Spring 2023 The Official Magazine of Florida Trucking Association Lights, Camera, Trucking! Zero Emission Trucks Member Spotlights: Good Greek Relocation Services & SambaSafety
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The Official Magazine of Florida Trucking Association Spring 2023 16 Lights, Camera, Trucking! New trucking documentary to showcase career opportunities By Steve Brawner TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER STORY FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS Spring 2023 | 5 FEATURES 9 Ready or Not, Here They Come Zero emission trucks coming, without the need for mandates By Steve Brawner 12 Maximizing Telematics Data SambaSafety provides insight to organizing and analyzing telematics data By Steve Schwindt 15 Member Spotlight: Spero Georgedakis, Good Greek Spero Georgedakis is the owner of the multimillion dollar brand Good Greek, and the largest independent moving company in Florida with a fleet of more than 100 trucks. By Emily Pantelides DEPARTMENTS 7 President’s Message by Alix Miller 24 Moves & News 30 Calendar of Events 29 Welcome, New Members 30 Advertiser Resource Index
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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 7 Alix Miller, PhD President & CEO Florida Trucking Association [email protected] President’s Message Spring 2023 The Official Magazine of the Florida Trucking Association Florida Truck News is owned by the Florida Trucking Association and is published by Matthews Publishing Group. To request additional copies, order reprints of individual articles or to become a subscriber to Florida Truck News, please contact FTA at (850-222-9900. To inquire about advertising, please contact the publisher at (501) 690-9393. Publisher, Jennifer Matthews-Drake Matthews Publishing Group [email protected] Executive Editor, Alix Miller Creative Director, Fran Sherman Graphic Designer, Bárbara Negrón Cadíz Contributing Writers, Steve Brawner, Dan Calabrese, Andrew Dunn, Eric J. Francis, Kevin Jones, Johnny Kampis, Renee Miller, David Monteith, Jack Roberts, John D. Schulz STAFF President & CEO, Alix Miller [email protected] Vice President of Operations, Brian Nerland [email protected] Director of Member Services, Chris Heil [email protected] For more information, contact FTA at: Florida Trucking Association 350 East College Avenue Tallahassee, FL 32301 www.floridatrucking.org (850) 222-9900 Florida Trucking Association is an affiliate of the American Trucking Associations. FTA is a Florida corporation of trucking companies, private carrier fleets and businesses which serve or supply the trucking industry. FTA services these companies as a governmental affairs representative before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of government on issue that affect the trucking industry. The organization also provides public relations services, education services, and operational services and serves as a forum for industry meetings and membership relations. “Three yards and a cloud of dust, Miller.” A highly esteemed colleague in Washington, D.C., has been saying that to me for a few weeks now. An expression dating back to the 1950s, when football was physical and players methodically pushed themselves down the field, rather than the popular NFL style that favors its quarterback and high-flying passes left more to chance. Woody Hayes referenced the phrase in 1959: “Some newspapermen call our attack ‘three yards and a cloud of dust.’ But we don’t care what the offense is called as long as it wins football games. I’m willing to take three and one-third yards on every play and force the other guy to make mistakes.” I’m sitting here in my office writing this, with the Governor’s State of the State address playing on the TV behind me—the start to the 2023 legislative session. A professional truck driver from FTA member, Walpole, Inc., who also spoke at a press conference in May of 2022, is a featured VIP guest to Governor Ron DeSantis’ speech (see related story in Moves & News). We haven’t gotten here by luck or a star quarterback. In August of 2021, FTA embarked on one of its biggest challenges of the Association: fighting lawsuit abuse. We weren’t looking for preferential treatment or an unfair advantage—but to level the playing field against one of the biggest threats to our members, the industry, the supply chain, and ultimately, the economy of Florida. FTA established a Tort Reform Task Force. For months—really eighteen of them—there were hundreds of meetings with attorneys, insurance companies and carriers. Finding the best statutory language and practices from around the country and developing ideas to discuss with elected officials to move the ball down the field. We’ve called on all of our members for help. A lot of arguments and pushing back. When legislators have told us to “just take unscrupulous trial attorneys to court and fight,” we did. And also showed them cases that have lasted from 3-9 years of a losing battle in litigation, with the current legal system fundamentally pitted against our industry. At the same time, FTA launched a strategic public relations campaign, to educate the public about trucking. Interviews, press conferences, speaking engagements and social media efforts—and asking our members to further our message. Because in the fight against lawsuit abuse, if the public doesn’t understand anything about trucking, why should they care? People are listening. We’re still pushing forward, and it’s too soon to say what happens next. But it’s gametime. Three yards and a cloud of dust.
