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Published by Matthews Publishing Group, 2018-01-03 14:04:39

Tennessee Trucking News Q4 Winter 2017-2018 -- Dave Manning, TCW & ATA Chairman

The Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association

Keywords: trucking,politics,safety,association,business

truckingTENNESSEE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE TENNESSEE
TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q4 WINTER 2017

$4.95 VALUE

NEWS

Dave
Manning

Another Tennessee
Volunteer as ATA
Chairman

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TABLE OF CONTENTSTennessee Trucking News OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE TENNESSEE TRUCKING ASSOCIATION

Q4 WINTER 2017

COVER

16 Another Tennessee Volunteer
as ATA Chairman
Dave Manning, TCW and new
chairman of American Trucking
Associations

BY STEVE BRAWNER

FEATURES

9 ELDs: Not Necessarily Right
for IFTA and IRP

BY STEVE BRAWNER

15 TTA’s Road Team

BY CATHERINE STUART

23 Trucking’s Crystal Ball
Top industry issues results from ATRI

BY REBECCA M. BREWSTER

28 Member Spotlight: 
Greg Shipman, Vertical
Alliance Group
Energy, enthusiam the foundation of
Greg Shipman’s character

BY TODD TRAUB

DEPARTMENTS

5 From the Chairman:
by Wayland Thompson

7 From the President:
by Dave Huneryager

30 Calendar of Events
30 TTA New Members
30 Advertiser Resource Index

Q3 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 3

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truckingTENNESSEE Chairman’s Message
NEWS
2017 has been a good year for the Tennessee Trucking Association.
Official Magazine of the Tennessee Trucking Association And in 2018, we are reaching for new goals in three major areas: Membership, Convention
and the PAC Fund. These are the three rock solid legs of TTA.
Tennessee Trucking News is owned by the Tennessee Trucking
Association and is published quarterly by Matthews Publishing Membership is the catalyst for all the others. If we don’t have a good solid membership
mix that benefits all, we will just stay the same size with the same trucking members and
Group. For additional copies, to order reprints of individual same allied members. We have so many good things to offer. I’m passionate about growing
articles or to become a subscriber to Tennessee Trucking our membership. Our goal is to add 100 new members, so look out 2018 here we come!
News, contact Carol Foster at [email protected]
Our annual TTA Convention is the single largest event we have. It brings together
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake over 400 registered members in one place to network. We hear great speakers, recognize
[email protected] top carriers, safety programs, technicians and drivers all while enjoying fellowship with
friends, family, even competitors. We are committed to revamping this year’s convention
Executive Editor Dave Huneryager to make it more attractive, bigger and better. We always have great sponsors and events but
[email protected] we want to stretch ourselves to do better, so get ready. If you have any ideas to share to help
us improve, I challenge you to contact TTA and share them.
Art Director C. Waynette Traub
[email protected] The PAC Fund has been good this year. We have revamped the way we are raising
funds by asking for a contribution on our membership dues invoice. This allows you to
Photographers Larry Kuzniewski make a perfectly legal corporate contribution along with your membership dues. 2018
Caleb Shane Lollar is going to be a big year with many statewide elections. There will be a lot of change
Ti any Thrasher Lyles as 17 of 33 Senate seats, all House seats and the Governor’s seat are up for election.
John David Pittman It is important for us to educate all three legislative branches so they understand
our issues. By having a healthy PAC we will be able to support those legislators who
Catherine Stuart support trucking. We take the PAC fund seriously as you saw in our efforts toward
the IMPROVE Act and the benefits of improved infrastructure. With help from TTA’s
Contributing Writers Steve Brawner lobbyist Dale Allen, we will closely follow our local elections and make wise decisions to
Kelly Cargill Crow support those who support us. We are a large voting block. Watch for grass roots email
tools from TTA to communicate better with our legislators when needed.
Sam Eifling
Eric Francis Please support our TTA Foundation. It is a great way to give back to our industry that
Jennifer Barnett Reed has given so much to all of us. This is absolutely the most honored thing any of us can
John Schulz do: to leave a legacy that will allow this organization to live on long after we have ridden
Todd Traub off into the sunset.

Illustrator Brent Bennett “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people
[email protected] you care.” —Lou Holtz

Ad Production Doug Benjamin Thanks again,
Deah Chisenhall
Wayland Thompson
www.TNTrucking.org FirstFleet and TTA Chairman
Tennessee Trucking Association Staff [email protected]

President & CEO Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 5
Dave Huneryager
[email protected]

Director of Safety
Edmond Sorrell

[email protected]

Membership Coordinator
Donna Tomlinson

[email protected]

Foundation Coordinator
Catherine Stuart

[email protected]

Administrative Coordinator
Carol Foster

[email protected]

An a liate 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 a airs representative
before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of government on issues
that a ect 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

ARKANSAS

5712 Commerce Square
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(800) 264-0148

MISSISSIPPI

2448 McCullough
Belden, MS 38826
(800) 844-3262

We have 11 locations for Sales, Parts & Service MISSOURI

3792 Highway 67 North
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
(573) 785 0193

307 Lynual
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14785 State Highway 177
Jackson, MO 63755
(573) 339 1890

2880 Hwy 67 South
Farmington, MO 63640
(573) 747 0190

KENTUCKY TENNESSEE TENNESSEE

215 Campbell Drive 112 E. L. Morgan Drive 4450 American Way
Calvert City, KY 42029 Jackson, TN 38305 Memphis, TN 38118
(270) 906-0345 (800) 423-2599 (800) 264-0336
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

WAYLAND THOMPSON

FirstFleet, Inc.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Just recently, our two TruckPAC Co-Chairs, Dave Manning and

