Award-Winning Magazine of the Arkansas Trucking Association Vol. 26 | Issue 5 2021 | $4.95
HARVEY
BEECH
Back to Back
Conference coverage | VMT THE ANSWER? | DRIVER APPRECIATION
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For more information on Aon’s
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please contact leader Mark Brockinton
at [email protected]
Aon is proud to support the Arkansas
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IN THIS ISSUE
VOLUME 26 | ISSUE 5 2021
FEATURES
COVER STORY
BACK TO BACK 32
Harvey Beech shares how support goes
both ways at his company, EOS Trucking
By Deana Nall
CAPITOL WATCH
SPEAR: BILL WILL PASS AND
TRUCKING MADE IT BETTER 17
Chris Spear delivers State of the Industry
address for Arkansas conference attendees
By Steve Brawner
WILL VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED
TAXES EVER BE THE ANSWER? 22
VMT pilot programs explore challenges and opportunities
By Steve Brawner
TRADE SECRETS
NEW IDEAS TOWARD NO SHORTAGE 26
Finding the right message to get TikTok’ers into trucking
By David Monteith
TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION GOES ON TOUR 52
2021 Arkansas Trucking Association Driver Appreciation Events
By Bethany May
DEPARTMENTS
Up Front: by Shannon Newton 7
They Said It 9
News in Brief 10
Advertiser Resource Index 13
Calendar of Events 14
Council Quarterly 31
Scene Around 42
Insider Trucking 57
Stat View 60
The Last Word: by Sen. Jonathan Dismang 62
PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS PAGE AND COVER BY JOHN DAVID PITTMAN
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 5
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UP FRONT
Award-Winning Magazine of the Arkansas Trucking Association
Arkansas Trucking Report is owned by the Arkansas Trucking Association,
Inc. and is published bimonthly. For additional copies, to order reprints
of individual articles or to become a subscriber to ATR, contact us at
[email protected] or at 501.372.3462.
executive editor
SHANNON SAMPLES NEWTON
managing editor
BETHANY MAY
contributing writers MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
STEVE BRAWNER DEANA NALL
[email protected] [email protected]
DAVID MONTEITH TODD TRAUB I’m a strong believer in managing expectations. It helps avoid a lot of life’s
[email protected] [email protected]
ROBERT O’CONNER DINA GRUEY disappointments. So as people start to sign their e-mails with “Happy Holidays,” we
[email protected] [email protected]
need to talk about setting our expectations for a “happy” season.
art director
JON D. KENNEDY
The Freelance Co. LLC, [email protected] No one wants to talk about toilet paper again, but images of empty shelves where rolls
production editors
KELLY CARGILL CROW, SARAH NEWMAN SHEETS, KATIE THOMASON of three-ply should have been stacked deep incapsulates the chaos of the early days of
illustrator
BRENT BENNETT the pandemic in America. COVID cases were low, only a few states were dealing with
[email protected]
photographers hospital capacity issues and misinformation was only starting to breach questions that
JON D. KENNEDY, JOHN DAVID PITTMAN
scientists were just beginning to research.
We knew plenty of toilet paper existed, but the temporary disruption to the supply
chain was enough to make the paper product aisles appear post-apocalyptic for a few
www.arkansastrucking.com weeks. The run on Charmin was a pandemic outcome I didn’t expect. Since then,
®
president
SHANNON SAMPLES NEWTON every delicate link of the chain has been tested.
[email protected]
vice president
KELLY CARGILL CROW There are warning signs that the starts and stalls that began almost two years ago when
[email protected]
director of operations Chinese factories closed briefly will linger into this holiday shopping season, making
SARAH NEWMAN SHEETS
[email protected] it even more complicated than usual. The seamless coordination of a complex network
director of corporate services
KATIE THOMASON of modes supporting just-in-time delivery for every UPC code in America has not fully
[email protected]
communications director recovered.
BETHANY MAY
[email protected]
director of safety and loss prevention Container ships are backed up in ports, and detention times are predicted to delay all
MIKE BRUST
[email protected] kinds of products: new appliances to finish the renovations undertaken with windfall
administrative assistant
KELCIE SONNIER stimulus checks; computer chips that run all modern vehicles including commercial
[email protected]
trucks; carbon dioxide that makes soda bubbly; wood pulp—the raw material used to
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
make diapers, cardboard boxes and, yes, toilet paper. Also among the delayed products
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
MARK MORRIS
Morris Transportation Services, LLC are the toys, electronics and books that we wrap and place under a tree.
President
MICHAEL BARR MIKE MCNUTT
JM Bozeman Enterprises Distribution Solutions, Inc. This time, we should expect some empty shelves.
CEO CEO, Owner
ROCHELLE BARTHOLOMEW LANCE MOLL
CalArk International, Inc. FedEx Freight Every news outlet is warning shoppers to start early and to explore local in-store
President President & CEO
GREG CARMAN JAMES REED
Carman, Inc. USA Truck options rather than counting on items from online inventory being available to ship
President CEO
JOHN CULP G.E. “BUTCH” RICE III and arrive by Christmas morning.
Maverick USA Stallion Transportation Group
President President
JUSTIN FINK ALAN RIELS We all have expectations of how things “should” work based on decades of precedented
Summit Truck Group Dedicated Logistics
CEO President & CEO
JEFF HAMMONDS SETH RUNSER holidays. The supply chain is not broken or unfixable no matter what anyone tries to
Walmart Transportation LLC ABF Freight
Vice President of Logistics President tell you, but it is fragile and every link depends on the one before it.
CRAIG HARPER PATRICK SIMMONS
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. Tyson Foods
Chief Sustainability Officer, EVP Vice President Transportation There are solutions to our problems. Some ports on the West Coast are aiming to
AL HERINGER IV GABE STEPHENS
Star Transportation, LLC C.C. Jones, Inc. shift to 24/7 operations to clear the backlog of ships waiting in the Pacific. Some
Vice President Vice President
ROB KIBBE JOE VITIRITTO
Aon PAM Transport large retailers are considering acquiring their own ships to have more control over
Executive Director Client Services President & CEO
JEFF LOGGINS DOUG VOSS their containers and their inventory. It’s more important than ever to protect our
Loggins Logistics, Inc. University of Central Arkansas
President & CEO Professor of Logistics & Supply
Chain Management transportation workforce and support policies that allow our professionals to move
freight safely and efficiently.
An affiliate of the American Trucking
Associations But as we approach this peak season, let’s all try to focus on the gifts that don’t come
Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA) is an Arkansas corporation of trucking in a box and manage our expectations for the ones that do. And please, please, don’t
companies, private carrier fleets and businesses which serve or supply the
trucking industry. ATA serves these companies as a governmental affairs
representative before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of hoard toilet paper.
government on issues that affect the trucking industry. The organization also
provides public relations services, workers’ compensation insurance, operational
services and serves as a forum for industry meetings and membership relations.
For information, contact ATA at:
1401 West Capitol, Suite 185
Post Office Box 3476 (72203)
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Drivers Legal Plan Shannon Newton
Phone 501.372.3462 Fax 501.376.1810
www.arkansastrucking.com President, Arkansas Trucking Association
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 Drivers Legal Plan 7
TRUCK SALES | PARTS | SERVICE | BODY SHOP
LEASING & RENTAL | FINANCE | CARRIER
Online Parts Store: Truck Parts Delivered to Your Door
parts.mhc.com
Jonesboro Fort Smith
MHC Kenworth MHC Truck Leasing
(855) 483-6994 (866) 804-7860
Little Rock Springdale
MHC Kenworth MHC Kenworth/Volvo
(866) 419-5718 (866) 271-0785
MHC Truck Leasing
(866) 862-5283 Van Buren
MHC Carrier Transicold MHC Kenworth
(866) 243-9660 (866) 811-1358
Dealership
Leasing & Rental
Truck Source RoadReady
Carrier TRP
OVER 120 LOCATIONS IN 19 STATES
TRUCK SALES | PARTS | SERVICE | BODY SHOP THEY SAID IT
LEASING & RENTAL | FINANCE | CARRIER
“Guys, you better
Online Parts Store: Truck Parts Delivered to Your Door “The moment a refugee
parts.mhc.com gets a job, it’s the
watch out, ‘cause being a refugee. It’s the
moment they stop
Jonesboro Fort Smith moment they can stand
MHC Kenworth MHC Truck Leasing this right here is a on their own two feet;
(855) 483-6994 (866) 804-7860 it’s the moment they can
Little Rock Springdale make new friends; it’s
MHC Kenworth MHC Kenworth/Volvo woman’s industry the moment they can
(866) 419-5718 (866) 271-0785 start a new life.
MHC Truck Leasing —Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO
(866) 862-5283 Van Buren from now on.” of Chobani and founder of the Tent
MHC Carrier Transicold MHC Kenworth Partnership for Refugees, following the
(866) 243-9660 (866) 811-1358 announcement of 33 major companies,
Dealership including UPS and Tyson Foods, that
Leasing & Rental —Pamela Williams, a truck driver and instructor with DSC Training Academy in
Truck Source RoadReady Jackson, Miss., in an NPR story on the increasing number of women becoming have pledged to create jobs and
Carrier TRP truck drivers training opportunities for tens of
thousands of Afghan refugees
OVER 120 LOCATIONS IN 19 STATES
“TRUMP HAD FOUR YEARS. HE HAD HIS CHANCE, AND IT WAS ALL TALK.”
—American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear on the upcoming infrastructure bill under the current administration and
the unfulfilled promises of the previous president
“For years, “If you look around and
we had sort
of taken think, you know, our
logistics for
granted. The society is just really not
pandemic
caused us to litigious enough, then
rethink it.”
—Skrikant Datar, dean of Harvard
Business School, told Bloomberg this bill is for you.”
Businessweek, the school is refreshing
the supply chain management curricula
to prepare the next generation of —Rep. David Ray (R-40th) speaking on Arkansas legislation that would have
business students made vaccination status a protected class under Civil Rights Act
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 9
NEWS IN BRIEF
ing thousands of trucks nationwide to
be disabled and parked.
The sensors, which measure the
quality and level of diesel exhaust fluid
in the tank, are part of the global com-
puter chip shortage, causing a backlog
and rising prices of available parts.
Failure of the DEF sensor can result in
the vehicle being inoperable. More than
a million engines, representing more
than 40 engine families (since 2016)
could be affected.
The Engine Manufacturers
Association, on behalf of its member
companies, has proposed an industry-
wide approach to provide a software
solution for vehicles with failed parts
to enable them to operate temporarily
while the industry works to produce
more replacement parts. In the long-
term, it would provide replacement
parts through a recall program. EPA
and CARB have reviewed the proposed
approach and believe it is appropriate
for the companies to implement the
proposed solution going forward as
quickly as possible.
The manufacturers have developed
BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE funding social infrastructure priorities. and tested new software code and have
BILL STALLED President Joe Biden traveled to Capitol begun installing the code on vehicles in
Debate among Democrats led to an Hill on the afternoon of Oct. 1 to speak the field. The companies will also make
announcement on Friday, Oct. 1 of an with House Democrats and publicly available a similar software update for
indefinite delay of a House vote on final supported the conclusion that both vehicles whose sensors have not failed,
passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure infrastructure and the budget pack- but are among a group of vehicles where
Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). age should be voted on together by the such a failure could be expected to
Originally scheduled for Sept. House. occur to prevent a sensor failure from
27, then pushed back to Sept. 30, the disabling the vehicle. This updated soft-
longer-term deferral of final passage EPA AND CARB AGREE TO DEF ware is likewise expected to be available
resulted from ongoing insistence by SENSOR FIX to service centers soon.