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 9 Zero emission vehicles like electric trucks are making their way into the marketplace, but challenges remain regarding range, cost and the electric charging infrastructure. Fleets wanting private charging stations will face their own challenges. Rick Mihelic, director of emerging technology for the North American Council for Fleet Efficiency (NACFE), said fleets that want to charge 5-20 heavy trucks will need to start talking to their utilities now so they can start charging in two years. For medium trucks, the electrification challenges are not as daunting. He noted that at a DHL facility he visited, the chargers were small, and delivery vans were basically plugging into a wall. Among the other operational issues is the 6,000-8,000 pounds of batteries heavy duty electric trucks require. They’ll save weight in other areas, such as exhaust equipment, but there will still be a significant weight difference. Carriers who push the 80,000-pound weight limit will have to buy additional trucks to deliver the same amount of freight, assuming they can find drivers. At this point, electric vehicles won’t work in every application, said Glen Kedzie, the American Trucking Associations’ vice president, energy and environmental counsel. For some weight-sensitive, long-haul operations, it will be cost-prohibitive. Electric vehicles run better on flat terrain and temperate climates. Tank truck haulers can’t take an electric vehicle to a refinery because of the potential for sparks. The trucking industry is not opposed to zero emission vehicles and might even support achievable and affordable regulations. But regulatory changes must take into account all considerations. “We are fact-based. We are science-based,” said Kedzie. “But we are also sensitive to the financial ability of fleets to keep hauling the nation’s freight without having any serious disruptions, especially for the 97 percent of those trucking companies in the country that are characterized as small businesses, which are very integral to the overall supply chain.” Kedzie said the ATA wants to avoid disruptions in the marketplace. Changes will take time. “Diesel has taken 75 years to get where it is today,” he said. “It’s not about flipping a switch. I tell folks that the easy part is putting a regulation in place and creating a law. The difficult part is the 99 percent of things that have to occur after that switch is flipped.” Kedzie said zero emission vehicles will first gain acceptance in market segments covering shorter distances, like local package delivery trucks. Other segments will take more time. Historically, diesel trucks have driven the shortest distance between two points, a straight line, because there’s always a fueling station somewhere. With electric vehicles and the current state of charging infrastructure, they may have to divert to find a station resulting in lost driving time due to charging taking so long. NACFE’s Mihelic believes the operational problems can be overcome. When diesel is $3 per gallon, the electricity required to run a tractor is two to three times less expensive, and diesel is a lot more than $3 a gallon right now. Maintenance could eventually be half to a third of diesel. Electric trucks have fewer moving parts and less vibrating equipment. Battery weight will not be an issue for trucks hauling lighter freight, and many trucks travel less than 200 miles per day. “The longer routes are not going to be wellsuited for battery electric trucks yet, but routes that are 50 to 200 miles are certainly feasible,” he said. California’s Advanced Clean Truck Rule requires truck makers to sell rising numbers of zero-emission vehicles starting in model year 2024. That year, 5 percent of Class 7-8 tractors and 9 percent of Class 4-8 tractors must be zero emission vehicles. By 2030, the numbers are 30 percent and 50 percent, and by 2035 they are 40 percent and 75 percent. So far, five states have joined with California in adopting the rule: Washington, Oregon, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. The best-case scenario is for the marketplace to drive advances in electric Ready or Not, Here They Come By Steve Brawner Contributing Writer Feature Zero emission trucks coming, without the need for mandates
10 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS trucks. Mihelic noted there are large shippers that have sustainability goals and are looking for fleets that operate clean vehicles. But it will take time to get there in an uncertain world. A good production year in the United States is 300,000 to 350,000 Class 8 trucks and about the same number of medium-duty trucks. There are 2.8 million tractors and 8.8 million single trucks in North America, so it will take a long time to replace them. Trucks bought in 2030 will still be operating in 2050. “Even if you could turn the switch on today and every truck built is electric, it still takes you 10 to 20 years to get there,” Mihelic said. The unpredictability is a key consideration in trying to set electric truck policy and in creating mandates. ATA’s Kedzie said smart people are working to overcome the challenges associated with electrification, but it’s impossible to know when those challenges will be solved. Unfortunately, mandates have date-certains. In five years, the technology may not have advanced as much as the mandates anticipated. Mihelic believes problems can be overcome. The electricity industry is developing more capacity by building more efficient plants and through the increasing viability of nuclear, wind and solar power. At a national level, utilities should be able to keep up with fleets’ increasing electricity requirements, but locally there could be problems, he said. Assisting the industry is the increasing popularity and advancement of other types of electric vehicles, Mihelic said. “Trucks are not on their own path by themselves,” he said. “You’ve got cars and buses that have come to marketplaces a decade ahead of trucks already.” Mihelic said technologies will be competing for market share over the next decade, but battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells will emerge as dominant. Meanwhile, renewable diesel and natural gas trucks will still be viable for decades. Mihelic noted the industry is at the beginning of the diffusion of electric technology across the United States. Diesel trucks face stricter emissions regulations but have limited room to improve. Electric trucks, on the other hand, can only get better. Once the trucks can get out in the market and fleets can start offering feedback, performance, reliability and cost will improve. “You’ve got naysayers, and you’ve got zealots on both sides, and somewhere in the middle is reality,” he said. FTN Introducing: WeGuard Intelligent Mobile Device Management Features: • Bulk Device Provisions • Zero Touch Policy Installations • Kiosk Mode & Work Managed for Owner-Operators • - remote control of drivers’ devices • - cloud storage & collaboration tool • - intelligent messaging tool from office to driver Scan for WeGuard explainer video: Contact Marc Lonson at (630) 417-4295 or [email protected] www.weguard.com With weguard your IT department travels with your driver every mile of every trip. TRUCKING ATTORNEYS www.DowntimeClaims.com (904) 278-7688 | [email protected] Based in Fleming Island, FL • Subrogation • Lost Income • Rental Recovery • Business Interruption Claims • Truck Accidents • Insurance Claims • Loss of Use/Income/Loads
