Spanish dignitaries on
it happen. It requires bringing a team “I whole-heartedly recommend people a goodwill trip to North Carolina. But
together, having a common vision and working their way up in businesses soon, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine
making sure you have the right people in because it gives you such a perspective,” morphed into a capstone award for the
the right positions and being accountable Condon said. “I wouldn’t trade my time state’s most worthy public servants.
to each other,” he said. on the dock or behind the steering wheel
for anything.” “Considered the highest honor
Three years ago, Congdon took a step conferred by North Carolina’s governors
back from the day-to-day operations and HIGH HONORS since 1963, he Order of the Long Leaf
became executive chairman of the board, That lifetime of leadership made Pine award recognizes those persons
a position his father held before him. who have demonstrated exemplary
In this role, Congdon ensures that the Congdon a natural fit for the state of service and made a significant
company’s leadership remains solid well North Carolina’s most prestigious award. contribution to their communities, state
into the future.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine was
That future could include a few more
in the Congdon line. Congdon has two

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22 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

and nation,” said Phil Fisher, founder “Exceptional public service appears part of it, working alongside the Business
and manager of The Order of the Long to be the common theme for all High Point Chamber of Commerce.
Leaf Pine Society. recipients,” Fisher said.
The city built a new baseball stadium
The number of people inducted GIVING BACK to serve as an anchor. Congdon is
into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine And exceptional public service has developing a public event center and
varies each year, at the discretion of the entrepreneurial hub to bring people
current governor. Only 407 of these been a hallmark of Congdon’s life. together right nearby and breathe new
distinctions were awarded in 2020. Outside of Old Dominion, Congdon and life into old buildings, repurposing plants
his family have been major benefactors built back in the 1910s and 1920s.
and leaders in the High Point community
and North Carolina at large. The family has invested $30 million
in the project to get it off the ground.
For years, Congdon has been a key Congdon bought the building next to the
player in the revitalization of High Point’s old Plant 7, home to a startup incubator.
downtown. It goes back to his childhood.
“We are creating a campus-type
“I remember the early days, we used atmosphere,” Congdon said. Congdon
to go downtown to shop, go downtown Yards, as the project is called, includes
to the movies,” Congdon said. But as office space for small and growing
furniture and textile production moved businesses and several event venues.
overseas and homes and shopping moved About 30% of the square footage will
to the suburbs, the downtown took a hit. be open to the public, including a
community conference room and an
The city of High Point is now in the
middle of a $100 million effort to boost CONTINUED 
its downtown, and Congdon is a major

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Along with providing a diversity of programs and types of freight one of the most
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We have an open door policy where you can speak to a driver manager, planner,
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understand that the only way Barnes is successful is if you are successful!

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ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 23

area called the Commons, with a coffee of a school that was right in my building, is pretty near and dear
bar and a courtyard. It’s all slated to open bailiwick of supply chain, analytics and to me.”
early this year. information technology, to have my
name on a program and my name on a Congdon and his family have also
Congdon wants his five been involved with local organizations
grandchildren to have as nice a place
to grow up as he did.

“I’m trying to do some things that
will put downtown High Point back on
the map,” he said.

Congdon has also been heavily
involved with his alma mater, UNC
Wilmington. The 1978 graduate made
a $10 million gift to the university
to establish a new school within the
Cameron School of Business to focus
on supply chains and technology.
Along with that, the Computer
Information Systems Building on
campus now bears his name.

“I always wanted to do something
for UNCW, but I didn’t know what,”
Congdon told the university in 2018,
when the gift was made. “The idea

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like the Boys and Girls Club, “For the next 20 years, we’re still dealing
and the YMCA and YWCA. His with trucks. At this moment, battery-powered
parents have been major benefactors
of High Point University, where trucks just don’t work.”
there’s now a Congdon School of
Health Science. — David Congdon, Old Domion Freight Line

“You name it, we’re involved in it,” and exactly how profitable each Other carriers tend to be 1%
he said. shipment is. or more.

