Tennessee Trucking News Q3 Fall 2021 ~ Averitt Express Celebrates 50 Years & Huneryager Bids Farewell

truckingTENNESSEE
Q3 FALL 2021
NEWS

Averitt Express
Celebrates
50 Years

ATRI’s TTA Annual YPC Haulin’ for Huneryager
Critical Issues Convention Coverage the Holidays Bids Farewell

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

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Tennessee Trucking News OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Q3 FALL 2021
COVER STORY FEATURES

P 22 10 Heroes, Icons, Mentors
& Friends

Bidding farewell to a successful
career filled with very special
relationships

BY DAVE HUNERYAGER

13 ATRI’s Top Ten
Critical Issues

Driver shortage runaway top
choice in ATRI critical issues survey,
Tennessee respondents weigh in

BY STEVE BRAWNER

20 Haulin’ for the Holidays

TTA’s Young Professionals Council
celebrates the holidays by

giving back

BY JESSIE MERRITT

Their Driving Force is People 29 Safety Zone

Averitt Express celebrates 50 strong years of business while celebrating their TTA’s new safety director
best resources – their people offers details on rules, tips and
opportunities
BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
BY MARTY POLLOCK
P 10
30 TTA Annual
Convention Coverage

38 TTA’s Road Team

Back in action!

BY CATHERINE STUART

IMAGES ON COVER AND THIS PAGE OF AVERITT EXPRESS COURTESTY AVERITT EXPRESS. DEPARTMENTS

7 Chairman’s Message:

by Jeff Reed

7 TTA’s Board of Directors
9 From the President:

by Donna England

9 A Closer Look
42 TTA New Members
42 Calendar of Events
42 Advertiser Resource
Index

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 5

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We have 11 locations for Sales, Parts & Service

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KENTUCKY

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(270) 906-0345 C4al4ve5r0t CAitmy, eKYric4a2n02W9 ay
(2M7T0Ee)Nm9N0p6Eh-S0is3S4,E5TEN 38118 (T8E0N0)N4E2S3S-2E5E99

(181020E).2L6. 4M-o0rg3a3n6Drive
www.TAGTruckCenter.com www(800)241253C-2am59pb9ell Drive
4450 American Way

Calvert City, KY 42029 Jackson, TN 38305 Memphis, TN 38118

(270) 906-0345 (800) 423-2599 (800) 264-0336

www.TAGTruckCent

www.TAGTruckCwewnwt.TeArG.cTorumckCenter.com

Chairman’s Message

Tennessee Trucking Association
Executive Committee
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
JEFF REED

Skyline Transportation ARKANSAS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President & CEO General Counsel5712 Commerce Square
DONNA ENGLAND C. DALE ALLEN Jonesboro, AR 72401
Tennessee Trucking Adams and Reese L(L8P00) 264-0148

Association Secretary

Foundation at Large JIM MOSBY
FirstBank MISSISSIPPI
SquaSrCeOTTTreSaCsHuUreMr PER2T448 McCullough
SCOATTCRTWKG,EAInOcN.RGSEAS

THE HOLIDAYSTruckP5A7C1C2o-CChoaimrmmanerce
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s for Sales, Parts & Servicee Square 710t0ime together.
This final month
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SouVthiPceeoaCspthTlaaeirnrmnBeanslsuefef, MO 63901RVUicBeYCMhCaiBrmRIaDnE of 2021 is sure to be full of news, events, and excitement on many
CON(N5I7E 3VA) U7G8H5AN0193 Colonial Freight Syste1m4s785 State Hfrigohnwtsa. yTh1e7s7upply chain continues to be strained, there are
rvice (J5a7c3k)so3n3,9M1O89ss0pu6re3rn7od5ui5nngdibnigllst,htehveadcecbintecemilainngd,aaten,danindfltahtieopnoalriyticparlespsaurrteiess. many challenges and confusion
McKee Foods continue to fight over massive
67 North
O 63901 307 LynBuOaAlRD OF DIRECTORS
Sikeston, MO 63801
DIRE(C5TO7R3S)AT4L7AR1G7E 100 2880JIM BRIGGS
BRAD ALLEN Hwy 67 South
Venture Express Jim Briggs Consulting, LLC
CORYLILE Farmington, M“OT6h36e4r0e aren’t enough words to convey how impactful
BE1T4H7FR8A5NKSLINtate HighwaOcycu1su7re7Workers’ Compen(s5at7io3n ) 747 0190 [Dave’s] leadership of TTA has been and we can’t
63801 MMSuuTJ(llEtt5iiVa--TTE7aacssF3kkkRSSA)sooNoll3uuKttn3LiiooIN,9nnssM1O89063T7E5N5NESEDSKDBinIEILEgLWE&TIABRYaRlLIlLoALwND thank him enough for making our association the
TENNESSEE
Fleetco, Inc. best there is. Thank you Dave and I’m excited for you
and your well-deserved retirement!
6g1J(3h8a17w0c250ak5E)yso.41nL27,.37TM-2No5r9g39a8SJhnSE3oP2F(HRu0i5RRDnE8anOYnI57LT8arrHBArc3imuA0lvRSec)MHHkeBiiHEOPnn7aATgnUg4OwkCNtN7oyo. n06,17M9S0OoM4(u846et05h3m006)pUS4A2O.hS0m6U.TiXsOT4pHe,MMr-eErT0MAsAisXc3YSNETFaTn3UHTtne6LEA3rLNpXEW8rTNRisO1EeaNSs1,SyInE8cE.

FedEx Freight Best One Tire & Service Even with all that is going on, without a doubt the biggest event in the upcoming month is
that of Dave Huneryager’s retirement. There aren’t enough words to convey how impactful his
EoNuNthESSEE WAYNE WEAVER DAREL DYER leadership of TTA has been and we can’t thank him enough for making our association the
Rapid Ways Leasing Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga best there is. Thank you Dave and I’m excited for you and your well-deserved retirement!
4O506A36m4e0rican WayBOB WEST
PERRY WILSON My sincerest wishes that everyone’s holiday season was better than ever, and I look forward
to wrapping up 2021 and embarking on the adventures awaiting us in 2022.
emphis, TN 3811R8.E. West, Inc. McKee Foods

00) 264-0336 BILLY WHITE WEST TENNESSEE
Clarke Power Services MARK GEORGE

STEVE HOLDEN Intermodal Cartage Co., Inc.
Best One Tire & Service

w.TAGTruckCenter.comEASTTENNESSEE
JOHN ROSS
Milan Supply Chain Solutions

BILL REED, III TIM GATLIN
Skyline Logistics, Inc. Empire Express, Inc.

JEFF ALLEN CATHY PHILLIPS COATS JeffReed
Great West Casualty Company H.B. Phillips, Inc.
Jeff Reed
CRAIG KENDALL JEFF REEVES President & CEO
Reeves Brothers Trucking, Inc. Skyline Transportation
ter.comThe Peterbilt Store,-Knoxville 2020-2021 Chairman, Tennessee Trucking Association
JIM PETERS TOMMY EARL
TLD Logistics Services, Inc. TAG Truck Center

MIDDLE TENNESSEE DICK SWEEBE
Summit Truck Group, Memphis
WILLIAM KEITH
FirstExpress, Inc. NON-DOMICILED REGIONAL

PAT MARSH MIKE KELLEY
Big G Express, Inc. YRC Worldwide, Inc.

BRAD RAHRER HAL DOWLAND
Portland Express, inc. HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass

ALLIE SHARP SCHWALB GREG SHIPMAN
Sharp Transport, Inc. Vertical Alliance Group

JOHN WALTON SAM FAUCETTE
Averitt Express, Inc. Old Dominion, Inc.

BILL BOB WEST
R.E. West, Inc.

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 7

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truckingTENNESSEE From the President
NEWS
TRANSITIONS
Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association
Tennessee Trucking News is owned by the Tennessee Trucking It is hard to believe it’s already the end of 2021. With it comes the retirement of Dave
Association and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing Huneryager, President & CEO of the TTA. It has been a long ride for Dave. He started working for
our Association 17 years ago. Dave has been a great leader and mentor. I have been very fortunate
Group. For additional copies, to order reprints of individual to have had the opportunity to work with him. Many of you attended Convention and heard me say
articles or to become a subscriber to Tennessee Trucking News, that I have big shoes to fill literally and figuratively. Dave wears a size 15 while I wear a size 8.

contact Carol Foster at [email protected]. In 2022 you will see me in my shoes. While I may fill the shoes differently, my commitment to
you is that you will receive the same value & service that you have come to expect under Dave’s
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake leadership. Dave has built a strong foundation that we will continue to grow. I have learned from
others my entire life and Dave is leaving me with some great tools for my leadership toolbox. My
[email protected] vision is to keep adding more to our toolbox. We are going to continue Dave’s legacy.