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12 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS Transportation companies have invested heavily in telematics solutions throughout the last decade, and with good reason. These devices help in numerous ways – from route planning and fuel usage to fleet maintenance and safety. In some instances, devices like ELDs have even become a federal requirement. But they’re known to bring with them an overwhelming amount of complex data that’s difficult to compare and make sense of. From black box telematics to driver-facing and forward-facing cameras, these devices offer data in different formats and with differing interpretations. This poses challenges for risk and safety managers as they struggle to normalize data across multiple vendors. Much of this process is manual and takes a lot of work. If this data were easily accessible, it could revolutionize the way companies manage risk. The answers are in the data, but the sheer volume of the data makes the answers hard to find. Here are some ways that companies may maximize the value of this data to better mitigate risk throughout their fleet. Step 1: Centralize All Data Sources Siloed data sources create an incomplete picture of a company’s risk profile. To make informed decisions and intervene with risky drivers effectively, companies need a comprehensive view. While having continuous visibility into MVR and CSA violations is a critical step in determining ongoing driver eligibility, we must consider that there is likely unsafe driving behavior that goes undetected by law enforcement. And while telematics data can offer access to daily driver behavior, it’s not always as accurate or concrete as what’s reported on an MVR. Because of this, it’s essential to centralize all available data sources to gain full, accurate visibility. Step 2: Ensure Data is Consistent and Comparable Normalizing telematics data alone creates a variety of challenges, especially with a mixed fleet across multiple vendors. These challenges are compounded when incorporating other data sources like MVR and CSA violations. Practically speaking, MVR violations and DOT inspections are often heavily influenced by exposure factors such as where your drivers are operating and how many miles they’re traveling. Not only is it important to normalize different data sources from a severity perspective, but it’s likewise important to normalize the data across your driver population by common metrics, such as number of events by miles traveled. By turning this disparate data into simplified, comparable insights, companies will have a better understanding of where their risk lies. They can identify trends, gain deeper visibility into who poses the most risk and what specifically that risk is. Step 3: Establish Effective Interventions Having a strategy in place to intervene with drivers early based on telematics events is essential in preventing incidents. While MVR, CSA and claims represent outcomes, telematics represents daily habits. If companies address habits with targeted training before a violation or serious event occurs, they’ll be more successful in reducing risk and preventing crashes. This also promotes the increase of driver retention rates, as carriers can prioritize early interventions and remediate behavior before it results in disqualification. Summary These strategies would be challenging to accomplish with the use of disparate programs or manual processes. By leveraging advanced technologies that combine these steps within a single, comprehensive solution, companies can maximize the value of data sources that so many in the industry struggle to tap into. This competitive access will become even more critical as the reliance on real-time data to combat risk and improve retention rates grows exponentially in upcoming years. ______ Steve Schwindt is the senior director of product management at SambaSafety, a leading provider of cloud-based mobility risk management solutions. FTN By Steve Schwindt Guest Writer Maximizing Telematics Data Member Spotlight
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FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 15 Q: What drew you to your current line of work? A: As the son of Greek Immigrants growing up in New York City I was determined to always do my absolute best, so in high school I was captain and quarterback of the football team and also earned gold and silver medals for the shotput and discus on the track and field team. That earned me the nickname, “Spero the Hero” and “The Good Greek” so I named my company after that and the rest is history! Q: What was your first job? A: I worked as a police officer in North Miami for seven years earning a position on the elite SWAT Team. I primarily investigated criminal and civil disputes, which would include moving scams and other types of fraud. What I saw there, is why I realized that the entire moving industry needed improvement and was the reason I created Good Greek Moving & Storage. Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I don’t really have much spare time but I did just get engaged, so I’m looking forward to planning a wedding soon. Q: One of the things you are most proud of? A: Just a few years after I started Good Greek I got the exclusive contracts to move all players, coaches, and staff of most of the major professional and collegiate sports teams in Florida. We became the “Official Movers” of highly-esteemed organizations like the Miami HEAT, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, The Florida Gators and more. As a sports fan this was (and is) a dream come true! Q: What are you currently working on? A: Good Greek is on track to double in size in next 18 months and is now we are the world’s only total relocation company. Good Greek Realty, Good Greek Mortgage, Good Greek Insurance, and Good Greek Concierge were born creating the World’s First and Only Total Relocation Company meaning we are one stop shop for all things relocation. This means Good Greek can help you buy a house, get a mortgage, get the best insurance, move, haul away junk, and even receive concierge services for free (like the transfer of utilities, phone service, entertainment services, etc.) all under one roof to make for a more seamless and less stressful move. Q: What’s your favorite dessert? A: My kids are trying to make me eat heathier and they introduced me to Acai bowls and now I’m hooked! Q: What’s the secret to success? A: Knowing it takes strong people to build a stronger brand. Q: Best advice you can give? A: It’s ok to disrupt. When I started Good Greek, I took what I learned as a member of the police force and implemented strict hiring practices that included background checks, extensive training, and retention practices. That had never been done (and still isn’t in some cases). Don’t be afraid to re-write rules to make sure your customer service exceeds industry standards. Q; What’s the most important characteristic to have? A: Well, definitely the four pillars on which I built my company. I call it the “Good Greek Way”. Faith, Honesty, Strength, and Courage. I have those words put on the walls of every office, warehouse and storage center that we own and they are words that I live by. FTN Member Profile Good Greek Relocation Services Spero Georgedakis is the owner of the multimillion dollar brand Good Greek, and the largest independent moving company in Florida with a fleet of more than 100 trucks By Emily Pantelides Guest Writer
Trucking Documentary to Showcase Career Opportunities 16 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS
By Steve Brawner Contributing Writer New movie “10-8” to tell Florida Trucking’s story “At the end of the day, I think it blends kind of the classic trucking culture that is still nostalgic and important to a lot of FTA members with younger drivers that are coming in and how that culture adapts to today’s drivers and technicians and the next 30 years of the industry.” —Matthew Farrar, filmmaker Florida Trucking Association is telling its story and touting industry opportunities with a 30-minute documentary. The film, titled “10-8,” is being produced by filmmaker Matt Farrar and was in the finishing stages at press time. It could be ready by late March or early April. FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 17
