Arizona Trucking 2022 (2) ~ Arizona Truckers Leading Through the Pandemic

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ARIZONA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION 2022

MACRAE, STEWART,
ORTEGA & BRADLEY

Arizona Truckers Leading
Through the Pandemic

Member Spotlights: ATA Awards & Recognition
UPS, Western Highlights of
Transport Logistics ATA Events
Arizona’s Top 10 BUY FIRST!
Critical Issues ATA’s Allied Members

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THE VOICE OF ARIZONA'S TRUCKING INDUSTRY

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2022

COVER STORY

P 32 Arizona Truckers Leading Through the Pandemic

Tony Bradley of ATA, Bruce MacRae of UPS, Xavier Ortega of Minero Trucking; and Collin Stewart,
Stewart Transport weigh in on what the pandemic has looked like from their vantage point

BY ERIC J. FRANCIS

FEATURES 29 ATA Leadership 57 Infrastructure Investment
Conference Coverage Jobs Act Arizona
13 Exactly What We Were
Looking for: 2019, 2021 Infrastructure Spending

ATA Chairman Bruce DD 40 ATEF Scholarships 58 BUY FIRST!
MacRae, UPS
2019, 2020, 2021 Spotlight on ATA Allied Members
BY CARRIE SNIDER
43 ATA Awards DEPARTMENTS
17 Hancock Father & & Recognition
Son Team, Western 9 Chairman’s Message:
Transport Logistics 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
BY XAVIER ORTEGA, MINERO TRUCKING
BY STEVE BRAWNER 50 ATA Events Highlights
11 From the President:
20 ATA Member MileStones 2019, 2020, 2021
BY TONY BRADLEY, ATA
2019, 2020, 2021 55 ATRI FAST FACTS
56 Frequently Called Numbers
23 ATRI Top Ten Important details about Arizona’s
Critical Issues trucking industry 66 Advertiser Resource
Index
Arizona’s respondents had slightly
different priorites

IMAGES ON COVER OF BRUCE MACRAE, COLLIN STEWART, XAVIER ORTEGA AND TONY BRADLEY BY BLAKE M. WILSON.
2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 7



Arizona Trucking Association Chairman’s Message
2021-2023
The last few years have been challenging to say the
Board of Directors least. The COVID-19 global pandemic shook many
to the core. However, whenever challenges present
OFFICERS themselves, opportunities exist. The nation saw the
challenges that the pandemic injected into their
CHAIRMAN daily lives. Stay at home orders, lockdowns to flatten
XAVIER ORTEGA the curve, masks, sanitizer, run on toilet paper and
MINERO TRUCKING, LLC other essentials, and vaccines just to name a few.
But the bright spot through it all was the American
VICE-CHAIRMAN truck drivers who persevered; who pushed through
DOUG DWIGGINS, SHAMROCK FOODS CO despite all the challenges around them; who got up every morning, went to work to ensure that
their fellow citizens had food, medicine, and the essential supplies they needed to live their
TREASURER lives. It was a beautiful thing.
PARKER HANCOCK, WESTERN
For the first time in a long time, the people our industry selflessly serve day in and day out,
TRANSPORT LOGISTICS saw our drivers and our companies for the heroes they truly are. People understood that food,
medicine, and supplies did not magically hit the shelves, they appreciated the fact that trucks
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN are what moves America forward. It was a nice change of pace.
BRUCE MACRAE, UPS
The pandemic gave all of us the opportunity to look at our operations to see what was
STATE VIP ATA working, what wasn’t, and what we needed to fix to remain successful. It also allowed us to do
COLLIN STEWART, STEWART TRANSPORT, INC. the same with the Arizona Trucking Association. After taking over as chairman last October, I
have been working with our staff and board of directors to look at how we can better serve our
ALT-STATE VIP ATA membership. In doing so, we established the “Four Pillars of Priority.” These four pillars are our
MARK DOUGHTY, PREPASS SAFETY ALLIANCE priorities for 2022. They are membership recruitment and retention, ATA’s title and registration
services, lobbying on behalf of ATA’s membership, and the Arizona Trucking Association
BOARD MEMBERS Foundation.

MIKE BARR CHRIS LYNBERG We have also reinstituted our Young Professionals Program, which is off to a great start. I am
Cummins Inc. Transtar Insurance Brokers very impressed with the folks who are participating. It is all exciting stuff.

DAVID BERRY DAN MARDIAN I will close by thanking all of you for being a part of this association. I know I am preaching
SWIFT Transportation Co. Marco Crane & Rigging to the choir, but your membership matters. Your participation matters. Thank you for all you
do to support this great industry and thank you for being ATA members.
of AZ, LLC BRAD MCCLURE
Marathon Petroleum Sincerely,
DONALD BLAKE
Inland Kenworth, Inc. PJ MILLER XavierOrtega
Diamond Trucking Inc.
RICH BREN Xavier Ortega
TranSharpe Solutions, LLC TJ MORGAN Chairman of the Board ATA
Citizen Auto Stage Co./ President & CEO, Minero Trucking
CONNER CECIL
BJ Cecil Trucking, Inc. Citizen Express Lines

MIKE CLINKINGBEARD TIM NOEDING
W.W. Williams Co. LLC Velocity Truck Centers

GEORGE CRAVENS RICK OWENS
Utility Trailer Sales Co. of AZ United Petroleum

GARY DOYLE Transports
Baumann, Doyle, Paytas &
DOUG PRALL
Bernstein, PLLC HDS, Inc.

RON EDDLEMAN JOSH PROCTOR
McKee Foods Dircks Moving & Logistics

Transportation, LLC SHON RASMUSSEN
RWC Group
WILLIAM EWING
Hurley Transportation CHRIS RYAN
Rush Truck Centers
Companies
ED SEXTON
JEFF GENNARO Empire Transport
Capitol Insurance Brokers
MIKE SHANNON
STEVE HITCHCOCK Empire Truck & Trailer
Duncan and Son
Lines, Inc. RUSS THOMPSON
Tri-State
BILL HUDNALL
Walmart Supply Chain DAVE WILLIAMS
Knight Transportation, Inc.
SCOTT “HUTCH”
HUTCHINGS SEAN WILLIAMS
Southwest Truck Driver
Waste Management
Training, Inc.
MICHEAL JIMENEZ
J & L Transportation, Inc. LARRY WOOLSON
Roehl Transport, Inc.
ROBERT KNAPP
Vanguard Truck Center MICHAEL YADON
FedEx Corporation
MIKE KUNDE
Doudell Trucking Co. CHRIS ZWIERZYNSKI
Z Trucking, LLC

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 9

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF From the President & CEO
THE ARIZONA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
During the pandemic, the Arizona Trucking
Arizona Trucking is owned by the Arizona Trucking Association did not publish its annual magazine,
Association and is published by Matthews Publishing Group Arizona Trucking. With everything going on,
LLC. To request additional copies, order reprints of individual publishing the magazine just didn’t make it to the top
article or to become a subscriber to Arizona Trucking, please of the list of things that needed to get done. Like you,
we were busy and we were short staffed. But now that
contact Rhonda Merkel at rhonda@aztrucking.com we hopefully have the worst behind us, we wanted to
or call (602) 850-6001. To inquire about advertising or take this opportunity to highlight our members and
our industry with this make-up magazine.
to share story ideas, please contact the publisher at
jennifer@matthewspublishing.com or call (501) 690-9393. During the past few years, the Arizona Trucking
Association has been working hard to ensure that ATA member companies have what they
Publisher need to do their job. We’ve fought on behalf of our members at the federal, state, and local level.
Jennifer Matthews-Drake We cut red tape. We opened additional rest areas. We worked to ensure our drivers could get a
Matthews Publishing Group hot meal when the world shut down. We kept trucking companies open and on the road. We
jennifer@matthewspublishing.com kept MVDs open and so much more. We fulfilled our mission to the fullest as we fought on
behalf of the men and women of the trucking industry hoping that sooner rather than later, we
Executive Editor could return to normal.
Tony Bradley
There is no doubt that things are different. Life before the pandemic seems like a small speck
Managing Editor in the rearview mirror. We’ve changed Presidents. We have new leadership in Congress. And
Rhonda Merkel we have an election in Arizona in 2022 that will bring a new legislature and a new governor.

Creative Director While things are everchanging, know that the Arizona Trucking Association is here for you.
Fran Sherman We are here to help our members succeed. While some in the world may sit idle, we are moving
fran@shermanstudios.com forward in purposeful motion.

Graphic Designer As I conclude, I want to again thank our Immediate Past Board Chairman, Bruce DD
Barbara Negron MacRae (UPS) for his leadership during the past two years. He is an amazing individual, and
this association was lucky to have him at the reigns during the height of the pandemic.
Ad Production
Douglas Benjamin I also want to thank in our current Board Chairman, Xavier Ortega (Minero Trucking) for
his vision of where to take this association and his leadership. He brings so much new energy
Photographers Contributing Writers and focus to the job; we are certainly fortunate to have him serve as our chairman.
John Ballance Steve Brawner
Dan Calabrese As always, I want to thank all of you, the members of the Arizona Trucking Association
Clay Cook Andrew Dunn for your continued support. Serving you is our top priority and mission. I look forward to
Mark Davis Eric J. Francis continuing to work together and fighting on your behalf.
Chris Fain Kevin Jones
Al Ferreira Johnny Kampis Sincerely,
Daniel Gray Renee Miller
Lawrence Kuzniewski David Monteith Tony Bradley
John David Pittman Jack Roberts
David Sinclair John D. Schulz Tony Bradley
Blake M. Wilson Lacey C. Thacker President & CEO
Todd Traub Arizona Trucking Association

www.aztrucking.com 2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 11
Arizona Trucking Association Staff

President & CEO
Tony Bradley

tony@aztrucking.com

Director Of Administration
Rhonda Merkel

rhonda@aztrucking.com

Accounting Manager
Karen Schiefelbein

karen@aztrucking.com

Administrative Assistant
Jenive Olgine

jenive@aztrucking.com

VEHICLE REGISTRATION AGENTS
IRP Title & Registration Title & Registration
Victoria Adams Diana Munoz
Karina Nevarez
Perm Fleet Title Daisy Razo
& Registration
Arthur Contreras Justin Ulibarri

Arizona Trucking Association is an affiliate of the
American Trucking Associations. ATA is an Arizona
corporation of trucking companies, private carrier
fleets and businesses which serve or supply the
trucking industry. ATA 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, education services,
operational services and serves as a forum for industry meetings and
membership relations.



