Tennessee Trucking News Q3 Fall 2018 -- Connie Vaughan, McKee Foods + Dudley Smith, Neely Coble

truckingTENNESSEE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE TENNESSEE
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q3 FALL 2018

$4.95 VALUE

NEWS

C ONNIE
VAUGHAN,

MCKEE FOODS

+Trucking Rule Changes
Driver Retention
TTA Convention

MemberSpotlight Dudley Smith, Neely Coble Company

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TABLE OF CONTENTSTennessee Trucking News OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
Q3 FALL 2018

18

COVER STORY

CONNIE VAUGHAN,
MCKEE FOODS
Meet TTA’s
New Chairman

BY DAN CALABRESE

FEATURES IMAGES ON COVER OF CONNIE VAUAGHAN AND THIS PAGE OF CARL JOHNSON AND
CONNIE VAUGHAN, MCKEE FOODS, BY LAWRENCE KUZNIEWSKI.
9 Are Some of the Rules
Changing for Trucking? DEPARTMENTS 34 Calendar of Events
34 Advertiser Resource
HOS, ELDs and DataQs: 5 Chairman’s Message
Where are we? BY CONNIE VAUGHAN Index

BY DAVE OSIECKI 7 From the President

15 Listen, Act, Respond BY DAVE HUNERYAGER
Three Steps to Improving
Driver Retention 26 TTA New Members

BY MAX FARRELL

24 TTA Annual Convention
Coverage
Tennessee Trucking
Association celebrates its 88th
Annual Convention at the
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf
Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida
in September 2018

29 Thank you, TTA
Convention Sponsors!

25 TTA’s Road Team

BY CATHERINE STUART

28 Member Spotlight: 
Dudley Smith,
Neely Coble Company

BY STEVE BRAWNER

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 3

When Neely B. Coble and his
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truckingTENNESSEE Chairman’s Message
NEWS
Women Who Serve
Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this association. I understand I am the first
Tennessee Trucking News is owned by the Tennessee Trucking woman Chairman, in the 88-year history of this great organization. Women have been
Association and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing serving the trucking and transportation industries since its beginning. Ruth McKee, co-
founder of McKee Foods, was the business head and transportation strategist that put
Group. For additional copies, to order reprints of individual McKee Foods on the road to success.
articles or to become a subscriber to Tennessee Trucking News,
Her husband, O.D. McKee was the visionary, entrepreneur, risk taker, and creative
contact Carol Foster at [email protected] sales guy. He was the spender. It was Ruth that ordered ingredients, scheduled deliveries,
paid drivers, and bought the trucks and trailers. She was always working to make ends
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake meet and look for efficiencies and a return on investments.

[email protected] McKee Foods has a private fleet today, because in the early 1950s, Ruth McKee could
not find a carrier to meet her quality and cost requirements for transporting fresh layer
Executive Editor Dave Huneryager cakes in open wood trays! So, she bought a 1953 International tractor and a 26-foot
Trailmobile trailer and found an employee willing to drive it! Ruth’s commitment to
[email protected] drivers and treating everyone with respect is legendary and a core value we strive for
every day.
Art Director C. Waynette Traub
Women working in and for trucking at McKee Foods did not stop with Ruth.
[email protected] In the early 80s, her granddaughter, Debbie McKee, worked her way up to VP of
Transportation, now Chairman of the Board. Renee Tracy is our current VP of
Photographers Clay Cook Transportation and there are many women (and men) working every day to get loads
Larry Kuzniewski in and out. And of course, many of you know Debra Stone, Senior Logistics Analysist at
Caleb Shane Lollar McKee Foods, and Chairman of the ATA Supply Chain Security Policy Committee.
John David Pittman
Catherine Stuart It takes a talented group of people to see that the loads are scheduled, customers are
satisfied, drivers are paid, and everyone gets home safely. I suspect women have been
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner instrumental in making that happen for a very long time. If you look back through your
Jim Harris company history, I would not be surprised if you found a strong, competent woman
during those early days, just like Ruth McKee.
Renee Miller
Derek Rayment I feel very fortunate to work with the fine men and women of the Tennessee Trucking
Jennifer Barnett Reed Association and I am looking forward to working together to make 2019 a great year.

John Schulz Sincerely,
Todd Traub Connie Vaughan, Governmental Affairs, McKee Foods
TTA Chairman
Ad Production Doug Benjamin [email protected]

www.TNTrucking.org
Tennessee Trucking Association Staff

President & CEO
Dave Huneryager
[email protected]

Director of Safety
Jeremy Snapp

[email protected]

Membership Coordinator
Donna England

[email protected]

Foundation Coordinator
Catherine Stuart

[email protected]

Administrative Coordinator
Carol Foster

[email protected]

An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations

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

For more information, contact TTA at:
Tennessee Trucking Association

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

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 5

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MISSISSIPPI

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Our Memphis Office has moved as
of 12/11/2017 . Including our Body
Shop that was located in Arkansas