18 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS Largest Towing, Recovery, and Specialized Transportation Fleet in the Southeast United States TOWING • RECOVERY • TRANSPORTATION WWW.GUARDIANFLEETSERVICE.COM | 866 - 475 - 9001 With 24/7 support and 25 locations across Florida and Georgia, Guardian Fleet Services can provide services to you where and when you need us. Our team of professionals are dedicated to providing prompt, safe, and quality services. KEEP YOUR FLEET ON THE MOVE. FTA GFS Half Page Ad 2023 v2.indd 1 3/16/23 3:39 PM The movie is meant to inspire and recruit the next generation of drivers and technicians by showcasing the industry’s opportunities. Farrar said the film will show how the industry has changed while paying homage to its traditions. The title “10-8” refers to radio lingo meaning a new driver is coming online. It’s a throwback to the CB radio culture from the 1970s and 1980s that still exists in spirit, although it’s been replaced by group phone calls and chats. “At the end of the day, I think it blends kind of the classic trucking culture that is still nostalgic and important to a lot of FTA members with younger drivers that are coming in and how that culture adapts to today’s drivers and technicians and the next 30 years of the industry,” Farrar said. Farrar, 37, said as he has crossed the state interviewing students, technicians, and both veteran and new drivers, certain themes have arisen. The film describes where individuals came from, why they decided to get into the industry, and how it has changed their lives. “Almost everyone we talk to has a family story to tell, that the reason that they drive a truck is because they spent their childhood growing up working on engines with their uncle, or their dad was a driver for 40 years, and they saw the kind of opportunities and lifestyle that it afforded their family,” he said. “So, they had no thoughts when it came to choosing a career because they knew exactly the opportunity that was available for them.” Like many films, “10-8” is divided into three acts. The first act describes the problem, which is that there aren’t enough drivers and technicians at a time when trucks are delivering more goods than ever. Farrar said many people don’t understand how products get delivered
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 19 or how dependent they are on trucking for their daily lives. The second act is focused on the opportunities available in trucking, including pay and benefits, freedom and flexibility, and the chance to be one’s own boss and make one’s own schedule. Drivers can be home with their family, or they can be on the road as much as they like. The third act focuses on the solution: getting more qualified drivers and technicians in the workforce with help from new programs in Florida and new opportunities to earn certifications like a commercial driver’s license. The project is being funded by a state grant –it’s the first time FTA has been included in the state budget. The grant came about after Alix Miller, FTA president & CEO, wrote an appropriations request for the state budget explaining the importance of showcasing Florida’s trucking industry and of attracting the next generation to it. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, sponsored the bill in last year’s legislative session, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law. In addition to “10-8,” the grant is also helping fund safety activities by the FTA’s Florida Road Team, as well as outreach efforts to non-FTA member trucking firms about new technology. FTA in Dember, held a Lunch and Learn in Tampa with Ryder System, and in January, FTA hosted a free safety summit in Orlando that attracted about 180 participants, roughly 30% of whom were nonmembers. Miller said the documentary will showcase all aspects of trucking, including the industry’s increased safety and how comfortable trucks have become. It is meant to attract not only drivers and technicians but also individuals with other skills needed by the industry, including logistics, management and information technology. “To me, I guess the biggest thing is, there’s something for everyone in trucking. That’s what I want people to get out of it,” she said. She said the trucking industry has tended to be modest – to its own detriment. “I think there has always been that insular aspect of trucking, staying kind of within oneself and not putting yourself out there and not showcasing,” she said. “There’s a lot of humility that comes with trucking, but it’s my job to ignore that and really make trucking more visible and more understood because that translates not just to careers in the profession, but the overall mentality and perspective and understanding of what trucking is. When you see a truck on the road, what does that mean?” Nichole Mobley, owner and CEO of Jacksonville-based T&N Xpress, was one of the individuals interviewed. Her company owns six trucks, seven refrigerated trailers, a flatbed trailer and a dryvan trailer. It does a lot of government contracting along with short hauls “I’m not trying to present a version of the job or the industry that is this unrealistic or an overly flowery version of what is a difficult job.” —Matthew Farrar, filmmaker
20 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SAVE ASK ABOUT THE FTA MEMBER DISCOUNT Weigh station bypassing and toll payment solutions that save you time, money, and fuel. Trust PrePass — Over 700,000 truckers already have. prepass.com/FL 866.228.1424 to the Talleyrand Marine Terminal. Mobley said Farrar asked her questions about logistics, business, the importance of drivers and family time, and where she thought transportation is headed. He also asked her how she got into trucking. Mobley, who is an African American female in a traditionally male-dominated industry, said it’s important that the general public understands that trucking offers opportunities for people from many different backgrounds. “It is vital because they need to know that this industry is changing,” she said. “It’s not going to be the same. Things are going to be multifaceted, going to be lots of individuals, whether it’s male, female, white, Black, Hispanic, whomever they may be.” While the “10-8” documentary will form the backbone of the project, it won’t be the only offering. Farrar said he will be chopping up the footage into personal vignettes that will be posted on social media. These “golden nuggets” will be available on sites like TikTok and Instagram Reels before the documentary is released. A website with an interactive job board will allow trucking firms to post jobs and training opportunities. “It’s not just a film for the sake of making a film,” he said. “It’s a film that is the cornerstone piece of content for an entire campaign that’s going to pave the way for the next generation of drivers and technicians.” This is Farrar’s first complete documentary, but he has been producing content professionally for more than a decade. For
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 21 the past eight years, he has been building a marketing firm, Strategic Digital Services. Last year, he decided to start producing more original content. He’s developing an animated fiction series and is shooting the first season of a self-funded outdoors adventure show, “Wild Escapes,” where he and a guest – an elected official, a business owner, a nonprofit leader – hike, climb or fish in a national or state park or other natural environment and then sit for an interview. He said it is similar to the National Geographic show “Running Wild with Bear Grylls,” although with “a lot less bug eating, a lot less survival and more conservation and wildlife.” Season one is based in Florida, while season two will be filmed in international locations. Another plus, Miller said, is that Farrar has worked in political communications. Miller said government and regulatory agencies need to better understand trucking. Farrar can communicate that message in an impactful way with a broad, holistic perspective. Farrar said the audience is anyone who is in the trucking industry or wants to get into it. It will seek to attract young people, of course, but it also will appeal to older drivers. He said multiple people have told him their biggest sources of new drivers or students are individuals in their 40s and 50s who are looking for a career change. In addition to showcasing the industry’s opportunities and benefits, he’s also showcasing its challenges. One of the questions he has asked his interview subjects is about their worst day on the job. He wants his subjects to see genuine versions of themselves in the final cut. At the same time, he wants viewers to get an accurate picture of the industry. After all, the film’s purpose is not only to attract more people to trucking, but also the right people. “I’m not trying to present a version of the job or the industry that is this unrealistic or an overly flowery version of what is a difficult job,” he said. “Yes, there’s an incredible amount of opportunity available, the pay can be great, the benefits can be great, but you’re going to work hard to earn those things.”