ATA Featured Member

Exactly What We Were Looking for
ATA Immediate Past Chairman Bruce MacRae provides just what
the association and the industry needed during challenging times

BY CARRIE SNIDER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Making a great team: Tony Bradley, ATA and Bruce MacRae, UPS

Bruce DD MacRae didn’t want to believe a trucks. MacRae received the first next-day air he was done with UPS and the shipping industry
UPS recruiter that he was “exactly what they were package that was delivered to Orange County, in general.
looking for.” At just 19 years old, he had his whole at the time Next Day Air was a completely new
life ahead of him, and it didn’t include a future in concept.. He was surprised how much he actually “I was so frustrated, I got out and threw my
the shipping industry. liked the work. Five years later, he became a full- keys in a field.”
time driver and Teamster Union Shop Steward.
Or so he thought. The year was 1983 and driving a UPS route was a Those were also the days before cell phones.
Forty-two years later, he admits that he truly fit lot different than it is today. After a bit of a break, he searched for his keys and
into everything UPS was looking for—and UPS continued his route. MacRae stuck with it, and
was everything he needed and more. There was not technology. Drivers used he’s grateful he did.
Back at age 19, MacRae wanted a job but carbon paper and they called in for routes at
wasn’t looking at UPS. A friend gave the specific times. CONTINUES 
company Bruce’s phone number, and they kept
calling. And calling. He agreed to come in and “This was before GPS. We had a map and a
the rest is history. flashlight,” he said. Some routes especially had
MacRae’s first position at UPS was an unloader their challenges.
at the Anaheim, Calif., package facility. He move
to a center splitter, which sorted packages to the One particular night, MacRae was driving in
preloaders who loaded the famous UPS Brown rural Southern California with no sidewalks and
no streetlights. Finding his way to the right drop
off spots seemed nearly impossible. He thought

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 13

He says one reason he really stayed with his experienced drivers on the roads of Arizona and UPS and FedEx helped problem-solve how
career: “The PEOPLE“ the world. And why wouldn’t they stay? MacRae to get vaccines out efficiently and effectively,
explained that UPS offers great pay, amazing including building freezer locations to keep
For a while he envisioned himself as a Long benefits and of course tuition reimbursement for vaccines viable. “People have come to count on us
Beach Police Officer, but he was engaged and those who want to continue their education. being at warp speed,” he said. They always look to
wanted to buy a house, and the loan officer told meet or exceed those expectations. “We have to
him to keep his UPS job. It definitely swayed him Feeling part of something as an employee is be better. The customer demands it. And we have
then. Then there was the matter of UPS changing important as well. From unloaders to drivers, to great competition.”
with the times, as well as shipping in general. The management, MacRae said they are on a first-
future was most definatly bright. name basis. “If you think of it as every box being a patient,
it makes shipping that much more vital. We carry
After 5 years of safe driving, he was promoted At the same time, the company is progressive items for heart patients, diabetes patients. We donate
into UPS management and became Preload in its overall strategy. UPS uses the latest to many foundtions across the world and UPS is the
Supervisor. The rest is history. MacRae has technology, like GPS and “paperwork” now done largest single contributor to the United Way. OUR
learned just about every aspect of the company, electronically. Route stops are so precise, rather people make the difference, MacRae stated.”
from operations to industrial engineering, than just knowing which day a customer is getting
security to controlling hazardous materials, to a package, they know nearly what time. Drones In 42 years, MacRae has definitely made a
customer, community relations and more. Today and autonomous vehicles are being tested around difference. In fact, he’s known as a living legacy
he is the Vice President of US Government Affairs the globe. around the company, as he’s one of the few who
for the Western Region of UPS. got to shake the hand of UPS founder James E.
Part of better technology includes better Casey, who died in 1983.
Obviously the job grew on him, and he says trucks, with a focus on sustainability. “The future
it’s for good reasons: the many UPSers that have is electric trucks,” he said. Right now trucks are MacRae has turned out to be everything that
helped him achieve where he is now. Bruce stated running 24 hours a day, and so far the time it UPS was looking for, and vice versa. In fact,
there are too many to count, we can do nothing by takes to charge an electric truck doesn’t make MacRae put it in ink—has two UPS tattoos, one of
ourselves, we at UPS are in this together. Integrity business feasible quite yet. But they anticipate the old logo and one of the new logo. Now that’s
in all we do, priority to the safety of our UPSers that electric vehicle technology will continue to dedication. AZT
and customers, a truly a family-like atmosphere, progress to where it can be a good option. “We
and UPS’s vision for a more sustainable future. have to care for the environment. We have to
be proactive.”
“WE believe in safety first. It’s built into us. This
is something we talk about every day, not just sign The pandemic didn’t slow down business at
a form once and you’re done.” Especially with the all, in fact many people absolutely depending
amount of drivers we employ, and the importance on deliveries straight to their door in an effort to
of what they’re delivering, MacRae appreciates avoid crowds at shopping centers.
that the company focuses on their people and
their safety. “The pandemic has changed the way we do
business,” he said. Different types of companies
Many of their drivers stay for years and years, are coming to Arizona as a result of COVID-19,
he added, we have drivers with 50 years of safe which means more shipping in the area to cater to
driving. Our drivers increases the level of safety as those business needs.

14 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

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ATA Featured Member

WTL An Innovative,
Family-Owned Company

BY STEVE BRAWNER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Father and son team: Parker Hancock and Doug Hancock, Western Transport Logistics

Western Transport Logistics got its start by he was working for another company contacted country visiting concrete producers and replacing
being different, and the family-owned company him with an opportunity for a three-year tanks as fast as possible while allowing them to
continues to find ways to innovate. contract to help it replace chemical tanks around still use the chemical. The initial project involved
the country. sending teams to 40 states.
The Phoenix-based company has developed a
flatbed chemical delivery system that President and He and the supplier had met when Doug Doug told Arizona Trucking Association that
CEO Doug Hancock said could “change the way was working for Cemex, a building materials the project helped WTL gain momentum. In
liquids can be delivered.” company for which Doug had handled contracts addition to long-haul and flatbed trucking, it
for chemicals used in mixing concrete. He not only also would offer a variety of industrial chemical
“Through much R&D, and great expense, our made good contacts working for that company but transport services through its Industrial Services
latest generation of this process and equipment has also absorbed Cemex’s entrepreneurial mindset. Division. Those services today include tank
brought the efficiency and productivity of liquid replacement; industrial coating; painting and
delivery way up,” he said in an email. “By reducing Unsure if the company could handle the refinishing; chemical pumping, cleanup, and
load times by approximately 75%, our trucks spend logistics, Doug waited until three minutes before a transportation; and worksite construction projects.
more time delivering and less time loading. This is midnight deadline to submit a proposal.
something we are very proud of and hope to deploy The company was started by Doug with help
more of our fleet in the coming months.” “Sure enough, to my horror, we got the bid,” he from Rob Serano, vice president of transportation.
told Arizona Trucking in 2019. Rob manages the company’s broker relations.
The company started with one truck in 2011 and
soon focused on heavy equipment before moving His bid was $200,000 less than the next highest “Much of our growth through the years has
into flatbed trucking. Still, it was struggling to grow. one, but it has earned the company millions of
dollars since then. CONTINUES 
That’s when a supplier Doug had known when
The contract called for WTL to travel the

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 17

come from his ability to run our trucks at a high “What really stuck out to me was the family-oriented part
level with an incredible commitment,” Doug said. of WTL. You’re going to meet everyone. You’re going to
shake everyone’s hand. Everyone’s going to know you for
His son, Parker, the company’s vice president who you are. That sticks out to me. It should stick out to
and general manager, required some convincing. everyone, to be valued not only as a professional driver but
When Parker declined Doug’s initial offers, Doug as a human being, as a man or a woman who is trying to
tried a different approach.
support their family.
“About two and a half years ago,” Parker
explained in that 2019 article, “instead of saying, —Quinton Murray, new WTL driver
‘Come work for me,’ he told me what was going on
at work and asked what I thought.” “Now working with him, he tells me, ‘You can working in the family business. Doug’s wife,
do more than you think you can. If you’re going to Adriana, is co-owner. Their daughter, Taylor,
When Doug told his son about an upcoming do something, the only way to do something is the is human resources director. Their son-in-law,
meeting with a client in Boston, Parker realized he best,’” Parker said. Buddha Handley, is transportation director. Other
wanted to go to that meeting with his dad. family members are involved in aspects of the
Parker is also a board member with the Arizona company such as permitting, the WTL Word
“But I didn’t say anything to him for a while,” Trucking Association, which Doug said is an newsletter and the company’s social media efforts.
he said in that article. “I told my wife about it. important responsibility that has been a key to the
We talked about it; we prayed about it. I had company’s success. Other key personnel include the company’s
an emergency appendectomy, and while in the vice president of operations, Mike Schroeder, with
hospital I brought it up with my dad. He was “Western Transport Logistics has been a great whom Doug worked at Cemex.
thrilled. I joke around that I was hyped up on member of the Arizona Trucking Association,” said
pain pills.” Tony Bradley, the Arizona Trucking Association’s “One of his responsibilities among others is
president and CEO. “They’re actively involved, managing the fleet and the maintenance,” Doug
Parker described working with a brand-new they’re actively engaged, and we love having them said. “He has been able to bring key people that
driver and getting on the ground to retrieve a as part of the ATA.” have made an incredible impact in many areas
number off the truck. The driver was surprised to of WTL.” 
see the boss’s son was doing the dirty work, but that Parker isn’t the only member of the family
is how Parker was raised. As a kid growing up in
Arizona, Doug had taught him to work hard and
do a good job even when it involved something as
simple as mowing the lawn.

18 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

Jake Pew, the company’s vice president of finance GRAPHICS FOR CABS
and administration, previously ran the company’s AND TRAILERS
Industrial Services Division. Doug said that’s a plus.
Competitive Pricing
“Having a background with WTL in the Nationwide Installation
operations has been a huge benefit and allows
him to oversee and understand much more of the Available
business than he would otherwise be able to do,” azprogroup.com
he said.
866.503.8345
The company has recently expanded its fleetpartner@azprogroup.com
certified hazardous warehouse operations in
Kent, Washington, and Shreveport, Louisiana. It GO AHEAD
is looking for additional opportunities to expand AND STARE!
its footprint.
We know we look good
Numerous drivers on its website tout the
company’s family atmosphere. In a company video We are excited to return to Arizona as your publisher!
available on YouTube, driver Quinton Murray And we’re thrilled to announce the redesign of ATA’s
praised WTL for welcoming him into its workforce. terri c magazine, Arizona Trucking!