House progressives that the infrastruc- Ongoing shortages of replacement
ture bill’s fate remain tied to passage parts for failed diesel exhaust fluid
of a $3.5 trillion tax-and-spending bill quality sensors are believed to be caus-
10 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
WE CAN FIX THIS.
Call us first for personal attention
and quicker turn-around service!
We Know What
Trucking Needs!
FREE ESTIMATES 501.354.8406
INSURANCE CLAIMS OWNERS
CONVENIENT I-40, 61 WST Circle OPERATORS
EXIT 107 LOCATION Morrilton, Arkansas FLEET MANAGERS
NEWS IN BRIEF,
WELCOME, Continued from page 10
NEW ATA MEMBERS! DISTRACTED DRIVING
COALITION LAUNCHES
NATIONWIDE EFFORT
On Sept. 16, dozens of safety-
Together, We Are the Power of Association minded organizations launched a
national coalition aimed at reducing
We welcome the following new members. Each new member the deadly threat of distracted driving
adds to the Arkansas trucking industry’s collective strength to on the nation’s highways. The National
promote, protect and serve with a unified voice. Distracted Driving Coalition, governed
by a 100-member steering committee,
ALLIED MEMBERS TRUCK DRIVERS USA plans to act as a central clearinghouse
ADD ON SYSTEMS LLC Brentwood, Tenn. for local and state safety groups to
Oklahoma City, Okla. https://truckdriversus.com promote national, innovative and col-
www.addonsystems.com 501-992-8117 laborative approaches to shed light on
405-418-4212 Driver recruiting solutions and pursue legislation on talking and
Software and telematics solutions UNION BANK & TRUST texting on cellphones, among other dis-
CRAWFORD GLOBAL Omaha, Neb. tractions.
TECHNICAL SERVICES www.UBT.com
Heber Springs, Ark. 402-827-6935
www.crawfordgts.com Commercial banking and financial
501-691-6467 services
Transportation and cargo VERSA WASH
claims holding Bryant, Ark.
EROAD www.versa-wash.com
Tualatin, Ore. 501-951-1947
www.eroad.com Truck wash equipment
855-503-7623
Fleet management solutions CARRIER MEMBERS
HEALING WATERS DAMASCUS ROAD TRANSPORTATION, LLC The National Transportation Safety
Shannon Hills, Ark. Barling, Ark. Board, American Trucking Associations,
www.lovehealingwaters.com 479-674-2153 Federal Motor Carrier Safety
501-343-3414 Number of trucks: 14 Administration and National Highway
Nonprofit organization GARY NEW TRUCKING, INC. Traffic Safety Administration are among
LOCOMATION Texarkana, Ark. the groups represented on the steering
Pittsburg, Penn. 870-772-6282 committee.
locomation.ai Number of trucks: 9 “Distracted driving kills thousands
207-522-4487 GSP LOGISTICS, INC.
Autonomous truck technology Russellville, Ark. and injures hundreds of thousands in
the United States every year,” said NTSB
MAGNUS TECHNOLOGIES www.gsplogisticsinc.com Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg. “States
Austin, Texas 479-280-3480 are making some progress addressing
www.magnustech.com Number of trucks: 2
901-355-4408 TURKEY HILL this public health problem, but no state
TMS software Conestoga, Penn. has implemented NTSB recommenda-
NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE www.turkeyhill.com tions calling for a ban on the use of all
Harrison, Ark. 717-340-0675 personal electronic devices while driv-
www.northark.edu Number of trucks: 109 ing except in case of emergency.”
870-391-3191 Rep. John Carson (R-Ga.), a mem-
Technical college ber of the steering committee, spon-
sored a “hands-free” cell phone bill that
was passed into law in Georgia in 2018,
For membership information, visit arkansastrucking.com
and has recently been working on simi-
lar bills with state legislators in Arizona,
12 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Alabama, North Carolina, South FED RATE HIKE LOOMING, ADVERTISER
Carolina, Missouri and Indiana. ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWING
“In addition to state law, what The Federal Reserve indicated it RESOURCE INDEX
we want to do is change the culture,” may start raising its benchmark interest
Carson said. “Years ago, driving while rate sometime next year, earlier than it Aon ..................................Inside Front Cover
intoxicated by alcohol was not as social- envisioned in June.
ly taboo as it is today. That’s where we In a statement, ArcBest .......................................................56
want to get to with regard to distracted the Fed also said
driving.” it will likely begin Arkansas Trucking Report ...........................40
ATA said the coalition plans to slowing the pace of
communicate the importance of having its monthly bond Arkansas Trucking Association ...........37, 63
sufficient data to measure and track the purchases “soon” if
problem, and will prepare policy and the economy keeps Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment ................19
legislative briefing documents to sup- improving. These
port legislative initiatives. changes potentially Custard Insurance Adjusters .....................25
“We know that ensuring safe driv- signal that high
ing behavior is key in improving high- inflation pressures will persist and that Drivers Legal Plan .....................................36
way safety, and perhaps no action would the economy has recovered from the
do more for the cause of safety than recession. FedEx Freight .............................................29
reducing distractions for drivers,” said While growth has slowed with
ATA President Chris Spear. “America’s recent COVID-19 spikes, the economy Great West Casualty Company .................30
truckers see motorists on their phones has recovered faster than many econo-
while driving countless times a day, and mists had expected. The U.S. economy InfoStream .................................................13
if a driver is focused on a text or call, has returned to its pre-pandemic McGriff .....................................................61
we know they aren’t focused on driving size, and the unemployment rate has
safely.” improved from 14.8%, soon after the MHC Kenworth ...........................................8
pandemic struck, to 5.2%.
PrePass .......................................................21
Southern Tire Mart .....................................3
Stallion Transportation ...............Back Cover
Summit Truck Group ..................................4
TA/Petro ....................................................34
TLG Peterbilt .............................................39
UCA ...........................................................55
Utility Tri-State, Inc.....................................6
Wayne Smith Trucking .............................11
This edition of Arkansas Trucking Report
was made possible with the support of these
corporate advertisers. They support the
trucking industry by enabling ATA to provide
this publication to its members, prospective
members, elected officials and the national
trucking and business community at large.
They deserve your consideration and patronage
when making your corporate purchasing
decisions. Thank you!
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 13
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ATA even encouraged Transportation
Secretary Pete Buttigieg to move for-
ward with implementing a national
framework for the development and
deployment of automated vehicles.
NOVEMBER DECEMBER “ATA believes there is great prom-
NOVEMBER 4-5 DECEMBER 7 ise in automated vehicle technology to
ATA SAFETY SYMPOSIUM ATA ACCOUNTING & FINANCE improve highway safety, the efficiency
Little Rock, Ark. COUNCIL MEETING
Fort Smith, Ark. of our supply chain and our environ-
NOVEMBER 6 ment,” President Chris Spear said. “But
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL DECEMBER 8-9 we need a national framework that
ARKANSAS HOMECOMING NATMI SAFETY & DOT
ATA TAILGATE & PRESENTATION OF COMPLIANCE fosters innovation, not a patchwork of
SCHOLARSHIP CHECK Virtual Course potentially conflicting state and federal
Conway, Ark. regulations, to deliver on that promise.”
NOVEMBER 8-10
AMERICAN TRUCKING For calendar information, UACCB OPENS WORKFORCE
ASSOCIATIONS’ NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE visit arkansastrucking.com The University of Arkansas
COUNCIL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Charlotte, N.C. Community College at Batesville cel-
ebrated the grand opening of its new
Workforce Training Center on Sept. 21.
“Our hope is that this center will
be a marker for an increase in skilled
education in the state,” Zach Harber,
NEWS IN BRIEF, collaboration that will work toward UACCB director of career and technical
Continued from page 13 enhancing the logistics industry education said.
through safer, more efficient transpor- Since January of this year, 415
Meanwhile, inflation has surged as tation of goods and we are pleased to students have taken college credit
rising consumer spending and disrupted collaborate with other industry lead- courses through the Workforce Training
supply chains have combined to cre- ers — Aurora and
ate shortages of semiconductors, cars Paccar — on this
and electronics. According to the Fed, endeavor,” said
consumer prices rose 3.6% in July from Rebecca Yeung,
a year ago — the sharpest such increase vice president of
since 1991. advanced technology
In its updated quarterly projections, and innovation at
Fed officials now expect to raise their FedEx Corp.
key short-term rate once in 2022, three The company
times in 2023 — one more than they said autonomous
had projected in June — and three times trucking is one tool
in 2024. Additionally, they expect the to safely and effi-
economy to grow more slowly this year ciently deal with
at 5.9%, down from its June projection “the exponential
of 7%. growth of e-com-
merce.” Although
FEDEX LAUNCHES AUTONOMOUS the truck will drive itself, the test pro- Center program. According to Arkansas
TRUCKING PILOT gram will have a safety driver in the Division on Higher Education 2020
FedEx, in partnership with Aurora cab, ready to take over operations if data, students who complete the entire
Innovation Inc. and Paccar Inc., needed. two years of the program earn on aver-
launched a commercial pilot of autono- As more carriers explore this age $44,057 annually one year after
mous trucking between Dallas and technology, the American Trucking graduation.
Houston, a 500-mile round trip, along Associations and others are pushing the “The Workforce Training Center
the I-45 corridor. federal government to develop guide- will support the needs of business and
“This is an exciting, industry-first lines to allow for autonomous trucking. industry by developing the talent pipe-
14 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
line and creating a vibrant workforce In addition to the safety concerns
to support our community for years to this poses, the increase in positive tests
come,” said Crystal Johnson, president may impact the driver shortage as the
and CEO of Batesville Area Chamber of overwhelming number of drivers taken
Commerce. off the road due to the violations are
Community partners include not enrolling in return-to-work pro-
the Arkansas Department of grams. As of August, 87,438 drivers had
Transportation, the Office of Skills at least one drug or alcohol violation,
Development, several Arkansas Trucking but only 17,501 have returned to “not-
Association members like Bill Davis prohibited from driving status” after
Trucking, FutureFuel and Landshark passing return-to-duty tests. More than
Logistics, among others. 52,000 drivers have not started the
return-to-duty process, according to the
NWACC RECEIVES GRANT TO monthly report.