22 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS With each interview, he wants to offer an insightful, authentic look into someone’s life. Content that looks fake or coached raises red flags and is less effective, he said. “You’re not being rewarded on vertical video platforms for having the most overproduced content,” he said. “What you’re being rewarded for is having your face on screen, showing authenticity, being real and giving people insight into something that they otherwise don’t have insight into. And that we’ve got in spades because trucks are interesting, trucks are loud, trucks are cool, and we’ve got visuals of that coming out our ears.” Farrar said digital content must capture an “There’s a lot of humility that comes with trucking, but it’s my job to ignore that and really make trucking more visible and more understood because that translates not just to careers in the profession, but the overall mentality and perspective and understanding of what trucking is. When you see a truck on the road, what does that mean?” —Alix Miller, president & CEO, Florida Trucking Association
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 23 APPLY NOW NationalTruckLoans.com More information [email protected] 855-LOAN-TRK (855-562-6875) Hablamos Español More information audience in the first few seconds through visuals, people and language, and then the filmmaker can communicate the rest of the message. The film will have a theatrical score and feature drone footage of both indoor and outside locations. At Althabased Shelton Trucking, Director of Safety Kaleb McNeal said Farrar interviewed veteran driver Terry Starks and flew a drone around a truck that Starks was driving across the yard. The documentary also will feature closeups of trucks and depictions of what the inside of a sleeper cab looks like. Technicians will be shown repairing an engine. “For the technicians we interviewed, I think what kind of floated to the top was that they’re all looking for this challenge, right?” he said. “They all do it because they like the challenge of going in to tackle an engine that has a problem and not knowing what it is. They like figuring out what the problem is, diagnosing it and solving it. “So, kind of reverse engineering what type of person that is, what that person likes to do, how they like to think, where we might find those people, whether they’re in unexpected places or typical places, and then communicate the message of like, hey, are you bored? We’ve got a career for you!” FTN
24 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS MOVES AND NEWS Update on people and places in FTA membership WALPOLE, INC. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address kicked off this year’s legislative session on Mar. 7. Truck driver Kirk Corwin of Walpole, Inc., a family-owned and operated FTA member, was an invited special guest of the Governor. It is great to see our industry and essential workforce recognized for moving the economy. Alix Miller, FTA and Kirk Corwin, Walpole, Inc. AGX FREIGHT AGX Freight Deepens LTL Channel With Acquisition of A-Logistics, LLC AGX Freight announced that it has acquired the business assets of A-Logistics, LLC, a provider of supply chain management solutions, located in Bend, Oregon. With the acquisition, AGX expands its less-than-truckload service capabilities across its national transportation platform. Established in 2017, and founded by John Cordell, A-Logistics, LLC offers a comprehensive LTL service network, with an emphasis on temperature controlled freight. A-Logistics compliments its logistics solutions with a proprietary pricing model that protects shippers from market conditions that can cause volatility from transactional pricing. The addition of A-Logistics business assets enhances AGX’s LTL solutions to new and existing customers. “As we continue to expand our service offerings, it was important to add a robust LTL service to our platform, which includes truckload, intermodal and expedited services. With John (Cordell) and his team, we are more confident that our LTL service offering is a win for all parties involved,” said Ike Sherlock, COO/ EVP of AGX. “We are excited to welcome John to our leadership team, and expand our value proposition to our customers.” “Our national LTL service network, coupled with our 23 cross docks located across the US, was a perfect fit with AGX’s transportation platform,” said John Cordell, CEO of A-Logistics, LLC. “The acquisition was a buy-in, not a buyout. Our vision is similar, and goals run parallel.” Please visit www.agxfreight.com for more information. KL BREEDEN AND SONS KL Breeden Daytona Is Celebrating Contractor of Year 2022 He is an awesome person – humble and kind! Sergeant Heather Zuber from Florida Highway Patrol, also presented a certificate from the Florida Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, thanking him for his focus on Safety! Hugo celebrated his 5th Anniversary at KLB Daytona on March 8. UPS Here at UPS we celebrated Circle of Honor Driver Kevin Hughes 35 years of service and inducted Kenny Ray into the Circle of Honor,
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 25 25 years safe driving. Thank you for letting us take part. Lots of great things happening around UPS. FTA’S LUNCH AND LEARN On December 2, FTA held a Lunch and Learn in Tampa, generously hosted by Ryder System. Sarah Wellman provided a federal regulatory update, and after a delicious lunch and networking, Ryder Senior Risk Management Manager Mike Mencaroni presented on the on the ROI of Safety Technology. TOM NEHL Tom Nehl Employees Collect Over 400 Books for Neighborhood Elementary School Tom Nehl’s flagship location on the west side of Jacksonville is just around the corner from Pinedale Elementary, an underserved school in a neighborhood surrounded by warehouses. Over the past two years the dealership has been developing a partnership with the school to support their teachers, administrators, and students. As the mid-point of the school year approached, Tom Nehl staff asked Assistant Principal Latarsha Jones what their biggest need was. The answer was swift and decisive: books. So, the dealership set out the