“What really stuck out to me was the family- We now direct-mail this Arizona Trucking to more
oriented part of WTL,” he said. “You’re going to than 8,000 readers across Arizona and beyond.
meet everyone. You’re going to shake everyone’s We bring our team of professionals to provide you with high quality design, photography and
hand. Everyone’s going to know you for who you unique editorial content.
are. That sticks out to me. It should stick out to And the best news of all is this: We’ve lowered the rates!
everyone, to be valued not only as a professional Arizona Trucking is the ONLY publication in Arizona dedicated to leaders in transportation
driver but as a human being, as a man or a woman and it only comes around once a year.
who is trying to support their family. If you want deliver your company’s message into the hands of the most prominent leaders in
trucking, this is sure to provide you with the biggest bang for your buck!
“You’re going to recognize that coming through So, why wait? Advertise in Arizona Trucking TODAY!
orientation, and I recognized that right off the
bat meeting Doug and meeting Parker and their Spend your ad dollars wisely!
coming and talking to you and letting you know
how much they value you, letting you know that For more information on how to grow your market share,
you’re not alone in this.” please contact Jennifer Matthews-Drake at

Drivers are paid not by the mile but by a jennifer@matthewspublishing.com or (501) 690-9393.
percentage of the load. The company’s website touts
its $100,317.82 average 2021 salary for over-the-
road drivers. Its concierge program helps drivers
take care of their personal issues at home.

“[The] concierge program is really simple,”
said a driver, Dawn, in a company video posted
on YouTube. “You’re out on the road. Something
happens at home. You can’t get home to take care
of it. You call the person who’s in charge of the
concierge program at Western Transport, and
they’re on it.”

Dawn said the company is transparent with its
drivers. She said her driver manager will welcome
her into the office and show her how they find the
loads and assign them to drivers.

Like all Arizona trucking companies, Western
Trucking Logistics has had to overcome the
challenges of the covid-19 pandemic. Despite
the difficulties of the past two years, Doug is still
looking ahead.

“Covid was difficult and costly, but we survived,”
he said. “We could have been one of the companies
that could not make it through, but that is not in
our DNA. We did not grow much during those
difficult times, but we are still here and ready to
change that.” AZT

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 19

0(0%(56+Ζ3 0Ζ/(6721(6

Below are ATA members celebrating a “membership milestone” in 2019. Listed are the company names and their
join date. Please reach out and congratulate these members for their dedication to the transportation industry.

65-YEARS

Hurley Transportation Companies, 1/1/54

45-YEARS

UPS, 1/1/74

35-YEARS

Inland Kenworth, Inc., 1/1/84

NEW MEMBERS 10-YEARS

Wilson Elser LLP, 1/3/19 A-Plus Auto Shippers, 1/9/09
Trans Lease, Inc., 1/8/19 Love’s Travel Stops, 1/20/09
Waste Management, 1/22/19 Transtar Insurance Brokers, Inc., 3/9/09
Western Towing of Phoenix, Inc., 1/29/19 Trimble Transportation Enterprise, 4/22/09
ViaSun Corporation, 3/1/19 QuikTrip Distribution, 5/12/09
Love AZ Real Estate, 3/8/19 Senergy Petroleum, 5/12/09
Superior Cleaning Equipment, 4/9/19 Kimbrell Electric, Inc., 5/19/09
Fresh Produce Logistics, 4/12/19 Commercial Vehicle Training Association, 5/28/09
Pauley Construction LLC, 5/10/19 Northland Insurance, 9/9/09
Crest Insurance Group LLC, 9/24/09
LoadBlock, 5/17/19 Updike Distribution Logistics, 9/29/09
Luma Brighter Learning, 6/12/19 James F. Mahoney, PLC, 10/19/09
LeBaron & Carroll Insurance, 11/16/09
EROAD, 6/18/19
Bennett Oil - American Transport, 6/19/19 15-YEARS

Jackson Lewis P.C., 7/12/19 Rummel Construction, Inc., 1/2/04
Northland Trucking, Inc., 7/15/19 Michael Most Trucking Inc., 2/3/04
San Luis Int’l Freight Service, LLC, 3/3/04
US Bank, 8/21/19 Coastal Transport Co., Inc., 3/10/04
Lamb Depollution, Inc., 8/21/19 BMO Transportation Finance, 4/1/04
U.S. Marine Insurance Group, 8/21/19 ALC Transportation, LLC, 6/7/04
Van De Pol Lubricants, 8/21/19 Werner Enterprises, Inc., 6/21/04
RCS Transportation, LLC, 6/29/04
Haulynx, Inc., 9/6/19
Woudenberg Properties, 10/1/19 BLT Companies, 7/28/04
Dircks Moving & Logistics, 9/1/04
Cosic LLC, 10/4/19 Alan Harris Trucking, Inc., 9/7/04
Impact Employee Solutions, 10/28/19
Arrow Truck Sales, 12/21/04
ARCpoint Labs, 12/19/19
25-YEARS
5-YEARS
IAT Insurance Group – Wilshire Insurance Co., 6/27/94
Jackson Energy, 2/26/14
SmartDrive Systems, 3/26/14 30-YEARS
New West Oil Company LLC, 3/27/14
Integritas Insurance Group, 4/7/14 Rush Truck Centers, 2/8/89
J & L Transportation, Inc., 7/1/89
Orbcomm Inc., 4/25/14 Arizona Storage Rental, Inc., 9/25/89
Lee & Associates, 5/5/14 FNF Construction, Inc., 10/9/89
Otto Trucking DBA 4A Equipment, LLC, 6/23/14
Truckstop.com, 7/15/14 Finders Equipment, 11/1/89
Systems Services of America, 9/19/14 Great West Casualty Co., Inc., 11/17/89
WinCo Foods LLC, 10/22/14
Fairchild Freight LLC, 10/27/14

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20 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

0(0%(56+Ζ3 0Ζ/(6721(6

Below are ATA members celebrating a “membership milestone” in 2020. Listed are the company names and their
join date. Please reach out and congratulate these members for their dedication to the transportation industry.

45-YEARS

Velocity Truck Centers, 9/11/75

35-YEARS

UPS Freight, 8/2/85

NEW MEMBERS 15-YEARS

First Capital-AWIS, LLC, 1/6/20 Jack’s Tire & Oil, Inc., 1/10/05
Boxwheel Trailer Leasing, 1/28/20 Meritor, Inc., 1/24/05

WSP, Inc., 1/29/20 Quality Truck Co., 2/15/05
Rango Inc., 1/29/20 Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, 2/15/05
Fresh Freight Expeditied, LLC, 3/10/20 Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc., 3/1/05
PACC Enterprises Inc DBA Prime Time Transport & Logistics,
Ace Mobile Wash, 3/28/05
6/26/20 Mass Mutual Insurance Co., 3/28/05
AT&T Mobility Services LLC (FirstNet Solutions), 7/24/20
Acme Lift Co., LLC, 5/3/05
Great Western Leasing & Sales LLC, 7/27/20
Rush Truck Leasing, 8/5/20 20-YEARS
BBVA USA, 8/12/20
Bragg Crane Service, 9/18/20 Ewing Irrigation Products, Inc., 9/18/00
Thermo King West, Inc., 5/5/00
Agave Environmental Contracting Inc., 10/22/20 Sunland, Inc., 6/26/00
JoyRide Logistics LLC, 11/16/20
VSS International, Inc., 11/17/20 25-YEARS

5-YEARS Vanguard Truck Center, 1/1/95
PrePass Safety Alliance, 1/5/95
Beach Publishing Services, 1/20/15 Southwest Industrial Rigging, 5/15/95
Pacific Office Automation, 2/17/15 Freeport Transportation, Inc., 12/11/95

One Beacon, 5/28/15 30-YEARS
TransForce, Inc., 6/5/15
Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services, LLC, 9/21/15 Bashas’, Inc., 3/1/90
Midwestern Insurance Alliance, 10/23/15 Desert Trailer Systems, Inc., 5/15/90
May Trucking Company, 12/22/15 Arizona Public Service Co. (APS), 6/20/90

10-YEARS West Direct Oil, 7/27/90
Knight Transportation, Inc., 8/1/90
Dalton Trucking Inc., 2/11/10 Eaton - Roadranger Field Marketing, 9/1/90
Baker Commodities Inc., 2/12/10
Surface Trucking and Transport LLC, 3/3/10
Perfect Transportation LLC, 3/22/10
Houseboat Management Services Inc., 3/22/10 Albertsons

LLC, 4/8/10
Crane Harvesting & Trucking Inc., 5/3/10

Z Trucking LLC, 5/11/10
In-N-Out Burgers, Inc., 8/26/10
St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, 9/11/10
Good’s Insurance Agency, Inc. SW Division, 9/20/10
Southwest Truck Driver Training, Inc., 10/4/10
National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., 11/2/10
MP Environmental Services, Inc., 11/18/10
V & P Nurseries, Inc., 11/18/10

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2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 21

Below are ATA members celebrating a “membership milestone” in 2021. Listed are the company names and their
join date. Please reach out and congratulate these members for their dedication to the transportation industry.

Marathon Petroleum, 1/13/76
Superlite Block, 1/30/76

Baumann, Doyle, Paytas & Bernstein PLLC, 6/17/76
Yellow Corporation, 11/13/76

NEW MEMBERS B-4 Transport Co./JB Leasing, 3/3/11
Cypress Transportation, 6/3/11
Arizona Trailer Rentals LLC, 1/1/21 Roehl Transport, Inc., 6/20/11
Crawford and Company, 2/1/21
Pioneer Distributing Company, 10/5/11
Commercial Credit Group Inc., 2/9/21 NGL Transportation LLC, 10/12/11
Pilot Company, 2/16/21
Champion Auto Carriers, Inc., 12/5/11
First Advantage Inc, 3/2/21
Jolley Trucking, LLC, 3/3/21 M & P Transport Co., Inc., 4/1/06
Pepsi Beverages Company, 3/8/21 Cottingham & Butler, Inc., 5/30/06
Marsh & McLennan Agency, 3/11/21 Trimble Transportation Mobility, 6/26/06

AZPRO, 3/12/21 TCI Leasing, 6/26/06
DMC Insurance, Inc., 3/23/21 Arizona Milk Transport, Inc., 6/27/06
Oak Harbor Freight Lines, 3/26/21
PJ Food Service, Inc., 4/6/21 Gila Express, 7/5/06
Overhaul Group, Inc., 4/7/21 Allison Transmission, 7/13/06
Berger DOT & Safety Compliance, 4/13/21
Independent Carrier Safety Association, 4/27/21 Hendrickson, 7/28/06
AX Transportation/Ahern Rentals, Inc., 4/29/21 Bulk or Liquid Transport, LLC, 8/25/06
Alpha Transport, Inc., 5/12/21
Dedicated Delivery Professionals, 5/26/21 2
Penske Truck Leasing Co., 6/9/21
TranSharpe Solutions, LLC, 6/28/21 McKee Foods Transportation, LLC, 4/2/01
Kelly’s Reload, Inc., 5/8/01
BLA Trucking Inc, 7/20/21
Aon, 8/3/21 Hub Int’l Transportation Insurance Svcs, Inc., 6/13/01

Wallwork Financial, 8/20/21 2
New Legend Transportation, Inc., 10/7/21
CT Power & Iceberg Enterprises, 4/29/96
Auto Zone, 10/21/21
CarMax, 11/12/21 Marco Crane & Rigging, 1/29/91
Empire Transport, 2/4/91
National Enforcement Safety Training LLC, 11/18/21
Reseco Advisors, 12/2/21 Crane Rental Service, Inc., 2/13/91
Precision Heavy Haul, Inc., 2/14/91
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., 12/17/21
Sundt Construction, 2/19/91
ACT Towing LLC dba All City Towing, 2/2/16 Salt River Project, 3/15/91
Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance, LLC, 2/23/16 Food Express, Inc., 4/10/91

Valley Rain Construction Corp., 3/15/16 Redburn Tire Co., 3/4/86
HUB Construction Specialties, Inc., 3/30/16 Cactus Transport, Inc., 12/8/86

Western Transport Logistics, 5/19/16
Spectrac Suspension Center, 6/9/16
Pro Group Management, Inc., 7/26/16

Hickman’s Egg Ranch, 8/25/16
Windstar Trucking, LLC, 11/28/16

22 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

ATRI’s Top Ten Critical Issues
Arizona truckers agree that driver shortage
is industry’s top issue
BY STEVE BRAWNER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Distribution of Industry Issue Prioritization Scores *

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Total #1 Votes Total #2 Votes Total #3 Votes

*The bars reflect total points from first, second and third place rankings. Issues that generate more second and third place rankings
may appear to have a higher ranking than preceding issues.