www.TAGTruckCenter.com

From The President

Tennessee Trucking Association
Executive Committee

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Pat Yourself on the Back

CONNIE VAUGHAN When the polls opened this past Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 was able
McKee Foods Transportation, LLC to cast a vote. It is a right we should not take for granted and that defines our nation as a
democracy. Although only 49 percent of eligible voters showed up to the polls, roughly
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 113 million people participated in the midterm elections making this the first midterm
in history to exceed over 100 million votes.
President & CEO Secretary
DAVE HUNERYAGER JIM MOSBY Not everyone can do it. As of 2017, approximately 200 million Americans were
Tennessee Trucking eligible to vote. Undocumented persons cannot vote in any election.
FirstBank
Association Treasurer People fought for years to earn the right. So many marginalized groups throughout
ATA State Vice President SCOTT SCHUMPERT our nation’s history have battled for the right to vote through protests and civil rights
Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPSs movements. Women weren’t allowed to vote until 97 years ago, and they still wouldn’t
SCOTT GEORGE East Tenn. Vice Chairman be able to today if it weren’t for the thousands of people who bravely partook in the
TCW, Inc. JEFF REED women’s suffrage movement.
Skyline Transportation
TruckPAC Co-Chairman Middle Tenn. Vice Chairman It’s our duty. It’s actually our civic duty as Americans to provide our input into how
DAVE MANNING MIKE MCFARLIN our government is run by voting for elected officials. It’s one of the easiest ways that we
TCW, Inc. M & W Transportation Co., Inc. can have a direct impact on our administration.
Southeast Tenn. Vice Chairman
TruckPAC Co-Chairman JOE SMITH The results affect you. Many people only vote every four years when the presidential
TERRY MINOR Kenco Transportation Services election occurs and neglect those middle years because they feel that the candidates are
West Tenn. Vice Chairman less important. However, the candidates running for Nashville City Council and state
Cumberland International JASON HIGGINBOTHAM legislature directly affect the laws that regulate our local governments. In turn, these
Trucks, Inc. Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. changes affect our daily lives much more directly than the sweeping structural changes
Non-Domiciled Vice Chairman that are made in Washington, D.C.
TTF President NICK D’ANDREA
TOMMY HODGES You have a better chance of being satisfied with the results. Many Americans who
Titan Transfer, Inc. UPS are most unhappy with the results of an election are the citizens who chose not to vote.
Allied Vice Chairman So, if you hit the polls rather than sitting an election out, there’s a better chance that the
results will be in your favor.
TROY DICKENS
Rush Truck Center, Nashville Interesting, new candidates. We just experienced massive turnover in our state
Immediate Past Chairman general assembly. Many new folks have decided to take action and run for public office.
In the spirit of enacting change through real action, who want to hold a position simply
JOHN ROSS to better their local governments and country.
Milan Supply Chain Solutions
Chain reaction increases voter turnout. When you go to the polls, it usually
General Counsel encourages — or guilts — those around you into doing the same. This chain reaction can
C. DALE ALLEN increase voter turnout exponentially.
Adams and Reese LLP
If you’re one of the responsible citizens who exercises your civic duty and right, be
BOARD OF DIRECTORS proud and know that you did a great thing. Thank you for to taking 30 minutes out of
your day to cast a vote for your community and for the sake of democracy!
DIRECTORS AT LARGE JIM BRIGGS
Thanks again,
BRAD ALLEN Advanced Ergonomics, Inc. Dave Huneryager
President, Tennessee Trucking Association
Venture Express CORY LILE [email protected]

BETH FRANKLIN Occusure Workers’ Compensation Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 7

Multi-Task Solutions EDDIE WAYLAND

STEVE FRANKLIN King & Ballow

Multi-Task Solutions BILL TIRRILL

JERRY HAMPTON Fleetco, Inc.
Pinnacle Bank SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE

JOE SHARP MAX FULLER
Western Express U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

SHEILA SHOUN LISA PATE
Shoun Trucking Co. U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

WAYLAND THOMPSON TOMMY THAXTON
FirstFleet, Inc. Best One Tire & Service

ROB RHEA DAREL DYER
FedEx Freight Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga

WAYNE WEAVER JEFF TANNER
Rapid Ways Leasing Kenco Management Services

BOB WEST WEST TENNESSEE
R.E. West, Inc.
MARK GEORGE
BILLY WHITE Intermodal Cartage Co., Inc.
Clarke Power Services
JOHN ROSS
EAST TENNESSEE Milan Supply Chain Solutions

RUBY MCBRIDE TIM GATLIN
Colonial Freight Systems Empire Express, Inc.

BILL REED, III CATHY PHILLIPS COATS
Skyline Logistics, Inc. H.B. Phillips, Inc.

JEFF ALLEN JEFF REEVES
Great West Casualty Company Reeves Brothers Trucking, Inc.

CRAIG KENDALL JEFF EARLE
The Peterbilt Store,-Knoxville Thompson Power Corp.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE TOMMY EARL
TAG Truck Center
WILLIAM KEITH
FirstExpress, Inc. DICK SWEEBE
Summit Truck Group, Memphis
PAT MARSH
Big G Express, Inc. NON-DOMICILED REGIONAL

BRAD RAHRER MIKE KELLEY
Portland Express, inc. YRC Worldwide, Inc.

ALLIE SHARP SCHWALB HAL DOWLAND
Sharp Transport, Inc. HELP, Inc., Provider of PrePass

JOHN WALTON GREG SHIPMAN
Averitt Express, Inc. Vertical Alliance Group

BILL BOB WEST SAM FAUCETTE
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For Trucking?

BY DAVE OSIECKI / GUEST WRITER

Since day one, the Trump industry, including two bills dealing with agriculture exemption, it would create
hours of service. The Honest Operators a single federal one. Meanwhile, the
Administration has made regulatory Undertake Road Safety Act, or HOURS Responsible and Effective Standards for
Act, was introduced in June by Rep. Rick Truckers Act, or REST Act, by Rep. Brian
relief for businesses a priority. Crawford (R-Ark.). It would expand Babin, R-Texas, would allow drivers to
After years of new regulations affecting the 100-mile radius for short-haul CDL stop the 14-hour clock for up to three
equipment, drivers and carrier operations, drivers to 150 miles, expand the short- hours, allowing drivers to rest off-the-clock
it’s probably fair to say that trucking haul workday from 12 hours to 14, and during that time period. It also would
executives are breathing a regulatory sigh of clarify when the agriculture commodity eliminate the 30-minute rest break.
relief. But, this doesn’t mean rule changes exemption applies. Instead of having
cannot happen. different state-defined seasons for the CONTINUED 

On Capitol Hill, Congress is considering
changes sought by some in the trucking

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 9

While both of these bills could get some As you know, it’s currently legal for a has been blocked. Research has shown that
consideration, it’s very unlikely either of 20-year-old driver to travel 313 miles from intrastate drivers ages 18-20 have higher
those bills will pass this year. Congress Oakland, Maryland, to Snow Hill, but not crash rates than older ones. Maybe that’s
usually moves slowly – and, during an to cross the border from Silver Spring into because they haven’t had enough training,
election year, often not at all. Washington, D.C. That rule discourages which this bill would address. Or maybe
some young people coming out of high it’s because they generally haven’t matured
But even if these bills don’t pass this year, school from entering the profession, so enough, which no bill could address. So far,
they could pave the way for future changes. trucking must wait until these people age the crash-related research has not been on
With the enactment of the electronic logging AND switch career paths after their initial the trucking industry’s side.
device mandate, there’s an awareness in job(s). The DRIVE-Safe Act would create an
Congress and at the U.S. Department of apprenticeship process allowing drivers ages But policymakers’ have the opportunity
Transportation that many truckers are 18-20 to gradually participate in interstate to reevaluate these facts as they are
calling for more flexibility to deal with real- commerce. Younger drivers would be paired updated within a safety technology and
world conditions. Moreover, the Federal with experienced drivers, and the trucks rigorous training environment. Insurance
Motor Carrier Safety Administration would have safety technologies such as active underwriters would likely review such
(FMCSA) can change the rules without braking collision mitigation systems, speed data and any young driver entering the
legislation, and recent comments by governors, and forward-facing video event market would have to be insurable to truly
Administrator Ray Martinez suggest that the capture to address safety-related concerns. add capacity to the industry. In 2015, the
Agency is considering some ideas. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
As with the hours of service changes, Act directed FMCSA to perform a pilot
Another House bill to watch is the this is very unlikely to pass this year. And, project studying the feasibility of interstate
Developing Responsible Individuals for a it also faces a steeper grade for passage in driving for young people ages 18-20 who
Vibrant Economy Act, or DRIVE-Safe Act, the future. The trucking industry has tried have a truck-driving-related military
by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-California. That numerous times to let younger drivers travel occupational specialty. Selected drivers who
bill would create a pathway for younger across state lines, and each time that road have completed their active duty service, as
drivers to engage in interstate commerce.