ambitious goal to collect a book for every student in the school, 434 in all, so each child could take home a new book for Christmas break. The company matched every employee donation. Company owner Steve Bacalis remarked, “To be able to make an impact on the students right in our own back yard, and to support the teachers working tirelessly to encourage literacy was a gift for us as well. It is my hope that these books might help spark a lifelong love of reading.” Pinedale teachers made a thoughtfully curated wish list by grade so the Tom Nehl Team could not only collect books to suit each grade’s reading level, but also titles that largely featured minority main characters, reflecting the school’s 89% minority population. The week before Christmas break, Tom Nehl employees delivered the books to the school and had the pleasure of going into several classrooms to hand out books. “We are so grateful for the support from Tom Nehl, especially the fact that they are so hands-on and ask us what our needs are,” commented Assistant Principal Jones. “Community partners like them are one in a million!” Visit us online at tomnehl.com. LIVELY TECHNICAL COLLEGE Todd O’Neal, Lively Technical College’s medium/heavy truck diesel program instructor in Tallahasee. O’Neal recently completed his master technician ASE re-certification. Additionally, O’Neal also holds Master ASE Automotive and ASE advanced diesel engine electronics technician certifications. R.E. GARRISON TRUCKING, INC. R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc. announced in January it successfully completed the acquisition of certain assets of Boaty’s Transport Inc., located in Jackson, Georgia. R.E. Garrison is proud to welcome Boaty’s to the Garrison family. Boaty’s Transport Inc. was founded in 1991 by Michael Boatwright with the goal of providing Fast, Fresh and Friendly transport of produce throughout the southeastern U.S. Boaty’s team, which includes over fifty tractors and eighty refrigerated trailers, as well as a pristine_reputation within the produce industry, embraces this new challenge and looks forward to continued service to its drivers, employees, and shippers. Within the upcoming months Michael Boatwright will retire while his son, Shaun, will lead Boaty’s daily business from its headquarters in Jackson, Georgia. Boaty’s will continue to operate using its respective nameand image_under_ the_R_E._ Garrison family umbrella. HUB INITERNATIONAL HUB International Florida Publishes 2023 Outlook on Transportation Hub International Florida, global insurance brokerage with a large transportation focus, has released its transportation outlook for 2023. The report notes that fleets that make the proper investment in driver recruitment and retention, technology, and cyber defense mechanisms can reduce the risk of a catastrophic event impacting
26 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS IMPROVING SAFETY AND LOWERING RISK On topics as wide-ranging as predicting future crash involvement to safety technology cost-benefit analyses to obstructive sleep apnea, ATRI’s research provides a blueprint for managing risk and improving roadway safety. CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF ATRI This year ATRI celebrates 20 years of leadership in critical data and analysis to improve the trucking industry’s safety and productivity. From the truck stop to the executive suite, to the state house and Capitol Hill, ATRI’s reputation for providing objective industry analyses means data-driven decision making on the industry’s biggest issues. 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. LEADING WITH DATA, NOT EMOTION ATRI’s research uses data and analyses to dissect the true impacts of policies and regulations across a range of critical topics including Hours-of-Service, autonomous vehicles, CSA, tolling, and nuclear verdicts. 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. OPERATIONAL DATA YOU CAN COUNT ON Whether you’re looking to route your drivers around congestion or benchmark your costs against your peers in the industry, ATRI’s analyses combine real-world data with a deep understanding of industry operations. THE NATION’S TOP TRUCK BOTTLENECKS 2021 Since 2002, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has collected and processed truck GPS data in support of numerous U.S. DOT freight mobility initiatives. Using truck GPS data from over 1 million freight trucks, ATRI develops and monitors a series of key performance measures on the nation’s freight transportation system. Among many GPS analyses, ATRI converts its truck GPS dataset into an ongoing truck bottleneck analysis that is used to quantify the impact of traffic congestion on truck-borne freight at over 300 specific locations. While other datasets may identify congested corridors, no dataset available today specifically identifies granular chokepoints in the nation’s truck freight transportation system. ATRI’s annual Top Truck Bottleneck Analysis uses a full year of truck GPS data to calculate the top chokepoints. However, 2020 was by all definitions a different year with pandemic-related impacts intersecting with traffic patterns. In a March 2020 analysis using its truck GPS dataset, ATRI found average truck speeds at some of the worst truck bottlenecks improve by 100% or more as car drivers sheltered in place and trucks kept moving to deliver essential goods. In a separate analysis in April 2020, ATRI found state-level truck activity increased in early February as panic-buying drove consumer demand, followed by a decrease in truck activity as more businesses were closed. However, by April and into May, ATRI’s Truck Activity Index began to improve across the states analyzed, signaling a return to pre-pandemic freight demand. An additional impact on traffic congestion in 2020 was the number of roadway construction projects that were able to commence and/ or advance at a faster pace due to fewer vehicles on the road during the pandemic. Once traffic levels increased in the second half of 2020, those construction projects became even more congested. As such, this year’s Top Truck Bottleneck list reflects a rise in ranking in a number of locations impacted by roadway construction. CA WA TX GA TN PA NY CT 2021 TOP TRUCK BOTTLENECKS • BY THE NUMBERS 33.9% year-over-year Texas.................. 