WHAT COMES NEXT Upgrades to diesel power have made When that day comes, the
While the trucking industry has it so the air coming out is cleaner than company will be ready. Congdon
the air going in. readily praises the new generation of
gone through significant changes over leaders, including current CEO
the years, some things never change. The next frontier is likely to be in Greg Gantt.
moving from diesel to electric trucks,
The physical act of picking up a Congdon said, particularly hydrogen- The company’s goal is to continue to
shipment, taking it from dock to trailer powered vehicles. win market share. Congdon notes that
to destination — that’s all been the same Old Dominion currently claims 11%
from the beginning of Congdon’s career Right now, that still seems far off. of the LTL market. “That leaves 89% to
to now. “For the next 20 years, we’re still go,” Congdon quips.
dealing with trucks. At this moment,
Logistics that used to be done on battery-powered trucks just don’t “We’re going to keep on keeping on,”
paper are now all automated and work,” Congdon says. he said. “We’ve got a fantastic team of
computerized. Computers on each people. We’ve got a clear vision for the
truck help the company know where Congdon is proud that his company’s future. We’re not going to rest on
every stick of freight is at all times, clients claim damage to only two- our laurels.”
tenths of 1% in terms of revenue.

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ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 25

CONTINUED FROM P19 

Figure 2fo: r20H1ig0ha(wAnadllyD2C0oo2lnl0asrNtrVouarcltuthieoCsnaA)2r5r o0el1iEn0xapaCnroedsms2ep0da2r0iinsNo2no0rD2th0atCPaua(rrAochlllianDsaoinCllgoaPrmoVpwaaleruriesfosonrAHDreiagEthaxwpraeyssCeodnsintr2u0ct2i0onP)urchasing
Power

Enacted transportation budget 2010 2020 % Change
Certified federal funding $3,724,896,000 $3,564,300,000 -4.3%
State population $1,281,651,280 $1,232,990,000 -3.8%
Positions 5.9%
Road miles 10,042,802 10,630,691 -16.1%
Bridges and culverts 13,531 1.3%
NC gross domestic product (GDP)6 79,185 11,348 1.1%
Average cost per lane mile 18,205 13.0%
(interstates) 80,187
Cost per lane mile (secondary roads) $490 billion 18,407 185.8%
Freight movement (2010-2017) $556 billion
Vehicle miles traveled (2010-2019) $99,400 36.5%
Vehicle registrations $284,041 49.7%
Driver licenses $56,000 19.7%
435 million tons $76,434 46.4%
102,385,011,000 651 million tons 15.7%
122,505,928,000
5,634,760
6,536,601 8,251,423
7,560,719