ESTABLISH TRUCK DRIVING “The greater prevalence of drug
PROGRAM reimbursement designed to cover meals testing violations is concerning and
NorthWest Arkansas Community and incidentals gives drivers more take- jeopardizes the safety of our roadways,”
College in Bentonville will use a home pay because less taxes are with- American Trucking Associations spokes-
$288,700 grant from the Arkansas held. man Sean McNally said. “In light of
Department of Higher Education to The per diem rate for owner-oper- states’ continuing liberalization of
establish a commercial driver’s license ators has been $66 since Oct. 1, 2018, marijuana laws, we encourage the fed-
training and truck driving program, when the IRS increased the rate from eral government to increase attention
which is expected to launch in phases $63. on research on marijuana impairment,
starting late this fall. develop a national enforceable impair-
“This technology improvement DRIVER POSITIVE DRUG TESTS ment standard, and look at ways to
grant will allow NWACC to support UP NEARLY 13% maintain appropriate levels of highway
local and regional efforts in attracting A new FMCSA Drug & Alcohol safety.”
and retaining qualified drivers across Clearinghouse report shows the number On Nov. 8, a new FMCSA rule will
various industries requiring a com- of positive driver drug tests through prevent state licensing agencies from
mercial delivery license,” said Evetta August increased nearly 13% compared issuing, renewing, upgrading or trans-
Aldridge, director of training and com- with a year ago. The report showed ferring CDLs to drivers with more than
munity development at NWACC. increases in marijuana, cocaine, meth- one drug or alcohol violation. The rule
This fall, NWACC will launch the amphetamines and positive drug tests will also require states to downgrade
CDL training and truck driving pro- overall. Positive marijuana tests account commercial licenses for violators. This
gram with up to 40 hours of classroom for more than 53% of the total number change closes a loophole for states,
instruction that will focus on basic of the 14 different drug panels tested which were not receiving violation
driver safety requirements, in-cab simu- since the Clearinghouse opened. information from the clearinghouse
lation maneuvering and evaluation and previously.
readiness assessments. This phase is
for drivers who need safety-based and SAM, I AM AN ATHLETE
continuing education training and for Looking for baby names? Going
those re-entering the CDL driver work- with “Sam” may get your kid one step
force and previously had a CDL license. closer to $10,000, thanks to a recent
In the spring, NWACC will expand announcement from Sam’s Club.
the truck driving program to include Leveraging the NCAA agreement that
160 hours of classroom instruction and allows college athletes to monetize their
in-cab training on the road. name, image and likeness and profit
from work with brands, the warehouse
IRS RAISES PER DIEM RATE FOR retailer is now offering $10,000 each to
OWNER-OPERATORS 10 athletes across sports. So far, Sam’s
The Internal Revenue Service Club has signed four athletes and is
announced it will increase the allow- turning to the public to fill the remain-
able per diem rate for owner-operators der of the team via TikTok.
from $66 to $69 beginning Oct. 1. This
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 15
payments related to his trucking busi- possible. Forty (40) truck drivers rep-
ness, as he promised, Fayne used the resenting nine companies in Arkansas
money to pay child support and resti- accepted the challenge and set off
tution owed in a previous fraud case, on Sept. 11 to cover 36 states in two
buy custom-made jewelry, lease a Rolls- weeks. In all, they raised nearly $30,000
Royce, pay associates who helped him in and helped bring awareness to Special
the Ponzi scheme and start a new busi- Olympics athletes.
ness in Arkansas. The two-week Convoy Challenge
was supported by the following part-
SPECIAL OLYMPICS CONVOY ners: Maverick Transportation; CCS
CARRIES ON DESPITE COVID Transportation; ABF Freight; CalArk
Every September, law enforcement International, Central Hauling;
and Arkansas trucking companies JM Bozeman Enterprises; Walmart
join forces to hold a Truck Convoy for Transportation; Laubach Companies;
Special Olympics Arkansas. And despite Timmons Transit and the Arkansas
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Trucking Association. The event is a
convoy was able to continue once again, part of Law Enforcement Torch Run for
albeit with a few modifications. Special Olympics Arkansas hosted by
Rather than gather for one convoy, the Arkansas Highway Police. ATR
Sam’s Club says it’s seeking athletes companies were challenged to par-
who exemplify sportsmanship, passion ticipate in a two-week long event that
and value the power of teamwork, much would aim to reach as many states as
like Sam’s Club’s founder, Sam Walton. Maverick driver Eric Curlett
But that’s not the only thing these ath-
letes must have in common — athletes
must also share the name Sam.
LOVE & HIP HOP…
& LOAN FRAUD
Maurice Fayne, who starred in
the reality TV series “Love & Hip Hop:
Atlanta” and owned Flame Trucking,
was sentenced to more than 17 years in
federal prison for conspiracy, wire fraud
and bank fraud.
Fayne, who also goes by ‘Arkansas
Mo,’ was convicted of running a mul-
tistate Ponzi scheme that defrauded
people who invested in his trucking
business. He had promised to use inves-
tors’ money to operate the business, but
instead, he used the money to pay his
personal debts and expenses, includ- ABF driver Dave Hall
ing spending more than $5 million at a
casino in Oklahoma.
In April 2020, Fayne submitted a
$3.7 million PPP loan application to a
bank, falsely claiming his trucking busi-
ness had 107 employees with an average
monthly payroll of nearly $1.5 million.
Instead of using the loan proceeds to
maintain payroll or make mortgage
payments, lease payments and utility
16 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Spear: Bill Will Pass and
Trucking Made It Better
Chris Spear delivers State of the Industry address for Arkansas conference
attendees
By Steve Brawner
Contributing Writer
Congress will pass an infrastruc-
ture bill soon, and the American
Trucking Associations made it better,
said ATA President and CEO Chris
Spear.
“Look for it to pass in the coming
weeks. I don’t think this is an ‘if.’ It’s
a ‘when,’” he said during his State of
the Industry Address at the Arkansas
Trucking Association’s Annual Business
Conference & Vendor Showcase in Hot
Springs Aug. 25.
Spear said he is pleased with the $1
trillion bill, which would increase road
and bridge funding by 38%. The bipar-
tisan bill passed the Senate, 59-30, with
19 Republican votes on Aug. 10, and is
still being considered in the House. It
came after Spear testified 11 times to
the House and Senate in the past five
years, while other ATA staff members
have testified 14 times.
Spear called the bill a tier one
priority.
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy
of the good,” he said. “This Senate
bipartisan product, despite all of its “INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS. IT SPEAKS TO
faults, and I can tell you there are EVERYBODY WHETHER YOU’RE PRO-JOBS OR PRO-
many, overall is good.”
The American Transportation HUGGING TREES. THIS IS AN AGENDA, THIS IS AN
Research Institute has calculated the ISSUE THAT IS MEANINGFUL TO EVERYBODY.”
trucking industry lost $74.5 billion in
2016 sitting in traffic because of con- —CHRIS SPEAR, PRESIDENT AND CEO,
gestion. Congestion resulted in 67.3 AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
million metric tons of excess carbon
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 17
“I SAID I’M TAKING THAT DEAL. I’D RATHER HAVE A
LAW THAN AN ISSUE. YOU DESERVE THAT. EVEN IF
IT’S 70% OF WHAT WE WANT,
IT’S BETTER THAN NOTHING.”
—CHRIS SPEAR, PRESIDENT AND CEO,
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
dioxide being emitted into the atmo- rules. The FMCSA in 2018 under former
sphere that year, ATRI has said. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao “But it wasn’t the money,” he said.
“Infrastructure matters,” he said. ruled the agency’s rules preempted “It was your story. It was that wave you
“It speaks to everybody whether you’re California’s. Earlier this year, the Ninth were riding. That’s what got that lan-
pro-jobs or pro-hugging trees. This is an Circuit Court of Appeals, often con- guage out.”
agenda, this is an issue that is meaning- sidered the nation’s most liberal, ruled The ATA also helped keep fund-
ful to everybody.” 3-0 in favor of the FMCSA’s decision ing provisions out of the bills that
Spear said the ATA made a deci- in a case brought by the International would have been harmful to trucking.
sion to work with the current crop of Brotherhood of Teamsters. Those included tolling and a truck-only
elected officials, taking advantage of Spear said he received a call from vehicle miles traveled tax championed
its opportunity to shape the bill for the Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chair of by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Also
good of the industry, its customers and the House Committee on Transportation not included are corporate tax increases
the nation. It did so knowing interests and Infrastructure, saying he had bad that President Biden had said would pay
often opposed to trucking—organized news for trucking: He was ready to intro- for the bill during the presidential cam-
labor, trial lawyers and environmental duce the infrastructure bill, and it would paign and since becoming president.
groups—are well positioned to enact include a provision sought by Speaker One provision that would be good
their agendas. of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), for trucking is a pilot program allowing
revoking the FMCSA’s decision. 3,000 18–20-year-olds to drive across
COUNTING VICTORIES Spear asked DeFazio to allow him interstate lines. Forty-nine states allow
Some of the ATA’s most important to make trucking’s case. He asked if the drivers those ages to work in state. They
victories involved keeping provisions plaintiff’s bar and the unions would can drive across Texas, through Houston
harmful to trucking out of the bill. The invest any time advocating for the bill. and Dallas, but not from Texarkana,
Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or Would they lobby for it like trucking, Texas, to Texarkana, Ark.
PRO Act, would allow unions to collect an industry employing 8 million people, The ATA has championed the
dues from workers who opt out of being one in 16 Americans, where the most DRIVE-Safe Act, where young drivers
union members, including in right-to- common job in 29 states is a truck driv- would undergo 400 hours of training,
work states like Arkansas. The bill also er? None of those special interests care 240 of them supervised by an experi-
would prevent companies from holding about infrastructure like trucking—the enced driver, with cameras and other
meetings that discourage employees industry that had kept the supply chain safety equipment.
from forming a union. Spear said these moving during the COVID-related eco- Spear said Sen. Maria Cantwell
provisions could have been included in nomic shutdown. (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate
the infrastructure bill. Trucking also After hearing those arguments, Committee on Commerce, Science
helped stop a provision reclassifying DeFazio asked Spear if the ATA would and Transportation, called him say-
independent contractors as employees. work with them if he could get Pelosi ing that Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), a
The ATA also successfully fought to agree to remove the provision. Spear CDL holder, was planning to offer an
a provision that would have allowed said it would. amendment allowing drivers ages 18-20
states like California to require truck- According to Spear, organized labor to cross state lines. He had the votes
ing companies to give carriers addi- had spent $1.8 billion on the last elec- to pass it out of committee, but later it
tional meal and rest breaks beyond tion cycle. The ATA has a $1 million would be killed. She asked if the ATA
the FMCSA-required hours-of-service political action committee.
18 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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“You can’t possibly buy that kind
of exposure,” he said. “That is an image
our industry, our workforce deserves,
“NOW WE’VE GOT TO DO IT IN AN ENVIRONMENT and now we have a responsibility to pay
THAT’S MORE TOXIC, MORE DIVISIVE, MORE it forward, to apply it to issues we care
passionately about.
DIFFICULT THAN EVER BEFORE. … AND EVERY TIME “Now we’ve got to do it in an envi-
I GET HERE, I SAY IT CAN’T GET ANY WORSE. LADIES ronment that’s more toxic, more divi-
AND GENTLEMEN, IT HAS — AGAIN. BUT WE’RE THE sive, more difficult than ever before. …
And every time I get here, I say it can’t
TRUCKING INDUSTRY. WE DON’T HAVE THE LUXURY get any worse. Ladies and gentlemen,
OF SITTING ON OUR HEELS, POINTING FINGERS. it has — again. But we’re the trucking
WE ARE NOT THE ASSOCIATION OF NO. YOU PAY US industry. We don’t have the luxury of
GOOD MONEY TO GET THE JOB DONE, AND LIKE YOU sitting on our heels, pointing fingers.
We are not the association of no. You
WE TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY VERY SERIOUSLY.” pay us good money to get the job done,
and like you, we take that responsibility
—CHRIS SPEAR, PRESIDENT AND CEO, very seriously.”