Arizona motor carriers agreed with NATIONALLY, THE TOP 10 6. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
their national counterparts that the driver ISSUES WERE: Administration’s Compliance,
shortage and driver retention are the industry’s Safety, Accountability (CSA) program
two most critical issues, but in Arizona, 1. Driver shortage
the diesel technician shortage was seen as 2. Driver retention 7. Driver detention and delay
number three. 3. Driver compensation 8. Transportation infrastructure/
4. Lawsuit abuse reform
The rankings were part of the American 5. Truck parking congestion/funding
Transportation Research Institute’s 2021 9. Insurance cost/availability
«Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry” 10. Diesel technician shortage
survey, the results of which were released
in October.

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 23

at any one time can participate in a still-being- appearance nationally at number 10 as this
developed pilot program. Second on the list was year’s only newcomer. ATRI’s report cites U.S.
developing new outreach initiatives targeting Bureau of Labor Statistics data predicting more
high school students and young adults. It was than 28,000 job openings for diesel technicians
selected by 40.5 percent. The third choice was and mechanics each of the next 10 years.
advocating for making it easier for fleets to The top strategy among national and Arizona
recruit drivers from other countries through respondents was encouraging collaboration
the EB-3 permanent work authorization permit. between motor carriers and community
Arizona respondents ranked developing new colleges and technical schools to promote the
outreach initiatives for young people as their training and placement of technicians. Second
top strategy, followed by the DRIVE Safe Act in Arizona, and third nationally, was working
pilot program. with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veteran’s
A closely related issue, driver retention, rose Employment and Training Service to encourage
four places from 2020 to become the second veterans to train to be technicians. Third among
This was the 17th year ATRI conducted the most selected critical issue nationally. Seven Arizona respondents and second nationally
survey. The Institute asks respondents to rank percent ranked it first, and 21.7 percent ranked was researching to quantify the shortage’s scope
their top three choices out of 30 critical issues it in the top three. The American Trucking and cause and developing best practices for
and also to rank three strategies for addressing Associations estimates that driver turnover recruitment and retention.
those issues. More than 2,500 industry was 92 percent at the end of 2020. Arizona Rebecca Brewster, ATRI’s president and
stakeholders responded, with 52.4 percent respondents also ranked it second. chief operating officer, said the prevalence of
being motor carrier personnel, 24.1 percent More than half the respondents nationally workforce issues among trucking’s top 10 is
of them commercial drivers, and 23.5 percent (5C3.o8mpemrceerncti)aslaDidrtihveertovpesrtsrautsegMy oshtoourlCd abrerier IsrseulaeteRdatonkcoinngcesrns facing the entire economy.
of them having other types of jobs, including reTsehaercThoinpgIannddusptrriyorIistiszuinegs rreetpenotritodnesttarailtsegthiees result“sI othf itnhkeitorveearlalylluinndduersstcroyrseus rwvheayt owfe’re
suppliers, driver trainers, and law enforcement. bainsedduosntrydrsitvaekrefeheodldbeacrks ainncdluddrinvegretemnpulroeyee drivseeresinagnadcroowssn–ern-otpjeursatttohres,sumpoptloyrchcaairnri,eqruite
daetxae. Tchuetivreesst,baenlidevoedthtehrettroupcksitnragteingdyuinsvtroylvsetdakehforaldnekrlsy.–aHcorowses vtheer,eenaticrehUo.fSt.hweosrktafokreche,o”lder
The state rankings do not include epbveegtAoaotrrfwTclpoueiResiuancestIptsniu)nssiesagumasnsrtfudvpehwretaeqvyiyclueiltmtaysedtnceaphihftdmafeinefcmyhpotriallo.naeovfgc,gAedryatosrhdaissevaniseferfdrrpeetehldarbaseerertuianinsvoltteeetneflroiesgtahfvsrnioet(pha3ulse0lpys.os3sef.isivnTiasvoroipealvrgstdcohheecveteemotmixidsuneapengtineoddtter.fdinti“eonoooInr,t.”uj’scautgheanxhestdwap,doppetihrofoefkepserfsleorsepirnehtcegoleoecwdptccihovteicaeortloshsnlepmeonaejmngnoce,btdeihsrvrriecowgaiswhanetlkinntnihenoteeghwdsee
driver responses. sadtirsifvaecrtsioannadndmroettoenr tcioanrri(e1r3s.7rapnerkcethnet).issues (TableTh2e).ATA’s Bradley said that workforce
Arizona respondents ranked the strategies in in general has been a big issue in Arizona,
Having sixty-eight responses is well above thTehseamraenokridnegrs. of industry issues by truck driverasndanthdamt oonteorstcraatrergieyrfeorxerecduuticviensg tahreedriver
the national average. Tony Bradley, ATA ndraibinnitTveivdhoetauwnrersacteitalhoerlybimyrnldwypisteahhisnnsieugsfaselhaunet.eeoisottntwhn-cre,oearwndgwhkrboioicnyruhkgptfrhcosarerniccitkreiace-dnardaelpslyiaser-tsocteuoovde-niddodeaniyend,eexeppeessarriuhveiaronnvirslcetaiaeygbgshlbee.tu.iitsTAnwhmtodaaatisvtkihtseiineseruggdceemofpnonoorcsrlefleeierqodtsrutfufaeiocfmntpkhciopneonaivosgreknodrisanfrligalvnienr the
president and CEO, said the association several 20F2o0r. Itthwe afsirsntottiminetheevteorp, t1h0eornaAnkriinzognoa’fsilsisstu. es rerseuspltoenddienntas tnieatfioonr athlley. tIot pwacsonnocteirnnsthreatnokpe1d0
years ago began highlighting the importance of bIynsctoeamdm, Aerriczioanl adnrsivrearnsk.edDtrhiveedriCesoeml pensation aamnodnTgrmucoktoPracrakrirniegrgaenndeortahteerdrethspeosnadmenets. It
responding to the survey. telcehvneilcioafncsohnocretargnebthyirddr,ivwehrircehsmpoandde eitnstfsir.stDetendtiidonno/ tDpelalacey ianttCheustotopm10eramFaocniglitAiersiz–onans,
another challenge experienced daily by commercial drivers – ranked second.
Nationally, the driver shortage ranked
number one overall for the fifth year in a row, TaCbolem2m: CeormcimaleDrcriiavleDrraivnedr aMnodtMorotCoar rCraierrrieIsrsIusseuses
with 47.4 percent of respondents, including
the vast majority of motor carrier personnel, Rank Commercial Drivers Motor Carriers
ranking it in the top three and 30.1 percent
ranking it first. The driver shortage merited 1 Driver Truck Parking Driver Shortage
twice as many top three responses as second Compensation (tie)
place driver retention and had four times as 2 Driver Retention
many first-place selections. 3 (tie) Lawsuit Abuse Reform
4
The responses came before the American Detention / Delay CSA
Trucking Associations’ chief economist, Bob at Customer Facilities
Costello, raised the estimated current shortage
from 60,000 to 80,000, with that number Fuel Prices
projected to increase possibly to more than
160,000 by 2030. The ATRI report notes Driver Training Standards
that several pressures are contributing to the
shortage, including increasing freight demand, 5 Hours-of-Service Rules Driver Compensation
an aging driver workforce, COVID concerns 6 ELD Mandate Insurance Cost/Availability
and challenges, and drivers not attempting to
return to the road after a positive drug test. 7 Driver Distraction Diesel Technician Shortage

The most popular strategy among 8 Transportation Infrastructure / Transportation Infrastructure /
respondents – selected by 45 percent – was Congestion / Funding Congestion / Funding
advocating for the expedited launch of the
DRIVE Safe Act pilot program, which will 9 Speed Limiters Driver Distraction
expand interstate commercial driving eligibility
to drivers ages 18-20. Under the $1.2 trillion 10 CSA Detention / Delay at
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed Customer Facilities
last year, up to 3,000 young apprentice drivers

24 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

American Transportation Research Institute

Even within the truck driver population, there is a divergence of priority issues between
company drivers and owner-operators.

but ATRI does not include driver respondents TCaoblme p3:aCnoymDpraivneyrDarnivdeOr awnndeOrw-Onepre-Orapteorrat/oIrn/dInedpeepnednednetnCt Coonnttrraaccttoorr IIssssuueess
in its state-by-state breakdown. Truck parking
is a workforce issue because it affects drivers’ Rank Company Drivers Owner-Operators /
lifestyle and work environment, so the ATA has Independent Contractors
been highlighting the need for more parking,
Bradley said. A bill being considered by the 1 Driver Compensation Fuel Prices
Legislature would allocate $90 million for truck
parking over the next 25 years in the Maricopa 2 Truck Parking Truck Parking
County region.
3 Driver Training Standards Driver Compensation
Lawsuit abuse reform rose three spots
from last year’s list to reach number four American Transportation Research Institute 25
nationally. Labeled as “tort reform” in prior Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2021
surveys, the issue’s rise reflects an increase in
large “nuclear verdicts.”

Closely related to lawsuit abuse reform was
insurance cost/availability, which was ninth.
That issue ranked in the top 10 in ATRI’s first
survey in 2005 and did not appear again until
last year, when it was number five. It fell four
spots this year. ATRI’s annual Operational
Costs of Trucking report found premium
costs dropped 19 percent in 2020 – mostly the
result of carriers increasing their deductibles
and employing other ways of increasing their
own risk.