12 California............. 8 Washington......... 8 Connecticut......... 7 Georgia................ 7 Pennsylvania....... 7 New York.............. 6 Tennessee ........... 6 STATES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS: For more information on ATRI’s Top Truck Bottleneck analysis, including a detailed description of the methodology, visit www.TruckingResearch.org. TOP 100 BOTTLENECKS WITH AVERAGE TRUCK SPEEDS <45 MPH: NUMBER OF STATES WITH AT LEAST ONE 25% TOP 100 BOTTLENECK: 29 AVERAGE PEAK HOUR TRUCK SPEED: 43.0 mph San Bernardino, CA I-10 at I-15 #10 Houston, TX I-45 at I-69/US 59 #5 Chicago, IL I-290 at I-90/I-94 #6 St. Louis, MO I-64/I-55 at I-44 #8 Fort Lee, NJ 1-95 at SR 4 #1 Rye, NY 1-95 at I-287 #9 Cincinnati, OH I-71 at I-75 #2 Chattanooga, TN I-75 at I-24 #7 Atlanta, GA I-285 at I-85 (North) #3 Atlanta, GA I-20 at I-285 (West) #4 up ANALYSIS
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 27 their operations. In addition, it outlines how rising costs and supply chain challenges continue to dampen profitability for light- and medium-duty fleet carriers, and how relief, unfortunately, doesn’t appear imminent in the new year. In addition to the economic and supply chain hurdles, regulatory changes and a severe driver shortage are forcing fleets to invest in their drivers, as well as technological advances to keep them safe and reduce risks while on the road. FLEET ADVANTAGE Fleet Advantage Promotes Katerina Jones To Chief Marketing Officer; Matt de Aguiar To Chief Operating Officer Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in Class-8 fleet data analytics, equipment financing, and life cycle cost management (LCCM) announced that Katerina Jones has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, and Matt de Aguiar has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. The announcements were made at the end of December, where the company celebrated a successful first half of its 2023 fiscal year. We are extremely proud of Matt, Katerina, and our entire team, as their commitment to industry excellence has been on full display and are incredibly excited about the prospects of things to come in 2023,”said Brian Holland, president, and CEO of Fleet Advantage. “Matt has consistently demonstrated his business acumen and ability to simplify, streamline and enhance our workflows, having championed numerous process improvements; while Katerina has been instrumental in helping our sales team penetrate new accounts and secure multiple awards for the company.” Expansion Of Senior Leadership Team Follows Successful First Half of Fiscal 2023 FTA’S SAFETY SUMMIT As part of our state funding, FTA held its inaugural Safety Summit in Orlando. Speakers included: Marilyn Surber, transportation leader, Tenstreet; Chris Pape, VP of safety and training, Groendyke Transport; Brandon Wisemen, president, Trucksafe Consulting; Scott Reagan, director of health and safety, TForce Freight; JW Taylor and Bryan Nelson, Taylor Johnson PL; and Jim Adnersone, VP of Safety and Risk Management, Florida Rock & Tank Lines. OPEN PATH TECHNOLOGIES Open Path Technologies (Tampa) is excited to announce the release of its vehicle inspection application that uses specifically designed sensing tags that verify drivers are inspecting each area of their truck and sends that information with time, location, comments, and photos to headquarters in real-time. Introduced at the Florida Trucking Show in Ft Lauderdale this month, the inspection app was popular with fleet owners concerned about highway inspection violations that are driving up CSA scores, DOT penalties, and insurance costs. Product developer Ken Cabrera and driver trainer Jeremy Martin are working to make vehicles safer on the road by ensuring “trust yet verify” is available to the fleet owners and safety managers. To learn more about the Open Path Technologies vehicle inspection application, call (877) 472-3381. FLORIDA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION On February 28, the group came together in Orlando for “Planes, Trains and Trucks: A Multimodal Educational Experience.” The group began at the Central Florida Expressway (CFX), where they received a legislative and policy briefing by Chris Dudley of The Southern Group. Newly-installed Executive Director of CFX, Michelle Maikisch, provided an in-depth presentation on the toll system and guided the group into the central hub of the facility, for participants to see the road monitoring system. The Leadership class then moved on to the Orlando International Airport (with a pit-stop at the food court for a snack and caffeine) to receive briefings from Christine Kevaufer from Brightline and from former Secretary of FDOT and current CEO of the Greater Orlando Airport Authority, Kevin Thibault. The day concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport, including the new concourse, the soon-to-open Brightline Orlando terminal and even the rooftop viewing area—which could become a bar and restaurant as the airport continues to increase capacity. Looking to join our next 2.0 class? Applications will become available in the summer! FTN Michelle Maikisch (center) with the 2.0 Leadership Class at CFX. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Does your company have something newsworthy you’d like to share with your fellow Florida Trucking Association members? Please feel free to send us 200 words of text and an image and we’ll include it here in the next edition of Florida Truck News. MOVES AND NEWS