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
AND THE NEXT FIVE
Spear said the ATA was taking the
would compromise by agreeing to the “I don’t care who gets credit,” he lead on passing lawsuit abuse at the
3,000-driver pilot program, which is a said. “If it’s a Democrat or Republican, state level after previously concentrat-
large number, adding that it would lead we have long advocated this issue.” ing its efforts in Washington D.C. Since
to passage of the full act after three Trump had been good to the indus- deciding a year and a half ago to make
years. She guaranteed the provision try in other ways. In March 2017, two state reforms a tier one issue, the ATA
would be included in the final bill. trucks and 12 America’s Road Team has won victories in Iowa, Louisiana,
“I said I’m taking that deal,” he said. Captains appeared at the White House West Virginia, Montana and, recently,
“I’d rather have a law than an issue. You in an event that generated 4 billion Texas.
deserve that. Even if it’s 70% of what we media impressions. Spear said trucking That last state wasn’t easy, as trial
want, it’s better than nothing.” couldn’t have bought that kind of pub- lawyers worked to defeat the bill.
Spear said the provision comes licity and called it a first for the indus- “I told [Texas Trucking Association
as the trucking industry, like other try. After COVID struck, four trucks President and CEO] John [Esparza]
employers, is struggling to find work- and four drivers again appeared at the and his members when I was down in
ers. Coming into the COVID pandemic, White House. Dallas, I said, if you lose this, it’s still
there was already a shortage of 61,500 Spear said the pandemic had a win because we’re not going to roll
drivers. ATA Chief Economist Bob resulted in a surge in the industry’s over,” Spear said. “We’re going to make
Costello has projected the shortage will image. The pandemic shut down the them bleed. We’re going to keep kicking
reach 160,000 drivers in the next seven economy and the American way of life. them in the teeth until they get tired of
years. In the early days, Americans rushed to it, and if it takes us five, 10 years, then
the store to purchase food and hoarded that’s what it’s going to take. We will
MAKING PROGRESS, toilet paper. Truckers hauled not only not roll over. This campaign is sustain-
PAYING IT FORWARD consumer goods but also test kits and able, and it’s already putting wins on
Spear said trucking has worked personal protective equipment. When the board — something I’m very proud
with the current Congress and admin- little was known about the virus and its of, and I hope you are too.”
istration to enact the infrastructure dangers, truck drivers were leaving their Spear praised the trucking indus-
bill. He noted that Republicans and homes and running their lanes. try’s environmental efforts. He said 60
the Trump administration had not And the public noticed. Billboards trucks today produce the same emis-
advanced a bill despite President and overpass banners were thanking sions as one truck did in 1988 thanks
Trump’s support during the 2016 cam- truckers. Police officers were escorting to the expertise of truck manufacturers.
paign and despite controlling the House drivers to places where they could get a The ATA had helped the EPA develop the
and Senate during the first two years of meal and a shower. Scout troops were SmartWay program and helped write
his administration. delivering baked goods at truck stops. emissions standards.
20 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Efforts must continue at the fed-
eral level because otherwise California
will dictate the terms. Spear said the
California Air Resources Board’s time-
line for electric vehicle technology
adoption is unrealistic. There simply
isn’t yet enough power on the grid. One
electric tractor uses as much power as
134 residential homes. Other issues
have not been solved. Cobalt is mined
in two countries known for using child
labor. Meanwhile, issues related to used
battery disposal have not been solved.
Spear has recently signed another
five-year contract to lead the ATA. He
said his first five years were focused on
adding value to the association through
advocating for trade, tax reform, better your message for wins, I’m going to quite candidly unmatched,” he said.
hours-of-service rules and other poli- need more of you,” he said. “So give “Probably one of the strongest associa-
cies. The next five years will be focused it some thought. Seriously. I need you tions in the federation. One of the most
on growth. He encouraged attendees to more now than I probably ever have engaged. You have a federal delegation
become members of the national asso- before.” and a governor that believes in this
ciation so it can combat unions, trial He praised the Arkansas Trucking industry, believes in you and everything
lawyers and environmental activists. Association for its support of the ATA. that your employees do day in and day
“If I’m going to grow this industry “The support I’ve gotten from the out. And I’ve got to tell you, that is
through ATA, positioning our staff, Arkansas Trucking Association is just growingly rare.” ATR
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ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 21
Will Vehicle Miles Traveled
Taxes Ever Be the Answer?
VMT pilot programs explore challenges and opportunities
“THE MILLION-
DOLLAR QUESTION IS,
WOULD WE NEED AN
ORGANIZATION ON
SCALE WITH THE IRS TO
MANAGE A PROGRAM
THAT WOULD BE AT
LEAST AS LARGE AS THE
FEDERAL INCOME TAX
PROGRAM?”
—DAN MURRAY, SENIOR
VICE PRESIDENT, AMERICAN
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
as Oct. 8, but on Oct. 1, hours before from December 2003 to December
By Steve Brawner HTF would have lapsed, the House of 2019.
Contributing Writer Representatives passed a resolution to In response, some are calling for a
extend the program for 30 days. vehicle miles traveled tax, where motor-
The fuel tax is the most efficient The funding shortfall is being ists would pay taxes based on the miles
way to raise money for highways, and caused by a combination of factors, they drive rather than the fuel they buy
it will remain so for years. But what including the primary mechanism for at the pump. Oregon and Utah already
should be done as more and more vehi- funding highways, the federal gas tax have voluntary VMT taxes. The infra-
cles use less and less “fuel”? (18.4 cents per gallon) and diesel tax structure bill passed by the U.S. Senate
That’s the question policymak- (24.4 cents) have not increased since earlier this year includes $125 million
ers must consider as they try to close 1993 and were not indexed to infla- to fund national, state and local pilot
the gap between what’s needed for the tion. The number of electric vehicles projects to test a national vehicle miles
nation’s highways and the revenues has reached one million sold in the last traveled fee. The American Trucking
available to meet those needs. The decade — a fraction of the nation’s 272 Associations defeated a provision that
Congressional Budget Office has said million registered private vehicles, but would have included truck-only VMT
the federal Highway Trust Fund will the Edison Electric Institute projects taxes.
be insolvent by 2022. Earlier this year, that number to reach 18.7 million by The American Trucking
the Federal Highway Administration 2030. Meanwhile, highway construc- Associations’ position is clear: It vocally
announced that the fund’s balances tion costs have increased. According to supports raising the fuel tax. In fact,
could fall below $1 billion. On Aug. the American Transportation Research it would be hard to find an industry—
26, it said it could begin implementing Institute, the National Highway anyone in America, really—that more
cash management procedures as early Construction Cost Index rose 88.2% actively lobbies Congress to increase its
22 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
own taxes. At the same time, it opposes
VMT taxes.
A report released earlier this year by “IT’S CERTAINLY NOT TECHNICAL. IT’S NOT
ATRI found a vehicle miles traveled tax
would be much less efficient and more FINANCIAL. IT’S NOT SCIENTIFIC. IT’S PURE
costly than the federal fuel tax and DESPERATION FOR MUCH-NEEDED TRANSPORTATION
would have to overcome technology, REVENUE THAT’S APPARENTLY NOT GOING TO COME
compliance, privacy and other issues. FROM A FUTURE FUEL TAX INCREASE.”
An Oregon Department of
Transportation VMT pilot program
used private sector companies that kept —DAN MURRAY, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
40% of the gross per-mile payment. AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE
According to ATRI’s analysis, other costs
would bring the administrative costs
up to 61%. It would cost $21.2 billion a bank account” that is vulnerable to to work? In the Pacific Northwest,
to collect $35 billion. If administrative hackers. Local governments could trans- the Washington State Transportation
costs fell to 10% through economies of fer money raised through the VMT tax Commission, the state’s long-range
scale, a VMT tax still would be far more to other, non-transportation priorities. planner, undertook a 2,000-driver pilot
expensive than the fuel tax. Cars built before 1996 aren’t equipped program involving only vehicles under
In contrast, collection costs for the for the dongles that would transmit a 10,000 pounds. In 2018-19, the drivers
fuel tax are only 0.2% at the federal driver’s mileage digitally. were given choices for how their miles
level, meaning the government spends The trucking industry could would be tracked. Fifty-six percent used
$67 million to collect $33.5 billion. become a target for VMT tax support- plug-in devices, about two-thirds of
Costs are low because the tax is collect- ers. In May, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, those equipped with GPS. Another 28%
ed at the wholesale level from less than floated a 25-cent per mile tax on heavy reported their odometer miles, either
270 companies, while a VMT tax would trucks that would produce $33 bil- in person or electronically by taking a
have 272 million collection points, or lion a year if focused on Class 7 and 8 photo with their phone using an app.
one for each vehicle. That’s roughly trucks. The trucking industry expressed Another 14% used a smartphone app
equal to the number of income tax fil- strong opposition, just as it did when to track their mileage. One percent
ers, noted Dan Murray, ATRI senior vice he previously had suggested a tax on pre-purchased a mileage permit and
president and an author of the report. commercial vehicles with Sen. John then reported their odometer readings
“The million-dollar question is, Barrasso, R-Wyo. The Owner-Operator electronically or in person every three
would we need an organization on scale Independent Drivers Association months. (No one actually paid any
with the IRS to manage a program that warned congressional leaders in a let- fees.)
would be at least as large as the federal ter dated Feb. 24, 2020, “Not only will Reema Griffith, WSTC executive
income tax program?” Murray said. embracing their foolish truck-only VMT director, said when the pilot began,
ATRI found numerous other chal- squander the vital support of our indus- more than 70% of the test drivers were
lenges could exist. The system would try, it will turn us into staunch oppo- skeptical or did not support a VMT
require widespread compliance mea- nents of the next highway bill.” tax, which her group prefers calling a
sures and public education. A VMT Policymakers refuse to increase the road usage charge. By the end, more
system likely would be run by a private federal fuel tax despite its efficiencies than 70% supported it. Griffith said a
entity and therefore have transparency and despite the fact that it’s not obso- fuel tax creates inequities, with drivers
concerns. There could be massive priva- lete yet. Murray said they instead turn who can afford new cars paying less in
cy issues if the government could track to the VMT out of “pure desperation.” taxes than those driving older, less fuel-
where motorists are driving. In Oregon, “It’s certainly not technical,” he efficient ones.
the third-party contractor can only cal- said. “It’s not financial. It’s not scien- The pilot program tested the VMT
culate the miles driven by roadway and tific. It’s pure desperation for much- tax at a hypothetical 2.4-cent-per-mile
time of day. Americans would have to needed transportation revenue that’s rate, which is supposed to be revenue
trust the same thing would happen in a apparently not going to come from a neutral compared to a state gas tax
national program – and trust is in short future fuel tax increase.” which is 49.4 cents per gallon.
supply these days. Griffith believes Washington state
Alongside privacy concerns would VIABLE, BUT NOT AS GOOD will have a program in place over the
be security issues. Murray imagines Despite the challenges, could a next couple of years, starting with elec-
“272 million vehicles, all attached to vehicle miles traveled tax be made
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 23
“I think per mile charging is a good
and interesting idea in theory and is
“THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THERE IS an important conversation we need to
have,” she said. “The current political
NO TAX OR FEE THAT WILL BE COLLECTED BY climate both at the state and federal
ANY STATE OR FEDERAL ORGANIZATION THAT levels around transportation funding
WILL EVER COME CLOSE TO THE EFFICIENCY OF sends up a lot of red flags for me that
COLLECTING A GAS TAX.” a new revenue source like this could
easily be abused and turned into a slush
fund.”