Arizona respondents ranked insurance cost/
availability 10th and did not have lawsuit abuse
reform in their top 10.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration’s Compliance, Safety,
Accountability (CSA) program was number
six this year after being ranked fourth last year.
Arizona respondents ranked it eighth.

Brewster said she was surprised the issue
remains in the top 10. It was number one in
2012 and has never since placed lower than
eighth. She said problems with CSA include
erroneous data in a carrier’s CSA score, a crash
that wasn’t the carrier’s fault being counted
against it, and other issues.

“It really is reflective of the industry’s sort
of love-hate relationship with how their safety
performance is evaluated. … It continues to show
up in the top 10 list, and it jumps around based
on how things are going that year,” she said.

The number eight response nationally was
transportation infrastructure/congestion/
funding, which was not in the top 10 last year.

After maintaining positions on the list
from 2013 until 2019, it fell off in 2020 because
the COVID-19 pandemic took so many cars
off the road. But as restrictions eased, the
congestion returned.

“We knew why it dropped off the top 10 list
last year because there was no real congestion,
at least for a good part of the year while all the
four-wheelers stayed at home, but it’s back with
a vengeance,” Brewster said.

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 25

Arizona respondents did not rank be related to Arizona’s proximity to neighboring seventh. Diesel prices fell as demand fell during
transportation infrastructure in the top 10. California, a source or destination of much of the first part of the pandemic but now are much
Bradley said much of Arizona’s infrastructure the state’s freight. For example, Arizona did higher. The economy was number 13 nationally
was built after World War II, so it’s relatively not have a long COVID-19 lockdown, but and number four in Arizona.
new. Moreover, the transportation network in California did. The California Air Resources
Phoenix, now the nation’s fifth largest city, was Board’s (CARB) strict emissions standards Brewster believes driver distraction
well planned, he said. Despite that city’s size, also affect Arizona carriers, which could have eventually will rise into the top 10 because both
Arizona is home to only one of the top 100 contributed to emissions ranking sixth in truck drivers and motor carrier personnel see
freight bottlenecks listed in ATRI’s recently Arizona but not in the top 10 nationally. the results when passenger car drivers aren’t
released 2022 Top Truck Bottleneck List. paying attention to the road.
That was the I-17 at I-10 junction in Phoenix, “Obviously, anything that California
which was number 78. In contrast, Atlanta, the does, we’re going to feel it just because of “It continues to hover at that number 11, but
nation’s 36th largest city, had eight bottlenecks, our proximity,” Bradley said. “When CARB I suspect in the next few years if we don’t do
with a ninth nearby. institutes a new standard, there’s not much something about it as a nation, we’re going to
we can do over here. You’re going to bow to see it jump up into the top 10,” she said.
Arizonans ranked five critical issues in the California or not do business there.”
top 10 that did not appear on the national Leaving the top 10 list this year was the
list: the economy at number four, COVID-19 The ATRI report also lists three “emerging hours-of-service issue, which was number one
at number five, emissions at number six, fuel issues” that ranked just out of the top 10. Driver from 2013 until 2015 and was number two as
prices / fuel quality at number seven, and distraction was number 11 for the third year in recently as 2019 before dropping to number 10
hours-of-service at number nine. a row. Number 12 was fuel prices/fuel quality, in 2020. It was still number nine in Arizona.
which appeared in the top 10 from 2005, when it Long-awaited FMCSA reforms considered
Bradley said some of those responses could was number one, until 2013. Arizonans ranked it fairer to the trucking industry went into effect
the previous year. AZT

Table 4: Top Industry Issue Rankings, 2012 – 2021

1 2 3 4 Issue Rank 7 8 9 10
Driver Lawsuit Abuse 56 Detention /
Driver Driver Compensation Infrastructure Insurance Cost Diesel
2021 Shortage Retention Reform Truck CSA Delay / Congestion / Availability Technician
2020 Truck Parking (previously Parking Shortage
2019 Driver Driver Tort Reform) Tort Reform / Funding
2018 Shortage Compensation Driver
2017 Compensation CSA Insurance Driver ELD Mandate Economy Detention / Hours-of-
2016 Driver Hours-of- Cost / Retention Delay Service
2015 Shortage Service Driver Retention Detention / Driver
2014 Delay at Availability Distraction
2013 Driver Hours-of- Customer Cumulative
2012 Shortage Service Facilities Truck Driver Impacts of CSA Infrastructure / Economy
Parking Retention Regulation Congestion /
Driver ELD Mandate Infrastructure Economy
Shortage Truck CSA / Congestion Funding
Parking Driver
/ Funding Driver Health/ Health /
ELD Mandate Hours-of- Truck Driver CSA Wellness Wellness
Service Parking Retention Driver
Distraction Infrastructure /
Congestion /

Funding

ELD Hours-of- Cumulative Truck Economy CSA Driver Driver Infrastructure / Driver
Mandate Service Impacts of Parking Shortage Retention Congestion / Distraction
Regulations
Hours-of- CSA Driver Truck ELD Driver Health / Economy Funding Driver
Service Driver Shortage Retention Parking Distraction
Mandate Wellness Infrastructure /
Congestion /

Funding

Hours-of- Driver CSA Driver ELD Truck Infrastructure / Driver Health Economy Driver
Service Shortage Retention Mandate Parking Congestion / / Wellness Distraction

Funding

Hours-of- CSA Driver Shortage Economy ELD Truck Driver Fuel Supply / Infrastructure / Driver
Service Mandate Parking Retention Fuel Prices Congestion / Health/
Wellness
Fuel ELD Driver Funding
Supply / Mandate Retention
CSA Hours-of- Economy Driver Truck Driver Health / Congestion /
Service Shortage Fuel Parking Wellness Truck
Prices
Bottlenecks

Note: Bold indicates first year in top ten.

American Transportation Research Institute 26
Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2021

26 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

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Celebrating 60 Years in 2023!

ATA 2019 & 2021 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

2021 Incoming Chairman Xavier Ortega presents
outgoing Chairman Bruce MacRae a token
of appreciation

2021 Speaker Kristin Reif “Combatting Illegal Trade” 2021 Speaker Kristin Reif “Combatting Illegal Trade”

2021 19th Hole Winners - Mike Barr, Cummins, Inc., SteveBoatright , Cummins, Inc., Joe Cook, 2021 Speaker Lee Pheters - Professor of
U-Haul International, Mark Kennedy, Swift Transportation Economics, ASU

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 29

2019 Tony Bradley presents 2019 Call on Washington Group – George Cravens (Utility Trailer Sales Co. of 2019 Bob Costello, chief
Call on Washington plaque Arizona), Nick Patterson (Stewart Transport, Inc.), Xavier Ortega (Minero Trucking, economist, American Trucking
LLC), Parker Hancock (Western Transport Logistics), Dave Williams (Knight-Swift), Associations and big Nationals fan
Larry Woolson (Roehl Transport, Inc.), Harold Merkel and Tony Bradley (ATA)

2019 Golf Team: Micheal Jimenez (J & L
Transportation, Inc.), Mike Barr (Cummins Inc.),
Don Nash (Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers), Chris
Young (Cummins Inc.)

2019 “Wanted!” poster presenter with Bruce MacRae (UPS)

2021 Golf Closest-to-the-Pin Winners Bob Costello (American Trucking 2021 1st Place Golf Winners Tommy Lyons (Inland Kenworth) Mark
Associations), Harold Merkel (Director Emeritus), Ross Bradder (EROAD), Tyler Lyons, (Inland Kenworth), Brandon Drake (Mountain West Insurance)
Roberts (SP Transport) and Bill Fortner (Financial Services)

2021 Panel Discussion: Tony Bradley (ATA); Dave Jackson (Knight-Swift); Collin Stewart (Stewart Transport)
30 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

Thank you 2021 Annual Meeting
& Carrier Conference Sponsors

KEY SPONSORS ($10,000)
CRYSTAL SPONSORS ($7,500)

DIAMOND SPONSORS ($5,000)

TITLE GOLF SPONSOR

PLATINISNURUANMCE SBRPOKOERNS, SINOC. RS ($3,500) SILVER SPONSORS ($1500)
• Continental Tire • Desert Trailer Systems, Inc.
• Stewart Transport, Inc.
• Empire Truck & Trailer • Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

• FedEx Corporation BRONZE SPONSORS ($1,000)
• EROAD
• HDS Inc. • Hub Int’l Transportation Insurance Svcs, Inc.
• Omnitracs
• Transtar Insurance Brokers, Inc. • Wallwork Financial

GOLD SPONSORS ($2,500) GENERAL SPONSORS ($500)
• Allison Transmission • Barnett’s Towing, LLC
• Barney Trucking Inc. • BMO Transportation Finance
• DISA Global Solutions • Hurley Transportation Companies
• Duncan & Son Lines, Inc. • Precision Heavy Haul, Inc.
• Empire Transport
• Great American Insurance Group
• J & L Transportation, Inc.
• Meritor, Inc.
• Pressure Systems International
• TEC Equipment / Wabash
• Thermo King West, Inc
• U-Haul International
• Utility Trailer Sales Company of Arizona
• W.W. Williams Co. LLC.
• Walmart Supply Chain
• Western Transport Logistics

Arizona Truckers Leading
Through the Pandemic

ATA’s Tony Bradley, UPS’ Bruce MacRae, Minero
Trucking’s Xavier Ortega and Stewart Trucking’s Collin
Stewart share stories from navigating the pandemic.

BY ERIC J. FRANCIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE M. WILSON

32 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

“We were able to jump right in and help out. Making sure
when the business closures happened, the government

knew restaurants needed the ability to serve food outside.
We were able to open up rest areas in Arizona that were
previously closed because we had to make sure those
truckers were able to rest. We took food to the rest areas

for truckers as they came through. We made sure our office
at the ATA remained open so we could continue to register
trucks and renew trucks, so they could stay on the road.”