Executive Editor Dave Huneryager Here is what you will see next year.
• We will continue to grow our membership. Not only is it important to grow our
[email protected] membership, but it is also equally important to retain the members we have. If each one of
you referred one new member this year, we could reach our goals.
Creative Director Fran Sherman • We will add more value to your membership. One example would be with our new Directory
[email protected] of Safety Marty Pollock. We will be looking at ways to offer more educational offerings to our
members.
Graphic Designer Barbara Negron • I want to make sure we are fiscally sound by growing our reserves, so we have at least one
year’s operating expenses. The last 21 months have shown us all just how important it is to
Ad Production Doug Benjamin have a rainy-day fund.

Photographers Clay Cook Our industry is ever-changing. We will prepare for the future challenges we will face. Some of
John Ballance our challenges are not new such as driver shortage, nuclear verdicts, legislative issues, truck
parking, etc. 
Chris Fain
Al Ferreira One of the tools I bring to the job is my ability to communicate. I am committed to you, our
Daniel Gray members. I am looking forward to meeting those whom I don’t yet know and spending time with
Allyssa Woodford Hughes those I do know. I am looking forward to hearing your suggestions and any ideas you may have.
Larry Kuzniewski
Caleb Shane Lollar My door is always open feel free to reach out anytime. 
John David Pittman
Donna England
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner
Eric J. Francis Donna England
President & CEO
Kevin Jones Tennessee Trucking Association
Renee Miller
David Monteith
Derek Rayment
Jennifer Barnett Reed
Jack Roberts
John D. Schulz
Lacey C. Thacker

Todd Traub

www.TNTrucking.org
Tennessee Trucking Association Staff

President & CEO
Donna England
[email protected]

Foundation Coordinator
Catherine Stuart

[email protected]

Administrative Coordinator
Carol Foster

[email protected]

Communications Coordinator
Ashlee Taylor

[email protected]

Director of Safety
Marty Pollock

[email protected]

For more information, contact TTA at:
Tennessee Trucking Association

4531 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Telephone 615-777-2882
Facsimile 615-777-2024
www.TNTrucking.org

An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) has served as the voice for Tennessee’s trucking
industry since 1930.TTA is a trade association dedicated to the furtherance of the
trucking industry’s goals and interests in Tennessee and the United States. Our
membership is a diverse group comprised of motor carriers, both public and private,
and companies providing products and services to the industry.TTA serves these
companies as a governmental affairs representative before legislative, regulatory
and executive branches of government on issues that affect the trucking industry.
The organization also provides public relations services, operation services and
serves as a forum for industry meetings and membership relations.

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 9

Heroes, Icons, Mentors & Friends

Bidding farewell to a successful
career filled with very special relationships

BY DAVE HUNERYAGER
RETIRING TTA PRESIDENT

I am pretty sure when you go about trying to EB, thank you for your support of our industry Herman, sister Christy and daughter Priscilla.
thank everyone who has been an important part and me! We have three times been awarded Joe and Mike Nacarato.
of your personal and professional life, you are the Mike Russell Image Award. I was proud
always bound to miss someone. I am going to have been recognized with the ATA President’s Industry icons not named above; Kelly
seriously try not to do that in this article! TAEC Leadership. I was proud to have served on Wagner, Gary Sasser, Tim Kite, Dennis Britt,
Rebecca Brewster’s ATRI Board. Mike Starnes, Paul Bailey, Randy Vernon, Bill
I have spent most of the last 30 years being part Prevost, Jim Burg, Collin Stewart, Jim Subler,
of the Tennessee Trucking Association, joining as To my TAEC brothers and sisters across the Allie Sharp Schwalb, David Parker, John Stomps,
a member when I worked for Roadway Express country, and, specifically those in Region II, my Dale Allen, Brad Rahrer.
in 1992. I served on the Board and was elected to personal thanks. While it has been my honor to
the Executive Committee in 1994. I was elected serve alongside all of you, I would be remiss if Some of the greatest allied members
and served as Chairman in 1998. In 2004 when I I did not single out those I have grown closest throughout the years also not named above;
left Roadway, I became President and have served to and been most impressed with over the Marshall Brown, Tim Wagner, Mike Stockman,
the TTA for the last 17 years in that capacity. They years! Karen Rasmussen, Larry Davis, my good Alan Tanksley, Dick Sweebe, Jim Mosby, Jimmy
have been the most enjoyable and rewarding years friend, the late Dan Case, Shannon Newton, Cowan, Scott Schumpert, Dudley Smith, Billy
of my career! Mark Colson, Hal Miller, Gary Langston who White, Hal Dowland, Greg Shipman, Tom
once served on our Executive Committee, Tom Rozuk, Jeremy Reymer, Brad Klepper, Bill
The title of my article gives you some insight Crawford, Paul Enos, Bob Sculley, John Esparza, Tirrill, Sonny Briley, Gary Carrigan, Scott
into what I will try to do in the next several and my good friend, Brenda Neville. Thank you Torrence, Eddie Wayland, Barry McGriff, Lester
paragraphs; thank the heroes, icons, mentors and for what you do in your respective states to fight Turner, Troy Dickens, Gary Davis, Mike Davis,
friends I have met, worked with and admired for your members and our industry! Jerry Hampton, Turner Skipper, Mark Doughty,
during those years. Dave Edwards, Jeff Earle, Tommy Earl, Gary
This association has such a rich legacy of Holbrook, Patrick Mendenhall, Stan Evans,
I am proud to be listed among many of my iconic families with second and third generation Mark Lazurus, Scott Trichel, Craig Kendall,
heroes as a Past Chairman of the TTA. Working members. They might be father/son, father/ Tom Morton, Singh Ahluwalia, Roy Stogner.
with each them was an honor! daughter, brother/sister, brother/brother, mother/
daughter, or, husband and wife. We have had some terrific leadership from
Phil George, Gary Wilson, Ed Meyer, David our three biggest members; UPS, FedEx and
Butler, Tommy Hodges, twice, Bill Reed, Tracy The first ever father son chairman pair, Yellow. From UPS, Bob Snyder, Gary Langston,
Oliver, Richard Venable, Freddy Simmons, Greg Phil and Scott George. The second father son Danny Smith and Nick D’Andrea. From FedEx
Brown, Tommy Higginbotham, who was the chairman pair, Bill and Jeff Reed. The soon to Bill Primeaux and Rob Rhea. From Yellow
Chairman when I became TTA President, Dee be third father son chairman pair in Tommy Mike Kelley.
Howell, I will always miss working with Andy and Jason Higginbotham. Tommy and John
Courtney who passed away before he could serve, Ross. Tommy and Tom Hodges. Jim and Mike I was also honored to have been a Pinnacle
Bernard Clark, JB Baker, Bob Pemberton, Ronnie McFarlin and Mike’s daughter Sarah Heffington, Award recipient beside the following mentors
Lancaster, Scott George, Phillip Edwards, Guinea Neely Coble, Neely Coble III, Edward Coble
pig Joe Herman who became our first two year and Will Coble, Jimmy and Brad Allen, Dave
term Chairman, John Ross, Wayland Thompson, Dortch, and daughter Beth Dortch Franklin and
our first woman to hold the office; Connie her husband Steve, Tommy and Brad Wilson,
Vaughan, and, current Chairman Jeff Reed. Phil and Phillip Kile, Gary and Adam Wilson,
Glen and Phil Ellis, Cathy Phillips Coats and
Our association has had a rich history husband James, Jim and Andy Jablonski, Bob
with the American Trucking Associations! In and Rita West and daughter Jenny and son Bill
fact, in my time as the leader of the TTA, we Bob, Max and son Eric Fuller, Debra Brake
have had three of our members serve as ATA and daughter Jessie Merritt, Representative Pat
Chairman. Pat Quinn from USXpress Enterprises, Marsh and son Rob, Jack Marsh, Terry Minor
Tommy Hodges from Titan Transfer/Goggin and son Taylor and daughter Calleigh. Bill and
Warehousing, and Dave Manning from TCW, Bo Keith. Steve Davis and son Stephen, Joe
Inc. To Chris Spear, Bill Sullivan, Ed Gilroy,
Cathy Evans, John Lynch, Rebecca Brewster and

10 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

Barry McGriff, Tommy Hodges and Troy Dickens with Dave Huneryager Connie Vaughan with Dave Huneryager
Dave Huneryager

Call on Nashville Call on Nashville: TTA delegation with Speaker Call on Nashville
Harwell

Call on Nashville TTA CEO Breakfast in Memphis, Tenn.

