2021-22 ARKANSAS
ROAD TEAM CAPTAINS
Arkansas Road Team
Captains Lazaro Ruiz and Rodney Ashbrook – ABF Freight
Chris Parker Benton, Ark.
Wesley Cox – J.B. Hunt Transport
Fayetteville, Ark.
Danny Fuller – XPO Logistics
Jonesboro, Ark.
Dave Hall – ABF Freight
Austin, Ark.
Robert Kelley – Walmart Transportation
Searcy, Ark.
Ronnie Mahan – FedEx Freight
Sherwood, Ark
Gary Mars – Walmart Transportation
Fayetteville, Ark.
Weston Mars – Walmart Transportation
Fayetteville, Ark.
Donnie Pace – ABF Freight
Little Rock, Ark.
Chris Parker – FedEx Freight
Pine Bluff, Ark.
Road Team Captain
Ronnie Mahan Larry Rhein – FedEx Freight
Harrison, Ark.
Lazaro Ruiz – Old Dominion Freight Line
Bono, Ark.
Austin Simmons – FedEx Freight
Siloam Springs, Ark.
Road Team Captains Chris
Parker and Donnie Pace with
Penny Hughs (Purple Wave
Auction) at first public event:
2021 ATA Annual Conference
Road Team Captain
Dave Hall
Road Team Captain
Wesley Cox Road Team Captain Robert Kelley
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 51
Truck Driver Appreciation
Goes on Tour
2021 Arkansas Trucking Association Driver Appreciation Events
Tommy Staggs (TA Petro), Donald Pace (Arkansas Road Team), Carl Boja (TA
Petro), Jimmy Russell (ABF Freight) and Mark Fleming (TA Petro)
By Bethany May
Managing Editor
There are things you can count on
year in and year out.
Every September, the banks close on
th
Labor Day. On the 11 , we remember.
Farmers harvest the last cantaloupes and
the first pumpkins of the season. And for
over two decades, the Arkansas Trucking
Association has organized volunteers and
donations to coordinate a one-day cook- tion event. The special occasion would championships due to the pandemic
out at a busy, local truck stop to serve take gratitude on the road, where the and changing rules and risks in com-
hot lunches to the drivers traveling along truck drivers live and work, to say thank munities around the country. Not
I-40, where more than 15,000 trucks you in three different cities on three long after, Arkansas also decided to
travel east of North Little Rock daily, to different days during the 2021 National cancel the competition as its members
mark Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. continued to navigate the COVID-19
These are September traditions to set 12–18. outbreaks. The event draws more than
your clock to. The tour included partnering with 1,000 drivers, friends, families, col-
Even when shop doors shut, when three different truck stop hosts. leagues to Northwest Arkansas for a
hurricanes hit land, when the pipe- • Monday, September 13, at Pilot weekend of camaraderie and competi-
lines paused and when the bridges Flying J, 8300 State Highway 108, in tion.
were broken, truck drivers were the Texarkana “More than ever, the 3.5 million
ones we could count on to keep mov- professional drivers in this country have
ing. ATA has always set an example for • Wednesday, September 15, at inspired us and earned every bit of the
celebrating their skills, professionalism Loves, 8060 Highway 282, in Alma attention and public awareness they
and dedication to the job because it’s • Friday, September 17, at TA/Petro, have received as essential workers,” said
essential to American life. In the past 3205 Valentine Road, in North Newton. “Under normal circumstances,
18 months, when everything else was Little Rock we invite them to come compete and
shifting due to the public health and show off their skills and we literally
economic crises, drivers were as depend- One of the motives for moving cheer them on. Of all the losses, big and
able as ever. the event around the state was to get small, we miss seeing drivers.”
To recognize drivers for delivering face-to-face time with more driv- The tour allowed ATA and over
under more challenging circumstances ers. In February, American Trucking 30 sponsors and volunteers to retrieve
than ever, this summer, ATA President Associations announced that for the some of that lost time with drivers to
Shannon Newton and her staff began second year in a row, the organization pause and say ‘thank you’ for delivering.
planning a different kind of apprecia- would be cancelling its annual driving
52 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS AND OTHER DONATING COMPANIES
BNSF Logistics ABF Freight
Aon
Cummins Sales and Service
C.C. Jones, Inc.
Distribution Solutions, Inc.
D.W. Story & Associates, Inc.
Great West Casualty Company Groendyke, Inc.