President & CEO Secretary Terry Minor, sent you some correspondence on how the TTA would
DAVE HUNERYAGER JIM MOSBY try to fund the PAC going forward. Over the past several years, TruckPAC
Tennessee Trucking Association has relied on contributions from a very small percentage of its membership to fund
FirstBank it on an annual basis. Although it is hard to believe, only 17% of members supported
TruckPAC in 2017.
ATA State Vice President Treasurer
SCOTT GEORGE SCOTT SCHUMPERT For many of you, you will remember that the funding of TruckPAC started many
TCW, Inc. Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPSs years ago as a voluntary contribution of $150. In an effort to maintain the integrity
of TruckPAC and to reach a level that was consistent with other trucking association
TruckPAC Co-Chairman East Tenn. Vice Chairman PACs around the country, a few years later we went to a system that also provided for
DAVE MANNING Je Reed major contributions from members. This was more convenient since the change in the
TCW, Inc. law allowed for corporate contributions. Therefore, several years of commitments were
Skyline Transportation made by carriers and individuals ranging from $1,000, $2,500 or $5,000 on an annual
basis. This allowed us to slowly build our annual reserves.
TruckPAC Co-Chairman Middle Tenn. Vice Chairman
TERRY MINOR MIKE MCFARLIN TTA has maintained a historical record of the members who have been so gracious
with their contributions to TruckPAC. Going forward in 2018, TTA will include on
Cumberland International M & W Transportation Co., Inc. your annual dues invoice a requested TruckPAC contribution that historically reflects
Trucks, Inc. Southeast Tenn. Vice the amount a member has made over the past five years.
Chairman
TTF President CONNIE VAUGHAN This allows a member to pay its annual dues and TruckPAC contribution with one
TOMMY HODGES check. Thus, a corporate check can be used to pay the total invoice for both dues
Titan Transfer, Inc. McKee Foods Transportation, and PAC contribution. It also allows the TTA to begin a program to budget annual
Allied Vice Chairman LLC contributions from TruckPAC. This should also help us broaden our base and will add
more members each year to the annual billing process for TruckPAC. Its mission is to
TROY DICKENS West Tenn. Vice Chairman support the legislators who support our industry.
Rush Truck Center, Nashville JASON HIGGINBOTHAM
Immediate Past Chairman Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. TTA will begin monthly tracking of those members who have not made a
contribution to TruckPAC and will contact those members on a regular basis to
JOHN ROSS Non-Domiciled Vice encourage them to make a contribution. The members who have contributed to
Milan Supply Chain Solutions Chairman TruckPAC will be recognized on a monthly basis in the TTA newsletter. This will,
hopefully, encourage other members to become contributors to TruckPAC.
General Counsel NICK D’ANDREA
C. DALE ALLEN UPS With the numerous elections coming up in 2018; Governor, numerous House and
Adams and Reese LLP Senate races, and a wide variety of Leadership positions in both, the ability to support
those who support us is more important than ever! Your consideration of contributing
BOARD OF DIRECTORS the requested amount would be very beneficial!

DIRECTORS AT LARGE BILL BOB WEST Dave Huneryager
R.E. West, Inc. President, Tennessee Trucking Association
BRAD ALLEN [email protected]
Venture Express JIM BRIGGS
Advanced Ergonomics, Inc.
BETH FRANKLIN
Multi-Task Solutions JOE NACARATO
Nacarato Volvo Trucks, Inc.
STEVE FRANKLIN
Multi-Task Solutions EDDIE WAYLAND
King & Ballow
JERRY HAMPTON
Pinnacle Bank BILL TIRRILL
Fleetco, Inc.
LARRY LEFKOVITZ
McLeod Software SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE

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

SHEILA SHOUN JOE SMITH
Shoun Trucking Co. Kenco Transportation Services

ROB RHEA LISA PATE
FedEx Freight U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

WAYNE WEAVER TOMMY THAXTON
Rapid Ways Leasing Best One Tire & Service

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

BRUCE CAMPBELL TIM GATLIN
Forward Air Corp. 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

Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 7

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ELDs:

Not necessarily
right for IFTA

and IRP

BY STEVE BRAWNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As trucking companies make the
long-awaited switch to electronic
logging devices, the American
Trucking Associations is offering
a warning: Be careful about using
them to comply with IFTA and IRP
regulations.

Motor carriers must comply with the
International Fuel Tax Agreement, which
redistributes fuel tax revenues throughout
the United States and Canada based on
miles traveled in each jurisdiction, and
the International Registration Plan, which
does the same for registration fees.

Robert Pitcher, the American Trucking
Associations’ vice president of state laws,
said many carriers may want to use their
ELDs to comply with those regulations.
Motor carriers were required to install the
devices in most trucks Dec. 18.

However, Pitcher said the data produced
by ELDs may not comply with IRP and
IFTA requirements. To comply with the
ELD mandate, the device must produce
readings at least hourly to a precision of
one mile while on duty and within 10
miles when off duty.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

QQ44 WWIINNTTE R 2 0 1 7 T E N N E S S E E T R U C K I N G N E W S • 9

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 state like Rhode Island within an hour. the data must be available. The federal
“The ELD, of course, is geared to Department of Transportation requires
That’s not precise enough to comply carriers to maintain hours of service data
with IRP and IFTA, where auditors want providing records to a particular driver, for six months. For IRP and IFTA, the data
to see exactly how many miles a truck not necessarily for a particular vehicle, must be maintained for up to five-and-a-
has driven in which states. For example, whereas the records for IRP and IFTA half years. Data storage is expensive, so
it won’t accurately capture location data need to pertain to a particular vehicle,” carriers or their storage providers may
for a motor carrier whose trucks cross he added. “So there may be some have policies for erasing data and saving
the Mississippi River between Memphis discrepancies in the way the data are used space. If so, those policies should be
and Arkansas multiple times in a day. there, and the carrier simply needs to be changed.
Moreover, a truck can pass through a small careful to understand that.”
ELD manufacturers are self-certified,
Another issue is the length of time and there are hundreds of them, many
newly formed. Meanwhile, many carriers
Natural gas procrastinated purchasing the devices.
fuel solutions They may have offhandedly asked
manufacturers’ representatives if their
Pivotal LNG is committed to providing customers devices can be used to comply with IRP
with liquefied natural gas supply 24 hours a day, and IFTA regulations. And they should
365 days a year. Contact us to design a flexible, not rely on those representatives’ answers,
cost-effective solution for your fleet. Pitcher said.

pivotallng.com | 713.300.5116 | [email protected] | Follow us on “I think probably a number of the firms
out there that make ELDs may or may not
© 2017 Southern Company. All rights reserved. Do not reuse text or graphics without written permission. PLNG-15905 be compliant,” he said. “So a carrier really
needs to do its due diligence on this if it’s
going to be using ELD data for IRP and
IFTA.”

One red flag would be if a vendor claims
its device is certified by IRP and IFTA.
Neither association certifies any devices.