—Tony Bradley, president & CEO, Arizona Trucking Association

Over the past two years, our industry has almost 30,000 deaths attributed to the disease. paper put extreme stress on the supply chain.
been the key to delivering COVID-19 vaccines Three-quarters of the population has received As ATA President and CEO Tony Bradley sees
and tests, personal protective equipment, hand at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination it, the industry came through.
sanitizer, food, water and other essentials and two-thirds are now fully vaccinated,
needed to keep the people of Arizona — and according to a report in Arizona’s Economy, a “From the association’s standpoint, the
beyond — safe. publication of the University of Arizona Eller pandemic was very concerning but also a
College of Management. great opportunity,” said Bradley. “From the
To say it’s been a tough couple of years in very beginning we were able to reach out to
the Grand Canyon State would be, well, an From the earliest days of the pandemic our contacts within the government to ensure
understatement. in 2020, members of the Arizona Trucking truckers had the resources they needed to
Association and other trucking and keep delivering food, supplies, medicine — all
As of April 11 of this year, more than transportation professionals found themselves the things that society at the time was really
2 million cases of COVID-19 have been pushing even harder than usual, as nationwide concerned about, as grocery store shelves
diagnosed in Arizona — and more than 1.2 shortages of everything from food to toilet were emptied.”
million of those in Maricopa County — with

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 33

The response from the state’s trucking Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona. Much, if different groups with PPEs, with facemasks and
companies, drivers and support staff was not most, of the donation runs to it were handled hand sanitizer and water,” said MacRae. “Then I
outstanding, said Bradley. He expressed his pride by United Parcel Service. got a call from a Rep. Charlene Hernandez there
not only for the work done by ATA members, but in Arizona who told me there was an issue on the
by its own staff. A lot happened behind the scenes “It got hit extremely hard,” he said. “There are a Navajo Nation. It was an epicenter, it was the hot
to ensure the flow of deliveries wasn’t interrupted, lot of people there who don’t have running water zone for the tri-state area. And I asked, ‘What do
he said. and live in very communal settings — they may they need?’”
have three or four generations living in the same
“We were able to jump right in and help out,” house. Without clean water, how do you wash That’s how UPS began taking not just package
said Bradley. “Making sure when the business your hands and do all the preventative stuff the trucks but tractor-trailers full of supplies into
closures happened, the government knew CDC was requesting?” the nation.
restaurants needed the ability to serve food
outside. We were able to open up rest areas in UPS not only delivered supplies like water, “Why did we do it? Because it was the right
Arizona that were previously closed because we hand sanitizer and masks to the reservations, but thing to do,” he said. “It was kind of surreal
had to make sure those truckers were able to rest. donated much of them, as well. And once the because they’re a federal entity and the state
We took food to the rest areas for truckers as COVID vaccines were available, the company can’t do anything, but working with a number of
they came through. We made sure our office at delivered them to the Navajo Nation and legislators on the Navajo Nation we just broke the
the ATA remained open so we could continue to elsewhere in the state and nation. barriers and made it happen.”
register trucks and renew trucks, so they could
stay on the road.” “It was the greatest logistical challenge since Word came down, as well, that farm workers in
World War II, I’ve heard it described,” said Yuma needed PPEs to help keep the food supply
It’s all evidence to Bradley of how the trucking Bradley. “They [UPS] were able to rise to chain moving, so UPS delivered them. Then
industry stepped up into a leadership role to help that challenge.” there were the food banks in Tucson and Phoenix
pull America through the pandemic. that needed gloves, so UPS donated from their
Bruce D.D. MacRae, the vice president for own supply. And once Operation Warp Speed
DELIVERING TO THE NAVAJO NATION U.S. governmental affairs at UPS, was chairman produced COVID vaccines, UPS and FedEx
AND BEYOND of the ATA board from 2019 to 2021 and helped delivered them, too.
oversee the company’s relief efforts to Arizona
During the height of the pandemic, Bradley and beyond. On the one hand, this was sort of business as
said, one of the areas most in need of help was the
“Through our relationships around the United
States and the world, we started supplying

Making a great team: MacRae, Stewart, Ortega and Bradley

34 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

Truckers Keep TYhoaunk

This Country

Moving Forward

This has been one of the toughest years
in modern history. Despite all that,
truckers have not rested during our time
in need. We want to give a hardy
Thank You, to all those drivers
working hard to make it a
little easier on all of us.

SALES, SERVICE, & PARTS

PHOENIX 602-258-7791 • TUCSON 520-888-0028

www.Inland-Group.com

Xavier Ortega, president & CEO, Minero Trucking, ATA chairman

usual for companies like UPS and FedEx, but the “The trucking community is a small community; when you
scope of the pandemic and its human cost made it get involved, you form relationships with everybody/ That’s
a moral imperative, as well — an edict that came what makes the Arizona Trucking Association so unique. We
right from the company’s top: “We’re doing this can kind of throw our dirty laundry out there and try to help
because it’s about human lives.” each other out. At any point, I can pick up the phone and call

“This is just what we do,” said MacRae. “We one of our members.”
take a lot of pride in it and very few people write
stories about it, because it’s the right thing to —Xavier Ortega, president & CEO,
do. It’s the little things that go unwatched, like Minero Trucking and current ATA chairman
opening up our stores and ensuring our people
and people from FedEx and the Post Office could You shut down a company like UPS that’s making “You had to be able to work with Democrats
go in and get a cold bottle of water during the the deliveries, and people die.” and Republicans, the Teamsters, in a common
pandemic, and some of the mom and pop places cause for the protection of the people and the
that opened their doors so drivers would just As for his role with the ATA board, MacRae protection of the communities,” said MacRae.
come in and get a little cool air.” said he knew what his expectations were when he “And Tony being there, he’s the type of boss you
was sworn in and they were all pretty familiar. can call at 10 o’clock at night or 4 o’clock in the
Naturally, as with any other company, there morning and he’s going to answer his phone.
were incredible challenges faced by UPS during “It was taxation of fuel, vehicles, registration,” he
the pandemic. But when it came to those in the said. “My job, much like every association I belong “It was a tough couple of years,” he said. “Did
trucking business, MacRae said, the fact was you to, is making people aware, educating people.” we change the world? Well, if we saved one life, we
couldn’t just stop what you were doing without did good.”
massive repercussions. But when the reality and the scale of the
pandemic became clear, priorities had to change.
“We had issues, concerns,” he acknowledged. Focusing on the immediate needs of the crisis
“We were concerned for our people. When you took center stage, and that meant making sure
had an outbreak back then, you had to bring a everyone was working toward that goal.
cleaning unit in before you could go back to your
building. But guess what? I’m delivering PPEs, I’m
delivering the medication for people who need it.

36 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

“We’ve got all these carriers,
we do all these unique things.

What the Arizona Trucking
Association does is it brings us

all together.”

—Bruce MacRae, UPS

MacRae, Stewart, Ortega and Bradley

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 37

FROM THE MINES TO THE carrier in our geographical space that was in the in the community” made the partnership an easy
grocery business to see how we could help,” he said. decision — and one that came naturally within the
GROCERY STORES “We ended up partnering with them to transfer ecosystem of the ATA.
“Minero is a great example of truckers doing some assets and drivers.”
“The trucking community is a small community;
amazing things,” said Bradley. “Minero Trucking That company was Stewart Transport, with when you get involved, you form relationships with
services the mining industry. But I can tell you that whom Minero had an existing partnership, and everybody,” said Ortega. “That’s what makes the
very early on during the pandemic, I saw a Minero that’s how ATA’s Bradley wound up seeing that Arizona Trucking Association so unique. We can
truck hauling a Safeway reefer.” Safeway reefer behind one of Ortega’s power units. kind of throw our dirty laundry out there and try to
help each other out. At any point, I can pick up the
That served to emphasize the fact that truckers “Our trailers cannot do anything in that space,” phone and call one of our members.”
were doing what the American people needed, Ortega noted. “Obviously, I’m not delivering
such as getting critical inventory to grocery stores, groceries, I’m delivering hazardous materials that THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL WORK
he said. don’t end up on people’s tables. But we assigned Stewart likes to tell the story of how the idea of
some drivers who wanted to help out.”
The pandemic represented a major shift in focus sharing trucks between his company and Minero
for Minero Trucking, acknowledged President and That meant cutting into what he could do for was first broached by, unsurprisingly, a driver.
CEO Xavier Ortega, who is also the current ATA his existing customers, but Minero only found
board chairman. Before COVID-19 upended the support there. “We had a Minero driver who was in the grocery
economy and the nation, Minero was focused on store, probably buying food for his family, and he
hauling liquid and dry-bulk hazmat cargos for the “We reached out to our customers to say we were noticed a couple of ladies walk up to a shelf in the
mining industry, as well as cement. scaling back and they were 100 percent comfortable bread aisle,” said Stewart. “There was only one loaf
with the idea,” said Ortega. “That was our kind of of bread left and the ladies had to negotiate which
“It was just like any other trucking company — give-back period of time.” one was going to get it.
taking care of your customers, dealing with little
fires that pop up here and there,” Ortega said. Minero sent 10 power units and drivers over “The driver saw that and he came to our office
to Stewart Transport, whose President and CEO and said, ‘I drive for Minero but can I go help out
And because of the way the mining industry Collin Stewart had helped guide him through the with Stewart? Do you guys need help in that fleet?’”
is structured, when the pandemic first hit there chairmanships at the ATA. Those trucks hauled two he said. “We were like, ‘Heck, yeah!’ And that driver
initially wasn’t a lot of change in Minero’s business. or three loads of groceries a day, seven days a week, switched and went to help drive in the grocery
But Ortega realized there would be other sectors through the height of the early pandemic. The fact division, and he did that for probably a month.”
that would be affected much more quickly. that he views Colling Stewart as “a great steward

“We made an effort to reach out to another

38 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

Stewart already had 100 power units running up drivers on those accounts to deliver to grocery government understood the impacts of keeping
seven days a week, with a core business of running stores. But Stewart also recognized that, even rest areas open so drivers could take breaks and
refrigerated trailers to grocery store chains within though he had drivers volunteering to work six find bathrooms.”
about 450 miles of their terminal in Phoenix. and seven days a week to meet the demand, it was
When the big rush on groceries started early in the exceptionally hard on the folks behind the wheel. SETTING THE EXAMPLE FOR
pandemic, the company quickly felt the strain on FUTURE LEADERS
the supply chain. “They couldn’t take a vacation, nobody was
interested in PTO because you couldn’t do For all that the pandemic disrupted in the
“So, the pandemic was very interesting for us,” anything,” he said. “Everybody put in extra time. expected day-to-day work of the ATA for most of
Stewart said with a laugh. “We saw some lows with They saw the demand, saw the need, saw the two years, Bruce MacRae believes the association
our customers, and some astronomically, crazy high empty grocery store shelves. It was no secret in our will reap benefits from what it accomplished during
volumes of freight that we were called upon to haul, building that we were asking for their help.” that time. In fact, he said it demonstrated not
to keep up with demand.” only to the current members but to the incoming
And his partnership with Minero meant more of generation how important its role was.
As it happened, Stewart Transport had been that demand could be met.
updating its technology over the previous year and, “We’ve got all these carriers, we do all
just before the pandemic hit, had finished moving “We were in close contact, we were able to divert these unique things,” he said. “What the
everything into the cloud. That happenstance some of his fleet to our grocery division,” said Arizona Trucking Association does is it brings
proved propitious since it made it possible for most Stewart. “Our customers were saying, ‘Just give us a us all together.”
of their support staff to work from home when the truck, we don’t care what the name on the door is!’”
lockdown orders were issued. While the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over,
Stewart describes himself as a proud card- the fact that much of Arizona’s (and the nation’s)
“Our staff was amazing,” he said. “Everybody carrying member of the ATA, and he’s the chairman economy and daily life has returned to a semblance
stepped up to the plate. And I can’t say enough for of the association’s charitable foundation. He said of normality is in large part due to the role of the
our drivers. We needed all hands on deck — our the work done by Bradley and the ATA staff really trucking and transportation industry. For the
customers were begging us for trucks and drivers, helped the association’s members keep on top of the Arizona Trucking Association, that’s the result of
as many as we could give them. If I’d had 300 more information overload coming from Washington. a commitment to continuing its mission through
trucks and drivers, they would have filled every even the toughest times of shutdowns, shortages
single one of them.” “They were very quick to gather information and risk of infection.
from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
It helped to a degree that their foodservice clients Administration,” said Stewart. “There were a lot “It was a concerning time, but we provided a lot
— hotels and restaurants, about 25 percent of their of mandates to reflect the relief from electronic of value to our members, supported them behind
business — saw a dramatic downturn in their own logs, and making sure the truckers got food. The the scenes and allowed them to do their jobs,”
businesses, since that let Stewart Transport free American Trucking Associations and the state Bradley said. AZT
associations worked hard to make sure the federal