Healing Waters
J.B. Hunt Transport
Loggins Logistics
McKee Foods Transportation, LLC
Mike Alvey (Tyson Morris Transportation Services, LLC
Foods) grills lunch for
drivers at TA Petro in PC Promotions
North Little Rock
Rich Insurance Services
Senior Medicare Solutions
Stoughton Lease
Juan Vasquez and Tony Evans
(Great West Casualty Company) along Tri-State Thermo King
with Dwayne Smith (Rich Insurance
Services) show drivers appreciation at USA Truck
Love’s in Alma
Tanya Rogers
(USA Truck), Shannon
Newton (ATA) chat
with driver
VaLynn Mills (Aon), Daniel Thomasson (Loggins Logistics),
Katie Thomason (ATA) and Brittany Ward (Loggins Logistics)
prepare lunches for drivers at TA Petro in North Little Rock
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 53
Sarah Sheets (ATA) and Michael Metzger (Great West Casualty THE FANS
Company) welcome drivers to Love’s in Alma In one week, ATA, with the help of
14 gold sponsors, four silver sponsors
and over 20 additional donating and
volunteering companies, provided hot
lunches to 1,200 drivers.
For the second year in a row, Gov.
Asa Hutchinson, in an executive proc-
lamation, declared September 12-18,
2021, Truck Driver Appreciation Week
in Arkansas.
“At the peak of the pandemic, truck
drivers delivered life-saving vaccines to
Arkansans, bringing hope and health
back to the state,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson
said.
“In times of prosperity or times of
THE CHAMPIONSHIP The CDL holder with the highest crisis, Arkansas’ and our nation’s econ-
The Arkansas Road Team showed score at each location was sent a $100 omy rides on the shoulders of profes-
up at each tour stop with SAFE1, the gift card. Winners included Twin City sional drivers who bring what we need
official Share the Road simulator. Prior City Transportation Driver Johnathan every day to thrive and survive, build
to Truck Driver Appreciation Week, ATA Blackwell at the Texarkana apprecia- and rebuild our lives across the state.”
partnered with L3 to create a special tion day; Lee Sheppard from Singularity ATA also launched a billboard cam-
virtual championship course where Group at the Alma appreciation day paign around the state in September
truckers could test their driving skills and Kayla King, a truck driver and to remind the motoring public that
video-game style. trainer with Maverick Transportation at “America’s recovery is being delivered by
the North Little Rock appreciation day the truckload.”
tour stop.
Arkansas Road Team Captain
Dave Hall advises during a
test of the Share the Road
simulator
Sarah Sheets (ATA)
and Chris Parker
(Arkansas Road Team)
serve lunches to Steve Hill (Stoughton Lease), Tanya
drivers at Pilot Flying J Rogers (USA Truck), Katie Thomason (ATA)
in Texarkana and Misty Lentz (Rich Insurance Services)
prepare lunches for drivers in Alma
Kayla King (Maverick
Transportation) had the
highest score in the
virtual championship out
of all locations
Billy Stark
and Mike Alvey
(Tyson Foods)
Christy Moore (Distribution
Solutions, Inc.) and Nate Rich
(Rich Insurance Services)
54 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Cory Estes and Billy
Stark (Tyson Foods) grill
burgers, hot dogs and chicken
sandwiches for drivers at
Love’s in Alma
Sarah Sheets (ATA) and Chris Parker
(Arkansas Road Team) serve lunches to
drivers at Pilot Flying J in Texarkana
Arkansas
Road Team
Captain Robert
Kelley (Walmart
Transportation) and
Ricky Duncan (Tri-
State Thermo King)
volunteer at TA
Petro in North Little
Rock
Katie Thomason (ATA) and Brian Boyette
Driver showing off his home-grown peppers (Tri-State Thermo King)
BUSINESS FOUNDATION FOR A
SUCCESSFUL CAREER
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Our experiential learning opportunities and rigorous
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The College of Business is among the top business schools in the
country and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business (AACSB). Visit uca.edu/business to learn more.
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ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 55
“Whether it’s a global pandemic,
a natural disaster or a major bridge
closure, these essential workers endure
incredible challenges to ensure our
communities are stocked with medi-
cine, food, fuel and all of life’s essen-
tials,” said ATA President Shannon
Newton.
The official event may be over,
but ATA encourages the community to
continue to recognize and find ways
to thank the men and women behind
the wheel of the health and economic
recovery in the country. The demand Katie Thomason (ATA) welcomes
for their services has not waned, and so driver to Love’s in Alma
gratitude for it shouldn’t either. ATR
Miranda Leonard and Misty
Lentz (Rich Insurance Services)
smile with driver and pup
Kimberly Hagood (BNSF Logistics), Steve
Hill (Stoughton Lease), Katie Thomason
and Mike Brust (ATA) welcome drivers to
Love’s in Alma J.B. Hunt Transport team,
Andrew Harris and Rodrick Isom,
deliver donated water for Truck
Driver Appreciation Week on Tour
events.