Pitcher said some ELD systems will help
motor carriers comply with IRP and IFTA,
but motor carriers should be careful about
which ones they trust. For holdouts, time
has become a factor, because they must not
only train drivers but also their office staff
members.

“Some of the state auditors that I’ve
talked (with) who have audited carriers
who use ELDs for both purposes say
that the prospects are not very good,” he
said. “On the other hand, there are some
vendors … whose systems will work
adequately for both depending on how the
carrier implements them. … You have to
do your due diligence, and unfortunately,
that’s going to take some time for the
people that have been a little late in
selecting what ELD provider they’re going
to use.”

Penalties for noncompliance can be stiff.

10 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017

The IFTA agreement allows state auditors “We think it levels the playing field and takes away all the
working with incomplete records to questions about any potential hours of service deception
increase the assessment by 20 percent, or going on.” — Dave Huneryager, President & CEO, Tennessee
to lower a motor carrier’s average miles per Trucking Association
gallon to four, far less than most carriers
are achieving. That lower gas mileage the end of October, the mobile platform Thayne Boren, 18 percent had purchased
effectively raises the fuel taxes they pay truckstop.com surveyed its clients, who ELDs for all their trucks, while 8 percent
because it assumes the carrier burned are primarily owner-operators and small had purchased them for some of their
more fuel than it did. For IRP, improper carriers, regarding their adoption of the
records can increase the assessment by 20 technology. According to general manager CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
percent.

The ELD mandate is one of the most
significant regulatory changes in the
trucking industry in recent years. IRP
and IFTA requirements, however, are not
new. Pitcher said motor carriers should
continue ensuring they comply.

“Keeping complete records of vehicle
movements is very important, and not
all carriers do that,” he said. “The stories
that the auditors tell are not always very
encouraging.”

The Tennessee Trucking Association,
like the American Trucking Associations,
has been fully supportive of the mandate,
said Dave Huneryager, TTA president and
CEO. Most of the association’s members
have 50 or more trucks, which means they
are more likely to have been early adopters
of the technology, and he does not sense
any disagreement among the membership.

“We think it levels the playing field and
takes away all the questions about any
potential hours of service deception going
on,” he said.

Huneryager said the TTA has hosted
a couple of training sessions this year,
and the members are prepared. They also
understand the issues related to using
ELDs for IRP and IFTA compliance.

“There are 9,000 motor carriers
registered in the state of Tennessee. I’m
not sure where they are,” he said. “We have
several hundred motor carriers that are
members of the association that I feel very
comfortable that they’re ready. Just not
so sure about the rest of the industry in
Tennessee.”

Many smaller carriers were
procrastinating making the switch. Around

Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 11

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 125-power-unit company switched to the new set of rules, and you identify
ELDs in 2010, primarily for safety and some inefficiencies, so until you fix those
trucks and planned to be fully compliant compliance reasons. The Federal Motor inefficiencies, there can be a slight drop
by the deadline Dec. 18. Another 25 Carrier Safety Administration’s CSA (in productivity). But as long as you take
percent had researched the device but had accountability system was coming online, action and look to fix those inefficiencies,
not yet made a purchase. But 21 percent and the company had some hours of then we actually have better productivity
were waiting until the deadline to make service violations and felt that ELDs were today than we did prior to it.”
a purchase, and 24 percent had made no the solution.
plans. Some of the rest were leaving the The move required Skyline
industry. They were. The company’s hours of Transportation to identify shippers
service BASIC score is 0, and it’s had only and consignees who caused delays and
Boren said on Nov. 29 that there had two or three violations since adopting the therefore problems with the carrier’s hours
been significant movement among technology. of service compliance. Most were willing
his clients regarding ELDs during the to adapt. With the others, Skyline either
previous two or three weeks, after the Skyline uses its dispatch software, not created detention policies, adjusted the
survey was taken. But some had been its ELDs, to comply with IFTA and IRP price, or hauled less of their freight. Some
confused about an announcement by the regulations. customers chose to do business with other
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance that carriers that weren’t using ELDs and could
trucks in violation would not be placed Reed said making the switch required offer cheaper rates because they were
out of service until April 1. They believed some planning, but eventually the company violating the rules.
that date was the deadline to install the benefited by increasing efficiencies
technology, not realizing they could still and helping drivers improve their time “It’s the 80-20 rule. … Eighty percent of
receive a citation and a fine. management skills. The company now swaps them said, ‘Oh, OK. We understand. We’ll
and relays more freight than it did. try to work together on this,” he said. “And
Jeff Reed, president of Knoxville- 20 percent are just like, ‘Hey, it’s not my
based Skyline Transportation, said his “When you first adopt them, you have to problem.’”
re-engineer some lanes,” he said. “You have
to train people on how to operate under

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.

12 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017

Ozark Truck Line’s Pat Landreth, vice or To submit an assignment contact our 24-hour claims intake center at:
[email protected]
psariedsisdheinptpoefrshhuamveanferlet sforeu1er-ct8oe7sd7ae-nl3ad4ys6da-fre0ivt3ye,0rs0
H“aIrtrhisionnkTpirsdoabla6b1l5y-2a2n1-u5m90b0eorrohfatrhriesofnir_mtissdoalu@tus.crawco.com
For mdursoiinvregerpicnaopfuoelrdrmlsoigmastpiboleyncmaouanskeeatnhupeyytChkernaetwiwmfteohraedndservice, contact: there that make ELDs may or may not be

then alter their books, or use a second set.

That’s not possible with ELDs, which create compliant. So a carrier really needs to do its

a digital footprint. There comes a point due diligence on this if it’s going to be using
where carriers cannot afford to work with

customers who waste too much of their ELD data for IRP and IFTA.”

drivers’ time. Carriers won’t fire customers, — Robert Pitcher, VP of State Laws,
but they will devote their assets to the ones

that are most profitable, he said. American Trucking Associations
Landreth, whose carrier fully made

the switch a year ago, said carriers and

drivers can still be profitable, but they’ll

need customers who appreciate the new

environment. drivers would insist on it being fixed rather “With older drivers, new changes are

“If you’ve got good shippers and good than put up with the hassle of paper logs. harder to accept,” Landreth said. “I don’t

consignees that will let you drop the trailer Ozark phased in the mandate over time, know of a driver today that wants to go

and go to another and move or that will starting with volunteers, and then required back to the paper log because it’s just

load and unload you within a reasonable them for all drivers starting about a year too hard and takes too much work to

time frame, you can still get the miles ago. While there was some reluctance at complete.” TTN

that a driver needs and that the company first, drivers now fully support them.

needs to make a good living,” he said. “But

a lot of that depends on the relationship

that you have with your customers, both Getting freight delivered on time is the top

shippers and consignees.”