—REEMA GRIFFITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, The commission’s Griffith says the
WASHINGTON STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION time to plan for the future is now. She
said the current presidential adminis-
tration and future ones will continue
transitioning the nation off fossil fuels,
tric vehicles and plug-in electrics. She another vehicle’s odometer and was but roadways will still need funding.
expects the ramp-up and transition caught in about a week, and that’s with “Honestly, it is through consumer
to take about a decade, but it depends the pilot program’s limited enforcement experience, consumer input and edu-
on how quickly consumers make the mechanisms. Griffith said the software cation that we’re going to be able to
change and how quickly the infrastruc- can tell the difference between dash- talk about this nationally and have a
ture is available. boards. No system can be foolproof, but game plan that we can collectively all
She said the vehicle miles trav- there will be other mechanisms includ- support,” she said. “And until we start
eled tax is a viable funding mechanism ing audits and penalties. demystifying it, there’s going to be a lot
while agreeing it’s not as good as the Mariya Frost, director of the of reasons to not like it. And the truth
fuel tax. She noted that her state has Washington Policy Center Coles Center of the matter is, there are very few
raised the fuel tax three times while for Transportation, a nonprofit research reasons to dislike it because it frankly
also increasing weight fees significantly. organization, participated in the study is very easy, it’s quite cost-effective,
“The truth of the matter is there using a GPS transponder and also took and it’s going to ensure that we have
is no tax or fee that will be collected by photos of her odometer. sustainable funding long after the gas
any state or federal organization that “With the GPS transponder, my tax is dead and we’re driving electric
will ever come close to the efficiency experience was a bit shocking. After my vehicles.”
of collecting a gas tax,” she said. “It is first trip, I received a grade on my driv- ATRI says the federal fuel tax
something we hate to see go away. We ing,” she said. should be raised at least 10%. Murray
don’t want it to go away. But as our fleet The grade was based on a 100-point argued that the one million electric
transitions, its days are numbered.” scale and measured her braking, accel- vehicles on the road today are not a pri-
Griffith believes that the right poli- erating and other factors. She said the mary cause of the Highway Trust Fund’s
cies can address opponents’ concerns. commission described it as a value-add- shortfall. Even if the number of electric
Regarding the cost issue, she said the ed feature, but she noted that it can’t vehicles does reach the predicted 18.7
VMT cost of collection could be as high evaluate why a driver made particular million by 2030, that’s still only 7% of
as 13%, but at scale could fall to as decisions. She said systems could be cre- the 272 million vehicles on the road.
low as 2-4%, particularly if state DOTs ated that would use the supposedly ano- The difference could be bridged with
don’t rely completely on more expensive nymized data to identify drivers. higher registration fees for electric vehi-
plug-in devices. The odometer-based Frost said her organization isn’t cles, as many states have done.
solutions also address the privacy con- opposed to a road user charge in Murray said an additional policy
cerns. Griffith said laws will be needed Washington, but if it replaces the gas change would be ending the fuel tax
regarding data protection and personal tax, it should have the same features, exemptions enjoyed by government
privacy – for instance, who is keeping such as being constitutionally dedi- entities.
the data and for how long. cated to roads. The Washington State “There’s going to be many, many
Transportation Commission made a rec- millions of cars that still will not pay
CHEATS, RED FLAGS AND ommendation to that effect. But she’s anything into the Highway Trust Fund,
LOOPHOLES skeptical that would happen. Transit which leaves you and me and the truck-
Pilot program participants were supporters would love to layer a road ing industry to make up for their fund-
encouraged to try to beat the system. usage charge with congestion pricing ing gap,” he said. ATR
One state legislator took a photo of and other features.
24 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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New Ideas Toward No Shortage
Finding the right message to get TikTok’ers into trucking
By David Monteith
Contributing Writer
A group of teenagers in Nebraska
may change how motor carriers in
Arkansas and across the country think
about driver recruitment and retention.
At the Arkansas Trucking Association’s
Annual Business Conference and
Vendor Showcase in August, Dave
Zelnio, the director of operations and
communications for the Nebraska
Trucking Association, and Lori Furnell,
president of Truck Drivers USA, shared Students in the focus group discuss trucking industry ads including this one that
touts the essentiality of drivers in times of crisis
insights gleaned from a focus group
of young Nebraskans during their pre- The audience in this case is in Nebraska high schools, a partner-
sentation on “Trucking for the TikTok Generation Z, or iGen, which the ship with the University of Nebraska at
Generation.” Pew Research Center identifies as Omaha, and the nation’s rapid switch
Zelnio said the industry’s ongoing anyone born after 1996. Labels like to Zoom meetings last winter proved to
struggle to replace a driver pool that has “Millennial” or “Gen X” or “Baby be the perfect circumstances for getting
been both shrinking and aging drove Boomer” can seem irrelevant and far- the kind of information he wanted. The
him to consider new approaches for removed from the concerns of motor idea for a focus group was born. Zelnio
attracting young people to a career in carriers. Often research from Pew or reached out to ATRI to make sure the
trucking. He’s not the only one interest- Gallup polls focuses on political lean- research project was designed with
ed in what’s most often referred to as the ings rather than on how to move freight sound principles.
driver shortage. Each year, the American from point A to point B, but everyone Eighteen Nebraska high school
Transportation Research Institute puts that manages a company of drivers, students were chosen from a pool of
out a top ten list in their “Critical Issues mechanics and office personnel whose 66 respondents to represent a diverse
in the Trucking Industry” report. “Driver ages range from 20 to 70 understands demographical sample. To avoid biasing
Shortage” has been the top priority for that there are important differences the responses, the students were told
the last four years. between the generations. Like individual they’d be participating in research about
people, each generation has unique careers in general, not about trucking
GEN Z/IGEN traits that generally describe how they’ll specifically.
“I know the industry has been respond to different management styles. “When we got our main focus
working on it for a long time,” Zelnio It takes a different approach to coach group together, we looked at a pre-
said. “But I got to thinking that the a 35-year-old millennial than it does a survey we gave them, and none of them
younger generation may not have been 60-year-old baby boomer. said that trucking or transportation was
covered as well as it could have. As a Zelnio reviewed the research on on their bucket list for careers. That was
communicator, I always look at the the younger generation but wanted to a little bit scary,” Zelnio says. “But it
audience first.” know more. His network of contacts was also kind of inspiring to say, ‘That’s
26 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
the audience we need. These are the
ones we need to learn from.’”
Through pre- and post-surveys and
a facilitated Zoom meeting, the high
schoolers shared their thoughts on a
variety of potential advertisements
for the trucking industry—things
they might see online or in recruiting
materials. Their reactions and
responses, some very surprising, were
recorded and organized into a report,
which is making its way through the
industry.
Lori Furnell wasn’t involved in
planning or gathering the research. Dave Zelnio of the
Nebraska Trucking
She came on board once the report was Association
written to give her perspective as some-
one who has been active in the recruit-
ing side of trucking since 1990. Through
her time with Maverick Transportation,
the Conversion Interactive Agency, “MY GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN PEOPLE
Walmart and now as president of Truck START TALKING TO [IGEN], THEY USE THE RIGHT
Drivers USA, Furnell has seen all sides LANGUAGE, THAT THE MESSAGING IS CORRECT FOR
of recruiting.
Recalling her first reaction to the THIS GENERATION.”
results of the research, Furnell said, “I
thought it was amazing.” One finding —DAVE ZELNIO, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND
that stood out to her was the responses COMMUNICATIONS, NEBRASKA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
to traditional ads. “For years we created
ads, and you always wanted a truck in
the ad, and you always wanted to show
that beautiful, long, winding road. And
to every bit of that, the younger genera- “They loved the idea of a clean, pants responded positively to advertise-
tion said, ‘Yeah, no. That’s boring. That sleek technology truck,” Zelnio said. ments highlighting the role of truckers
looks like it’s never going to end.’” It “Throughout the focus group, there in delivering water, toilet paper and
was an eye opener that the approach was a word that we heard from iGen. hand sanitizer during the early stages
needed to change. “That’s not even It was the word ‘evolving.’ We got to of the pandemic, and they responded to
diving into the messaging and the plat- show them that the trucking industry images of caravans of trucks delivering
forms to deliver ads,” she said. is evolving in technology. We’re get- bales of hay to a community hit hard by
ting better with the environment, and flooding. One student shared his per-
FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS they’re good with that.” sonal experience watching trucks com-
During the presentation in Hot The focus group and survey results ing to the rescue when his family’s farm
Springs, iGen was described as being provided insights on visual cues, like was under the flood waters.
“tech-savvy, community-oriented and images of long roads and the insides of The teens also listed jobs with a
genuine.” The tech savviness is no sur- sleeper cabs, but more importantly, the high degree of independence, flexible
prise. Gen Z are “digital natives,” mean- research revealed the values and moti- scheduling and those with good ben-
ing they’re the first generation to grow vations of the generation that will soon efits as factors ranking higher than
up never having known a world without be deciding whether or not to make salary. Community means more than
smartphones. The teens responded well trucking a career. people to Gen Z. It includes the natural
to images showing that the inside of a Salary didn’t crack the top five pri- world. The participants liked images of
cab looks more like an airplane cockpit orities for Gen Z. According to the data nature and advertisements emphasizing
than a standard minivan. The idea that collected, “benefitting the community/ the trucking industry’s shift to clean
a cab is similar to a “tiny home” also world” is the biggest factor for their energy.
resonated well with the focus group. career choice. The focus group partici-
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 27
Focus group ad that touted the new
technology and tiny home aesthetic of a
driver’s workplace
Furnell has experience building
community. Truck Drivers USA started
as a Facebook community that now has
over 900,000 members. Despite her
success with Facebook, Furnell doesn’t
suggest it as the top place for companies
to build an online community if the
goal is to reach iGen. She says YouTube,
and possibly TikTok, are more popular
platforms these days. According to Pew,
in 2018, YouTube was the top social
media choice for teens. Facebook was a
distant fourth. At that time, TikTok had
ing. Some of the advertisements shown just been launched.
to the teens compared trucking to office “Transportation is very slow to
“THIS GROUP DOESN’T work in a cubicle. One focus group par- adopt extra technology—they’re very
WANT A PROFESSIONAL ticipant said, “I don’t [like] ads that put quick to adopt safety technology—but as
VIDEO. USE YOUR IPHONE.” things down to make itself look better.” far as social technologies, they’re slower
And another said, “I think this ad por-
than other industries,” Furnell says. It’s
trays the negative aspects of other jobs a long game but a lucrative one. “I think
—LORI FURNELL, PRESIDENT, while the other two ads focused more the companies or the organizations that
TRUCK DRIVERS USA on the positives of trucking.” start to build community now will see
Word choice matters. Zelnio says, dividends 10–15 years from now.”
“My goal is to make sure that when
One of the focus group participants people start talking to [iGen], they use NEXT STEPS
commented, “Truckers get to see the the right language, that the messaging Zelnio and members of the
beauty the world has to offer.” is correct for this generation.” Nebraska Trucking Association have
Another important takeaway from Furnell agrees and adds that plat- already begun changing the presenta-
the focus group and research was iGen’s form matters too. At the Arkansas tions they make to middle and high
emphasis on genuine and authentic conference, she asked the audience schools to reflect the lessons from the
messaging. They didn’t care for photo- how many of them were familiar with focus group, emphasizing the industry’s
shopped images but appreciated quotes or used Twitch. Not many hands went role as helpers during the pandemic and
from actual drivers. The good news, up. Twitch, like Facebook, YouTube, natural disasters.
according to Furnell, is, “This group TikTok and Snapchat, is a social media “We should consider our efforts
doesn’t want a professional video. Use platform. Twitch happens to be a plat- to boost the trucking industry image
your iPhone.” Professionally produced form used mainly by gamers. Spectators as a way to recruit the next genera-
(i.e., expensive) videos aren’t necessary can watch while others play video tion,” Zelnio said. “The students in our
and can sometimes be counterproduc- games. The connection to trucking may focus group were unanimous about the
tive when appealing to the younger not be obvious, but one of the many essential nature of trucking, and they
generations. games being played is American Truck want to make a difference in our world.