James Macy and
Tanya Rogers (USA
Truck)
56 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Insider Trucking
A look at the latest products, services and news from ATR advertisers
ABOUT FEDEX FREIGHT driven to innovate for our customers affect batteries, air brake systems, tire
Connecting and give back to the communities where inflation pressures and even diesel fuel
people with goods, we live and work. For more information, itself!
services, ideas visit about.fedex.com. Here is a short list of inspection
and technologies items that can help your fleet prevent
creates opportunities that fuel innova- TLG PETERBILT’S ROAD GURU unnecessary breakdowns:
tion, energize businesses and lift com- OFFERS SERVICE CONVENIENCE • Dead batteries are one of the most
munities to higher standards of living. When your equipment stops run- common causes of winter break-
At FedEx, we believe that a connected ning, TLG’s mobile service team is just downs. Have the batteries and
world is a better world, and that belief getting started. Road Guru provides alternator tested by a qualified tech-
guides everything we do. customers with nician.
various kinds
of truck service • When temperatures fall, diesel fuel
from routine thickens into a gel and stops flow-
maintenance to ing. Replace fuel filters often and
urgent engine work, when and where treat your fuel with quality winter
they need it. The program also works fuel additives.
directly with TLG’s award-winning
24-hour call center to maximize cus-
tomer uptime.
Mobile technicians are not only
FedEx Freight, a subsidiary of FedEx equipped with the latest truck diagnos-
Corporation, is a leading provider of tics and technology, but provide all-
priority, premium and economy less- makes repairs from commercial trucks
than-truckload (LTL) freight services. to farm equipment. Road Guru can also
From fast-transit delivery of time-sensi- step in if you’re experiencing technician
tive shipments to cost-effective options shortages to ensure uptime, all the time
when customers can trade time for for your fleet. TLG’s mobile service team
savings, FedEx Freight simplifies heavy provides innovative solutions and pro- • When moisture builds in your air
and bulk shipping in the U.S., Canada, grams tailor-made to fit your business brake system, it can freeze during
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Islands. FedEx Freight moves more than dealerships, including both Arkansas your air dryer at each PM service
100,000 LTL shipments each day, and locations. To partner with Road Guru, and replace your air dryer desiccant
with expanded service offerings like visit www.tlgtrucks.com or reach out to cartridge at the manufacturer sug-
FedEx Freight Direct, shipments can your nearest TLG Peterbilt location. gested interval (typically 100,000
also be safely delivered to and through miles or once a year).
the door for residences and businesses. PREP YOUR FLEET FOR WINTER
FedEx Freight is headquartered in WEATHER WITH THESE 4 TIPS • Prepare for the cold, icy road ahead.
Memphis, Tenn. Our nearly 43,000 As the seasons change, so does Check tire pressure and condition
team members across the network are truck maintenance. Cold weather can
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 57
before every trip. Consider a set of
tires designed with the proper tread
for whatever weather your fleet may
encounter.
The easiest way to prep for winter is
to stop by a TA Truck Service location. The
expert technicians can diagnose potential
points of failure and repair them before
those points become a real problem.
PREPASS BYPASS APP OFFERS
NEW WAYS TO SAVE TIME
AND MONEY
PrePass cus-
tomers have new
options when it
comes to receiv-
ing weigh station bypass notifications,
saving them more time and money than LONGTIME MHC CUSTOMER Regional Vice President and General
ever before. CELEBRATES BIG MILESTONES Manager Charlie Anderson said. “We
The PrePass bypass application MHC Kenworth customer CFI cel- appreciate our longstanding partnership
recently became available as an integra- ebrated 70 years in operation during a with CFI and the continued opportunity
tion with Omnitracs One and on the special ceremony to support its fleet. We are honored to
Geotab Marketplace, for use with the where the compa- be part of the celebration of Kenworth’s
Geotab Drive app. This means driv- ny also took deliv- landmark truck as well as CFI’s monu-
ers can receive PrePass notifications ery of its milestone 15,000th Kenworth mental milestone.”
directly on their Omnitracs or Geotab truck. CFI President Greg Orr received
enabled devices. The PrePass app has the keys to a new Kenworth T680 Next COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS TO
long been available as a standalone for Generation during the ceremony, which ENSURE DRIVER SAFETY AND
iOS and Android powered devices. will be driven by a husband-and-wife COMPLIANCE
With the PrePass app, drivers team that has driven a collective 5.2 InfoStream manages the entire
receive notification of an upcoming million miles. driver lifecycle, from qualification to
weigh station about two miles out. “From our first company-owned post hire with a variety of robust safety
PrePass verifies the carrier credentials, tractor in 1985 to today’s T680 and and risk solutions:
safety scores, and vehicle weights, where W990, we have driven many millions of • Annual Safety Review
available, to determine the bypass deci- miles with MHC and Kenworth,” Greg
sion. Drivers receive notification from said. “Behind great equipment are the • CSA Management
the PrePass app to bypass or pull into people who power the company, and we • DQ File Management
the weigh station, all while the truck are proud to partner with groups who
travels at highway speed. share our values. We respect the legacy • DVIR Management
The PrePass app also works seam- and people who built our past, persevere • Log Violation Management
lessly with an optional transponder to in the present and create our future.”