OUT IN FRONT

DALE ALLEN TONY SWAFFORD ROCKY KING HOLLY McDANIEL CANNON ALLEN MARK NORRIS BEN FOX JEFF BROOKS
Partner Partner Associate Governmental Affairs Advisor Partner Special Counsel Partner Partner
Nashville Nashville Nashville (non-lawyer) Memphis Memphis Memphis Washington, DC
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nashville [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

transportation and logistics

Our Adams and Reese Transportation and Logistics Team advises clients on issues relating to the entire supply chain and
all modes of transportation: highway, water, air, rail, and pipeline. We understand the particular demands and complexities

of the industry, and therefore, maintain real-time knowledge of statutory, regulatory, and legal decisions that impact your
business. Through our governmental relations team and our membership and leadership in several transportation industry

organizations, we stay up-to-date on relevant legal developments on a regional, national and international level.

www.adamsandreese.com
Fifth Third Center | 424 Church Street, Suite 2700 | Nashville, TN 37219 | 615.259.1450
Crescent Center | 6075 Poplar Avenue, Suite 700 | Memphis, TN 38119 | 901.525.3234

ALABAMA | FLORIDA | GEORGIA | LOUISIANA | MISSISSIPPI | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | WASHINGTON, DC
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers. Contact: Guilford F. Thornton, Jr.

10 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

well as those serving in the National Guard THE DRIVE- ELDs make it easier for drivers and
and Reserves, will be allowed to cross state SAFE ACT motor carriers to comply with hours
lines. That pilot project appears finally to of service regulations, but they are not
be shifting into first gear. When it finally would create an foolproof. The mock audits Scopelitis
begins, FMCSA will collect information for apprenticeship Transportation Consulting has done show
three years. Perhaps the study will show that process allowing that some drivers are still fudging the
sufficient training will overcome the lack drivers ages 18-20 rules in some areas. For example, some
of maturity. If so, that would increase the drivers will pull up to a fueling island,
chances for passage of the DRIVE-Safe Act to gradually log off for their 30-minute rest break, and
or something like it. participate in start the pump. It seems like a harmless
interstate commerce. activity, but that’s a falsification that
Opening up the profession to young can lead to a violation after inspectors
people under age 21 would create a is not increasing, inspectors are finding have combed through the paperwork.
new pool of drivers for an industry that more violations in the audits they perform. Sometimes, drivers clock out at the
desperately needs them. On the other Moreover, the FMCSA is documenting and terminal but then perform other work.
hand, the study may not be enough to making enforcement cases against more That’s another violation.
counteract the unfavorable research that carriers, and it is collecting more fines.
already exists. In any case, the industry Because of these quirks in the system,
needs to look for other pools – for example, That means that motor carriers must carriers cannot solely rely only on ELD data
women. The industry needs drivers, but know and apply the rules. Among the biggest when trying to comply with the hours of
only safe ones. rule changes to come from Washington in service rules. Thankfully, they do have other
recent years has been the electronic logging information at their disposal. Fuel receipts,
It’s well-known that the Trump device mandate. That rule is here to stay, and for example, can show if a driver was actually
Administration is seeking to reduce motor carriers must comply with it.
regulations, but that doesn’t mean it is CONTINUED 
soft on safety. While the number of audits

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-0300 orfbtciielmllTairneoeimgsctsauiusnrpdagbwl.dmeIhofrinetEtn@’LtahmDunesadoat.accrsthrssaa,hiagtwehnnwacdmtoa’ass.ecacsnnooumotmptpcphooaesnrneyrdte’asdtcot our 2mt4hao-nhsedoaduteervficoclerasnimaorwes,sittnhiltalatckmoemiscpuelninadtneetrrswtaaittn:hdtihneg was actually something else. Send
the DataQs analyst a photograph.
can lead to a violation if the driver gives the Also, the DataQs system can now
upload videos. Many trucks are now
ord servicflcaaeng,.pcGrooanvteitdraeeccated:ipdHtistaiaornnrdaisldoinenlfiovTremrisyadrteaioclne6i.p1Et5vse-r2y21-59iv0ni0osplaoetrciothonrasricnraainscocbuner_aavttieosiiddneafodl@rimfutahst.eicodrnar.iwSvoecrmo.ecom equipped with cameras that can prove
a carrier’s or driver’s innocence.
trucking company should have someone simply understood the technology installed • Provide just the facts about what the
company believes happened, along
regularly checking ELD data against these on his truck. Make sure your drivers know with proper documentation. Follow
the FMCSA’s guidelines of providing
other records. It’s a hassle, but it can save you what technology they are using a “Goldilocks” description: Not too
much, not too little. A few sentences in
a costly violation. Thankfully, there is a remedy. your defense should be enough. And,
do NOT offer opinions.
The ELD mandate has been an The FMCSA’s DataQs system allows • Don’t beat up the inspector in your
DataQs filing. The state’s DataQs
adjustment for many in the industry, motor carriers to challenge an inspector’s officer will review the inspection
report as well as the information
particularly the drivers. Many carriers say conclusions. But it’s better to avoid and documentation you provide. In
many cases ,the officer will talk to the
some of their drivers initially opposed the the violation in the first place. inspector, who is, after all, a human
being. Human beings often are open
technology – even threatened to quit the The DataQs system can help carriers to new information, but they tend
to get defensive when personally
profession because of it – but changed their overturn other violations as well, but their attacked. So don’t attack them.
• Don’t throw everything against the
mind once they started using it and now chances for success increase if they know wall just to see what sticks. You can’t
talk your way out of every violation.
would not consider going back. how to use it. Here are some tips. An NFL coach is allowed two replay
challenges per game by rule. The
However, many drivers still don’t • Cite the proper inspection or crash unspoken rule for motor carriers is that
they don’t have an unlimited amount of
completely understand the technology, report. It’s surprising how often carriers challenges, either. Only throw your flag
when you think you’re right.
and that can lead to problems. One of fail to do this. Of course, it’s best to avoid having
violations at all. The Commercial Vehicle
the most preventable ones is this: Some • Use the technology you have at your Safety Alliance has a bulletin on its website
that tells inspectors how to perform
believe their truck is outfitted with an disposal. A photograph may show inspections. It’s a public document, which
means it’s available to motor carriers. Use it
ELD when it actually has an automatic on- that what the inspector thought to train your drivers, and they’ll know what
to expect before they’re ever stopped. TTN
board recording device, or AOBRD. While was a crack in the brake lining
Dave Osiecki is president of Scopelitis
Getting freight delivered on time is the top
priority of the transportation industry. Transportation and Consulting. He previously