Over time, the unprofitable customers priority of the transportation industry.
will realize they have to change if they
want to hire a truck, Landreth said. But when an accident occurs, the roadblocks of getting
a claim handled can make your careful timeline grind to
That’s because there will be fewer trucks a halt. That’s why Crawford®’s Transportation Services
available and more that are parked as their are there for you with the total solution to get your
drivers comply with the regulation and cargo and your schedule back on track.

rest. Many expect the mandate to result

in a loss of productivity industrywide, as

drivers no longer can fudge the numbers

with their paper logbooks. This past

summer, Kenny Vieth, president of ACT

Research, predicted the mandate could

result in a 7 percent loss of capacity in the Crawford & Company®
for-hire sector and a 3.7 percent loss for
the industry overall. has been an industry-leading provider
of services to the trucking industry
The mandate requires not only motor for almost 75 years.
carriers and their customers to adapt,

but also their drivers. Reed said Skyline To submit an assignment contact our 24-hour claims intake center
didn’t lose any drivers when it adopted the at 1-877-346-0300 or [email protected]
technology in 2010 and doesn’t suffer any
pushback from them now. Eventually, if For more information on any Crawford service, contact:
an ELD was having a mechanical problem, Harrison Tisdal at 615-221-5900 or [email protected]

Tcoensutebrmaitt:an1-a8s7s7ig-3n4m6e-0n3t 0c0onotracctlaoimurQsa42l4We-rIhtN@oTuEurRs.c2cl0raa1i7mwcsToiEn.NctoNamkESeS E E T RU C K I N G N E W S • 1 3

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Many of the concerns surrounding the issue gain even greater attention with all
ELD mandate derive from the lack of drivers on ELDs. In ATRI’s 2016 truck
qualified drivers. The latest estimate from flexibility in the Hours-of-Service rules. parking diary research, commercial drivers
the American Trucking Associations has While 2017 saw a final determination who were already using electronic logs
the driver shortage climbing above 174,000 and permanent removal of the more were nearly twice as likely as drivers on
drivers by 2026 if current trends continue. restrictive 34-hour restart provisions in paper logs to spend more than 30 minutes
FMCSA’s HOS rules, the lack of flexibility looking for available parking. In that study,
Where will those new drivers come in the rules kept HOS as the number three ATRI cites one driver who commented,
from? It’s clear that the industry has to industry issue in the 2017 survey. “ELD leaves no room for dealing with full
look beyond its current base of middle- truck stops making it nearly impossible to
aged males. An ATRI analysis of 2016 data The top strategy identified by survey preplan.”
from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that respondents for addressing the HOS
nearly 57 percent of our workforce is 45 concern was to push for flexibility in how This is another area where the industry
and older, while just 4.4 percent is aged drivers split their driving, on-duty and must work with its supply chain partners
20-24. And that percentage is down from rest time. The current rule specifies that to educate them on, and collaboratively
our 2013 data analysis which showed 4.9 drivers using the sleeper berth provision address, the truck parking shortage. Those
percent of our workforce in that youngest must take at least eight consecutive hours shippers and receivers who recognize the
age bracket. in the sleeper berth, plus a separate two HOS constraints under which drivers
hours either in the sleeper berth, off operate and who provide truck parking
Survey respondents believe the top duty, or any combination of the two. and facilities for drivers will be best
strategy for addressing the driver shortage Many in the industry believe that with positioned to work with their carriers of
is to work with state and federal authorities additional flexibility drivers would be choice to get freight moved.
to develop a graduated CDL program able to rest when tired and could provide
to attract safe younger drivers to the an opportunity for drivers to adjust Another top strategy for addressing the
industry. This is a top research priority their driving schedules to avoid some truck parking shortage is to educate the
for ATRI as well and work is underway at of the worst congestion chokepoints. public sector on the safety consequences
ATRI to develop and test a younger driver FMCSA’s pilot study to assess the benefits resulting from closing public parking
assessment tool – one that would reliably of allowing split-sleep will be underway facilities and failing to expand truck
identify young individuals possessing throughout 2018 and based on its results parking availability. ATRI’s truck parking
the same personality traits as safe, older (expected in 2019), it may provide what diary research quantified how frequently
drivers. motor carriers and drivers are looking for drivers are forced to park in undesignated/
in terms of additional HOS flexibility. unauthorized truck parking locations
Number two on the list of top concerns like highway shoulders or ramps, with
is the Electronic Logging Device Mandate. The number four issue on the survey is 48.7 percent of drivers reporting that the
After a number of legal challenges, one that impacts professional drivers each parking shortage leads them to do so from
FMCSA’s long-awaited ELD mandate went and every day – the lack of safe, available three to seven times per week.
into place on December 18th. However, truck parking. In fact, while truck parking
given that the ELD Mandate ranked is number four on the overall survey, It’s difficult to keep drivers in the
as the second-biggest issue facing the among professional driver respondents, industry when they are faced with
industry in 2017, it is clear that many in it’s the number two issue after the ELD challenges such as finding a safe place to
the industry remain concerned about the mandate. rest. And, keeping drivers in the industry
costs associated with deploying ELDs, rounds out the top five trucking industry
what deployment will mean for industry The growing scarcity of available truck issues. While related to the Driver
productivity, and how the data collected parking creates a dangerous and costly Shortage, Driver Retention is a separate
will be used beyond HOS compliance. situation for truck drivers who are often issue on the annual list of trucking
Others in the industry indicated concern forced to drive beyond allowable HOS industry concerns.
that the implementation window would rules or park in undesignated and, in many
be further extended beyond December 18, cases, unsafe locations. Numerous studies Driver turnover surged through the first
2017. Throughout 2018, it will be critical have documented the truck parking half of 2017 after falling for the duration
for the industry to continue to work with challenge, including the congressionally of 2016, indicating that the driver market
its supply chain partners to manage the mandated Jason’s Law Truck Parking has tightened considerably and will
productivity impacts from widespread Survey Results and Comparative Analysis. likely continue to do so in 2018. To combat
ELD deployment.
In 2018 we may see the truck parking CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

14 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017



16 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017

Dave Manning

TCW and another Tennessee volunteer as ATA chairman

BY STEVE BRAWNER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAY COOK

Why is Dave Manning the third Tennessee pushed by President Trump and Republican
leaders in Congress. Next up hopefully will be an
trucking executive to chair the American infrastructure package, which was a centerpiece of
Trump’s campaign and a longstanding priority of the
Trucking Associations since 2005? trucking industry.
“It’s called the Volunteer State, right?” he
Manning said the ATA is in a position to
explained. influence the president on these and other
Manning, 61, president of Nashville-based important issues.