NotTTrfaohhItvnrheeetehl2e0s1dCC12taio9a2nr,.t5ontterlhbiduneimclailskittorsaaionottiearnt.danovwtteaaoalleiyfmnds.stjiulhetssthed8rr.T9eivrbeeainltlinoyonnsppeos rotfa“rtoWiosaindcnehsfN:rseIaetmnsrttwoteerrnsosugtrtcalkhytteauc,trapepurilstmaoicoaleenryltya,hagoenandbintsushertcedodbeninasdccaorrkfyimosrfouinutpthapetesoo.trrPrtyruinimcfgukaniornydugirng
arpc$a›ilroodi8aaotmnaTmyi,e9drudphd0ebniwi$tat6ciat1emtnaeai.siyslans2dfatf,atimiibfaaevoesytixendelrderle-eielayaspocar.bexfnaaodAcalfilyerdikiness,ncttta$odrsaahsa7sftitaeecdsg,aJi5tagrttthone9ernyrniru9qugaae-canhsraituekneorwdleimsyatnsaadftt2egyianadtde0triaunae2ensassrsi1dmadelame,hnurUlrsdesofaettSrueoybysolpudhrteasNairvgsCren.nebirstnaetwo,nedtautoeciwuntoheeodsnndsert’.aisecsmrTdaynwhseol.lequayrFiesulpvrleoaelapjaertrfilenecolyoaeriuspnrbcshteagehlotedrshautdtaroihlonditefzete,vaaeerarisennienneSndhgcndRuu.aoaertSvsrnoheertauoocrrfntwmoeoyednuaesitdc.rrtionaOeotsrhfcnrfytrtaomaeartnvobnosopeuitrlldrortiertiecemutylsaachc,ataniteecrmreuydreesirar,pionoentmpftuetrfileteuureerdnernesoaiadcgluneiarnsnp,gt
and taxes. economic gains.” — Crystal Collins, president, NCTA
In its studies, the NC First Commission
eTxhameinsetdatMei’lesagine-aBbasielditUysteor (McoBnUs)istentlelyttemr toeUe.tS.rSoenu.tRinicehard Burr, R-N.C., stability, cripple our nation’s supply
f(batimsuAeoVlnetteln“cgelMsaaWirucc,ndntianToagnehual,s)pitritoemeiltdaveleiaeketptxioecnanlt,tteocaohranlgmioweoacnicrienttnnmticonooynfoaeptomgrtistNantmaitooVxoghpsrCeenbiaptsefhctDsu,irl,iltmoiceoubsOgirlluttesacuapcpTintMtvhratrryuooxdideaispog.lrsteaeeraednsiarttnnteTmisaiycssrmr,osaaotheavtanaadrpxehsvselveerametesdndoa,hIanvenkettaaemlmwtoaeahvggasireetadleteeslaiiBwnbmrintnniasaaeeidttfneenrgtgestgkaenlhledafsypteutdAhSrlpcopauitdiyoontnecslmnssavtwivruacteticsieneoresidepetooirsmms.kttstnntBhorewmeau.sfanhtitatittnrteoasshtuhhnrinsCcnueetktcoocAiskannpm-uggoutreinirenorslsinuydsceeuaadnsntdrhhNmry iioggarhihntoTefcweohhcfrtuoAaast ahnnniaCtnredsoeip, yhmctasnaohien gritnarcmtshdtataeog NtrtistaehottioliphrnnledrieotesinRarhee-.”ttsaeoeCa ebsnsleyagwf arteutoroheecclnedlhi ntoeAiaIaecnnxmincsdmrht eaidatra turietcget saeeirnsneoctnehneet
csbiap3hptnoayhJt)aranlTueus.eihnsvrtmbtaNnieeeeotbfaec2anaemstseot0i,rlaoubm2sltyendeehr0timanilenrebylplodtgfiryesaai,8,”assdecMtivpf1teooud.herpnBdnsaepmiUlrsecdieugodosFoeigrmxtsavgicniinnaeemomerrtdsentnngiecisamtmdssothotioeepoioehnnnnlldlefeadtiy,nmatvtsiadcoth5neeritoinneedoepdpntgiemnosedidnrttrrpiatcaritetooeinnnv’pdVitnrst.eliguMasf“riPcpsdccWnarekT,rasiiefmttibnttvhromaswguuieetxnrrcia.btmooanttuutnrdthorryeyguhredeleysnyeesrtonarfoltcuaylrareou,no”uasslfydsttnttsihei(ooiunteFnnnpghiwgptgasrhorgceuoerhatteriebeinnem.as g“cteFkosouotrhfrcatinhtgentitnhheeveae rnsWU3tUlh6at.NyeS.I2sL.ctC AcLo aiefLusAonaEnnotCtAnsfrryJTpyRa, .,e n lBroHyuegUaOteasrTlhylWtsoS2 n e0iOt,L2tr1hA0M 2 ,WtsathEhtnMahCatig HArtahKAteeesENtw. RiGanSsES
that North Carolina could implement a industry to cover the entire gap between ARE NEEDED
available revenue and infrastructure The Associated Press noted that
t5ruINnckfCl-aTotAniolyPnrVeasMdidjTue.nsttmCreynsttaul sCeosllNinastsieonntaal HighfuwnadyinCgonneesdtrsuwcitlilojenoCpaorsdtizIne deceoxnomic the Republican-controlled Legislature