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ebrmaitt:an11-a28s7•s7Tig-E3nN4mN6eE-0SnS3tE0cE0oTnoRtraUccCtlKaoIimNuGrsa2Nl4EeW-rhtS@ouuQrs3.ccFlraAaiLmwLcs2oi0n.1ct8oamke



14 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

RELISASPCTOETNND
3 Steps to Improving
Driver Retention

BY MAX FARRELL / GUEST WRITER

We’re all reading the same things:
driver shortages, driver turnover,
a fire-hot freight market, etc.

Now more than ever, trucking executives are wanting to
take advantage of the business opportunities provided by
the industry. But there’s a roadblock and it’s tough to find
and keep truck drivers.

For too long trucking companies have focused strictly
on recruiting. But with recruiting metrics favoring the
advertiser and not the trucking company, driver retention
is being revisited. Why? Because it’s less expensive to keep
your people than it is to replace them. It’s safer to coach
drivers than to replace bad habits. And you can build a
culture when people stick around.

CONTINUED 

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 15

SHARE

REGULAR
PROGRESS
UPDATES ON
COMPANY
FEEDBACK

Instead of continually hiring and open-door policy. Those are table stakes. do nothing with it. It is also imperative
training new drivers; focus on driver Pay attention to the pay raises and to communicate that feedback led the
retention, Here is some simple advice: charge. Here are a few ways you can close
Listen to your people; Act on what they other incentives that are being shared the feedback loop.
say; Respond to show them that change is with drivers in your market. If you are
happening. Here are a few tactics you can seeing these trends, you’d better believe RESPOND
apply to improve driver retention. your drivers noticed it first.
Share regular progress updates on
LISTEN Listen to the online chatter. Drivers are company feedback. Highlight actions
sharing feedback somewhere. Forums and (even small wins), bigger changes, and
Listen to your drivers. Ask open-ended Facebook are increasingly popular avenues clear up miscommunications. The rumor
questions instead of survey questions, to talk shop. If you don’t know what’s mill runs wild if you don’t communicate
which introduce bias. This allows drivers being said, you can’t do anything about it. directly and continuously.
to share the good, the bad, and the ugly.
But listening is only part of the battle. Take advantage of multiple
Here’s an example of why this is When we ask for driver feedback, it’s communication styles to reach drivers in
recommended: when we analyzed 8500 important they see action come from it. the way they communicate. Connect via
drivers’ feedback last year, pay was one of text, email, conference calls, town halls,
the top four issues (as you would expect). ACT and even Facebook Live to share updates.
However, the top issue within the pay theme
wasn’t about wanting more money. The top Find small wins. For example, if a Show that deliberation is happening.
issues within pay were “I don’t understand vending machine is broken in the driver Sometimes drivers simply need to see that
my pay” and “my pay is incorrect.” lounge, get it fixed quickly. It’s a small their ideas and issues are being discussed
thing, but it’s an indicator that your in the office and at the leadership
By asking open-ended questions we company is attentive to driver needs. level. Even if you can’t make a change,
can understand the root of the issues explaining why you can’t goes a long way.
causing drivers to seek new opportunities. Act with bigger initiatives. Change
is hard. But showing drivers substantial There’s no silver bullet when it comes
Listen to their expectations when changes based on their feedback can to driver turnover. But respect is more
they join your team. Expectations for make all the difference. For example, if valuable than higher pay almost any day.
a new hire are the glue that makes or your drivers are noticing inefficiencies in By committing to a continuous feedback
breaks their trust with your company. load planning, you could put a task force loop with your drivers you will show that
Aligning expectations on pay, home time, together to map out improvements in the your company is listening, working to get
equipment, and communication are crucial process; include a driver on the task force better, and that their voice matters. There’s
and set your relationship up for success. so they feel represented. nothing more powerful than that. TTN

Listen to the industry. Every good When we close the feedback loop,
company embraces safety and has an we must respond. The most toxic thing
we can do is ask for feedback and then

INSTEAD OF CONTINUALLY HIRING AND TRAINING
NEW DRIVERS; FOCUS ON DRIVER RETENTION.