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 39

40 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

The Arizona Transportation Education Foundation
2020 ATEF Scholarship Winners

Darius Alston Gabriela Aragon Madiana Duarte Jordan Fakhoury

Kaylee Ehle

Wyatt Hughes Elizabeth Johnson Alawna Sherouse Alexis Zimmerman

Taylor Welborn

The Arizona Transportation Education Foundation (ATEF) Board of Directors
is happy to announce the winners of the 2020 scholarship awards:

Darius Alston Wyatt Hughes
Son of Kimberly Alston, Sunstate Equipment Co. Son of Joshua Hughes, Dircks Moving & Logistics

Gabriela Aragon Elizabeth Johnson
Daughter of Omar Aragon, Swift Transportation Co. of AZ, LLC Daughter of Andrew Johnson, Fedex Ground

Madiana Duarte Alawna Sherouse
Granddaughter of Linda Cota, HDS Inc. Daughter of Lennard Sherouse, Stage Call Corp.

Kaylee Ehle Taylor Welborn
Daughter of Lori Ehle, Pauley Construction LLC Daughter of Markus Welborn, Rush Truck Centers

Jordan Fakhoury Alexis Zimmerman
Son of Suzann Fakhoury, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance, LLC Daughter of Zachary Zimmerman, Sunland Inc.

ATEF awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships this year to employees of ATA member companies or their dependent children.

If you or a family member will be attending or getting ready to attend college or trade school in the fall 2020 we urge you to apply. The application for 2021 will be
posted March 1, 2021. For more information about the Arizona Transportation Education Foundation or to make a donation please visit our website at:

www.aztef.com

The Arizona Transportation Education Foundation (ATEF) was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to operate exclusively for charitable, educational,
research, environmental and/or scientific purposes. Donations to ATEF are tax-deductible.

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 41

The Arizona Transportation Education Foundation
2021 ATEF Scholarship Winners

Aileen Ayala Blake Huenemeyer Holly Oldham

Glorianne Crosheck Cate McBride

Sierra Paul Taylor Welborn Makala Worrell Alexis Zimmerman

Alexis Young

The Arizona Transportation Education Foundation (ATEF) Board of Directors
is happy to announce the winners of the 2021 scholarship awards:

Aileen Ayala Sierra Paul
Daughter of Serafin Ayala, Rush Truck Centers Daughter of Norbert Paul, Roehl Transport Inc.

Glorianne Crosheck Taylor Welborn
Son of Michael Crosheck, Roehl Transport Inc. Daughter of Markus Welborn, Rush Truck Centers of American

Blake Huenemeyer Makala Worrell
Daughter of Justin Ricketts, Bennett Oil Daughter of Christopher Worrell, Roehl Transport Inc.

Cate McBride Alexis Young
Daughter of Caren McBride, Sunstate Equipment Co LLC Daughter of Rita Young, Shamrock Foods Company

Holly Oldham Alexis Zimmerman
Daughter of Hollis Oldham, Roehl Transport Daughter of Zachary Zimmerman, Sunland Asphalt

ATEF awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships this year to employees of ATA member companies or their dependent children.

If you or a family member will be attending or getting ready to attend college or trade school in the fall 2022 we urge you to apply. The application for 2022 will be
posted March 1, 2022. For more information about the Arizona Transportation Education Foundation or to make a donation please visit our website at:

www.arizonatrucking.com

The Arizona Transportation Education Foundation (ATEF) was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to operate exclusively for charitable, educational,
research, environmental and/or scientific purposes. Donations to ATEF are tax-deductible.

42 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

ATA 2018, 2019, 2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2018 Fleet Safety Awards - 1st Place - 7 million miles 2018 Fleet Safety Awards - 1st Place - 1 to 3 million miles
Bill Hunall, Brian Simmons and Duane Donner (Walmart Supply Ray Morgensen and Mark Kessler (Ray Mortenson) pictured with
Chaing) pictured with Bruce MacRae (UPS), Chip Dircks (Dircks Bruce MacRae (UPS), Chip Dircks (Dircks Moving and Logistics), Chris
Moving and Logistics), Chris Lynberg (Transtar Insurance Brokers), Lynberg (Transtar Insurance Brokers), Mark Doughty (PrePass Safety
Mark Doughty (PrePass Safety Alliance), Karen Rasmussen Alliance), Karen Rasmussen (Independent Carrier Safety Association)
(Independent Carrier Safety Association)

2018 Fleet Safety Awards - 1st Place - 1 to 500,000 miles 2018 Fleet Safety Awards - 1st Place
Jerry Scheller (Precision Heavy Haul) pictured with Bruce MacRae Amanda Gallegos (Stewart Transport, Inc.) pictured with Bruce
(UPS), Chip Dircks (Dircks Moving and Logistics), Chris Lynberg MacRae (UPS), Chip Dircks (Dircks Moving and Logistics), Chris
(Transtar Insurance Brokers), Mark Doughty (PrePass Safety Alliance), Lynberg (Transtar Insurance Brokers), Mark Doughty (PrePass Safety
Karen Rasmussen (Independent Carrier Safety Association) Alliance), Karen Rasmussen (Independent Carrier Safety Association)

2018 Fleet Safety Awards - John Miller, PJ Miller, Jim Armstrong, 2019 Fleet Safety Awards - 1 to 500,000 miles - Jim Mussmann
(Diamond Trucking) pictured with Bruce MacRae (UPS), Chip Dircks (Precision Heavy Haul, Inc.) presented by Tony Bradley (ATA)
(Dircks Moving and Logistics), Chris Lynberg (Transtar Insurance
Brokers), Mark Doughty (PrePass Safety Alliance), Karen Rasmussen
(Independent Carrier Safety Association)

2018 DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2018 Fleet Safety Awards, Driver of the Year Rick Lane (Shamrock Foods)
2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 43
RICK LANE, SHAMROCK FOODS CO.
Rick Lane has been with Shamrock Foods Co. for more than 42

years. Rick is an outstanding mentor and trainer for our industry.
Lane not only works with Shamrock drivers for the Arizona

and National Truck Driving Championship competitions, but also
coaches the entire Arizona State team for the national competition.
He is also very involved with his church and community programs
such as Family Promise, Love our City where he regularly cooks
meals for communities in need, Feed the Children and Habitat
for Humanity.

“Rick is an example of how a Company driver should present
himself, in his commitment to safe driving by his accident free and
safe driving record. Rick presents himself in a professional manor
at all times,” said Gus Valle, transportation supervisor, Shamrock
Foods Co.

Rick and his wife, Marcella, live in Mesa and have two children
and two grandchildren.

ATA 2018, 2019, 2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2018 Fleet Safety Awards Safety Professional of the Year James Calen 2018 SAFETY PROFESSIONAL
(Marathon Petroleum) OF THE YEAR, JAMES CALEN, MARATHON
PETROLEUM

In his more than 24-year career with Marathon Petroleum
as a driver, driver trainer, and now as a regional safety
professional, James Calen has never had a preventable
accident, spill, injury or product contamination.  He maintains
certification as a Smith trainer and in MSHA training.  He is
an engaged member of the Marathon Performance Excellence
Team and regularly advises management of driver experiences
and perceptions.  James is a judge at the TDC and participates
a Road Check. He has attended Coffee with Troopers.  When
the asphalt fleet faced a rise in exposures and injuries, he was an
integral part of the team that designed, patented, and deployed
a new asphalt trailer vent box the removed the requirement of
the driver to open the lid to vent. This innovation removes a
hazard and makes it safer.  Jim is well respected by his peers,
both drivers and customers.

2018 TROOPER OF THE YEAR: Trooper Harding has also provided instruction 2018 Trooper of the Year Trooper Phillip
to law enforcement personnel in the state in Harding pictured with his three sons
PHILLIP HARDING order to develop additional FM CSA certified
Trooper Phillip Harding is a twelve-year inspectors. Covering a wide range of relevant
topics, these courses provide valuable insight
veteran with the Arizona Department of Public to current regulations and industry standards.
Safety. He has been assigned to the Special Equally important, these courses provide
Enforcement Bureau’s Commercial Vehicle knowledge in the shared goal of increased motor
Enforcement (CVE) Program in Casa Grande and carrier safety.
Flagstaff for four years.
Trooper Harding displays a calm and
During the last year, Trooper Harding made professional demeanor, who takes the time to help
638 traffic stops and conducted 532 commercial industry and enforcement alike apply the various
vehicle inspections. He identified 117 drivers CMV safety regulations. Trooper Harding strives
and 130 vehicles operating in an Out-of-Service to embody the Department’s motto, “Courteous
condition. Trooper Harding adjusted his Vigilance”, during the performance of his duties.
enforcement efforts to be consistent with current He is married, with four sons, and is a regular
traffic patterns in an effort to reduce collisions volunteer as a local cub scout master.
and maintains visibility in high crash areas. As
a result, Trooper Harding issued 35 hazardous It is with great pleasure the Arizona
citations, 44 non-hazardous citations, 64 seat Department of Public Safety and Arizona
belt citations, and 2 child restraint citations. He Trucking Association recognize Trooper Phillip
made 15 arrests which included 2 for DUI and 6 Harding as the Trooper of the Year.
involved drug and weapons violations.