The results from the Nebraska sur- Simulator. The game allows players to Generation Z is a huge opportunity, and
vey are corroborated by a Gallup survey step into the seat of a driver building a with our efforts during the pandemic,
conducted in 2018. Gallup asked Gen Z business. now is the time to tell our story.”
and young Millennials what they want Furnell doesn’t ask about Twitch Carriers that are interested in
most from an employer. According to as a way of recommending that motor reshaping their message to attract mem-
the report, they want an organization carriers immediately join the social bers of Generation Z can read the NTA
that a) “cares about employees’ wellbe- platform. She mentions it as one tool report for ideas at www.nebtrucking.
ing,” b) has ethical leadership and c) is for companies when building the com- com/focus-group21. Pro-tip: don’t lead
“diverse and inclusive of all people.” munity that Gen Z values. It’s worth with salary or long, open roads. Tell the
Inclusivity can mean not attacking noting that American Truck Simulator stories of how you’re making the world
other industries in order to boost truck- has over 385,000 followers on Twitch. a better place. ATR
28 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 31
Harvey Beech shares how support
goes both ways at his company,
EOS Trucking
By Deana Nall
Contributing Writer
While some companies boast complex business models, Harvey
Beech keeps it simple. As founder and president of EOS Trucking in
North Little Rock, Harvey leads the company with what he calls the
Forrest Gump/Bubba philosophy. In the film Forrest Gump, the two
men form a close friendship while deployed in Vietnam. They do
everything together: assemble their guns, shine their boots, scrub the
barracks floor with toothbrushes, and they settle in for the night out-
side in a downpour while leaning against each other so neither one of
them will have to lie down in the mud.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN DAVID PITTMAN
32 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 33
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“When I give someone a truck that
I’m paying for, we become partners,”
Harvey said. “I lean on him and he
leans on me. We have to be able to lean
on each other.”
Harvey started EOS in 2013, and in “I HAD CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF, AND I HAD FAITH
2019, his brother Brad came on board as
the CEO. Together, the Beech brothers THAT IF I GOT UP EVERY DAY AND PUT DOWN
have put their individual strengths to GOOD SEED AND TREATED PEOPLE THE WAY THEY
work in a way that has led the company WANTED TO BE TREATED, GOOD THINGS WOULD
to success.
“Our knowledge and skillsets are HAPPEN FOR MYSELF.”
very complementary,” Harvey said.
“Brad is more analytical and logical —HARVEY BEECH,
and technical than I am. He’s always PRESIDENT, EOS TRUCKING
been the one with tools in his hands.
The results and success that we have
achieved since 2018 are very evident. I
don’t know anyone in this country who
works harder than those of us in the
trucking industry.” example for their children that even as a huge mark on me as far as my work
Today, EOS maintains a fleet of relationships evolve and face challenges, ethic goes.”
250 power units. However, the EOS the work can still be good and fruitful. Harvey said he also learned humil-
story began long before this company General Electric and Target each ity and kindness from his pastor,
was started. Trucking is in the Beech had distribution centers in Central Reverend Joel Holmes, bishop of the
family DNA. Harvey and Brad’s father, Arkansas, and Arthur began driving First Pentecostal Church in North Little
Arthur Beech, was working for Roadway deliveries for them between Little Rock Rock. The values Harvey learned from
Express in Los Angeles when Harvey and Dallas. Beech Trucking continued these five key men in his life would
was born there in 1978. Arthur had to expand, and by the early ’90s, the begin to shape his work ethic as well
good work in L.A. since Roadway was company boasted a fleet of about 400 as the trucking company he and Brad
making a number of acquisitions in the trucks. would eventually lead.
West at the time, but Harvey’s mother, After graduating from high school
Carol, was from Arkansas and wanted COMING OF AGE IN ARKANSAS in 1996, Harvey spent a year at the
to move back home. When Harvey was As a teen back home in Sheridan, University of Arkansas before return-
about two years old, the family left Harvey enjoyed small-town country ing home to enroll at UA Little Rock. By
California and settled in Sheridan, Ark. life and was an avid Little League and then, Harvey had two young children to
Once in Sheridan, Arthur and Sheridan High School baseball player. support, and he needed to get his degree
Carol Beech continued working in the During his formative years, Harvey was quickly.
trucking business. The couple began mentored and shaped by a number of Harvey remembers his dad’s direc-
driving a truck as independent opera- men in his life. He learned a strong tion, “You’re going to double up on
tors in 1981, and as they added trucks work ethic from his father as well as school, get out and make a paycheck.”
and drivers, Beech Trucking was born. his grandfather and namesake, Harvey “So I loaded up, took 24 hours each
By age 14, Harvey was working for Wallingsford. He was also influenced semester, 12 hours in the summers and
his parents’ company washing trucks. by Little League coach Ronnie Hawkins graduated in two years. I didn’t have
The entire family was committed to and high school baseball coach Alan to work, and I wasn’t playing sports. I
the business. Even Arthur and Carol’s Gum, a young coach who would go didn’t have anything to do but write
divorce when Harvey was 16 failed to on to serve as head baseball coach at papers and study.”
disrupt Beech Trucking’s growth and Southern Arkansas University and During those intense semesters as
success. University of Central Arkansas. a marketing major, Harvey took every-
“They got divorced and kept work- “Coach Gum came to Sheridan thing he was learning and considered
ing together,” Harvey said. “Those High School straight out of college,” how it could be applied to the trucking
two were in the same office every day. Harvey said. “He changed the face of industry. He graduated with a market-
There was never a bad vibe in the office our team and the way we worked and ing degree from UA Little Rock in 1999,
after they were divorced.” They set an practiced. It was intense and that made
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 35
and Brad joined him to work with U.S.
Xpress from 2001-2013. Family tensions
sometimes ran high while the Beeches
were working together, but Harvey and
Brad were receiving an invaluable edu-
“I WOULD PUT OUR TEAM UP AGAINST ANY TEAM cation about the ins and outs of the
THAT’S BEEN ASSEMBLED SINCE DEREGULATION.” trucking business. Harvey eventually
worked in national sales for the com-
pany for seven years.
—HARVEY BEECH, “During the 14 years I worked for
PRESIDENT, EOS TRUCKING my father, someone looking in would
have seen it as dysfunctional,” Harvey
said. “But the most valuable lessons in
my life are the ones that hurt the worst
or cost the most. Through those years,
my father exposed us to so many facets
and he graduated first in his class in the costs for the company. When it looked of the industry. I say today very humbly
marketing program. On his last day of like insurance was going to increase that my brother and I are just as quali-
classes, he went to work full-time for by 60 percent, Arthur knew he had to fied as anyone in the industry.”
his dad’s company, where he would stay make a change.
for 14 years. By this time, Arthur had “So we became agents for another PLANTING EOS
started over in the trucking business carrier,” Harvey said. “We operated In 2013, Arthur retired from the
and had five trucks. During Harvey’s under their authority and shared their trucking industry for good, and Brad
first two years in the company, acci- revenue.” was gaining more knowledge and expe-
dents and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist The carrier was U.S. Xpress. Arthur rience at Celadon. Meanwhile, Harvey
attacks had resulted in rising insurance sold his own company, and Harvey saw an opportunity to realize a lifelong
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36 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
dream by starting his own trucking
company. With money from the sale of
his dad’s company, Harvey began work-
ing toward his goal. Named EOS for $26.5 Million
“Everyone On Time Safely,” the com-
pany opened in 2013 with 15 trucks.
Harvey remembers business taking off
right out of the gate, and by August U-Turns
2015, the EOS fleet had reached 55
trucks.
While getting EOS off the ground,
Harvey didn’t have a specific vision for
the company. Instead, he relied on the
lessons he learned from his grandfather,
father, baseball coaches and pastor—the
men who had helped shape Harvey’s
values and ethics in his youth.
“I had confidence in myself, and I
had faith that if I got up every day and
put down good seed and treated people
the way they wanted to be treated,
good things would happen for myself,”
Harvey said.
These principles would become
especially valuable during EOS’ infancy,
when keeping the company going
proved challenging on a weekly basis.
“There was a good two years where
every Friday, I had to decide if I was
going to call all the drivers to fill their
trucks and drive back to the headquar-
ters, or recruit drivers until 9 p.m. on Let the Arkansas Trucking Association’s Self
a Friday night,” Harvey said. “I always Insurers’ Fund make a U-turn with your money.
decided to keep going. I never quit when
things got hard.” Our members receive affordable insurance,
In late 2018, the brothers began outstanding claims management and loss control
working together again with their com- support. Unlike insurance companies, the ATA Self
plementary strengths when Brad joined Insurers' Fund turns your money around
EOS. and delivers it back to you.
Brad had been a key figure at his
previous companies, and he had been in More than $26.5 million has been
charge of the due diligence and “boots returned since 1993.
on the ground” at Celadon. He was
exposed to the operations of different Call Katie Thomason at 501.372.3462
carriers and different types of busi- for more information.
nesses. And both brothers possessed a
lifetime of invaluable experience and
lessons learned from their father’s
decades in the trucking industry.
“Our father put the shovel in the
ground and dug the well, and we’ve
been drinking the water from the well,”
Harvey said.
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 37
delayed for 60 days. This resulted in
chaos in the supply chain, which con-
tinues today.
“As long as there’s that kind of
pressure for me and my drivers, things
are going to be OK,” Harvey said.
He also credits the company’s rela-
tionships with its customers for the
company’s ability to continue growing
through the pandemic. One such part-
nership is the one EOS established with
Riceland Foods in 2018.
“We actually had record months
when so many industries were losing
money,” Harvey said. “We had a 27%
increase in revenue month over month
between February and March of 2020.
Our April revenue numbers were level
with March numbers, if not better.
These are the best times trucking has
HARVEY BEECH AT-A-GLANCE ever seen. They are hard times because
of inflation and a shortage of good folks
coming around, but there is strong job
CHILDREN: Allie, 26; Braden, 23; Pryce, 16, and Joy Ellen, 14 security. The increased profit margin
has made it easier to recruit drivers.”
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN AWAY FROM THE OFFICE? “I spend time Attracting new drivers is one of
with my kids or by myself at Lake Ouachita … that lake is the Great American
Reset Button!” Harvey’s strengths, and he spends most
of his energy in this area. He coordi-
IF YOU WEREN’T IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY, WHAT COULD YOU nates the advertising and recruiting
IMAGINE YOURSELF DOING? “Riding a bicycle all over Key West, staff, and he attends every orientation
shirtless and wearing a pair of cut off jean shorts, working for beer money”
session.
WORST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “Take EOS into bankruptcy back “It’s important on the front end
when times got tough. Obviously, I never even considered it.” when you’re hiring folks,” Harvey said.