16 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 17

Connie

Va u g h a n PHOTO: COURTESY MCKEE FOODS

McKee Foods

Meet TTA’s New Chairman

BY DAN CALABRESE / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

Little Debbie does not drive a truck, back while these onerous regulations eight of those have to be in the sleeper,”
get published and then complain about Vaughan said. “So first of all, who sleeps
and when you’re eating one of those them,” Vaughan said. “We’ve got to get eight continuous hours in a sleeper moving
involved early.” down the road? The previous hours of
amazing cakes with her picture on it, service regulations allowed you to take the
Vaughan’s ascension to the chairmanship eight hours of sleep time and split that and
you’re probably not thinking about is not a surprise. She was told a few years have flexibility.”
ago that she could expect to have a two-year
what it took to get that delicious treat stint in the position – following the five years Why does that flexibility matter?
in which she’s already served on the TTA’s One reason is availability of places to stop
to market. You’re almost certainly not executive committee. and park. If you could do five hours in the
thinking about all the federal and state sleeper and then drive for five hours – for
regulations that complicated the process. She accepted in part because she believes example – you’d have a lot more freedom
she has a real opportunity as chairman to to plan a place to stop. But if you have to
But for Connie Vaughan, the thought make an impact. do the whole thing in large blocks of time,
is never far from her mind. That’s why you might have to make a choice between
this seasoned professional from the snack “The chairman can help set the stopping way short of your allotted driving
cake industry is poised and ready to take direction for the organization and executive time – in order to take advantage of the last
over as chairman of Tennessee Trucking committee,” Vaughan said. “I think there’s available parking spot for awhile – or driving
Association. also a chance to encourage the board and to the maximum but end up with nowhere
the executive committee to take advantage safe to stop.
Vaughan has spent the past 31 years of opportunities. For example, in Tennessee Previous versions of the Hours of Service
with Collegedale-based McKee Foods, we’re going to have a new governor, a new regulations allowed that flexibility, Vaughan
the longtime maker of Little Debbie snack U.S. senator, new members of the U.S. said, but updates seem to have missed many
cakes and other popular products. The last Congress and 35 new state senators and of the nuances of life on the road.
12 of those years have been as director of state House members in the Legislature. So “A driver had flexibility as long as their
governmental relations, and that experience there’s an opportunity to say to the executive on-duty time included 10 hours of rest in
has taught Vaughan one thing that any committee, ‘We need to schedule a priority that 24-hour period,” she said. “They had the
company with a fleet should understand: to meet with this new senator.’” flexibility to split that up and manage that
There is a good chance there are more – and when they got tired, they could stop
regulations governing your truck fleet than One of the key regulatory issues that will to rest and manage their schedule.” But now
governing the load you are hauling. get Vaughan’s attention is rest time, which the rules require eight hours in the sleeper.
she offers as a good example of why the Two hours can be spent in the front seat and
And one of Vaughan’s most fundamental people making trucking regulations need to
priorities is to make sure those making the know a thing or two about trucking. CONTINUED 
regulations – at whatever level of government
– at least have some basic understanding of “In the case of team operations, the
the industry they are regulating. But the only regulation requires 10 hours of rest, and
way to make that happen is for the TTA to be
an active participant in the process.

“It’s so true that we can’t just sit

18 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

“We can’t just sit
back while these
onerous regulations
get published and
then complain about
them. We’ve got to
get involved early.”

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 19

awake. So what happens in a team operation Key to that effort is TTA’s Political Action Building relationships is crucial to
is that one driver’s got to drive 10 hours Committee, and Vaughan emphasizes the TTA’s success. Like the relationship TTA
when their co-driver is in the sleeper. “If you importance of using campaign finances to enjoys with the Tennessee Department of
are driving by yourself (a single driver), and influence the electoral process – regardless of Transportation. One example of where it’s
you get tired, you have a difficult choice – do the image such activities have in the minds making a difference is the issue of truck
I press on, or stop before my scheduled 10 of most people. parking.
hours of off duty sleep time? Professional
drivers need the flexibility to manage their “I know some people think that giving That’s an issue that’s reaching critical
rest breaks.” money to politicians is dirty money, but it’s mass for many drivers, who struggle to get
just not like that,” Vaughan said. the last spot at a Travel America, Pilot or
Getting legislators and regulators to Flying J, and sometimes end up having to
understand these issues is a matter of TTA sees it as in the industry’s best settle for the way-back of a parking lot or
forming relationships with them, Vaughan interests to support good candidates who some other random spot in which they may
sees this as one of TTA’s strengths. might be disqualified from running if or may not be allowed to stay for the 10-hour
they couldn’t get outside financial support. rest break.
“We are trying to build relationships with It’s an investment in legislators who will
those folks and educate them about how our understand how to promote policies that lead One result of this problem has been the
business works, saying, ‘Here’s how we can to growth and more good jobs in trucking. growing number of trucks actually parked
grow more jobs, here’s how we can increase alongside highway entrance ramps for lack of
pay, here’s how we can be more efficient,’” “If we want someone who’s running to a better alternative. The situation cries out for
Vaughan said. “And if we can just educate achieve those things, you’ve got to help them a solution, and Vaughan is already working
people around manufacturing and trucking, get elected, so supporting the PAC is a way with TDOT to try to find one.
then rarely do we have to call them and say for us to tell our story of how the industry
there’s a bill and we want them to vote in a works,” Vaughan said. “It’s really important “We have a great relationship with
certain way. They’ll call us and ask how a bill to help people get elected who are going TDOT, and they are very aware of the
will affect our business.” to be open to our issues and listen to our situation,” Vaughan said. “They’re engaging
concerns.” the trucking community in trying to solve

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it. TDOT has some ideas on how public/ (L-R) Team McKee: Shon Mines, Cherrie White, Sherry Belcher, Connie Vaughan, Doreen Smith, Lorie
private partnership might work to solve the Higgs, Cassie Case, Renee Tracy, Karen Partin
problem.”
18-year-olds to drive, but only in the states “There needs to be some real thought put
One possibility might be to use TDOT- in which their CDLs are issued. Obviously into what that CDL looks like,” Vaughan
owned land to extend the existing parking 18-year-old drivers are less experienced and said. “Is that a graduated CDL, maybe where
available at a private truck stop, then work could represent greater risks – to themselves you have to have a co-driver? Daylight only?
out an arrangement with the truck stop as well as to others on the road – so the We need to figure that out, but the trucking
operators to make bathrooms, showers and solution has to put a heavy emphasis on industry needs to be at the table rather than
the like available to the drivers. safety, perhaps in the form of a new type of allowing non-trucking to set the guidelines
CDL that loosens the restrictions without based on fear, not facts.”
But until the solution is in place, TTA is compromising safety.
working with the Tennessee Department CONTINUED 
of Safety and Homeland Security and
the Tennessee Highway Patrol to ensure
professional drivers and their loads are safe.

“The Tennessee Highway Patrol is
another great relationship for TTA. THP
Special Programs Unit is focused soley
on highway safety and we appreciate the
partnership with them to continually look
for safe parking alternatives for professional
drivers. “

Another priority issue for TTA is the
current shortage of drivers. A possible
solution is to ease CDL restrictions that allow

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 21

Vaughan is not only a trucking person and two grandsons. company,” Vaughan said. “We like to give
but a born-and-bred Tennessee person. Her Her career at McKee is a great example people the opportunity to grow within the
parents were born and grew up in Lenoir company. I have seen the company place a
City, and she lived there until the age of nine of finding a place you love, challenging high value on relationships, and I knew this
when her family moved to Atlanta. There yourself and learning to make an impact job could be a relationships job. That’s what
her father worked as a city bus driver, and in new ways over the course of time. She most of this work is.”
Vaughan stayed in Atlanta until returning to joined the company in 1987, and was doing
Tennessee to attend school in Chattanooga. strategic and operational planning when Vaughan also considers herself fortunate
That’s where she met her husband, and the opportunity to take over governmental to have reported directly to a McKee family
they’ve now been married for 38 years – with relations came up 12 years ago. She jumped member most of the time she’s been with
two sons, two wonderful daughter-in-laws, at it, and is glad she did. the company, first company president
Mike McKee and now Debbie McKee, who
“McKee is a promote-from-within oversees human resources, transportation
and purchasing.