and friends; Gary Sasser, Phil George, Tommy in lock step on the way we would deal with it. A grateful for all of her support of Linda and me!
Wilson, Kelly Wagner, Tommy Hodges, JB credit and a big thank you to all the members of Catherine Stuart has taken the Foundation to
Baker, Bill Reed, Dale Allen, and Governor Ned both groups that have served our membership! new heights and beyond! Ashlee Taylor has
Ray McWhorter. changed the face of all of our publications with
Saving the best for last, it has been my her positive energy! Finally, Donna England,
The 30 different Executive Committees, and pleasure to serve you alongside our talented without a doubt in my mind, brings exactly what
Boards of Directors I either served on or worked team here at TTA: Donna England, Carol Foster, TTA needs at this time. Her passion for and
with have all been unique, but their passion for Catherine Stuart and Ashlee Taylor and our dedication to the industry is immense. You will
our state and our industry have always amazed newest member Marty Pollock. Their capacity be well served under her leadership and you all
me. We may have had differing opinions on to get the job done - and done well - knows are in very competent hands.
specific issues, but once consensus was reached no bounds. Carol Foster has been completing
and we walked out of the room, the group was my sentences since 1990, and I will be forever My thanks to all of you! TTN

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 11

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE 2021 TA TRUCK SERVICE SUPERTECH TEAM

WINNER MWichIaNelNKeErfRoot WINNER

Joseph Anderson SSMiittee i##c333T00reh55da,,aPmPPeeleattCrrcoolheSSaKOaamnnvepAAeirnnrottafoonlnnoliiooo,, TTtXX Lucas Coyle

Site #156, TA Commerce, GA Wheel3ErnddPSlatcaetioOnveCrhaallmpion Site #380, Petro Gaston, IN
Coolant &TeDaEmFCShtaamtiopnioCnhampion
2nd Place Overall BeWlthse&elHEonsdeSstSattaiotinoCnhCahmampipoinon Transmission Station Champion
Team Champion Coolant & DEF Station Champion Light Station Champion
Written Test Champion Belts & Hoses Station Champion

12 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

ATRI’s Top Ten
Critical Issues

Driver shortage runaway top choice in ATRI critical
issues survey, Tennessee respondents weigh in

BY STEVE BRAWNER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The driver shortage by far ranked first in the American Transportation Research Institute’s
2021 “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry” survey, with driver retention second and driver
compensation third.

CONTINUES 
Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 13

Another workforce-related issue, the diesel 9. CSA diesel technician shortage at number six, truck
technician shortage, made its first appearance 10. Driver training standards parking at seven, and CSA at nine.
in the top 10. This was the 17th year ATRI conducted the
survey. Respondents were asked to rank their “While somewhat different from the national
The top 10 national issues were: top three choices out of 30 critical issues and to top 10 list, it comes as no surprise that driver
1. Driver shortage rank three strategies for addressing them. More shortage ranks as number one in Tennessee as
2. Driver retention than 2,500 industry stakeholders responded, well,” said TTA President Dave Huneryager.
3. Driver compensation with 52.4% being motor carrier personnel, “That coupled with driver retention being
4. Lawsuit abuse reform 24.1% commercial drivers, and 23.5% having number two, it is apparent that our member
5. Truck parking other types of jobs, including suppliers, driver companies are focusing on the very same issue
6. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety trainers, and law enforcement. that is plaguing motor carriers throughout the
The respondents included 111 motor United States.”
Administration’s Compliance, Safety, carrier and other non-driver personnel from
Accountability (CSA) program Tennessee. Their responses tracked the national Rebecca Brewster, ATRI’s president and chief
7. Driver detention and delay response in that the two top vote-getters were operating officer, said she wasn’t surprised
8. Transportation infrastructure/ driver shortage followed by driver retention. that infrastructure/congestion/funding ranked
congestion/funding From there, Tennessee’s responses differed higher in Tennessee than nationally because the
9. Insurance cost/availability from the national results. Lawsuit abuse reform state had six of the nation’s top 100 bottlenecks
10. Diesel technician shortage was third, one higher than it was nationally. in 2020 as tracked by ATRI, including number
Transportation infrastructure was fourth, seven, Chattanooga’s I-75 at I-24 junction.
The top 10 Tennessee issues were: compared to eighth in the national survey.
1. Driver shortage Three of the rest of the top 10 in Tennessee The driver shortage ranked first nationally
2. Driver retention did not appear in the national top 10: driver for the fifth year in a row, with 47.4% of
3. Lawsuit abuse reform distraction at number five, COVID-19 at respondents, including most motor carrier
4. Transportation infrastructure number eight, and driver training standards at personnel, ranking it in the top three and
5. Driver distraction  number 10. 30.1% ranking it first. It received twice as many
6. Technician shortage The others in Tennessee’s top 10 were the responses as second place driver retention and
7. Truck parking had four times as many first place selections.
8. COVID-19 Five percent of drivers ranked it in their
top three.

The responses came before the American

Tennessee responses:
1. Driver shortage
2. Driver retention
3. Lawsuit abuse reform
4. Transportation infrastructure
5. Driver distraction
6. Technician shortage
7. Truck parking
8. COVID-19
9. CSA
10. Driver training standards

14 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

Commercial Driver and Motor Carrier Issues

Trucking Associations’ chief economist, Bob targeting high school students and young The third highest ranking issue was
Costello, raised the estimated current shortage adults. It was selected by 40.5%. The third another workforce-related one, driver
to 80,000 from 60,000, with that number choice was advocating for making it easier for compensation, which ranked second in 2020.
projected to increase possibly to more than fleets to recruit foreign drivers through the Thirty-three percent of drivers ranked it in their
160,000 by 2028. The report notes that several EB-3 permanent work authorization permit. top three, no doubt considering compensation
pressures are contributing to the shortage, too low. Fifteen percent of motor carrier
including freight demand, an aging driver A closely related issue, driver retention, respondents ranked it in their top three, but
workforce, COVID challenges, and drivers not rose four places from 2020 to number two. for them, the concern is the sustainability of
attempting to return after a positive drug test. Seven percent ranked it first and 21.7% ranked rising compensation.
it in the top three. The American Trucking
The most popular strategy among Associations estimates that driver turnover was As for strategies in response, 42.3% ranked as
respondents – selected by 45% – was advocating 92% at the end of 2020. their first choice analyzing driver compensation
for the DRIVE-Safe Act pilot program allowing in relation to competing employment sectors.
drivers ages 18-20 to cross interstate lines. The More than half (53.8%) said the top strategy Second, selected by 30.5%, was assessing the
$1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs should be researching and prioritizing effectiveness of retention programs that offer
Act recently signed by President Biden contains retention strategies based on driver feedback drivers incentives for safety, fuel efficiency
a DRIVE-Safe pilot program allowing 3,000 and driver tenure data. The rest believed the and trip productivity. Another 24.7% chose
18-20-year-olds to drive across state lines as top strategy involved evaluating the impact of quantifying how pay models and driver
part of an apprenticeship program. Second on driver benefits (30.3%) and quantifying the
the list was developing new outreach initiatives relationship between safety technology and CONTINUES 
driver satisfaction and retention (13.7%).

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 15

satisfaction and productivity are related. “While somewhat different from the national top 10 list, it
One other workforce-related critical comes as no surprise that driver shortage ranks as number

issue appeared on this year’s list. The diesel one in Tennessee as well.”
technician shortage made its first appearance at
number 10 as this year’s only newcomer. ATRI’s ­—TTA President Dave Huneryager
report cites U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data
predicting more than 28,000 job openings for the payouts to plaintiffs and their attorneys tied with driver compensation as the top
diesel technicians and mechanics each of the at the expense of the trucking industry and concern among drivers – the first tie ever for a
next 10 years. insurers. Second at 31.1% was encouraging top spot – but did not rank in the top 10 among
Congress to expand federal court jurisdiction motor carrier personnel. Driver detention/delay
Brewster said the prevalence of workforce over accidents involving motor carriers. Federal at customer facilities was second among drivers
issues among ATRI’s top 10 is related to courts tend to be more favorable to truckers. and 10th among motor carrier respondents. It
concerns facing the entire economy. Third at 22.9% was educating carriers and law was number nine overall last year.
enforcement on identifying staged accidents,
“I think it really underscores what we’re and advocating for making staging an accident Brewster said state transportation
seeing across the entire, not just the supply with a commercial vehicle a criminal offense. departments are addressing the truck parking
chain, quite frankly – across the entire U.S. issue, often citing its high ranking by truck
workforce,” she said. “It’s a workforce challenge Closely related to lawsuit abuse reform was drivers in ATRI’s survey. However, she noted
right now getting enough people to do the jobs insurance cost/availability, which was ninth. that a $1 billion truck parking program was
we need them to do.” That issue was in the top 10 in ATRI’s first removed from the infrastructure bill.
survey in 2005 and did not appear again until
Lawsuit abuse reform rose three spots from last year, when it was fifth. It fell four spots “It’s truck drivers are heroes. You guys kept
last year to reach number four. Labeled as “tort this year. us going during the pandemic. But when it
reform” in prior surveys, the ranking reflects an comes to supplying money to help you find a
increase in so-called “nuclear verdicts.” Almost Two issues related to drivers’ roadway safe place to sleep, it comes out,” she lamented.
half of respondents, or 45.1%, said advocating experience ranked in the top 10: truck parking
for eliminating “phantom damages” should be at number five and driver detention/delay at The CSA program was sixth this year after
the top strategy. Phantom damages reflect the customer facilities, which was number seven. ranking fourth last year. It was fourth among
difference between billed medical costs and Truck parking, which ranked third last year, motor carrier industry respondents and 10th
paid medical costs. That difference increases among drivers.