28 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS FTA’s Florida Truck News reaches more than 10,000 leaders in transportation throughout Florida and beyond. That makes advertising in Florida Truck News an excellent business decision. If you want to reach this highly targeted and influential group of industry decisionmakers and ask them to consider purchasing your products or services, then you’ll want to place an ad in every edition of Florida Truck News. Please contact our publisher, Jennifer Matthews, at [email protected] or call (501) 690-9393 — if she doesn’t call you first! 10,000+ READERS STRONG Summer 2020 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association ALSO INSIDE: Herman Fauss Scholarship Message from Rep. Chip LaMarca Getting Back on Track during COVID-19 Winter 2022 The Official Magazine of Florida Trucking Association To Lead is to Serve Currlin takes the helm as Chairman of the Board At the Heart of Trucking Fall 2018 The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc. At the Heart of Trucking ALSO INSIDE: The Drive to Give Back FTA in the Wake of Hurricane Michael The Potential of Blockchain Our Industry is about so much more than trucks. And it’s driven by a lot of heart. Spring 2018 The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc. More than the Sumof itsParts ALSO INSIDE: FTA’s legislative process Getting to know FTA’s new VP “Going the Extra Mile:” Florida Road Team Taking a look under the hood to see how each part works together to drive FTA down the road At the Heart of Trucking Winter 2021 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association Scott Perry: His Lifelong Passion for Trucking ALSO INSIDE: • SMC Awards • FTA Annual Conference • 2022 Political Outlook Spring 2017 The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc. Friend of the Family CHRIS DUDLEY advocates for the trucking industry with a passion all his own ALSO INSIDE: 2017 Legislative Issues Apnea’s Biggest Cost Thinking Beyond Pay Remembering Rountree Fall 2017 The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc. MissionMinded ALSO INSIDE: Cultivating Relationships with FHP Florida’s 2017 Driver of the Year Truck Parking Help FTA’s new Board Chair ROB SANDLIN plays an important role in trucking and industry advocacy Fall 2020 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association MOVING FORWARD Summer 2018 The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc. The Technician Issue ALSO INSIDE: Fighting for the Health of the Trucking Industry Leveraging Your Brand on Social Media FTA Out and About Recruiting, Training and Retaining the Next Generation of Fleet Maintenance Technicians At the Heart of Trucking Spring 2021 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association At the Heart of Trucking Summer 2021 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association At the Heart of Trucking Fall 2019 The Official Publication of the Florida Trucking Association, Inc. UNDER THE RADAR At the Heart of Trucking Spring 2019 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association ALSO INSIDE: Trucking Day at the Capitol Message from CFO Jimmy Patronis Social Media Tips for Your Company At the Heart of Trucking Summer 2019 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association ALSO INSIDE: The Disruptors Historic Legislation Florida Leading Autonomous Technology At the Heart of Trucking Spring 2020 The Official Publication of Florida Trucking Association ALSO INSIDE: SMC Awards Trucking Day at the Capitol FTA and the Florida Supreme Court
FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 | 29 CARRIERS Air Van Austin Powder Southeast Barrette Logistics Bear Cartage and Intermodal BJ’s Logistics Commercial Metals Company Cumberland Farms DMG Delivery Service Good Greek Relocation Systems R.C. Moore Scotlynn Transport SWTO – Private fuel delivery fleet for 7-Eleven and Speedway Taggee TECO Energy SUPPLIERS AssuredPartners of Florida BMO Commercial Bank Centerline Drivers Curv Logistics Discount Truck Parking Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo, Cohen & Peterfriend Pinnacle Financial Partners RaceTrac Petroleum Revolution Payments Systems Shiling Truck and Trailer SomnoSafety a divisions of Thornabbey Risk Management Truckers4hire WELCOME, NEW FTA MEMBERS!
30 | SPRING 2023 FLORIDA TRUCK NEWS SPRING 2023 American Transportation Research Institute..................................26 Drivers Legal Plan..................................19 FleetForce Truck Driving School..........13 Florida Truck News..........................28, 30 Great West Casualty Company ......Inside front cover Guardian Fleet Services .......................18 Kingpin Specialists ..................................4 Law Offices of Eckert & Associates ....11 Motive......................................................22 National Truck Loans.............................23 Nextran.................................... Back cover PrePass Safety Alliance ........................20 Publix Super Markets............. Inside back cover Rechtien International Trucks...............11 Southern Tire Mart...................................3 Sun State International............................6 TravelCenters of America .......................8 Trans-Phos..............................................21 Trucking Moves America Forward.......14 Wenable Inc............................................10 This publication was made possible with the support of these corporate advertisers. They support the trucking industry by enabling FTA to provide this publication to its member, prospective members, elected officials and Florida’s business community at large. They deserve your consideration and patronage when making your corporate purchasing decisions. Please visit floridatrucking.org to see the digital version of Florida Truck News with live weblinks and nifty sound effects. ADVERTISING RESOURCE INDEX SAVE THE DATE APRIL 18-19 Trucking Day at the Capitol MAY 16-18 Call on Washington JUNE 14 Herman Fauss Golf Tournament JUNE 15-17 FL Truck Driving Championships JULY 26-29 Annual Conference OCTOBER 25-26 Fall Round-Up 2023 Yeah, I thought so. Know what that means? Advertising works! You and more than 8,000 readers of FloridaTruck News—all leaders in transportation—are seeing this ada s well. Take charge of your corporate message by confirming your advertising plans with our publisher by email jennifer@matthewspublishing.com. You'll be so glad you did! HEY! ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT ME? Winter 2022 The Official Magazine of Florida Trucking Association To Lead is to Serve Currlin takes the helm as Chairman of the Board
BUT OUR COMMITMENT HASN’T A LOT’S CHANGED SINCE ‘93 nextranusa.com