The family emphasis is a product of
McKee’s history dating all the way back
to 1934, when O.D. and Ruth McKee
purchased a small baking company in
Chattanooga. Although expansion plans
saw the company move to North Carolina
in 1937, they returned to Chattanooga in
1954 and established a permanent home
in Collegedale in 1957. Since then, the
company’s facilities have been expanded
more than 13 times, and today Little
Debbie snack cakes are manufactured in
Collegedale; Gentry, Arkansas; and Stuarts
Draft, Virginia.

All throughout that time, the McKee
family has maintained not only family
ownership but also the type of company
culture that’s made Vaughan feel at home
there for more than three decades.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see the
McKee family operate, and how they make
decisions about what kind of company they
want, and what they want their core values
to be,” Vaughan said.

Perhaps in part because of experience,
Vaughan expresses gratitude for the
support she receives from the staff at TTA.
It’s one of the reasons she’s confident she
will succeed even though she doesn’t
have the traditional background you
might expect. President and CEO Dave
Huneryager affirmed that her perspective is
the right one for TTA’s current priorities.

“I’m not a truck driver and I didn’t come
up driving,” Vaughan said. “I’m familiar
with the industry and I recognize the
need to have a regulatory perspective. He

22 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

thought that was important and I think That doesn’t mean the task will be staff is experienced and skilled, and they
I’ve seen that. He told me, ‘It’s OK you easy. Regulatory battles never are, and understand the issues just as she does.
didn’t come up driving a truck. We need that’s why it takes someone with as But a chairman with the vision to set the
this other perspective.’” much background in the field as Connie agenda and lead the mission can make all
Vaughan to lead the effort. For Tennessee the difference. Given her background, it’s
Vaughan believes one of her greatest truckers, as well as for the TTA staff, that’s hard to imagine a leader better prepared or
tests in the regulatory realm will be to clearly why Vaughan is embraced as the more capable.
counter the impact of regulations coming right person at the right time to lead the
out of California. Because of California’s organization. Tennessee truckers can be confident
size and location – with so much coastline their interests are being represented well
and so many ports in addition to so many As Vaughan knows well, she certainly by their new chairman. TTN
miles of highway – it is in a position won’t be doing the job alone. The TTA
to impose stiffer regulations on many
industries than they have to deal with in Natural gas
other states. And because of California’s fuel solutions
importance to the nation and global
economy, even businesses located in other Pivotal LNG is committed to providing customers
states must meet California’s standards in with liquefied natural gas supply 24 hours a day,
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Vaughan said. “They have the ports and
trucking that’s going to the port to pick © 2017 Southern Company. All rights reserved. Do not reuse text or graphics without written permission. PLNG-15905
up or deliver goods that move across the
state. So the California legislature knows
federal government has a meal and rest
break requirement, but they think it
should be more than that.”
How could that affect truckers?
“You could have just taken your
30-minute rest break before crossing
the state line, but they say no, you have
to have another 30-minute rest break,”
Vaughan said. “So what we’re trying to
do through the TTA and the ATA is have
the federal government say, no, it’s the
federal regulations that preempts the state
regulation. If you’re conducting interstate
commerce, you follow the federal
regulations. Otherwise we will end up
with 50 states where you can’t go 100
miles before you have to stop or deal with
some other new or different regulation.”
Trucking didn’t exist when the U.S
Constitution was written, but if anything
fits the definition of interstate commerce,
trucking clearly does. So Vaughan and
her colleagues at TTA and across the
country will be making the case that it’s
Congress – not individual states – that
gets to standardize these rules.

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 23

AnnTuTaAl’sC8on8vthention

2018 Clean Diesel Award - Sarah Heffington, 2018 Allied Professional of the Year - Troy Dickens, Rush Truck
M & W Transportation Co., Inc., Wayland Thompson, FirstFleet, Inc. Centers Nashville, Dave Huneryager, TTA President

2018 Hugh Galbreath Safety Professional of the Year Award - 2018 Fleet Safety Award - Captain Brandon Douglas, THP, Cory Lorincz,
Kelvin Gashaw, Titan Transfer, Inc., Dave Huneryager, TTA President Volunteer Express, Inc., Stephanie Mann, FMCSA

24 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

2018 Grand Champion
and Fleet Awards - Dave
Huneryager, TTA President,
Richard Joiner, Englander
Transportation, Stephanie
Mann, FMCSA, Captain
Brandon Douglas, THP

2018 Maintenance Professional of the Year - Lynell Elmore, 2018 Grand Champion - Captain Brandon Douglas, THP, Richard
Averitt Express, Inc., Dave Huneryager, TTA President Joiner, Englander Transportation, Inc, Stephanie Mann, FMCSA

2018 Fleet Safety Award -
Captain Brandon Douglas, THP,
Perry Wilson, McKee Foods,
Carl Johnson, McKee Foods,
Stephanie Mann, FMCSA

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 25

TTA Chairman - Connie Vaughan, McKee Foods

2018 Convention

Sometimes
People Must
Come Together
for a Mission

Thank You
Since 1954, the American Transportation
Research Institute and its predecessor have been
the trucking industry’s source for scientific data
and analysis on the many high priority issues
facing freight transportation today. If you or your
company has not contributed in the past, now is
the time to step up and do your part.
Step up and leave your footprint for the good of
the industry.
Visit www.atri-online.org to explore your giving
opportunities.