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Brewster said she was surprised the issue against them, and other issues. The number eight response was transportation
remains in the top 10. It was number one in “It really is reflective of the industry’s sort infrastructure/congestion/funding, which
2012 and has never since placed worse than was not in the top 10 last year. After holding
eighth. She said carriers’ problems with CSA of love-hate relationship with how their safety positions on the list from 2013 until 2019, it
include erroneous data in their scores, crashes performance is evaluated. … It continues to show fell off in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic
that weren’t the carriers’ fault being counted up in the top 10 list, and it jumps around based on removed so many cars from the road. But
sort of how things are going that year,” she said. as restrictions have eased, the congestion
has returned. Meanwhile, highways remain
underfunded and under-maintained.

The trucking industry seeks funding that is
adequate but also fair, as reflected in responses
regarding proposed strategies. The top strategy,
selected by 37.2%, involved preventing truck-
only taxes, while 35.2% said the industry should
continue to advocate for increasing the fuel tax
and other user fees while preventing funding from
being diverted to non-highway projects. The rest,
23.8%, said the top strategy should be creating
a new federal funding program targeting truck
bottlenecks along major freight corridors.

Motor carrier personnel and commercial
drivers had significantly different concerns,
as they have in the past. Four issues appeared
among both groups’ top 10.

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Among motor carriers, the top 10 were: “It really is reflective of the industry’s sort of love-hate
1. Driver shortage relationship with how their safety performance is evaluated.
2. Driver retention
3. Lawsuit abuse reform … It continues to show up in the top 10 list, and it jumps
4. CSA around based on sort of how things are going that year.”
5. Driver compensation
6. Insurance cost/availability —Rebecca Brewster, ATRI’s president and
7. Diesel technician shortage
8. Infrastructure chief operating officer
9. Driver distraction
10. Detention/delay at customer facilities parking, and driver training standards. Among the results when passenger car drivers aren’t
owner-operators/independent contractors, the paying attention to the road.
Among drivers, the top 10 were as follows: top three were fuel prices, truck parking, and
1. Driver compensation; Truck driver compensation. “It continues to sort of hover at that number
11, but I suspect in the next few years if we
parking (tie) The ATRI report also lists three “emerging don’t do something about it as a nation, we’re
2. Detention/delay at customer facilities issues” ranking just outside the top 10. Driver going to see it jump up into the top 10,”
3. Fuel prices distraction was number 11 for the third year in she said.
4. Driver training standards a row. It ranked in the top 10 among carriers
5. Hours-of-service rules and drivers but scored lower among other Leaving the top 10 list was the hours-of-
6. ELD mandate industry stakeholders. Number 12 was fuel service issue, which was number one from 2013
7. Driver distraction prices, which appeared in the top 10 from 2005, until 2015 and was number two as recently
8. Infrastructure when it was number one, until 2013. Prices as 2019. Long-awaited FMCSA reforms
9. Speed limiters fell as demand fell during the first part of the considered favorable to the trucking industry
pandemic but lately have been rising. The went into effect that year.
Among company drivers, the top three economy was number 13.
concerns were driver compensation, truck Brewster said she will study write-in answers,
Brewster believes driver distraction which can have an effect on future surveys. For
eventually will rise into the top 10 because both example, driver compensation was included in
truck drivers and motor carrier personnel see the survey after many drivers commented about
their pay. TTN

18 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ATRITHE NATION’S TOP TRUCK

This year ATRI celebrates 20 years of leadership in critical data and analysis to improve the

BOTTLENECKS 2021trucking industry’s safety and productivity. From the truck stop to the executive suite, to the
ANALYSsItSate house and Capitol Hill, ATRI’s reputation for providing objective industry analyses means

data-driven decision making on the industry’s biggest issues.ince 2002, the American Transportation Research Institute

S(ATRI) has collected and processed truck GPS data in support
truck GPS dataset, ATRI found average truck speeds at some of the
worst truck bottlenecks improve by 100% or more as car drivers
of numerous U.S. DOT freight mobility initiatives. Using truck GPS sheltered in place and trucks kept moving to deliver essential goods.
data from over 1 million freight trucks, ATRI develops and monitors In a separate analysis in April 2020, ATRI found state-level truck
a series of key performance measures on the nation’s freight activity increased in early February as panic-buying drove consumer
transportation system. Among many GPS analyses, ATRI converts demand, followed by a decrease in truck activity as more businesses
its truck GPS dataset into an ongoing truck bottleneck analysis that were closed. However, by April and into May, ATRI’s Truck Activity
is used to quantify the impact of traffic congestion on truck-borne Index began to improve across the states analyzed, signaling a
freight at over 300 specific locations. While other datasets may return to pre-pandemic freight demand.
identify congested corridors, no dataset available today specifically
identifies granular chokepoints in the nation’s truck freight An additional impact on traffic congestion in 2020 was the number IMPROVING SAFETY
transportation system. of roadway construction projects that were able to commence and/ AND LOWERING RISK
or advance at a faster pace due to fewer vehicles on the road during
ATRI’s annual Top Truck Bottleneck Analysis uses a full year of the pandemic. Once traffic levels increased in the second half of
truck GPS data to calculate the top chokepoints. However, 2020 2020, those construction projects became even more congested.
was by all definitions a different year with pandemic-related impacts As such, this year’s Top Truck Bottleneck list reflects a rise in
intersecting with traffic patterns. In a March 2020 analysis using its ranking in a number of locations impacted by roadway construction.

2021 TOP TRUCK BOTTLENECKS • BY THE NUMBERS On topics as wide-ranging as predicting future crash
involvement to safety technology cost-benefit analyses to

AVERAGE PEAK 33.9%up year-over-year TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS 25% 29NUMBER OF STATES obstructive sleep apnea, ATRI’s research provides a blueprint
WITH AVERAGE TRUCK for managing risk and improving roadway safety.
43.0HOUR TRUCK WITH AT LEAST ONE
mphSPEED: SPEEDS <45 MPH: TOP 100 BOTTLENECK:

WA

9# Rye, NY OPERATIONAL DATA
1-95 at I-287 YOU CAN COUNT ON

NY Whether you’re looking to route your drivers around congestion or
CT benchmark your costs against your peers in the industry, ATRI’s
analyses combine real-world data with a deep understanding of
6# Chicago, IL PA industry operations.
I-290 at I-90/I-94
LEADING WITH DATA,
1# Fort Lee, NJ NOT EMOTION
1-95 at SR 4
ATRI’s research uses data and analyses to dissect the true
CA 2# Cincinnati, OH impacts of policies and regulations across a range of critical
I-71 at I-75 topics including Hours-of-Service, autonomous vehicles, CSA,
8# St. Louis, MO tolling, and nuclear verdicts.
I-64/I-55 at I-44

10# San Bernardino, CA 7 TN
I-10 at I-15 # Chattanooga, TN 3# Atlanta, GA
I-75 at I-24 I-285 at I-85 (North)

GA

STATES WITH THE 4# Atlanta, GA
HIGHEST NUMBER OF I-20 at I-285 (West)
TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS: TX

Texas.................. 12 Georgia ................ 7 5# Houston, TX
California ............. 8 Pennsylvania....... 7 I-45 at I-69/US 59
Washington ......... 8 New York .............. 6
Connecticut......... 7 Tennessee ........... 6

For more information on ATRI’s Top Truck Bottleneck analysis, including a detailed description of the methodology, visit www.TruckingResearch.org.

WHERE THE RUBBER
MEETS THE ROAD

ATRI has a long history of research focused on the issues and
concerns of professional truck drivers. From involvement in over
40 national, state, and regional truck parking studies to quantifying
the impacts of detention, ATRI’s analyses provide a key input to
advancing the safety and productivity of the industry’s workforce.