6 US Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the estimated 2020 based on forecasts from the Federal Reserve.

26 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

Figure 9: State Roadway Comparisons

would have to sign off on such tax State Roadway Comparisons
increases, but have been leery to do so.
Instead, they prefer to issue more debt % Urban NHS % Rural NHS % State Annual Peak Rank: Fatality Pedestrian
for road projects and raise DMV fees Pavement Pavement Owned
to match inflation. Roughness, Roughness, Bridges in Hours Spent in Rate per 100 Fatality Rate
2018 Poor
North Carolina current levies STATES 2018 Condition, Congestion per Million Rural per 100,000
a motor fuels tax of 36.1 cents per 3.6% 2019
gallon. That, combined with a Florida 2.9% Auto Commuter, Vehicle-Miles Population,
Highway Use Tax of 3 percent on Georgia 2.1%
vehicle sales, makes up about 60 Illinois 3.2% 2019 (Fewest=1), 2019 2018
percent of NCDOT’s annual revenues. North Carolina 1.7%
The rest comes from the federal Ohio 4.3% 1.7% 0.93% 33.87 48 3.31
Highway Trust Fund and DMV fees. South Carolina 2.5%
But newer vehicles both last longer Tennessee 1.5% 1.5% 0.68% 51.55 28 2.48
and use less gas, making those sources Texas 4.8%
of revenue tenuous for the future. Virginia 4.8% 9.54% 44.11 15 1.30
That has already resulted in the
Highway Trust Fund – which derives 2.1% 9.23% 14.80 49 2.17
the majority of its revenue from a
federal motor fuels tax that hasn’t 2.0% 2.08% 19.19 5 1.09
been adjusted for inflation since 1993
– having to siphon more than $140 4.0% 8.46% 13.52 43 3.25
billion in general federal revenues in
order to remain solvent. 1.6% 2.87% 21.29 17 2.01

As it is at the federal level, so shall 1.7% 0.65% 38.73 37 2.13
be the future of the state level unless
changes are made, say experts. 1.4% 4.09% 32.56 12 1.39

“Relying as we do now heavily on the As“caWn beesesetnrfroomntghelyse ccoamupatriisoonns,aNogrtahinst discriminatory funding
state gas tax to provide the financial schemes that place the burdenCarolina manages one of the nation’s largest state-
resources for future transportation oTfo sreumpapino rrteginiognaolulyr,
projects will probably not be feasible,” owned transportation networks, yet its relative
commission member Mike Walden, an bacgnklaootbifoantllahyl elcyo,t marnpudec tkitiinveg,
N.C. State professor, told AP. investminenftrisassmtalrl.uThcetreusurltes osf othliseclhyronoicn the to cNoovrethr Ctahreoleinnat miruestg ap
industry. Forcing the industryunderinvestment are clear: The state’s secondary
The NC First Commission report
suggests that boosting the Highway system, especially in rural areas, continues to
Use Tax to 5 percent could generate $6 ipsidnnnibermcittmarreepenaraltaniteroesisy:wiropnNaesogtynoedrlesrytt’tw,aesehsgtmhilCnooiw.slanebTruaaoioonilnlllrpvfiylenlryamacpajsemomtailmrlyooiuanudpcpserebtctesutaigithlrnteiegircova.arnedeirnia,anisletslzhyea,ve,reinaetsesaomnetnilinuaocdvtudnieooeasetnltonlmyhniasoaertnhnnmedetd,aictinesfntriiiannnat cfbotsrrraitealdsiarnttesuryseucpc, icoittcmtrsuurt irairanpetetv.ip oeefslnuetr mneoedcuneirntn gt
billion over a decade. The commission
also tossed out the idea of increasing SetacteoannodmFedicergalaTirnanss.p”o—rtaCtiornysFutnadl iCngolWlinosrk, Nporwesident, NCTA
the state sales tax by one-half to three- How
quarters of a cent. That would be a
countered by a reduction in the motor the state, said it’s encouraging that CstaaTtrhewfIponusaelhn,ityonchda”oeianupnasUdrgieilsnnih“tacoiatitniooesnpddnlleeopbS,nornetwgeafnophtbetteihaefecsirsethe,enmttafrhfarasooosasnserottstertptfNtesrohstdoroitmtgshiranratgtaohtiaorwtpo“nhuuwiobnssetlgeihrc ,
fuels tax of up to 14 cents per gallon, ma“nInyvoesfttinhgeirneaveronbuuestatnradnfsipnoarntacteion we nseerevdicea, tsruacnhsapsotrratnastpioonrtantieotnwork that
with the expectation that overall imnotCntdhooeeetmsrwrmnmeoiapzrilskolasetriwroitocinlmonlrmiemiomcmppourmitocinomvittenhieessnostdh.sraaTeigtthieiehongnlNiitcgoChcfheoF$tIneR2ndS0eTbctililoionns
revenue would increase, with the extra tranosvpeor 1rt0ayteioanrsswtuilldiymtphroavteththeeNstCate’s caniknfereapstruupct.”ure, should bear much of the
money used for transportation. ChaemcobnoermFicovuitnadlitaytiaonnd ccoommpmetiitsisvieonneessdand Daessstoinciaatteiodnco2s0ts3.0Cohnospisetesnttowbituhitlhdis
an“dTecrrshepeeaelsetceeaiassileanlydfceilnrlu,ardmsuteroayroleepaartrreie.soainlsie.s”nttoroaaddjwusatys, on tihdeeaw, sotartkesohf atvheetNenCdeCd aton’rteAlyfhfoearvdily
NC CHAMBER’S STUDY FOUND the– hPiagthriwckaWy uoosedietax to a rate that is etfoonrcSmovtotroenueahpdnrfiuascCbpelgeolyeo-trrdaatteahxllliateaetitsoiweoNnwdmnphCf,ereaaoenCkjsesep,hicratmatasysmxi,tinelosgbasu,rdepfaorpegnrlvrtdehoemtluaooetplpnlst—edalbl y
SIMILAR RESULTS more competitive with neighboring
states, adopt a mileage-based user short-term and mid-range investment
The NC Chamber, the leading 2fe9e for certain vehicle types, and solutions during the 2019 anCdOM2M0I2SS0ION
business advocacy organization in reallocate some state sales tax legislative sessions.
FUTURE INVESTMENT RESOURCES FOR
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