Photo: NASA
26 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

Senator Paul Bailey, Represenative Pat Marsh Speaker - Jim Vernon,
Life on the Porch

Keynote Speaker - Steve Gilliland,
Enjoy the Ride

Dave Manning, TCW, Inc., ATA Chariman Speaker - Rebecca Brewster,
American Transportation Research Institute

TATBY THE
NUMBERS
Over
1902+Calls made TO ®
the national hotline
BY truckers alone

545 likely INVOLVING

human trafficking 1,008

cases identified TRAFFICKING VICTIMS

315

OF WHICH

WERE MINORS

20+ 1 MILLION Truckers Against Trafficking

trade shows wallet cards If you'd like to train your drivers to recognize the signs of
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Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 27

2018 Road Team

Opening Reception

Michael and Nicki Bess, Best One Tire & Service, Keith Rhodes,
Fleet Equipment, LLC

Auction 2018

Greg and Maria Burnette, GCB Logistics, Inc

ELD and Regulatory Panel Discussion - Soona Lee, EROAD, Phillip Barry McGriff, McGriff Tires, Phillip Edwards, Titan Transfer, Inc. –
Edwards, Titan Transfer, Jeff Peterson, Music City Logistics Express, Donna Dudley Smith, Neely Coble Company, Inc., Anthony Allen, Willis Towers
England, TTA, Cleve McCord, Sharp Transport, Stephanie Mann, FMCSA, and Watson
Captain Brandon Douglas, THP

28 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

2018 CONVENTION SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS
Vertical Alliance Group, Inc.

FOUNDATION AUCTION CLOSING PARTY SPONSOR
Occusure Workers’ Compensation

Adams and Reese LLP PLATINUM Peterbilt Motors Company
American Trucking Associations UPS
FedEx Freight Corporation Great West Casualty Company
Freightliner Trucks and TN Dealers Volvo Trucks North America / The Tennessee Volvo Dealers
HELP Inc., Provider of PrePass Nacarato Trucks, GP, LaVergne,TN
Freightliner Trucks General Truck Sales & Service, Memphis,TN
Neely Coble Company, Inc., Nashville Navistar, Inc. (Tennessee International Dealers) Worldwide Equipment, Inc., Chattanooga, Crossville &
Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga Cumberland International, Nashville, Murfreesboro Knoxville, TN
Premier Truck Group of Knoxville Lee-Smith International, Chattanooga
TAG Truck Centers, Memphis & Jackson Landmark International, Knoxville, Cookeville, Morristown
Tri-State International, Union City,TN, Bowling Green, KY,
Murray, KY, Oak Grove, KY
Volunteer International,Jackson

Best One Tire & Service GOLD Mack Trucks, Inc.
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions ORBCOMM
Joe Morten & Son, Inc.
Clarke Power Services PeopLease Corporation
Cummins, Inc. Kenworth Dealers in Tennessee The Peterbilt Store - Knoxville & North Georgia

Eaton Corporation MHC Kenworth

Kenworth Truck Company

PACCAR Financial Corporation

5 Star Compliance of USA SILVER Omnitracs, LLC
Altria Client Services, Inc. Pilot Flying J
Davenport Wellness, PLLC Fleet Equipment Nashville, LLC Shell Lubricants
INATowing Network, LLC TMW Systems, Inc.
FindATruckerJob.com LBMC, PC
Fleetco, Inc. McGriff Tire Company, Inc. Pinnacle Bank
Meritor, Inc. Pressure Systems International
Advanced Ergonomics, Inc. Rush Truck Center, Nashville
Alley-Cassetty Truck Center BRONZE
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. S&E Productions
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Electronic Funds Source, LLC SmartDrive Systems
Farris Evans Insurance Agency, Inc. Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC
Bellenfant, PLLC
Bloomberg Consulting, Inc. FirstBank TA/Petro
BMO Transportation Finance Great Dane Trailers, Inc. Taylor & Martin, Inc. - Auctioneers
Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs Havco Wood Products The Hyatt Company of TN, LLC.
Insurance Information Exchange Triad Freightliner of Tennessee, LLC
C.H. Robinson J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc.
Comdata Corporation Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP
Corporate Billing, LLC
King & Ballow
Crestmark TPG LLC Love’s Travel Stops
Double Coin Tire/CMA, LLC
Lytx
DriverReach McGriff Insurance Services
McNabb, Bragorgos, Burgess and Sorin, PLLC
People’s Capital & Leasing Corp.

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 29

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Donna and Ken Wheeler - Old Dominion David Gooch - Sharp Transport and Tony
Freight Line, Cleve McCord - Sharp Transport Ellison - FedEx Freight at Sharp CarFit Event
and Eddie LeSueur - Skyline Transportation at
Tennessee School Resource Officers Conference

Dale Moore - FirstFleet at Chattanooga Latin Fest

Jeff Stinson - FedEx Freight and Eddie LeSueur at Oak Ridge High School JTHP Major Matt Perry, Cleve McCord - SharpTransport, THP Col Dereck Stewart,
David Gooch - Sharp Transport, THP Lt Col James Hutcherson at THSO Teen Driver Event

Paula Harper - FedEx Freight at Boys & Tim Chelette - Big G Express and Mark Copas - Tony Ellison - FedEx Freight - and Tim Chelette -
Girls Clubs Knoxville FedEx Freight at Workforce Essentials Drivers Ed Big G Express at Anderson County Anti Drug Event

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 31

MemberSpotlight

DNSEUOLDTLSJLEUSYOSTSLMUTRTIUTIOHCNKSS,

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dudley Smith is the sales manager at (All van 1974) R.A. Brown, president of Allvan Corp., and Dudley Smith
discuss the next order of Loadstar chassis.
Nashville-based Neely Coble, but he
car, you can say, hey, I sold that one, and they’re blessing you with their business,
doesn’t just sell trucks. Instead, he I sold that one, and I sold that one, and then when tough times come, there are
that’s my customer right there. That’s kind certain parts of that you can still count on
solves problems. of cool.” and depend on.”

“The truck started out being a problem, Smith has lost count of the number of Smith, who has lived his entire life
and I was part of the solution,” he said of times the sales team has broken records. in Nashville, has been in the trucking
his job. “So that’s kind of the way I look at But sometimes success is not so much business since 1970. He had just gotten
it, and the truck serves a means to an end. about selling trucks as it is supporting married and was working at Harvey’s
It makes money for people in the industry, customers during their tough times. department store selling blue jeans, socks
and also for private companies, it gets He said Neely Coble provides the sales and underwear after attending Belmont
their goods to marketplace. It gets their team the resources needed to take care of College for a year. When a friend told him
goods delivered to their end users.” customers. about a job opportunity at an International
Harvester company-owned store, he
Smith has been the sales manager at “The key to this business, the key to this applied not even realizing the company
Nashville-based Neely Coble for 22 years. whole thing is, you’ve got to be consistent sold trucks. He thought of it as a tractor
He heads a department that records 1,500- because this industry is so cyclical, it’s manufacturer. He first delivered parts
2,000 sales a year – mostly Freightliner going to have its ups and downs,” he said. throughout Nashville and then moved
trucks but also Isuzu and Sprinter models. “And as long as you’re consistent, and as behind the counter. When the sales
The company also has a store in Decatur, long as you’re treating people fairly, and manager asked if he would be interested in
Alabama, and is opening a parts and as long as you’re delivering good products moving into sales, he jumped at the chance.
service store in Bowling Green, Kentucky. and providing good support service, and