We rely on YOU to make our research successful. Help secure ATRI’s future for
the next 20 years with a charitable contribution from you or your organization!

Visit us today online at TruckingResearch.org
to learn more about our research and commit to
supporting ATRI through a charitable contribution.

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 19

Haulin’ for the Holidays

TTA’s Young Professionals Council
celebrates the holiday by giving back

BY JESSIE MERRITT
YPC CHAIRMAN

The Tennessee Trucking Association’s Young each city drafts their holiday wish list for their angel sponsors gave so generously of their
Professionals Council just wrapped its 3rd annual program’s needs, which span the budgetary resources and my fellow YPC committee
Haulin’ for the Holidays fundraiser, which is a spectrum: fresh packages of playdough; new members and TTA folks volunteered their time
state-wide initiative benefitting nonprofits that books; sports equipment; science experiment and energy, which is such a precious commodity
serve children in each major city in Tennessee. kits, puzzles; all the way up to commercial grade this time of year. Troy Dickens over at Rush
This was H4H’s biggest year yet, raising well over playground equipment. Patrick Mendenhall, Truck Center came up with this idea three
$20,000 in toys for Tennessee children, teens, YPC founding chairman and national accounts years ago and he has continued to help drive its
and families. truck sales with Rush Enterprises says, “This success. A special thank you to the leadership
broad range of need makes the H4H toy drive at YES Youth Encouragement Services, FedEx
Sarah Heffington, the YPC’s vice chairman accessible for anyone to donate and participate, Family House, Chambliss Center for Children,
and M&W’s sales manager says “The 2021 including our trucking heroes who are delivering HandsUp! Jackson Preschool, and Mission of
toy drive was bigger and better than ever!  these toys and everyone else’s. Drivers are a very Hope, who do this important work year-round of
We set some hefty goals in the beginning, generous group of people who reliably contribute serving our communities and our children.”
and I am overwhelmed by the level of corporate out of their own pockets each year. The YPC
angel sponsorships and the giving spirit of built on the desire to recognize our industry’s “Being able to not only see the impact
the entire trucking community.  I feel blessed existing talent and develop our future talent, and made for Tennessee families, but being part
to be a small part of the success and work this toy drive highlights that initiative perfectly.” firsthand is THE most rewarding part of
that is involved in making sure these chosen my job. I look forward to the H4H toy drive
nonprofits are able to give children a joyful “I have so many people to thank” says the more than Christmas,” says Andrea Hall, YPC
Christmas morning.” YPC’s current chairman and VP of sales at communications and sales administration with
Reliance Partners, Jessie Merritt. “Our corporate Rush Truck Center.  TTN
Each year the designated nonprofit for

Chambliss Center for Children, Chattanooga, TN Hands Up Jackson, Jackson, TN Marines Toys for Tots, Mission of Hope Toys
Knoxville, TN

Youth Encouragement Services Nashville, TN YPC Live Toy Drive FedEx Family House, Memphis, TN Nashville Live YPC Toy Drive

20 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

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Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 21

Their Driving Force
is People

Averitt Express celebrates 50 strong years of business
while celebrating their most valuable resource

BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Several long-time Averitt associates gather at the company’s
Cookeville-area service center on October 1, 2021, the actual date
of Averitt’s 50th anniversary. From left: Sammy Talent (Cookeville
service center director, 25 years with Averitt), Bruce Whittaker
(Cookeville driver, 40 years), David Adams (Cookeville driver, 43
years), Wayne Spain (president, 41 years), Phil Pierce (executive vice
president of sales and marketing, 40 years) and Joe Wall (Cookeville
transportation specialist, 23 years)
22 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 23

To hear Gary Sasser say it, Averitt Express is not, grown from three tractors and five trailers to, well, The pace of those changes is, of course,
and hasn’t really ever been, a trucking company. something considerably larger. Meanwhile, the constantly accelerating – and that means the
industry itself is undergoing dramatic change, but company has to be constantly researching, testing,
But if you know Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and Averitt has a formula for dealing with that. and implementing new tech across its operations,
chief executive officer, you’ll already understand to ensure it’s on top of what customers and
what he’s saying about the company he started half It’s the same one Averitt has used for 50 years: consumers want, need, and use. But, Sasser added,
a century ago. Hire good people, do good work, and the rest will the real key to keeping up is using their ears.
take care of itself.
“We’ve never been in the trucking business,” “Even more importantly, we’re listening,”
he elaborates. “We’re in the service business. It’s CHALLENGES AND CHANGES he said. “We must stay close to the ever-shifting
people who deliver the freight, not trucks.” Anyone involved in trucking will be nodding demands of our customers, our associates
and prospective associates. Their needs drive
Those people – all of whom are “associates,” in their heads when Sasser mentions two of the our innovation.”
the Averitt vernacular – have always been the focal biggest challenges of the past decade: Keeping
point of any conversation with Sasser about the up with technology and keeping in line On the regulatory front, almost nothing remains
business. After all, this is a team whose policy was with regulation. the same as it was a decade ago: safety, security,
to bring every new hire to Cookeville to shake the international, environmental, and many others.
owner’s hand, so they would know – with absolute “For example,” he said, “we’ve implemented
certainty – just how important they were to the operational technology, like tablet computers for “Like technology, regulations are always
company’s ongoing success. drivers and scanners on the dock, that allow us to changing, and compliance requires significant
operate more efficiently and provide customers investments,” said Sasser. “We have a lot of talented
And if the pandemic has necessarily turned with real-time shipment information. We’ve and experienced professionals who work with
those meetings virtual for the time being, they’re equipped our tractors with technology that our frontline associates to make sure we stay in
still a core tenet of Averitt’s company culture. As helps keep drivers safe – collision-avoidance compliance with regulations, and in most cases,
the company is poised to enter its second half- systems, anti-jackknife/rollover stability systems, exceed standards. We’re particularly proud of
century, this people-centric philosophy is at the lane departure systems, forward-facing event our training systems and processes that keep our
fulcrum of everything Averitt does. recorders and other technologies. And, of course, associates informed and equipped to do their jobs
we’ve adapted to consumer technologies like as safely and productively as possible.”
Started in 1971 when Sasser, then a Nashville smartphones, mobile apps and social media.”
dockworker, bought Averitt Express from its And there’s the increasing focus on fuel
founder Thurman Averitt, the company has since

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economy, clean energy, and other environmentally commitment to community service. to showcase our culture of teamwork,
responsible tech. “Most of all,” Sasser added, “they want stability, communication and creativity.”

“We understand the vital role sustainability and they want to be appreciated and respected.” In response to COVID there have also been
plays in the transportation industry, and we have Add the future to those two elements – their some modifications to the historic company
integrated sustainable business practices into every culture in recent years. For example, Averitt had
facet of our daily operations,” he said. “We’re proud customers and their associates – and you’ve got to adapt one of its most time-honored traditions
to say Averitt was one of the 52 partners to launch what Averitt calls The Winner’s Circle. when bringing new associates on board: A
the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay welcoming handshake from the CEO himself.
Program. With the help of this program, Averitt “When we take care of our associates and help
established a systematic approach to emissions them win, they will help our customers succeed, “Prior to the pandemic, all new full-time
reduction and fuel conservation. Averitt’s which will help ensure our growth and secure our associates were brought to our corporate office in
current SmartWay score represents outstanding future together,” said Sasser. Cookeville for in-person orientation, and I had
environmental performance.” the opportunity to personally meet everyone,”
COMPANY CULTURE AND COVID-19 said Sasser. “Since health and safety guidelines no
In terms of the future, a good part of Averitt’s While the ongoing pandemic has impacted longer allow for that, I now personally call each
focus is on customers and associates. new associate to welcome them to Averitt. It’s a
every business sector in America, the trucking great opportunity to get to know them, hear their
“With our customers, the challenge will be to industry was – for better or worse – uniquely stories of what brought them to Averitt and let
continue to find new ways to provide them with positioned for a double-whammy. Not only did them know they’re a welcome part of our team.”
value,” he said. “We know that will involve offering lockdowns and other restrictions impact day-
world-class service, helping take cost out of their to-day operations and further exacerbate the At the same time, during the past two years the
networks, providing creative solutions and having nationwide driver shortage, the near-universal company also created a new Ambassador Team,
a global reach.” shift to online shopping also created a spike in the which gives retired associates an opportunity to
need for transportation. But Averitt’s team, said remain connected to the Averitt culture.
In terms of Averitt’s associates, keeping the Sasser, rose to the challenge.
company a great place to work is paramount: “They have the opportunity to continue giving
Flexible schedules, up-to-date facilities, “We’re so proud of how our associates have CONTINUES 
clear communication and training, modern adapted and remained flexible over the past
equipment, opportunities for advancement and two years. It’s been a time of great challenge,” he
said. “At the same time, it’s been an opportunity