TCW, became the association’s 73rd chairman at “I think that there are a number of initiatives
the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition that he has that match up well with what we want
in Orlando Oct. 24. to accomplish, and Chris Spear, our president and
CEO, has us strategically positioned with the White
Manning is the third ATA chairman hailing House and with the administration to be able to
from Tennessee in recent years. The others were the have our message heard,” Manning said. “What
late Pat Quinn, co-founder with Max Fuller of U.S. Chris has communicated to the president is that
Xpress, who was chair from October 2005 to June of we’re one of the few industries that have voters in
2007; and Tommy Hodges of Titan Transfer, who led every district, and we’re willing to use that grassroots
the association in 2009-10. approach to support the agenda items that he has.”

Coincidence? Manning said he doesn’t have specific policy
“I just think that we’ve always had folks from goals in mind. Instead, the ATA’s objectives are his
Tennessee that have been active in ATA, and ATA’s a objectives. On Nov. 28, he spoke at a Capitol Hill
member-driven association,” Manning said. “And so event hosted by Republican senators in support of
if you show up, you speak up, you have something to tax reform, saying, according to Transport Topics,
contribute to the discussion, that’s not lost on those “We’re an industry of small businesses. Because
that are responsible for picking who are our next of that unique position, we see every day what tax
leaders are.” reform will do to get the economy moving ahead at
Dave Huneryager, the Tennessee Trucking full speed.”
Association’s president and CEO, is confident
Manning will fill Quinn’s and Hodges’ shoes ably. He also plans to continue the ATA’s past
“There’s no more driven and passionate leader support for gas and diesel tax increases to pay for
that our industry could have representing us at ATA, infrastructure improvements. Those taxes have not
at all levels of government,” he said. “He’s a terrific been raised at the federal level since 1993, meaning
ambassador for our state.”
Manning takes the helm of the association at CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
a busy and important time. The ATA has been
active in support of the tax reform effort being

Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 17

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 so-called public-private partnerships such “When you look at both of those together,
as toll roads, where up to 30 percent of the it’s kind of realistic to think that there’s some
the nation’s highways haven’t kept up with revenues pays for overhead. stuff that we can do that would move the
a quarter century’s worth of inflation. He needle on bringing new people into our
said he’s starting to see even members of “If we’re going to raise the money, it needs industry, and we certainly need to do that,”
Congress acknowledge that gas and diesel to go towards roads and bridges, not towards he said.
fuel taxes must be part of the equation. An some bureaucracy trying to make sure that
ATA infrastructure task force has made the people don’t cheat, and pay their fair share,” In addition to his ATA leadership,
case that the cost of a fuel tax increase would he said. Manning has served on the Tennessee
be far less consequential than what taxpayers Trucking Association’s executive committee
pay for auto repairs due to road conditions, However, Manning does support a for about 15 years and co-chairs the TTA’s
for accidents and for congestion. partnership approach regarding the industry’s TruckPAC. When he testified this year in
long-running driver shortage. Government favor of Tennessee’s road-funding IMPROVE
“All government spending’s not bad, funding perhaps could be used for training. Act, he found that many lawmakers didn’t
right?” he told Tennessee Trucking News. He’d also like to see laws changed to allow understand how the International Fuel Tax
“Spending towards our roads and bridges is 18-year-old drivers to cross state lines, Agreement worked, or that Tennessee was
what the government’s supposed to do, and it perhaps through graduated licenses or leaving money on the table for other states by
shouldn’t be painted with the same brush as reciprocal agreements between states. He said not raising its fuel taxes.
just a general tax increase would be.” it’s absurd that, under current laws, drivers
can travel long distances within states but not “The process is going to take place with or
Manning would like to see the taxes a few miles between them – not when in-cab without us,” he said. “You shouldn’t complain
raised at the wholesale level, where only a few technology allows carriers to determine mile about it if you’re not at the table trying to
hundred entities would be taxed, rather than by mile if a driver of any age is safe. impact it. It takes money to do that, and it
on the many thousands of fuel stations at the takes your voice to be able to do that.”
retail level. Either way, the motor fuels tax is a He said the industry’s lobbying efforts
far more efficient way of raising money than with Congress and its efforts to influence the Before the ATA chairmanship, Manning’s
regulators make progress possible. most important contribution as an industry