revenues for use by the Department of The state has faced its share of
Transportation,” the group noted. challenges in improving transportation
This report from the NC FIRST infrastructure, including high repair
Commission, as well as the NC costs from devastating storms and a
Chamber Foundation study, will be report from State Auditor Beth Wood
used by the Destination 2030 Coalition that said NCDOT overspent its budget
in its work on transportation policy by $742 million in 2019. Lawmakers
discussion within the Legislature. added more oversight in a 2020
That coalition, an alliance of businesses funding bill for the department and
and other allies, is led by the NC Wood told Carolina Journal in January
Chamber with the goal of creating that she’s optimistic the better controls
sustainable transportation solutions will better ensure fiscal responsibility
for the state. by NCDOT.

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 27

MemberSpotlight

Navigating the Pandemic

Chris Hill, Hale Trailer's general manager, shares
experience of working for a family-owned
business in good times and bad

BY ANDREW DUNN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GRAY

For the first few months after A FAMILY BUSINESS
COVID-19 brought North Carolina Hill started his career with a national
to a screeching halt, business for
Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc. was trailer lessor after being recruited out of
practically non-existent. college, then joined Hale Trailer in 2003.
When he did so, he became part of a
“It was crickets,” said Chris company with a rich history.
Hill, general manager for Hale’s
Concord location. The company began in the mid-1970s
when 25-year-old Barry Hale started
But then something happened in renting out trailers from his home in
July. All of a sudden, business flooded Marlton, New Jersey, just across the
back. Within 45 days, Hale was sold out Delaware River from Philadelphia. Soon,
for the year. Across the country, truck Hale was buying and selling trailers from
orders in August 2020 were up 90% the classifieds and trade papers, finding
over the same month the year before. buyers throughout New England as far
away as Maine.
“We had a good year,” Hill said. “We
have a great team of people. I’ve been Hale built the company’s first shop in
very proud of my staff.” 1978. Within a decade, it was home to
a $12 million business, with $2 million
That Hale Trailer was able to navigate coming from trailer rentals and $10
the pandemic successfully should be no million from sales and service, according
surprise. It’s the latest success story for a to Trailer/Body Builders magazine.
business that has grown rapidly in Hill’s
17 years with the company. CONTINUED 

28 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

“We have a great model in that we have
sales, rental, parts and service. They all

play off each other.”