“I’m able to get a good feel for people in
BEST VACATION YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? “Key West is the best place in
America next to the south shore of Lake Ouachita at sunset time.” a short period of time. Warren Buffett
says, ‘Hire well, manage little,’ and
that’s true. We have turnover, yes, but
compared to the industry standard, we
Although Harvey had gained a lot but because EOS transports essential do well.”
of knowledge and experience while products, the company actually expe- EOS believes in letting drivers know
working with his dad, he didn’t carry rienced growth that year. People were they are appreciated. During National
all of his dad’s advice over to EOS. For spending more time at home and con- Truck Driver Appreciation Week in
example, EOS does not have its own suming more food, beverages and paper September, the company brought in
shop. supplies; EOS saw continual accelerated food trucks and door prizes, and daily
“My dad always said you had to growth. driver appreciation posts appeared on
have your own shop to own a trucking “We started 2020 with 130 power the company’s Facebook page. EOS
company,” Harvey said. “But we have a units, and we had 205 at the end of also recognizes drivers’ milestones and
great relationship with vendors. We’ve 2020,” Harvey said. achievements.
done a very good job of having local and Industry wide, COVID presented As for the office staff in North
national partnerships.” a unique challenge to trucking com- Little Rock, Harvey and Brad carefully
panies since the supply chain and assembled the team. When Brad joined
GROWING THE TEAM demand became separate for the first the company in 2018, Harvey knew he
The COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 time, Harvey said. While demand never had been responsible for growth at his
sent many businesses into a tailspin, stopped, much of the supply chain was
38 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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For advertising information, contact Katie Thomason at
(501) 372-3462 or [email protected]
previous company. A number of the
people followed Brad to EOS, which has
contributed to the organic makeup of
EOS employees.
“Our people in the office are either
folks who worked for my brother and
me together, or they’ve worked with
me, or they worked with Brad when he “I’VE KNOWN DRIVERS AND TRUCKS MY WHOLE LIFE.
went his separate path,” Harvey said. IT’S ALL I’VE KNOWN. AND MY ARKANSAS ROOTS
“When we came back together in 2019, RUN WAY DOWN DEEP.”
we got that mix of people. Beyond that,
we have recruited people these employ-
ees have recommended. There are no —HARVEY BEECH,
strangers off the street in our office. PRESIDENT, EOS TRUCKING
That makes everything in our business
so much easier.”
As a result of how carefully the
EOS team has been curated, and after
weathering the storms of the company’s
first two years, the office staff is espe-
cially strong. The staff of around 48 After gaining experience work- As Harvey continues to make trucking
people comprise an intense, but uni- ing with other companies in the past, a family business, he looks toward the
fied, environment at EOS. Everyone Harvey has a lot of wisdom about how future of EOS as well as his own retire-
understands the Forrest Gump/Bubba to run a trucking company, as well as ment plans.
relationship the company has with its the decisions not to make. After wit- “If I can retire at 55, I figure it will
drivers, and they also embrace the com- nessing the effects of inefficiency at a all be worth it,” he said. “More family
pany’s core values of kindness, respect, past company, Harvey refuses to drag will come to work for the company and
hard work and loyalty. decisions out, and he makes sure no one maybe we’ll grow a little more, but if we
“We’re always trying to stay ahead in the company is left behind. don’t, we’ll just sit right where we are
of our drivers,” Harvey said. “So the “My people understand that we are and be as nimble as possible.”
energy level is very high at EOS. We all going to make decision very quickly, Until then, Harvey and Brad will
work in a very high-paced manner. But and we have principles that drive those continue to lead EOS with the values
it’s also an environment that is free quick decisions,” he said. “And we make instilled in them by their father and
from any politics or poison. We are at a sure we’re taking care of everyone in the the trucking legacy of the Beech family.
place where we can growl at each other company.” And like Forrest Gump and Bubba, the
in the heat of the battle, but we know This includes Harvey himself. He company will continue their mutually
at the end of the day, we can come back has learned how to tell when he’s had a supportive relationship with its driv-
together. There were some very hard good day at work. ers, and working together through both
times over past two years. But I would “That’s when the current does not small and large challenges.
put our team up against any team that’s have me on my heels,” he said. “Being Back when he was working in
been assembled since deregulation.” in the trucking business is like walking national account sales for his dad,
up a river. The current can knock you Harvey passed through Los Angeles,
SOWING THE NEXT GENERATION off balance.” the city of his birth, while on busi-
While EOS is enjoying success, Carrying on the family tradition, ness. While he enjoyed the visit to the
Harvey knows coasting is not an option. the next generation of Harvey’s family city where he could have grown up, he
“We are always preparing for the is involved in the business. His daugh- didn’t spend much time there. He might
next downturn,” he said. “I am looking ter, Allie, works as director of opera- have been born on the West Coast, but
for what needs to be fixed every day. tions along with Josh Hampton. Arkansas and the trucking industry
When times are good, you want to cel- “They are the co-MVPs of the com- have always been home to Harvey.
ebrate, but I’ve learned that the minute pany and one of the main energy cen- “I’ve known drivers and trucks my
you slow down is the minute you start ters of the operation,” Harvey said. whole life,” he said. “It’s all I’ve known.
going backwards. So we don’t spend a Harvey’s son Braden is one of the And my Arkansas roots run way down
lot of time celebrating or thinking about company’s fleet managers. His other deep.” ATR
how well we’re doing.” children are Pryce, 16, and Joy Ellen, 14.
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 41
Ready for Conference
Recap of the 2021 ATA Annual Conference & Vendor Showcase
By ATR Staff first-comers about their enforcement
For the second year in a row, questions. Joseph Jones, Devin Bell and
Arkansas Trucking Association’s spring The 40 Under 40 Council also met Cody Cannon (Walmart Transportation)
conference, scheduled for May, was Wednesday morning to hear from Mike Corporate Fleet Safety Award Grand
postponed in response to the spread of McNutt, CEO of Distribution Solutions, Champion
COVID-19 in the state. But in August, Inc. He shared with the young pro-
ATA was ready to hold its annual busi- fessionals his own professional story
ness conference and vendor showcase and experience on the ATA Board of
in Hot Springs with the theme Ready Directors’ Nominating Committee.
for Anything. This year’s line-up offered Sen. John Boozman was also in
attendees educational forums, network- town Wednesday morning to visit with
ing opportunities and leading voices on the board of directors and other early
how the industry has coped with chang- arrivals.
ing realities and what tools companies The official kickoff began with ATA
need to succeed in any environment President Shannon Newton welcom-
so trucking can be ready for anything. ing attendees to the awards luncheon
The event attracted 239 attendees, rep- to recognize the winners of the 2020
resenting 115 companies to the Hot Corporate Fleet Safety Awards. Winners
Springs Convention Center. included Driver of the Year, Dean
This year’s schedule included a key- Roberts of Dedicated Logistics, LLC and Dean Roberts (Dedicated Logistics,
note, four forums, the election of new Safety Professional of the Year, Roger LLC) receives Driver of the Year Award
from Shannon Newton (ATA)
board members, two luncheons with Carson of Oakley Trucking. Walmart
special guests, two featured speakers Transportation received the overall
and receptions to celebrate everything grand champion award with over 20
trucking has faced and overcome in the million miles on Arkansas highways
last 18 months. and only three DOT accidents all year.
Wednesday morning began with Guest Speaker Rep. Bruce Westerman
the opening of the 2021 vendor show- (R-Ark.) congratulated the carriers and
case and networking opportunity— individuals whose efforts have contrib-
Lattes with Law Enforcement. Local uted to a safer industry over the past
business Will’s Cinnamon Shop hosted year of additional stress and strain on
a coffee cart with fresh pastries while the supply chain.
Arkansas Highway Police Officers Lt. After lunch, reports were given for
Jeff Smith, Cpl. Andrew James and PFC ATA finances, membership, workers’ Rebecca Brewster (American
Blake Nesbitt chatted with conference compensation, governmental affairs Transportation Research Institute)
42 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2020 DRIVER OF THE YEAR GENERAL COMMODITIES
DEAN ROBERTS LTL DIVISION
Dedicated Logistics, LLC Large Carrier:
OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE, INC.
Rep. Bruce Westerman addresses 2020 SAFETY PROFESSIONAL OF Thomasville, N.C.
conference attendees at awards luncheon THE YEAR
ROGER CARSON PRIVATE CARRIER DIVISION
Oakley Trucking Large Carrier:
WALMART TRANSPORTATION LLC
CORPORATE FLEET SAFETY AWARDS Bentonville, Ark.
Grand Champion
WALMART TRANSPORTATION LLC TANK TRUCK DIVISION
Bentonville, Ark. Intermediate Carrier:
SOLAR TRANSPORT COMPANY
TRUCKLOAD - FLATBED DIVISION West Des Moines, Ill.
Intermediate Carrier:
LOGGINS LOGISTICS SMALL PACKAGE DIVISION
Jonesboro, Ark. Large Carrier:
FEDEX EXPRESS
Large Carrier: Little Rock, Ark.
MAVERICK TRANSPORTATION LLC
North Little Rock, Ark.
TRUCKLOAD - VAN & REEFER
DIVISION
Small Carrier:
BRAY FAST FREIGHT LLC
Batesville, Ark.
Neil Newhouse (Public Opinion Intermediate Carrier:
Strategies) BILL DAVIS TRUCKING, INC.
Batesville, Ark.
Large Carrier:
USA TRUCK, INC.
Van Buren, Ark.
Roger Carson (Oakley Trucking) receives
Safety Professional of the Year Award from
Shannon Newton (ATA)
Butch
Rice (Stallion
Transportation Group)
took home two ATA
Self Insurers’ Fund
Tanya Rogers and Alicia Black awards for safety
(USA Truck) win a Corporate Fleet performance in their
Safety Award individual category
and best overall risk
Donna Dunn (EOS Inc.) receives for the Fund
ATA Self Insurers’ Fund safety award
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 43
and councils. Mark Morris, president tion claims management and safety best
of Morris Transportation Services, took practices were issues on the (breakfast)
the podium and shared how strange it table.
has been to lead as chairman, holding Dr. Doug Voss, professor of logis-
board of director meetings over Zoom tics and supply chain management at
rather than a conference table, and how the University of Central Arkansas,
rewarding it has been to serve while the moderated Thursday’s first forum—a
spotlight was on trucking. Among the panel of top executives from Maverick
victories he celebrated was the passage Transportation, J.B. Hunt Transport and
of Issue 1 last year that will lead to bet- FedEx Ground on which technologies
ter roads across the state. they’ve deemed worth the investment.
The business meeting concluded John Culp, Craig Harper and John
with the ratification of five new board Smith chatted about what their respec- Shannon Newton (ATA) recognizes
members: Michael Barr of JM Bozeman tive companies had learned from using Bob Laster (JM Bozeman Enterprises) for
Enterprises; Lance Moll of FedEx collision mitigation, mirrorless trucks, his service as Chairman of the Accounting
& Finance Council
Freight; Seth Runser of ABF Freight and digital training and gamification in the
Patrick Simmons of Tyson Foods reflect workplace. Each panelist shared pros
carriers of all sizes, specialties and geog- and cons for the latest tech and weighed
raphies. Rob Kibbe of Aon will fill one in on which tools have earned the green
of two allied positions. light.