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back to our communities through our charitable the company needs has been one of its biggest into local driving positions. We’ve also had
giving and community service efforts,” said Sasser. ongoing challenges – one Sasser expects won’t many people move from driving positions into
“They can also continue to receive incentives for go away soon. His strategy is to meet it first and leadership roles. Additionally, we have a unique
referring new associates. Today there are more foremost with the Averitt culture and values. dock-to-driver training program that is designed
than 160 Averitt Ambassadors who are part of to help associates earn their CDL as they work on
this team.” “For 50 years now, our philosophy has been the dock.”
‘Our Driving Force is People,’” he said. “We’ve
It’s not the only initiative that’s been added always tried to surround ourselves with good Military veterans and women have become a
in recent years. There’s also the Over 20 Team, teammates who have shared our vision to focus on strong source of drivers. The company hired 1,200
which recognizes all associates who have logged people and service. So, the single most important veterans between 2016 and 2019 – Sasser called
two decades or more with Averitt… which priority is to attract and keep good people.” vets “a perfect fit for our culture” because of the
works out to more than 1,400 people, a rather similar approaches to professionalism between
astonishing figure. One way to demonstrate that philosophy to the military and Averitt. And the percentage of
existing and incoming drivers is through the women behind the wheel of big trucks has grown
“That’s about 17% of our total workforce,” Driver Advisory Council, which was established dramatically over the past half-century.
said Brad Brown, Averitt’s marketing and a few years ago. The 14-member panel of drivers
communications manager. “They represent a meets to gather feedback from their fellow drivers “For several years, we’ve been recognized as one
combined total of 36,000 years of service and and advises the company on how to improve their of the top companies for women to work for in
15,000 total years of safe driving.” work environment and quality of life. transportation,” Sasser said. “We’re honored to be
recognized for our efforts to build a more inclusive
And in line with its long tradition of Another way Averitt leverages its culture is work environment.”
encouraging volunteerism, Averitt started a through the People Like You referral program.
year-round initiative known as the Team Up Once new hires are in the door, of course, the
Community Challenge as a way to encourage “We’ve found our best recruiting strategy is focus shifts to keeping them.
associates to serve in their local communities. to enlist our own associates,” said Sasser. “Our
For Sasser, the Team Up Community Challenge associates are the best recruiters we have because “In terms of retention, having tangible pay and
“exemplifies the spirit our Averitt family has they already know friends and acquaintances who benefits packages is certainly important,” he said.
demonstrated when working together to give back would fit with our team, people who share our “However, our goal is to set ourselves apart and
to our local communities.” values: team-oriented, service-minded, positive, connect with associates and potential associates
professional, innovative and creative. We get on a deeper level. We want to distinguish
In 2020 alone, associates taking part in the everyone involved in the referral process, even ourselves based on intangibles – respect, stability,
Challenge performed more than 5,000 hours of our retirees.” security, purpose, the opportunity to reach
community service and helped 118 organizations our full potential, and outlets to give back to
for efforts including clothing, food and toy drives, Averitt has historically looked to promote our communities in ways that are bigger than
disaster relief, mask sewing and donations, litter from within, said Brown, which builds a sense ourselves. Those are intangibles that inspire good
cleanups and blood donations, said Brown. of commitment among its associates that in people to remain part of the team.”
turn makes them enthusiastic promoters of the
THE ART OF FINDING AND company to potential employees, whether drivers PREPARING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
KEEPING DRIVERS or in other roles. With more than 9,000 employees and 140

It takes a lot of drivers to keep Averitt’s 4,800 “In just the last three years, we’ve seen hundreds facilities across the Southeast, securing the future
tractors and 15,000 trailers moving and finding of promotions from within as associates have is a natural imperative for Averitt’s leadership. The
ways to recruit and retain the skilled professionals advanced their careers,” he said. “Many of those company provides not only a livelihood for its
have been over-the-road drivers transferring associates and their families, but with few signs
that online shopping and home delivery are likely
to wane soon, it’s also responsible for helping its
customers get products Americans want and need
to their homes and store shelves. That informs
their view of the future.

“From day one, our vision was to be
‘Tennessee’s Carrier,’” said Sasser. “At the same
time, we recognize our customers operate in a
global environment.”

In short: Tennessee may be home, but the world
is their workplace.

“Our growth strategy has always been built on
listening to our customers, and for many years
they have been telling us we can provide them
with more value by offering a broader array of
services,” he said. “So we have expanded our
capabilities beyond traditional LTL and truckload
services into areas such as distribution and
fulfillment, warehousing, final mile, port services,

26 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

Averitt military veterans assemble at an event at the company’s facility in Atlanta, Ga. Pictured from left are Doug Lawrence (Atlanta driver), R.G. Albro (Atlanta
driver), Joe Fouty (Atlanta driver), Tim Smith (Atlanta driver), Paul Bratcher (Clarksville, Tenn. driver), Keivet Lyons (Atlanta dock associate), Dale Waltower (Atlanta
driver), Glen Barber (Atlanta dock associate), Carla Guyton (Atlanta freight clerk), Mary Cason (Braselton, Ga. driver) and Ty Moore (Atlanta frontline leader)

intermodal, production and event logistics and between Canada and Mexico,” said Sasser. different aspects of the company.
many other areas. We call it ‘The Power of One.’” It’s a purpose-driven business model, he said, The process is built around what’s known as

Averitt’s early blueprint was to build density and the same applies to the development of leaders “The Four Wells” – lead well, sell well, grow well,
within its existing southern network, in order through the company’s culture. and live well. That, said Sasser, is how they bring
to maintain an outstanding level of service for up new leaders in “The Averitt Way.”
its customers. Fifty years later, they continue “We will always inspire the next generation to
to build density through smart growth and control their own destiny and focus on creativity And, as always, it ultimately circles back around
strategic partnerships and innovation,” said Sasser. to the well-established and beloved company
culture that has been nurtured and developed
“We’ve established relationships with partner This is being done through a formal and for the past half-century. It’s that culture, Sasser
providers through which we provide a wide variety deliberate strategy. The company identifies believes, that will continue to carry Averitt forward.
of international services to and from 100 countries, leadership candidates early on – well in advance
from ocean and air forwarding, to port services of any foreseen transitions – and begins preparing “Over the long term, we like to say, ‘We’re proud
like transload and drayage, to cross-border services those candidates for their future roles through of our past and even more excited about our
coaching, training, mentoring, and exposure to future,’” he said. TTN

Delivering for Kids “At the time of the endowment, we chose to help basis,” said Brad Brown, marketing and
fund the clinic because of its unique role within communications manager for the company.
Averitt Express has a long history of charitable the hospital,” said Sasser. “Eighty percent of all St. “And more than 96 percent of our associates
giving, and has focused on children’s issues since Jude patients visit the clinic at some point during participate in the program.”
the founding of the nonprofit Averitt Cares for their treatment. Hundreds of patients visit the clinic
Kids in 1986. But from 1990 on, the company every day. Also, historically St. Jude’s capacity to There are also contributions made by the
has forged a particularly close relationship with impact survival rates for leukemia and lymphoma company in recognition of its associates’
one landmark Tennessee institution: St. Jude has been extremely high compared to other accomplishments, their participation in Team Up
Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. childhood diseases.” Community Challenge projects, and life events. All
of that, said Sasser, is a reflection of the company’s
“We chose the hospital due to its stellar The foundation has also given donations of prioritization of its associates and customers.
reputation as an organization and for its unique $1,000,001 to the hospital in each of the past two
vision for saving the lives of children,” said years. The first, in 2019, was the largest donation “’Our Driving Force is People’ not only means
Chairman and CEO Gary Sasser, “not only ever made by Averitt Cares for Kids, as well as the our team is driven by people,” he said. “Averitt
through direct treatment, but for their world- largest employee-generated donation the hospital is also driven for people. The slogan reveals our
class research programs that impact treatment had received to that point. A year later Averitt Cares deeper purpose – why we exist – to work together
protocols around the world.” for Kids repeated the feat. The foundation has twice to help people succeed.”
been named an Employee-Giving Organization of
In 1997, less than a decade after Averitt’s the Year by St. Jude. Averitt’s support of St. Jude is the continuation of
associates selected St. Jude as a recipient of a tradition that stretches across the company’s five
their charitable donations, Averitt Cares for Since its establishment, Averitt Cares for Kids decades, what Sasser likes to call “a unique culture
Kids announced the goal of establishing a has donated nearly $12 million to charities. It of giving back to our communities.”
$1.5 million endowment to fund a lymphoma receives funding first and foremost through the
and leukemia clinic at the hospital. And once generosity of Averitt associates. “For more than 50 years, we have built our team
that goal was met, the foundation continued on a solid foundation of helping people succeed.
funding general operations, both at the Averitt “Associates can elect to have contributions We are proud of that past,” he said. “And in a larger
Express Leukemia and Lymphoma Center and of $1 deducted from their payroll on a weekly sense, we are driven to reach beyond ourselves to
in other areas of St. Jude. help others.” TTN

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 27



Safety Zone

TTA’s new safety director offers
details on rules, tips and opportunities

BY MARTY POLLOCK
TTA DIRECTOR OF SAFETY

NEW RULES
NEW Entry Level Driver Training Rule goes into

effect February 7, 2022.
Implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration’s long-anticipated ELDT will go
LIVE early next year and compliance with all of the
rule is required. The rule establishes baseline training
requirements for anyone applying for their initial CDL,
upgrading a current CDL, or obtaining a passenger,
school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement for the
first time.