— Chris Hill

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 29

“Trailer rental is the backbone of the Barry Hale Jr. is fond of saying. BOOMING IN CONCORD
business,” Barry Hale told the magazine in “Forty years of experience and As the leader of the Concord location,
1986. “It also lends a great deal of stability. dedication to the industry has truly
Rental revenue doesn’t blow hot and cold separated us from the competition.” Hill has grown the company’s trailer
as does sales volume.” fleet — both for sale and for rent — and

That model hasn’t changed much,
but it’s now done on a much larger
scale. In the mid-1990s, Hale added
truck bodies and equipment to its
repertoire and sales ballooned to $60
million per year.

Today, Hale Trailer is considered
one of the largest independent trailer
dealership in North America, with
an emphasis on new and used trailer
sales, rentals, parts and service.
The company now has 14 locations
along the East Coast, from Maine
to Florida.

Barry Hale is now semi-retired, and
his son Barry Hale Jr. serves as the
company’s president.

“We do business the right way,”

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

30 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021

expanded the product line into between 2015 and 2020, according to data That longevity has allowed the staff to
new categories. firm IBIS World, as volatility in steel and gain deep knowledge of various aspects
oil price have affected companies. of the business. Whatever the customer
Hale Trailer entered North Carolina in needs, there’s someone who can help.
1996, acquiring Roach Brake and Wheel. In large part, Hale Trailer’s success has
They were known for manufacturing been because of the staff. Just like Hale “We all have a different skill set. We
walking floor trailers, which unload their Trailer is a family business, the Concord complement each other very well,” Hill
cargo horizontally from the back. staff of about 40 employees feels tight-knit said. “Whether it’s vans or heavy haul or
as well, Hill said. walking floor — we have an expert.”
From then, the location has only
expanded and today serves primarily the The Concord location sits on 25 acres AN ALLY OF THE
Carolinas and Virginia. close to I-85, with two facilities. One TRUCKING INDUSTRY
is a service center and parts building,
What was a fleet of just 500 in when complete with 12 bays, a paint booth and Hill has risen through the ranks at the
he began is more than 1,400 today, a 10,000-square-foot parts department. North Carolina Trucking Association as
everything from flatbeds to dump trailers The other is a rental and sales building. well. Hale joined the NCTA as an allied
to 53-foot vans. Company-wide, the fleet member in 1994 and has been a member
reaches 17,000. Revenue has increased In any given week, Hale Trailer of the organization’s board since 2009. He
dramatically, too. in Concord could be finishing up a has served twice as the allied chairman, in
repair in the body shop or closing the 2011 and 2013.
“The Hales have given me the tools to deal on a 13-axle trailer for a local
build a business,” he said. “There’s nothing transportation company. “The NCTA has given me a great way
better than working for a family- to network with my customers,” Hill said.
owned business.” Most employees have been with the “A lot of my customers have become my
company for 15 years or more. Diane Small
That growth has not been guaranteed. in operations has been with Hill for 26. CONTINUED P33 
The $11 billion U.S. trailer manufacturing
industry as a whole shrunk slightly “She’s the glue,” Hill said.

K & TRAIE ST. Dozier
TAN 1966
TANK & WELDING CO.
LER

tank & welding • DOT Tank Testing 1 & 5 Year
• Probe & Overfill Systems Repairs
REPAIR • Preventative Maintenance Programs
• Brakes and Suspensions
• Welding Repairs
• Parts Sales

Chesapeake & Richmond, VA Office: (844) 890-4234 Cell: (804) 624-9061
and Selma, NC

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021 TARHEEL WHEELS • 31

N RNegoiwstrOatpioenn 2021 Annual Management Conference
C Belmond Charleston Place Hotel
T July 18-21
A

A
N
N
U
A
L

E
V
E
N
T 2021 NCTA
S

Annual Councils
Conference

Myrtle Beach, SC
October 8-10, 2021

November 11 – 12, 2021

2021 NCTA
Women in Trucking Council

SUMMIT

Raleigh, NC

NC Truck Driving Championship
NC Top Tech Challenge
June 10 - 12, 2022
NC State Fairgrounds
Raleigh, NC

32 •TARHEEL WHEELS ISSUE 1 SPRING 2021