Wednesday afternoon began the In one of the most popular forums,
lineup of expert speakers on the tech- Dave Zelnio from the Nebraska
nology, workforce issues, operations, Trucking Association presented findings
politics and global trade events that from a focus group with high school
affect trucking. The forums began students examining what industry
with the state of the industry address recruitment messages most resonate
from American Trucking Associations with younger audiences. Truck Drivers
President Chris Spear. (Read the full USA President Lori Furnell facilitated a
story of Spear’s address on page 17.) Q&A with Zelnio about the study and
For the first time, each day’s how companies can apply the findings
forums concluded with a featured to driver and technician recruiting
speaker. On Wednesday, UPS’s Laura efforts. (Read more on page 26.)
Lane shared stories from working in At Thursday’s governmental affairs
challenging and at times hostile envi- luncheon, Blake Eddins, principal Laura Lane (UPS)
ronments from the American Embassy of Eddins & Associates, moderated a
in Rwanda during an outbreak of civil light-hearted political chat between
war, around the world as a trade nego- Andy Davis, former state representa-
tiator and in an increasingly divided tive member, and Jonathan Dismang,
Washington, D.C. As chief corporate current Arkansas State Senator, on the
affairs, communications and sustain- most recent state legislative session,
ability officer at UPS, Lane oversees the impact of the 2021 redistricting
public policy and government affairs, efforts and the hot, and growing hotter,
public relations, employee communica- political climate in the state. They even
tions and the UPS Foundation. diplomatically danced around some
This year’s event was made pos- predictions for the next governor of
sible by 16 Gold Sponsors and 19 Silver Arkansas.
Sponsors. An exclusive Gold Sponsor After lunch, Rebecca Brewster
reception was held Wednesday night at shared the latest research from
the historic Hamp Williams building. American Transportation Research
Silver Sponsors had an opportu- Institute. The organization is celebrat-
nity to engage attendees in industry ing its 20th anniversary, and Brewster
dialogue at Thursday morning’s Ready spoke on its most popular research like
for Breakfast discussion, where video the annual operational costs of trucking Shannon Newton (ATA)
cameras, nuclear verdicts, CSA, preven- survey and how the cost of doing busi-
44 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
THANK YOU,
ATA CONFERENCE SPONSORS!
GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS
Aon ABF Freight
Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment
Bowerman Trucking, Inc.
Carman, Inc.
Cummins Sales and Service Dedicated Logistics, LLC
Dobbs Peterbilt of Little Rock DMC Insurance
FedEx Freight Drivers Legal Plan
EROAD
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
Fletcher, Farley, Shipman & Salinas, LLP
MHC Kenworth
Fontaine Fifth Wheel
PAM Transport, Inc. Great West Casualty Company
PrePass McGriff
Sedgwick Morris Transportation Services, LLC
Rich Logistics
Stallion Transportation Group
Star Transportation, LLC
Summit Truck Group TLG Peterbilt
Trimble Transportation TravelCenters of America
UPS Tri-State Truck Center, Inc.
Utility Tri-State, Inc. University of Central Arkansas
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
Walmart Transportation LLC
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 VENDORS
AngelTrax
BBL Oil Company
Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment
Corporate Medical Services
Fit to Pass by Espyr
InfoStream
Intellistop Corp.
Floyd Potts and Kenny Hill Lowen Color Graphics
(Quality Petroleum, Inc.) host
vendor booth Meadors, Adams & Lee
ORBCOMM
PrePass
Pressure Systems International
Andrew Myers and Doug
Schmidt (Rich Logistics) Purple Wave Auction
connect with Ken Turner and Quality Petroleum, Inc.
Frank Lancaster (ORBCOMM) Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
at the vendor showcase Taylor & Martin, Inc.
Thompson DOT Safety & Compliance
TravelCenters of America
Utility Tri-State, Inc.
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 45
ness has changed for carriers. Brewster
said the anticipated operational costs
results has paved the way for new and
important work including ATRI’s explo-
ration of rising insurance costs and
nuclear verdicts.
In the final executive forum, Dr.
Brent Williams, an associate dean in
the Sam M. Walton College of Business
at the University of Arkansas, brought
his professorial insights into the supply
chain to conference attendees. He dis- Doug Voss (University of Central
cussed how consumer behavior changed Arkansas), John Culp (Maverick
Transportation), Craig Harper (J.B.
throughout the pandemic, impacting Hunt Transport) and John Smith
trucking and the global economy. (FedEx Ground) give the green light
Educational content concluded on on the best technology investments
Thursday afternoon with final featured
speaker Neil Newhouse. Partner and
co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies,
Newhouse presented the science of
polling from his decades of experi-
ence, including conducting polls on
four Presidential campaigns — Sen. Bob Joe Vitiritto, Tyler
Dole, President George W. Bush, Former Majors and Gary Kirby (PAM
Transport) attend the Gold
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and as lead poll- Sponsor Reception
ster for Sen. Mitt Romney’s 2012 cam-
paign.
Mark Morris invited every-
one to his chairman’s celebration,
“Markaritaville,” next door to the con- Patrick Mendenhall and Jim Lollis
vention center at Inside Track. Guests (Summit Truck Group) practice social
were greeted with leis, sunshine, music distancing
from Jimmy Buffett cover band, Bluffett
and, of course, margaritas to mark the
end of 2021’s official conference activi- Craig Harper (J.B. Hunt Transport),
Katie Thomason (ATA) and Malea
ties. McElyea (CalArk International)
Sixty-eight players met Friday
morning for breakfast and the Ready
for Golf Classic at the
Hot Springs Country
Club. Seventeen teams Blake Eddins (Eddins & Associates) talks to Andy Davis and
competed for trophies Senator Jonathan Dismang during Governmental Affairs luncheon
and prizes for longest
drive, closest to the pin
and hole-in-one. Jason
Herring, Blair James
and Charlie Kreps (Aon)
claimed first place. ATR
46 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Ian Byrd and Nick Crown (Magnus James Carey (Bruckner’s Truck
Technologies) Sales), Darrin DeFlice (Mack
Trucks), Stephen Cline, David
Dr. Brent Williams (University of Bass, Matt Ernst, Brian Murphy
Arkansas) and Kevin Grothe (Bruckner’s
Truck Sales)
Donnie Pace,
Chris Parker
(Arkansas Road
Team), Mike Brust
(ATA), PFC Blake
Nesbitt (Arkansas
Highway Police)
Matt Bowerman (Bowerman Trucking) and
Adam Young (Westar Refrigerated Transporation)
Hal Dowland
and Paul Claunch
(PrePass)
Chris Parker (Arkansas Road Team), PFC Blake
Nesbit (Arkansas Highway Police), Roger Carson and
Dustin Barnett (Oakley Trucking)
Demetri Mendoza,
Michelle Smith
(ArcBest), Mallory
Scheurer (ABF Freight)
and Brad Heringer
(Star Transportation,
LLC)
Senator John Boozman addresses the ATA Board of
Directors
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 47
Bluffett
play at
Markaritaville
Logan Morris and Mark Morris (Morris Transportation
Services) dressed to perfection for Markaritaville
David Waller and
David Burks (Battery
Outfitters)
Kyler Sanson (Compass
Energy Services)
Travis Ellison, Ryan Lynch and Chase Loy (TLG Peterbilt) enjoy
Markaritaville
Mike Schwartz (Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers), Jess
Williams (Cummins Sales and Services), Brad Heringer
(Star Transportation, LLC) and Douglas Grainger
(Cummins Sales and Services)
Casie Page (Tri-State Truck Center), Bob Laster
(JM Bozeman Enterprises), Justin Williams and
Joey Rector (Tri-State Truck Center)
CHAIRMAN’S CELEBRATION SPONSORS
Lonestar
Love’s
Meadors, Adams & Lee
Pressure Systems International
48 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
GOLF SPONSORS
Add On Systems LLC
Aon
Bowerman Trucking, Inc.
Cummins Sales and Service
Dobbs Peterbilt of Little Rock
FedEx Freight, Inc.
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
MHC Kenworth
PAM Transport, Inc.
Sedgwick
Players take to the
greens for the Ready Stallion Transportation Group
for Golf Classic at Hot Summit Truck Group
Springs Country Club
Trimble Transportation
UPS
Utility Tri-State, Inc.
Erick Cox (Dill Brothers Insurance), Bo Rowe (TLG
Peterbilt), Kyler Sanson (Compass Energy Services) Walmart Transportation LLC
and Chase Loy (TLG Peterbilt)
Stephen Leaver (Dobbs Peterbilt of Little Longest Drive
Rock) wins Closest-to-the-Pin awarded by Kelly Anderson Group
Penny Hughs (Purple Wave Auction)
Closest-to-the-Pin
Purple Wave Auction
Jason Herring
(not pictured), Blair Hole-in-One
James and Charlie Senior Medicare Solutions
Kreps (Aon) take
home first place
Chase Rathbun, Austin
Godwin, Jon DeBusk
(Bowerman Trucking) are
awarded second place
Dustin May, Don Freeman, James
Carey (Bruckner’s Truck Sales) and Darrin
DeFlice (Mack Trucks)
Riley Stamps (TLG Peterbilt) wins Longest Drive
awarded by Brent Lauber (Kelly Anderson Group) ATR
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 49
Rubber Meets the Road
for 2021-22 Road Team
Arkansas Road Team adds five new captains and gets ready
to travel the state for community events
By ATR Staff live public audience.
Captains also received
In July, Arkansas Trucking training on the two L3
Association reviewed nominations for simulators that allows
the Arkansas Road Team. Candidates for players to practice
the Road Team competed in the final their driving skills on
stage of the selection process on Aug. a virtual course and
2 in Little Rock, Ark. Nominees were demonstrate what they
judged by a panel of experts from truck- learned about sharing
ing, law enforcement and media on the road.
their knowledge of the trucking indus- Visitors from
try, dedication to safety, overall safe the State Chamber of
driving record and ability to commu- Commerce, Arkansas
nicate the trucking industry’s message. Department of
After deliberation, five drivers were Transportation offi-
selected from around the state. cials and Arkansas
The newest Arkansas Road Team Highway Department
Captains join experienced captains, officers were the first
all chosen for their commitment to audience of the new
highway safety, communication skills captains. In a team
and passion for the trucking industry. effort, the captains
Each ambassador serves to educate gave a tour around
the public about highway safety and a truck and trailer,
represent trucking in schools and at pointing out the large
community events across Arkansas. blind spots, and how
The 2021-22 team represents a diverse to stay clear. Then
cross-section of drivers, in terms of they invited visitors
background, experience, culture, and into the simulator for
geography. Made up of 13 drivers from a road test. the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety
six different trucking companies, Many of the captains also made and Education Program.
these industry professionals have been appearances at the 2021 Arkansas Since its formation in 2015, the
trained to conduct Share the Road Trucking Association Annual Arkansas Road Team has taken the
demonstrations and offer a chance Conference & Vendor Showcase in Hot Share the Road safe-driving program to
for people to sit behind the wheel of a Springs, Ark., and at various stops along hundreds of schools, festivals and other
truck, literally and virtually. the Truck Driver Appreciation tour events throughout the state.
At a two-day orientation in Little around the state Sept. 12–18. Arkansas Road Team’s Share the Road
Rock Aug 12-13, new and old captains The Arkansas Road Team and its presentations are offered at no cost and
met to train for speaking engagements, Share the Road program are made pos- can be scheduled by contacting ATA at
practice media interviews and conduct sible by grants awarded by the Arkansas 501-372-3462 or visiting
Share the Road presentations for a Highway Commission with funds from arkroadteam.com. ATR
50 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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