2019 DRIVER OF THE YEAR Arizona Trucking Association. The Driver of said. As the years go by, more traffic is on the
BRIAN LEE SPROWEL, J & L the Year award recognizes a career driver who roads he drives, which means more possibility
TRANSPORTATION INC. exemplifies outstanding standards of conduct for challenging situations. Unfortunately some
and ability, and who is a credit to the Arizona people get road rage and sometimes take it out
Even at a young age, Brian Lee Sprowel was transportation industry. on truck drivers.
destined to be a truck driver.
“It was an honor and a surprise to receive “You can’t get mad. You just gotta get away
“I always loved trucks as a kid,” he said. He the award,” he said. “What did I do that was from them,” Sprowel explained. He recalled a
drove a little pedal car around the yard and played so special?” few instances when another driver was being
with toy trucks. Later, when he moved to Alaska, dangerous—rather than get ruffled Sprowel
at age 15 he told his family he was going to drive In his 40+ years of driving, he’s had minimal took the next exit for a quick break to let the
a long truck. incidents because his philosophy is safety before situation pass.
anything else.
Now, as he nears retirement, Sprowel was He also makes sure to get plenty of sleep every
awarded 2019 Driver of the Year from the “There is no freight that is worth a life,” he

44 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022



ATA 2018, 2019, 2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

night so that he’s fresh and alert to drive the next 2019 Fleet Safety Awards, Driver of the Year Brian Lee Sprowel (J & L Transportation) presented
day. Being able to see so much of the United States by Tony Bradley (ATA)
has been a big positive to the job. “I can drive to any 2019 Fleet Safety Awards, 500,001 to 1,000,000 miles - Michael Jimenez (J &
big city in the country without a map,” he added.  L Transportation) presented by Tony Bradley (ATA)

Of course, there are still challenges to truck
driving. “It’s not an easy job,” he admitted. Times
have changed. There are more regulations to keep
up with, changing hours, hold ups at destinations,
etc. But no matter what, Sprowel wouldn’t trade his
career as a truck driver for anything.

Sprowel is a mentor in Truckers Against
Trafficking, and he even drives the Truckers
Against Trafficking “Everyday Heroes” Truck.
He also helps teach new drivers how to safely
operate around a commercial vehicle as part
ATA’s teens and trucks program. In 2016,
Sprowel was the 5-axle state champion in the
Truck Driving Championships.

2019 SAFETY PROFESSIONAL OF THE
YEAR, JIM ARMSTRONG, DIAMOND
TRUCKING INC.

Retired Arizona State Trooper Jim Armstrong
focused the final 11 years of his policing career
heavily on law enforcement for truckers. As such,
Armstrong knows all about safety. He spent years
doing roadside checks and making sure that trucks
on the road were as safe as possible.

His law enforcement career may have ended,
but a new one began—in trucking. Even while
employed as a trooper, Armstrong said he always
knew he’d go into trucking at some point. And you’d
better believe that being the safest was on his mind.
No wonder he earned the 2018 Safety Professional
of the Year from the Arizona Trucking Association.

The Safety Professional of the Year recognizes
individuals who, by past record, exemplify the type
of career safety professional whose high standards

2018 Fleet Safety Awards - Safety Professional of the Year Jim Armstrong (Diamond 2019 Fleet Safety Awards, 3,000,001 to 7,000,000
Trucking) pictured with Bruce MacRae (UPS), Chip Dircks (Dircks Moving and miles, Greg Oliver (Barney Trucking Inc.), Cory Grewe
Logistics), Chris Lynberg (Transtar Insurance Brokers), Mark Doughty (PrePass Safety (Lead Safety Pro), Glen Florio (Mesa), Jamie Sampson
Alliance), Karen Rasmussen (Independent Carrier Safety Association) (Mesa), Jessica Lopez (Safford), Kevin Black (Safford)
46 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

ATA 2018, 2019, 2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2020 Safety Professional of the Year Jason Tanner (Freeport Transportation, Inc.) with Xavier of conduct and ability are both an asset to their
Ortega (Minero Trucking) and Collin Stewart (Stewart Transport) company and a credit to the transportation
2021 Fleet Safety Awards Trooper of the Year Christopher Bowes with Xavier Ortega industry in the State of Arizona.
(Minero Trucking) and Tony Bradley (ATA)
Armstrong is safety and compliance manager
of Diamond Trucking Inc. He has brought his
knowledge of trooper enforcement to the table,
and now focuses on helping everyone stay in
compliance with safety laws.

But it’s more than just compliance, he explained.
“I want to give them the tools they need to be safe.
At Diamond Trucking, we have a culture of taking
care of our drivers.”

A lot of what Armstrong does is monitor
drivers, who can then self correct. Drivers want
to be safe, he added, as it keeps them out of
danger and on the job, as well as keeping the
company in good standing. Armstrong also
monitors DOT inspections.

It helps that Diamond Trucking is a company
that fosters safety—it definitely makes his job easier
and rewarding. “I have a great working group,” he
said. To drivers looking to improve their overall
safety? Number one he said, “Be attentive.” It’s at the
core of being a driver, especially a safe one.

2020 FLEET SAFETY AWARDS
DRIVER OF THE YEAR KENNETH BRANT,
FREEPORT TRANSPORTATION

Kenny Brant has been with Freeport
Transportation for over 23 years with no
accidents and no tickets. Kenny has been
involved with keeping his fellow drivers safe
by training and educating them, sharing his
many years of experience, willingness to help
others in need and always leaving himself open
to learn more. Kenny is very dedicated to the
transportation industry and is about safety,
vehicle maintenance, load securement, health
awareness and helping others. Congratulations
Brant you are an inspiration to us all!

2020 FLEET SAFETY AWARDS
SAFETY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
JASON TANNER, FREEPORT
TRANSPORTATION, INC.

Jason Tanner has been in the Transportation
Industry over 22 years and moved into
the management position three years ago
as Transportation Supervisor for Freeport
Transportation. He has made it his number one
goal to reduce the accident rate, driver’s injuries
rate, warehouse safety and increase driver moral
by working very closely with all the drivers and
teaching them techniques and skills he has learned
over his years in transportation. He still carries his

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 47

ATA 2018, 2019, 2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

CDL and even jumps into a truck to help out with delivering loads when drivers violations. Trooper Bowes trained new inspectors by coaching them with their
are off or call out sick. required coached inspections thus obtaining their CVSA certifications.

When COVID-19 hit our workloads Trooper Bowes has a strong work ethic and strives to be the best state trooper
increase as we were part of the essential workers delivering water, paper he can be every day. Trooper Bowes is not only an asset to the Commercial
products, medical supplies etc. and I am very happy to say that our accident rate Vehicle Enforcement Unit but also to the State of Arizona. Trooper Bowes is
has decrease down to just one accident in 2020 and it really our drivers’ fault. trusted as the acting supervisor when called upon. Trooper Bowes has been
a resident of Arizona for 50 years and lives in Goodyear with his wife Susan.
2021 TROOPER OF THE YEAR Trooper Bowes exemplifies the American Trucking Association’s pillars of
CHRISTOPHER BOWES service (Advocate, Advise, Connect and Educate) and the Arizona Department
of Public Safety’s motto, “Courteous Vigilance” by conducting professional
Trooper Bowes has been a sworn member of the Arizona Department of FMCSA DOT inspections, while simultaneously educating the members of
Public Safety since October of 2001. He is currently assigned to Commercial both the commercial industry and law enforcement community.
Vehicle Enforcement-North and works primarily in the west side of Phoenix.
It is with great pleasure that Trooper Chris Bowes is recognized as the
Trooper Bowes, as a member of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, has
worked diligently to ensure drivers and vehicles from the commercial motor Arizona Trucking Association Trooper of the Year. AZT
vehicle industry conduct their trips with safety, by working persistently
to locate and inspect unsafe commercial vehicle traffic on the state’s
highways. Through strict enforcement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administrations rules, Trooper Bowes is helping to spread the word of
safe driving and safe practices to the members of the commercial vehicle
community.

In the previous year, Trooper Bowes made 925 traffic stops/contacts. Of
those 925 stops/contacts Trooper Bowes completed 811 commercial vehicle
inspections locating an astounding 4,561 commercial vehicle violations
ensuring the safety of the public. Trooper Bowes placed 207 unsafe commercial
vehicle drivers out of service, and placed 369 unsafe commercial vehicles out
of service, assiduously working towards ensuring our roadways were safe
from these hazardous trucks and drivers. Trooper Bowes made five arrests for
criminal violations and cited 150 drivers and passengers for seat belt restraint

2020 Fleet Safety Awards, 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 miles 2020 Fleet Safety Awards, 7,000,001 and over - FedEx Freight -
Craig Payne (Barney Trucking, Inc.) with Xavier Ortega (Minero Phil Ringer
Trucking) and Collin Stewart (Stewart Transport)

2020 Safety Professional of the Year Kenneth Brant (Freeport 2020 Chairman’s Award Phil Ringer (FedEx Freight)
Transportation, Inc.) with Xavier Ortega (Minero Trucking) and Collin
Stewart (Stewart Transport)
48 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022

ATA 2019, 2020 & 2021 EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS

2019 Clay Shoot -1st Place - Sam Jocewicz (NCS, Inc.)

2019 Clay Shoot - 2nd Place Wesley Graff 2019 Clay Shoot - 3rd Place Michael Jimenez 2019 Clay Shoot - Best Female Cheryl
(Western Towing) with Tony Bradley (ATA) (J & L Transportation, Inc.) Phipps (J & L Transportation, Inc.)

2019 Clay Shoot - Best Rookie Glenn Florio 2019 TDC Winners
(Barney Trucking) ClassIna Daly (XPO Logistics), 5-Axle Charles Woodland (FedEx Freight),
Straight Truck Eric Ramsdell (Walmart Supply Chain), Flatbed George Wells III (Shamrock Foods
Co.), Tanker Gregory Ryan (Walmart Supply Chain), Sleeper Kelly Brown (FedEx Freight), Twins
(not pictured) Ramon Diaz, Jr. (FedEx Freight), 4-Axle Albert Ochoa (FedEx Freight), 3-Axle Ruben
Montoya, Jr. (FedEx Ground), Step Van (not pictured)

2022 ARIZONA TRUCKING • 49

ATA 2019, 2020 & 2021 EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS

2019 Clay Shoot - 1st Place Sam Jocewicz (NCS, Inc.) 2019 TDC Golf Tournament - 2nd Place Marty Kinnear, Curtis Bryant, Terry Draves (FedEx
Freight) & Mark Chowanic (Rush Truck Centers)

2019 TDC Golf Tournament - 1st Place Glen Takacs (Inland 2019 TDC Golf Tournament
Kenworth), Ryan Curry (FedEx Freight,) Henry Logan (Inland
PacLease), Amhir Garcia (Duncan & Son Lines)

2019 PAC Golf Tournament-3rd Place Transtar Insurance 2019 PAC Golf Tournament - 1st Place Lebaron & Carroll Insurance Team:
Brokers, Inc. Team: Tyler Theisen, John Souza, Tyler Kerter & Brian Perkinson, Spencer Perkinson, Dax Murray & Max Hall
Cecil Conner
50 • ARIZONA TRUCKING 2022