Make sure you are ready to train entry-level drivers.
Additional resources addressing the entry-level driver
training rule are available at:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-
drivers-license/entry-level-driver-training-eldt

Registration is open and available at: https://tpr.fmcsa.
dot.gov/Provider

NEW TIPS • A windshield scraper reasonable proportions on any vehicle when required for
Fall/Winter Trucking Tips • Jumper cables safety because of snow, ice, or other condition tending to
• Cell phone charger cause a vehicle to skid.
As colder weather begins, truck drivers across • Tire chains or traction mats
Tennessee will be making important adjustments to their Driving Tips Above all else, use your BEST judgement in
driving habits and big rigs. To stay safe during the fall • Always give yourself plenty of space BAD conditions.
and winter seasons, drivers should keep in mind how • Lookout for Black Ice
weather conditions and other roadway hazards affect your • Stay in your vehicle if stranded or stuck Stay in the ZONE! TTN
safety. Commercial trucks are already at greater risk for an • Get off the road if necessary and
accident, but cold weather increases that risk even more. NEW EVENTS
avoid trouble We’re thrilled to announce that our TSC and TDC
Sun glare is worse during the fall season because it • Be ready for mountain driving (make sure
is closer to the horizon. The lower angle of the sunlight competitions are scheduled for 2022.
makes it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead, your drivers know the chain laws for the
particularly when the sun is setting. The sun hits states they’re traveling) Save the Dates!
drivers’ windshields when its setting in front of them, Did you know Tennessee has two (2) laws regarding Technician Skills Competition April 14, 2022
and will bounce off the rearview mirror and create a tire chains? Truck Driving Championship is a LIVE EVENT April 29
glare when setting behind them. Dirty windshields add TCA 55-9-102; Every vehicle, according to its type or and 30, 2022
to this problem, making it difficult to see at all. Keep character of operation as listed in subdivisions 1 and 2,
your windshield clean every day and if possible, wear shall carry at all time the following emergency parts and Anyone interested in volunteering to help with these
polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes. accessories. (B); One (1) set of tire chains, for all vehicles events, please contact TTA at 615-777-2882.
likely to encounter conditions requiring them.
Knowing how to prepare for a winter trip, and how to TCA 55-9-106(c); It is permissible to use tire chains of Marty Pollock is TTA’s new safety director and he may
handle icy conditions, will keep you and your truck safe be reached directly at [email protected].
through the coldest months of the year. When driving
in winter weather or colder climates, you must always be
ready for whatever you may encounter. Never drive in
unsafe conditions and don’t wait for a blizzard before you
pack these items in the cab of your truck.

• Warm clothing (layers of clothing, extra
gloves, rain gear)

• Heavy coat, blanket
• Extra flashlight or batteries
• Non-perishable food and water
• A bag of sand or salt, extra windshield

washer fluid, and antifreeze

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 29

Tennessee Trucking Association’s

Annual Convention

$1,000 Auction Drawing Winner sponsored $500 Bingo Card Winner - Cynthia and 2021 Allied Professional of the Year - Mitch
by Occusure Crystal Smart, Winner, Sgt Chris John Tetreault, Averitt Express, Inc, Donna Fisher, Cummins, Inc., Sgt. Chris Brooks, THP, Lt.
Brooks, THP, Lt. Allen England, THP England, TTA Allen England, THP

2021 Safety Professional of the Year - Chris 2021 Truck Driver of the Year - Jeffery Stinson, Andy St Amour and Aaron Keaton, TOW
Woody, M&W Transportation Company, Inc., FedEx Freight, Donna England, TTA PRO, Inc
Sgt. Chris Brooks, THP, Lt. Allen England, THP

2021 Young Professional of the Year - Jessie Jerry Luneke, IIX Clark Johnson, Havco Wood Products
Merritt Reliance Partners, LLC, with Donna
England, TTA

30 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

Delvin & Connie Vaughan, McKee Foods EXPO Ribbon Cutting - Donna England, TTA, Jeff Reed, TTA Chairman, Skyline Transportation, Inc.
Transportation, LLC Greg Shipman, Vertical Alliance Group

Greg Ciszek and Arek Gruszka, Green APU Greg Shipman and Michael Shipman, Vertical Hal Dowland, PrePass
Alliance Group

Jeff Coffey, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc, Rick Bennett, FedEx Freight 2021 Large Fleet Grand Champion Award Winner M&W Transportation
Corporation, David Gooch, Sharp Transport,I nc, Steve Bowar, Titan Company, Inc. (L to R): Sgt. Chris Brooks, THP, Carm McKissick, M&W
Transfer, Inc, Michael Mosier, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc Transportation Company, Inc., Chris Woody, M&W Transportation Company,
Inc., Mike McFarlin, M&W Transportation Company, Inc., Sarah Heffington,
M&W Transportation Company, Inc., Lt. Allen England, THP

CONTINUES 

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 31

Tennessee Trucking Association’s Annual Convention

Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Billy and Linda White, Clarke Power Services, Inc Live Auctioneer TJ Daniel, Huff & Puff
Pro Tempore Representative Pat Marsh, Trucking, Inc
Senator Paul Bailey

Nick Grome, Netradyne Megan Wyatt & Grady Phillips, Corporate Melanie and Stephen Davis, SE Davis
Medical Services & Associates, Marty and Laura Faber,
McLeod Software

Barry McGriff, McGriff Tire Company, Inc. Stephen Davis, SE Davis & Pro Tempore Representative Pat Marsh, Speaker of the House Cameron
Associates, Travis Coffman, EROAD,Inc, Tom Morton, PeopLease Sexton, Comedian Henry Cho, Dale Allen, Adams and Reese LLP
32 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021
CONTINUES 

TTA Golf Tournament Winners
 

1st Place 1st Flight – Guy Land, Utility Trailer Sales of East Tennessee, Patrick Eakins,
ENGS Commercial Finance, Corey Lile, Occusure Workers’ Compensation
 
2nd Place 1st Flight – Wayland Thompson, FirstFleet, Inc., Steve Hill, FirstFleet, Inc.,

Chris Randall, Cumberland International Trucks, Inc.,Tim Burnette, Rush Truck Center, Nashville
 

1st Place 2nd Flight – Nick D’Andrea, UPS, Michael Evans, Cumberland International
Trucks, Inc., Kenny Edwards, Meritor, Inc., Drew Downs, Navistar, Inc.
 

2nd Place 2nd Flight – Tom Morton, PeopLease, Stephen Davis, SE Davis & Associates,
Barry McGriff, McGriff Tire Company, Inc., Travis Coffman, EROAD, Inc.
 
Closest to Pin Men’s – Greg Burnett, GCB Logistics, Inc.
 
Longest Drive Men’s – Avery Sheets, Clarke Power Services, Inc.

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 33

Tennessee Trucking Association’s Annual Convention

Keynote Speaker Greg Warren Keynote Speaker Demographer Ken Gronbach Jessica and Troy Morrell, Lowen Color Graphics

Travis Coffman and Vishal Suchdeve, EROAD, Inc Turner Skipper, Great Dane Trailers,Inc, Tommy Hodges, Titan Transfer,Inc, Lucas Elam, PACCAR
Financial Corporation

Gary Johnson and Christian Stoker, Lytx
34 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

2021 Maintenance Professional of the Year:
John Williams, McKee Foods Transportation, LLC

Tommy Hodges, Titan Transfer, Inc., presented
Dave Huneryager, TTA President, a check for the
newly created Founder’s Club honoring Dave as
the first inductee

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Trucking Associations

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 35

2021 FLEET SAFETY WINNERS

PRIVATE CARRIER 0 – 1,000,000 MILES
1ST Place – Southern Champion Tray, LP

PRIVATE CARRIER OVER 1,000,000 MILES
1ST Place — McKee Foods Transportation, LLC

TRUCKLOAD (FOR HIRE ONLY) 0 – 3,000,000 MILES
1ST Place — Specialty Transport, Inc.
2ND Place — Quickway Carriers, Inc.
3RD Place — FirstExpress, Inc.