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leader came through the Intermodal Motor provisioning model in North America started at the bottom working the dock and
Carriers Conference, an ATA affiliate he actually functions,” George said. then, when he turned 18, drove a local route
chairs. About 70 percent of TCW’s revenues with a city truck and a tractor-trailer. It was a
come from intermodal freight. While NACPC makes enough of a profit union shop, and his grandfather helped him
to operate, the 12 founding members haven’t obtain his Teamsters card so he could work
In that position, he’s helped change made any money from their investment. But there.
the intermodal sector, making it fairer that’s OK, Manning said, because it’s provided
for truckers. Several years ago, steamship them with better, cheaper equipment and Manning said those experiences prepared
lines began selling their chassis to leasing forced the leasing companies to improve the him for leadership at TCW. He kept his
companies that billed motor carriers for quality of their own offerings. commercial driver’s license until he was 50
their use. Rates were increasing for inferior, years old.
aging equipment over which motor carriers “When we pull the chassis down the road,
had no control. In response, 12 motor and they have radial tires instead of bias ply, “I’ve done most every job in trucking at
carriers, including TCW, formed the North we get the benefit there,” he said. “When some point in time in my career, and I think
American Chassis Pool Cooperative, which we pay $6 a day less for the chassis then we that gives you a better understanding,” he
Manning also chairs. NACPC, which was would have otherwise, we benefit from that. said. “It’s hard to manage what you don’t
incorporated in 2012, provides chassis to We benefit on the motor carrier side of it, but know, and it’s hard to hire somebody and
carriers on an at-cost basis, cheaper than the not as an owner of the pool.” train somebody to do a job that you don’t
leasing companies offer, and offers superior know how to do yourself, so it’s been good for
equipment with radial tires and LED lights. Manning has roots in the trucking me. It’s helped me understand it. And I think
industry. His grandfather, P.W. Manning, it helps other employees respect you as you
Much of the credit belongs to Manning, owned White Motor Express, while his grow through leadership to know that you’ve
said TCW’s CEO, Scott George. uncle, A.M. “Buddy” Manning, owned done the same job that they’re doing.”
several trucking companies. As a high school
“He’s made a huge impact thus far and I student, Dave Manning began working for Manning’s father was a dentist, and
think will make an even greater impact in the one of his uncle’s companies, Manning Motor
coming months and years in how the chassis- Express, part-time during the summer. He CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 As long as we’re hitting common ground and trying to continue to
move the stakes forward.”
he intended to follow in his footsteps and our objectives, it
become an orthodontist. But his personal life Manning has led the company through
would move him in the direction of trucking. doesn’t matter the path its continued growth and challenges – one of
In 1975 as a sophomore at Tennessee Tech which was completely unexpected. In 2010,
in Cookeville, he and his girlfriend, Betsy, you take to get there,” the Cumberland River flooded in Nashville
whom he’d dated since the ninth grade, and submerged much of TCW’s operating
married. He needed to make an income he said. “It matters that terminal. The facilities had been built four
to support his family, not spend years in feet above the 100-year floodplain, but the
school. So he switched his degree to business you get the results water was still four feet deep in the offices and
management and joined one of his uncle’s 13 feet deep in the yard. Only the tops of the
other companies, Bowling Green Express, in you’re looking for.” — trailers were visible.
1978.
Dave Manning The flood required Manning and other
He would stay there seven years. company officials to act fast. Alerted to
When the industry was deregulated in of fear, (today) it’s got to be a lot more team the rising waters in mid-afternoon, the
the early 1980s, Bowling Green Express effort and involvement,” he said. “You know, company saved all of the trucks and most of
had to compete in a completely different you’ve got to lead. So, that’s been my effort: its loaded containers. Manning used his duck
environment against nonunion companies. to make sure we have good people, be sure hunting boat to save the dispatch material
It was time to look for something outside the they’ve got the tools that they need to be able and computers, which were operational at
family, and that was TCW. to do the job, and if they understand the job, the general office by Monday morning. The
and let them surprise you at what they can company had flood insurance, and while it
Manning was hired to be operations accomplish.” didn’t recover everything, it wasn’t financially
manager in 1985 by Phil George, the son devastated.
of the company’s founder, Howard George. The company’s marketing director, Gary
When Manning joined the company, TCW Duffel, has worked with Manning 23 years At 61, this is the time of life when it
had only one location and 10-11 trucks, but and called him “one of the most honest becomes more important not to miss out
Manning liked the fact that its warehouse and people I’ve ever met.” He said Manning’s on other things. He and Betsy, who have
trucking operations were tied together. It was focus is on creating win-win situations for two grown children, live in the same house
an early player in the intermodal segment both TCW and its customers, which has where he grew up and have 27 acres. He
with a rail ramp in Nashville and relationships reduced tensions during tough negotiations grew up showing Tennessee walking horses,
with steamship lines, which meant it was well with very large shippers. One semiannual but now he just raises pleasure horses for
positioned as the intermodal segment grew. contract renewal with a large chemical his six grandchildren ages 14 to 3 to ride.
company was a good example. The 14-year-old will be old enough to hunt
Manning became president in the early at Manning’s hunting club over Christmas
1990s. Today it has about 450 drivers in 11 “There were some bitter, very bitter break, and Manning looks forward to that.
locations. Its trucks are all non-sleepers, differences in what needed to be done, and He also teaches a Bible study class twice a
primarily company-owned, and the company when we got through, everyone was satisfied,” week.
runs two shifts with all of its tractors, which Duffel said. “I wouldn’t say everyone was
it trades every three years. It hauls primarily happy, but everyone was satisfied with what He’s not retiring, but he has been letting
automotive and consumer goods. While we accomplished. I’ve seen him over the years others take more of a leadership role as
TCW began in 1948 as a warehouse for do that over and over again. … He just has he focuses on his ATA chairmanship and
finished tobacco and cigarettes, today those that ability to negotiate with people and come NACPC activities. At the company, he’s
products are only a small segment of its out to where everyone is a winner at the end, involved in human resources and risk control,
business. Seventy percent of its business is or everyone feels like that they’ve won.” but not really the day-to-day operations.
intermodal. He’s discovered that the company’s young
Manning has worked with the company’s 30-somethings relate better to college-age
Manning described his leadership style as current CEO and grandson of the founder, recruits than he does, and he’s OK with that.
“lead rather than drive.” Scott George, for 32 years. George described
Manning as knowledgable, passionate, and “As long as we’re hitting our objectives,
“I think the whole culture of how you an “excellent communicator, so he’s good at then it doesn’t matter the path you take to
manage people has changed over the last finding some consensus and keeping people get there,” he said. “It matters that you get the
25-30 years, and where people could be sort focused on a task at hand and just being results you’re looking for.” TTN
of intimidating and folks did their job out very results driven. So even when there is
some level of discord, he’s good at finding the

20 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017

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Trucking’s
Crystal Ball

ATRI’s recently released

top issues results

BY REBECCA M. BREWSTER

GUEST WRITER

In today’s world, immediacy rules. Order something
online in the morning – have it delivered that afternoon.
Want to know about your friend’s vacation – log onto their
Facebook page. Concerned about geopolitical interactions –
check Twitter.