“This isn’t a job,” he said. “This is a
career. There’s a lot of jobs, but this is a
career, and once you get into it, you can’t
do it halfway. You’ve got to be in, and
having the passion to do it makes it a lot
less like work and a lot more like fun and
enjoyment and enjoying what you do and
going home at the end of the day with a
sense of accomplishment. Driving up and
down the interstate with your kids in the

32 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018

Dudley got his moved to Sacramento, and when he visited
start selling light them to make arrangements, her father had
duty vehicles changed his mind about the idea. They then
for International “ran away to Spartanburg, South Carolina to
Harvester in the get married” because it wasn’t legal to wed at
early 70’s. such young ages without parental consent in
Tennessee – or in Kentucky or Alabama.
Photos: courtesy Smith family
(IH Salesman) W.B. Walker, vice president of Allvan Corp. reviews specs with Dudley. “We made arrangements, and she flew
back to Nashville one night, and within a
“That was kind of a lifetime ambition NationaLease Truck Rental for about a year. few days we ended up in Spartanburg, South
I had,” he said. “I felt like I could sell no He then spent seven years at Nacarato Volvo Carolina, and we became husband and wife,”
matter what. Just give me the opportunity.” Trucks before settling at Neely Coble in 1997. he said. “Figure the odds on that one lasting.”

Smith sold trucks until 1979, when he At each of those locations, he’s made It not only lasted, but it produced three
had a chance to become a sales manager. sure to work for an employer that is sons and a daughter, with an eighth
For him, it was an opportunity not only to actively involved in the Tennessee grandchild on the way. Her father ended up
advance up the career ladder but also to craft Trucking Association. He’s been to either living with them before he passed away. Son
more customer-focused policies. 43 or 44 TTA Annual Conventions and Jeff works at Neely Coble as a salesman.
has served on the Allied Committee and
“My choice was easy,” he said. “I could as an allied representative on the TTA Family is a huge part of Smith’s life.
either be part of the solution, or I could just Board of Directors. He grew up in a close-knit family and
kind of be my own island and just sell trucks estimates he has 75 cousins in the Nashville
and not get involved in it. And I probably “It’s our voice,” he said. “It’s the area along with some uncles and aunts who
could have survived fine on my own, but association’s voice in the state of Tennessee. are still living. Several family members
looking back, I think the decision I made You either have a voice or your don’t, and own campers on the Tennessee River in
has been good for me. It’s been good for my without TTA, we have no voice.” Alabama, and they camp together seven or
family. And It’s been really, really good for a eight months each year, fish and play golf.
lot of other families.” He and wife Debby have been married 48 Smith also hunts ducks with his sons and
years after marrying when he was 19 and grandsons. He and Debbie travel some, but
Smith left the International Harvester she was 18. They met when he was attending most of their time is spent with family.
store, which then was known as Kile Belmont College with Debbie’s brother
International Trucks, to work for Autow and soon decided to marry. Her family had “We’ve gotten to see what we wanted to
see, but I guess at the end of the day, what
we want to see is all our kids and all our
grandkids healthy and participating in
activities,” he said. “And we go attend that,
watch and kind of be a part.”

Meanwhile, Smith continues to do what
he has always done at Neely Coble: serve his
employer by serving his customers. He takes
a lot of pride when owners and drivers share
how much they enjoy their new trucks.

The best part of his job, he said, is
“Probably taking care of customers, trying to
fulfill their needs, and helping salespeople,
new salespeople, old salespeople, obtain their
goals and reach their goals and exceed their
goals. That’s pretty much all I’ve done for
50 years. It’s a passion I have, and I love the
business, so it’s an easy job for me. It’s really
not even a job.” TTN

Q3 FALL 2018 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 33

New TTA Members Tennessee Trucking News
ALLIED: • Transtex
ADVERTISING
• AirMedCare Netowrk • Walker’s Trailer Sales RESOURCE INDEX

• Avant • Warren Averett Q3 Fall 2018

• BKD, LLP • Workhound

• CompuDharma
• Custard Insurance Adjusters, Inc., CARRIER

• DataGuard Partners • Accelerated Courier, Inc. Adams and Reese LLP 10

• Expediter Services, LLC • Ajax Turner Co., Inc. ATRI 26

• Hall Booth Smith, P.C • BIR Transport Co, Inc.

• Hankook Tire America • Burlington Logistics Clarke Power Services 20

• HEC Leasing, LLC, • EIS of TN, Inc. Crawford & Company 12

• Kincaid Insurance Group, Inc. • Goggin Cold Haul Services, LLC

• Manier & Herod • Hunter Oil Drivers Legal Plan 21

• NetraDyne, Inc. • KCH Trucking Fleetco, Inc. 22

• PCS Software, Inc. • Maines Paper and Food Service

• SleepSafe • Shipper’s Choice Transportation Great West Casualty Co. Inside front cover

• Special Investigation Services, Inc. • Specialized Transport Solutions

• Tenstreet, LLC • Volunteer Recycling & Salvage, Inc. HELP Inc. / PrePass 11

• Therapy Direct International/Navistar Inside back cover

• TranSpec

Calendar of Events J.J. Keller & Associates 30

MHC Kenworth 8

NOVEMBER Neely Coble Company, Inc. 4

November 22-23 Holiday - TTA Office Closed - Thanksgiving

DECEMBER Pivotal LNG/AG Resources 23

December 6 TTF Raffle Drawing Premier Truck Group of Chattanooga 17

December 11-12 NATMI – Safety & DOT Compliance Rush Truck Center Back cover

December 24- 25 Holiday - TTA Office Closed – Christmas Tennessee Trucking News 34

Truckers Against Trafficking 27

Please visit www.TNTrucking.org This edition of Tennessee Trucking News
to see the digital version of Tennessee Trucking News was made possible with the support of these
corporate advertisers, all TTA members.
with live links to advertisers’ websites. They support the trucking industry by
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34 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q3 FALL 2018 to provide this publication to its members,
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your consideration and patronage when
making your corporate purchasing decisions.
Thank you!

THE MOST

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