TRUCKLOAD (FOR HIRE ONLY) 3,000,001 – 7,000,000 MILES
1ST Place — M&W Transportation Company, Inc.
2ND Place — Danny Herman Trucking, Inc.
3RD Place — Brown Trucking Company

TRUCKLOAD (FOR HIRE ONLY) 7,000,001 – OVER
1ST Place — Titan Transfer, Inc.

2ND Place — Venture Express, Inc.
3RD Place — Ozark Motor Lines, Inc.

LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD 0 - 7,000,000
—

LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD 7,000,001 – 15,000,000 MILES
1ST Place — ABF Freight

2ND Place — Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc.
3RD Place — AAA Cooper Transportation

LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD 15,000,001 – OVER
1ST Place — Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
2ND Place — Averitt Express, Inc.

GRAND CHAMPION SMALL CARRIER
Southern Champion Tray, LP

GRAND CHAMPION LARGE CARRIER
M&W Transportation Company, Inc.

36 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

PREMIER GOLF SPONSOR SILVER PLUS EXPO

Vertical Alliance Group Corporate Medical Services
Havco Wood Products
DIAMOND SPONSOR iiX
Lowen Color Graphics
UPS Lytx
NetraDyne
FOUNDATION AUCTION CLOSING PrePass
PARTY SPONSOR Pressure Systems International
RC Trailer Sales & Service
Occusure Workers’ Compensation Reliance Partners, LLC.
Shell Lubricants
PLATINUM SPONSORS Tow Pro
Vertical Alliance Group
Adams and Reese LLP
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions SILVER SPONSORS
Cummins, Inc.
FedEx Freight Corporation Altria Client Services LLC
Freightliner Trucks and TN Dealers Drivers Legal Plan
Fleetco, Inc.
Freightliner Trucks Love’s Travel Stops
Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga McGriff Tire Company, Inc.
Premier Truck Group of Knoxville Omnitracs, LLC
TAG Truck Centers, Memphis & Jackson People's Capital & Leasing Corp.
Velocity Truck Centers Pilot Company
Kile Truck Refrigeration/Carrier The Peterbilt Store - Knoxville
Navistar, Inc. (Tennessee International Dealers)
Cumberland International Trucks, Inc. BRONZE SPONSORS
Lee-Smith International, Chattanooga
Landmark International, Knoxville, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell &
Berkowitz, P.C.
Cookeville, Morristown
Summit Truck Group, Memphis, TN Bellenfant, PLLC
Tri-State International, Union City, TN, BMO Transportation Finance
Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs
Bowling Green, KY, Murray, KY, Oak Comdata Corporation
Grove, KY DriverReach
Volunteer International, Jackson EFS a Wex Company
PrePass Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc.
Volvo Trucks North America / Volvo Dealers of FirstBank
Tennessee Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP
General Truck Sales & Service, Memphis, TN King & Ballow
Nacarato Truck Centers, LaVergne, TN McNabb, Bragorgos, Burgess and Sorin, PLLC
Worldwide Equipment, Inc., Chattanooga, Meritor, Inc.
Crossville & Knoxville, TN Pinnacle Bank
Rush Truck Center, Nashville
GOLD SPONSORS S&E Productions
The Hyatt Company of TN, LLC.
Best One Tire & Service Transport Enterprise Leasing
Clarke Power Services Triad Freightliner of Tennessee, LLC
Great West Casualty Company Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.
INA Towing Network, LLC
Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
Kenworth Dealers in Tennessee

MHC Kenworth
Kenworth Truck Company
PACCAR Financial Corporation
PeopLease
Peterbilt Motors Company

Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 37

Tennessee Trucking Association’s

Road Team

Ford Driving Skills for Life Staff with (L-R in red jackets) Road Team Ambasssador Eddie LeSueur-Skyline Transportation, Road Team Captain Rick Bennett-
FedEx Freight and Road Team Ambassador Robert Moxley-Titan Transfer, end on R in black jacket.

L-R Road Team Ambassador Paula Harper-FedEx, Captain Rick Bennett- L-R Road Team Captains Matt Neary-McKee Foods Transportation, John
FedEx and seated Ambassador Robert Moxley-Titan Transfer assist with Tetreault-Averitt Express and Josh Johnson-Titan Transfer at Collegdale
Yellow Dot Sign Ups in McMinnville Police Department National Night Out
38 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

L-R Road Team Captain Josh Dopp-UPS, Road Team Ambassadors
Ken and Donna Wheeler-Old Dominion Freight Line, Eddie LeSueur-
Skyline Transportation and wife Sara.  In back, Dale Moore-First Fleet, all
set up for a Yellow Dot Sign Up in Monroe County

Road Team Ambassador Kevin Davis-Ozark Motor Lines, delivers
flood relief supplies to Waverly in TTA No Zone unit
L-R in black shirts Road Team Ambassador Eddie LeSueur-Skyline
Transportation and Michael Mosier-Old Dominion Freight Line at
Anderson County Law Enforcement Against Drugs Event

Road Team Ambassador Paula Harper-FedEx Freight assists seniors at Fairfield Glade Yellow Dot Sign Up
Q3 FALL 2021 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 39

A Closer Look...

The latest services, products and noteworthy news
from TTN's advertisers

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40 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

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NEWS NEWS NEWS

TTA’s 89th
CONVENTION

ELDs
HOURS OF SERVICE

A 12-Year 2019 Grand Champion Award, Trucking Economics
Old’s Dream Matt Holmes, Southern Champion Tray
& Major Brandon Douglas, THP FMCSA’S DRUG & ALCOHOL
Donna England
Tennessee Trucking Association CLEARINGHOUSE

AUTOMATED TRUCKS: TTA’s 1st Convention Expo
One Set of Rules Needed, Not 50
THE FUTURE IS NOW
Trucks: Buying vs Leasing Tennessee Trucking Association’s
New Young Professional Council is
TTA’s 2020 Road Team paving the way for future leadership.

READERS STRONG

TTA’s Tennessee Trucking News reaches more than 7,000 leaders in transportation
throughout Tennessee and beyond. And we continue to grow our readership. That makes

advertising in Tennessee Trucking News an excellent business decision.
If you want to reach this highly targeted and influential group of industry decision-makers and
ask them to consider purchasing your products or services, then you’ll want to place an ad in

every edition of Tennessee Trucking News.
Please contact our publisher, Jennifer Matthews, at [email protected]

or call (501) 690-9393 — if she doesn’t call you first!

Calendar of Events Tennessee Trucking News

JANUARY ADVERTISING
TBD Call on Nashville RESOURCE INDEX
TBD Call on Washington

Adams and Reese LLP 21

APRIL Middle TN Sporting Clay Shoot at the Nashville Gun Club American Transportation Research
5 Institute 19

13-14 TTA Technician Skills Competitions ATA Comp Fund 17

27-28 TTA Truck Driving Championships Clarke Power Services 16

MAY East TN Big Rigs for Little Kids Golf Tournament Drivers Legal Plan 25
5 Middle TN Big Rigs for Little Kids Golf Tournament INSIDE
11 Great West Casualty Company
FRONT COVER

SEPTEMBER Navistar International INSIDE BACK COVER
18-20 TTA 92nd Annual Convention at Sandestin Beach Hilton, Destin, FL
Joe Morten & Sons 35

McMahon Truck Group 35

New TTA Members MHC Kenworth 8

ALLIED Nacarato 24
CarrierIQ Management LLC
PrePass Safety Alliance 33
Commerce Bank
East Tennessee Clean Fuels Rush Truck Center BACK COVER
Mangum’s Towing & Road Service
Marsh & McLennan Agency Southern Tire Mart 3

T-Mobile For Business TA Truck Service 12
WABCO North America LLC
TAG Truck Center 6
TeamOne Logistics
Tennessee Trucking News 41
CARRIER
ATC Driveaway Velocity Truck Group 4
C&N Deliveries LLC
Frontier Transport Vertical Alliance Group 28
FusionSite Services
Optimara Distribution, Inc. This edition of Tennessee Trucking News was
made possible with the support of these corporate
R3 Logistics advertisers, all TTA members. They support the
Storey Trucking Company, Inc. trucking industry by enabling Tennessee Trucking
Association to provide this publication to its
members, prospective members, elected officials
and the business community at large. They deserve
your consideration and patronage when making
your corporate purchasing decisions. Thank you!

42 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2021

JCJiOimmRPPOPRiinAnTddEeeFrrLEET DIRECTOR

CORPORATE FLEET DIRECTOR

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