Knowing the here and now is easy. Predicting the future
more reliably than Tarot cards and crystal balls, a little
more challenging. And, strategically planning for the future

requires an understanding of current trends and
what they mean for you and your business.
One such indicator of current trends and
future issues for the trucking industry is the
American Transportation Research Institute’s
annual Top Industry Issues Survey. ATRI’s
annual survey is launched every August and
asks trucking industry stakeholders – motor
carriers and professional drivers – to select
their top issues of concern and identify key
strategies for addressing each issue.
The 2017 Top Industry Issues Survey results
released in October provide a good roadmap for
what the industry can expect in 2018.
For the first time since 2006, the Driver
Shortage topped the list of industry concerns.
Improving economic growth in the U.S. has
many concerned that the demand for truck
drivers will further outpace the supply of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 be underscored once all drivers are on In 2018 we can also look for Congress
electronic logs and if ATRI’s truck parking to address the nation’s infrastructure
driver churn, which dramatically increases research bears out, the lack of truck challenges. Given that the trucking
recruitment and training costs, motor parking will also become more challenging industry hauls a majority of freight in
carriers have begun to compete with one for drivers whose available drive and on- the United States, accounting for 66
another using sign-on/stay-on bonuses. As duty time expires without a safe place to percent of the nation’s freight tonnage
documented in ATRI’s annual Operational park. and 73 percent of freight value, the state
Costs of Trucking research, other carriers are of the nation’s roadways is a critical issue
focused on safety performance and on-time While it no longer ranks as a top five confronting the industry and ranks 9th
delivery bonuses as a way to improve their industry issue, FMCSA’s Compliance, overall on the annual survey.
driver retention numbers. Safety, Accountability (CSA) program
continues to rank in the top 10 (#6 Poorly maintained roads and traffic
Although they represent five separate overall). As the year progresses, the congestion create wear and tear on
industry concerns, it’s difficult to industry will have a better idea of how vehicles, waste fuel and increase
decouple the top industry issues as they successful FMCSA’s crash accountability emissions, create additional stress for
are inherently connected. The industry is pilot program is at removing non- drivers, and negatively impact industry
plagued with a perennial driver shortage preventable crashes from carrier BASIC productivity. ATRI research estimates
which may be impacted by some drivers score calculations. The industry will also that congestion-related delays cost the
choosing to leave rather than move to have an opportunity to work with FMCSA trucking industry $63.5 billion annually
electronic logs. There’s also speculation to implement the recommendations of resulting from over 996 million hours of
that implementation of the mandate the congressionally mandated National lost productivity.
will result in productivity losses of 3 to Academies of Sciences report on how
5 percent – which will in turn further to improve the manner in which carrier New ATRI research once again
exacerbate the driver shortage. safety performance is measured under affirms that raising the federal fuel
CSA. tax is the most efficient way to deliver
Lack of flexibility in the HOS rules will transportation infrastructure funding.

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
24 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017

And, an increase in the federal fuel tax 2017 Top Trucking Industry Issues
will incentivize states to generate multi-
million dollar matches to the new federal 1. Driver Shortage
funds which will ultimately move the U.S. 2. ELD Mandate
closer to the infrastructure investment 3. Hours-of-Service
goals proposed by both Congress and the 4. Truck Parking
President. 5. Driver Retention
6. CSA
Another emerging issue to keep an eye 7. Cumulative Economic Impact of Trucking Regulations
on is Autonomous Vehicles. Driver-assisted 8. Driver Distraction
technologies have seen increased deployment 9. Transportation Infrastructure/ Congestion/ Funding
in recent years and high profile test runs 10. Driver Health and Wellness
of autonomous trucks have generated
significant attention among trucking require 67,000 new technicians by 2022, in report includes the results of the annual
industry stakeholders. What this means for addition to the more than 75,000 new diesel survey from its launch in 2005, providing
the industry’s ability to recruit and retain engine specialists the industry will need in an indicator of rising, falling, and emerging
qualified drivers going forward will continue that same time period. priorities in the trucking industry. TTN
to evolve.
The 2017 report, Critical Issues in the Rebecca M. Brewster is President and COO of
While a significant amount of the Trucking Industry, is available from ATRI’s American Transportation Research Institute and
industry’s attention has been directed at the website at www.truckingresearch.org. The may be reached directly at [email protected]
structural shortage of qualified truck drivers,
the shortage of diesel technicians is also an
issue that will require industry attention in
the years to come. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking will

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Tennessee Trucking Association’s

Road Team

In red jackets are Cleve McCord, Sharp Transport and Mark Copas, FedEx Freight at Portland High School

Front Row L: Standing, Tony Ellison and Paula Harper-FedEx Freight
Front Row R: Standing, Donna Wheeler-Old Dominion Freight Line and Robert
Moxley-Titan Transfer
Front Row M: Sitting, Vernon Brewer-UPS Freight and Robert Barrett-Milan Supply
Chain Solutions
2nd Row L to R: Je ery Shinholster-HUB Group Trucking, Delvin Rackley-Averitt
Express, Eddie LeSueur-Skyline Transportation, Kenneth Wheeler-Old Dominion
Freight Line, Josh Dopp-UPS Freight, Tim Cummings-HUB Group Trucking
3rd Row L to R: Je Stinson-FedEx Freight, Tim Chelette-Big G Express, Je
Adams-Danny Herman Trucking, Ron Bolling-Walmart Transportation, Cleve
McCord-Sharp Transport
4th Row L to R: Dale Moore-First Fleet, Christy McClain-TCW, David Brady-Old
Dominion Freight Line, Carl Johnson-McKee Transportation, David Gooch-Sharp
Transport, John Anderson-TCW and Eddie Threlkeld-HUB Group Trucking

Christy McClain-TCW; Tim Arthur, Cleve McCord, Sharp Transport; Je Stinson, FedEx; Robert Barrett, Milan Supply Chain
Goggin Warehouing; Dale Moore, Christy McClain, TCW present Troy Dickens, Rush Truck Solutions with Spider Man at Mid-South
FirstFleet at Williamson County Career Center framed Road Team Group picture with renovated Distracted 5K in Memphis
Day No Zone Truck at Fall Conference

Mark Copas, FedEx Freight; Tim Chelette, Big G Express; Santa reads Papa Doug book at Great
Je Shinholster, HUB Group Trucking with Carolyn Smith, West Casualty Company Children’s
Drivers Ed Instructor at Mt. Juliet High School Christmas Party in Knoxville

Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 27

MemberSpotlight

Greg Shipman

Vertical Alliance Group

Energy, enthusiasm the foundation of Shipman’s character

BY TODD TRAUB

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Maybe it wasn’t big news when As part of Texas-based Vertical This year Shipman visited six companies
Alliance’s Territory Sales Team, Shipman on the first day of his road trip.
Greg Shipman decided he wanted has coverage areas in Ohio, Indiana
and Tennessee. In late fall each year, he “I’m starting to whittle that down,” he
to make a career in sales. embarks on a grown-up version of his said with 81 calls left to make.
But it was in the papers. paper route as he tends to the clients
Shipman, partner and account executive who avail themselves of the company’s Basically, Shipman said, he wants
web-based training in driver safety, to use the visits to find out “how we’re
for web-based training provider Vertical productivity, CSA, fuel efficiency, OSHA doing and how we’re performing in their
Alliance Group, spends a significant and human resources. business.”
amount of time on the road tending to
existing clients and finding potential new “Our clients have seen a substantial Shipman admits he may be sacrificing
customers for the company’s state-of-the return on investment by using web-based a little time that could be used to sell
art, online training services and products. training in the areas of orientation, new business, but taking care of current
continual safety training, CSA violation customers is just as important as signing
Every year, on the Monday after reduction, fuel efficiency and accident future ones.
Thanksgiving, Shipman hits the road to reduction,” Shipman said.
touch base with each of his 87 client fleets “It’s interesting to hear their story and
to listen, get feedback and learn what it’s interesting to get their feedback on
Vertical Alliance can do to better meet each Vertical Alliance,” he said.
company’s needs.
Previously, Shipman had been a
“The older I get, the more fun I have Daimler Truck customer manager at
doing it,” Shipman, 63, said. Delphi Packard Electric Systems. He
retired after 31 years and joined Vertical
And to think it all started with a paper Alliance in 2009.
route.
Initially, he said, the company’s
Born in Nebraska and raised in product offerings were based on driver
Muncie, Indiana, Shipman discovered his safety training, but as CSA began to
flair for sales and account representation impact clients toward the end of 2010,
as a 12- 13-year-old paperboy. Vertical Alliance began offering classes
on each of the CSA Basics as well as
“I had a morning paper route and remedial training that fleets could use for
increased the number of clients to drivers with any CSA violations.
90 daily and 120 Sunday customers,”
Shipman said. “Getting new customers As regulations and technology
and servicing my current clients were continue to change the trucking and
lessons I learned early in my life. It also transportation industry, Vertical
taught me how to communicate with Alliance has kept up, adding programs
adults that was a lifelong lesson.”

28 • TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS Q4 WINTER 2017

addressing issues ranging from driver Who knows? If not for the job Shipman invited Shipman to Tennessee to make
retention to human relations. might not have had that initial date. But a presentation, then there was another,
then, he frequently finds himself in the right and then another at the TTA convention,
“So in a nutshell, I spend most of my place at the right time. after which the board approved Vertical
time in promoting our safety training and Alliance as an endorsed partner.
driver retention products but also provide “I’m a blessed individual in that things
consulting services to identify ways of have happened to me,” Shipman said. “I “Now, it didn’t hurt that Dave grew up
streamlining their internal training and sit back and say ‘How did I ever get lucky in Indiana and played basketball and so
retention activities,” Shipman said. enough to be in that situation?’ “ did I,” Shipman said. “So we have many
common things growing up that we have
Shipman started his annual road trip Shipman began his career as a college talked about. He truly is a very valued
in 2009 when he had just two clients. graduate in training in General Motors’ friend and one that has helped counsel me
From the rolling hills and flatlands of Hydra-Matic Division in 1978. A look at in growing my business and getting me
the Midwest to the Smoky Mountains his resume reveals that when Shipman involved in the TTA.”
to the cotton fields of the South to the talks about training at Vertical Alliance,
Mississippi River, Shipman says he enjoys he speaks with some authority. With Huneryager’s influence, Shipman
the variety found in both the scenery and became involved in different association
the people he visits. “I am a firm believer in events like the technician competition, the
getting involved with the Truck Driving Championships, roadside
“I am very lucky to have such beautiful state trucking associations inspections, fall conference and annual
states in their own way to work in and the that I am a member of and convention.
best of the best fleets in the nation,” said I believe that has helped
Shipman, who found time on his latest “This allowed our relationship to grow and
trip to swing through Huntington and our friendship grow.” I was very honored to be asked to join the
have dinner with a favorite uncle. TTA Board of Directors as a non-domiciled
— Greg Shipman member four years ago and then was selected
Shipman attended Muncie Burris as the Allied Professional of the Year in
High School, a Ball State University At General Motors, Shipman 2015,” Shipman said.
Laboratory School and, given the small held positions that included labor
high school population, he became a year relations representative, education and Shipman joked that Huneryager is good
round athlete, playing tennis, basketball, training manager, salaried personnel at asking him to do things, like procure
running track and playing baseball. representative, recruiting and student items for silent auctions for example, but
coordinator and affirmative action there is no way to undersell the friendship
When he moved on to study industrial manager before segueing into field sales. or the importance of having a good
management with a computer science relationship with a state association.
minor at Purdue, Shipman admitted In 2012, Shipman was with the Indiana
the traditional learning methods of Motor Carriers Association at a Call on “I am a firm believer in getting involved
college were a bit of a shock after his Washington and met Tennessee Trucking with the state trucking associations that
educationally modern high school and Association President Dave Huneryager, I am a member of and I believe that has
joked about having to reacquaint himself leading the TTA contingent, and a helped our friendship grow,” Shipman said,
with books. friendship was born. “because I want the TTA and its members to
succeed and I am here to help out.”
In 1988, while working in the Delco IMCA President Gary Langston,
Electronics Division of General Motors — making the introduction, thought With the children he once coached in
selling cassette stereo and prehistoric CD Huneryager would be interested in youth sports now grown, Shipman enjoys
systems — Shipman met his wife Nancy Vertical Alliance’s web-based training golfing in his free time and bicycling with
on a blind date arranged by a friend of hers based on its endorsed partnership with Nancy. But when it comes time to tend his
who was a neighbor to Shipman. They now the Indiana organization. Huneryager “paper route” of 87 clients, Shipman feels
have three children, Michael, Matthew and like he is operating on fresh batteries.
Rachel, all in their 20s.
“It charges me up,” he said. TTN

Q4 WINTER 2017 TENNESSEE TRUCKING NEWS • 29

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