support electronic toll payment and CFI purchased its first Kenworth, • Roadside Inspection Management
management services. PrePass custom- a T600 truck, in 1985. CFI is a multi- • Training and Certification
ers also receive access to INFORM truck faceted leading transportation provider
fleet software. This easy-to-use software offering global logistics solutions to • Vehicle File Management
helps fleet owners and managers analyze support all modes of transportation As a division of EBE Technologies,
bypass and toll activity to spot trends, including ground transport, air freight, a leading provider of AI-powered, trans-
mitigate safety and toll fraud risks, and warehousing and intermodal with portation specific workflow solutions,
provide insight into their operations. North American cross-border expertise InfoStream uses EBE’s mobile capture
For more information as to and bilingual support. application so carriers can easily track
how PrePass can save you time and “CFI is a leader among truckload driver compliance to FMCSA regulations
money go to PrePass.com or call fleets as a direct result of its dedica- and company policies, even when driv-
1-800-773-7277 – Opt. 2. tion to customers and drivers,” MHC ers are on the road. By aggregating data
58 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Utility’s New Location in Siloam Springs
from a variety of sources, InfoStream’s includes Service Manager Robert Ames. Our curriculum emphasizes truck-
solutions provide multiple views of real- Daniel Smith has relocated from the ing operations, safety and regulatory
time driver behavior in one, configu- OKC location to take over the trailer compliance. Graduates are prepared for
rable dashboard. sales manager position, and Theresa management positions in trucking but
From the Pavy will be available for all of your also learn to optimize product flow and
dashboard, man- financing needs! storage, collaborate with suppliers and
agers can request This is a state-of-the-art trailer customers, and meet delivery expecta-
services, reports repair facility that offers service, parts tions through innovative solutions.
and driver information to ensure a safe sales, new and used trailer sales and UCA’s supply chain graduates will
and compliant fleet. Powered by EBE’s rentals. Jeff Smith, president of the work hard for your organization and
workflows, drivers are automatically Utility Tri-State group feels confident customers. Contact Dr. Doug Voss
notified about alerts, notifications, that this location will drive down our ([email protected]) for information on how
warning or recognition letters, training customers’ cost and allow them a short- our students can help your firm build a
and meeting assignments. er turnaround time for repairs. With better future.
InfoStream’s staff of industry pro- Siloam Springs and our Fort Smith loca-
fessionals provide ongoing support, tion we have all of northwest Arkansas ABOUT BRUCKNER TRUCK SALES
freeing carriers to focus on what’s and the river valley covered! Bruckner Truck Sales has been
important — improving at-risk behaviors, committed to keeping drivers and busi-
reducing company liability and keeping HIGH QUALITY ness on the
drivers safe. BUSINESS EDUCATION road since
Based in Illinois, InfoStream Established in 1969, the UCA 1932. B.M.
and EBE serve more than 650 clients College of Business offers 20 degrees “Benny”
throughout the United States and and certificates for undergraduate and Bruckner Sr. started a tradition by
Canada, representing all sizes of compa- graduate students. These programs selling and servicing Mack Trucks in
nies and industry segments. equip business professionals to solve Amarillo, Texas. The culture of hiring
Discover more at infostreamonline. dynamic business challenges. “good people” dedicated to service was
com or 833-255-5046 (toll-free). Well-trained supply chain manag- a practice kept by Bennie’s son, Ben
ers solve organizations’ most impactful Bruckner Jr. until his passing in 2012.
UTILITY’S NEW LOCATION challeng- That same promise is kept alive and well
Utility Tri-State is excited about es: pur- today by Ben Jr’s sons — Chris and Brian
their brand new location in Siloam chasing, Bruckner. The landscape of the com-
Springs. It is located on the Arkansas- manufac- pany has expanded in scale with over
Oklahoma border on HWY 412. The turing, 32 locations in seven states represent-
General Manager Adam Pasque and storing ing American built brands, Volvo and
Rena Jones assis- and transporting product. UCA’s Mack Trucks. Because of their people,
tant general man- Logistics and Supply Chain Bruckner Truck Sales is the leader in
ager and parts Management (LSCM) program prepares sales, service and value throughout the
manager have students to tackle global supply chain Southwest United States.
put together a challenges with a focus on the U.S. For more information visit: www.
great team that trucking industry. brucknertruck.com ATR
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 5 2021 59
S TAT VIE W
2020 Census Reveals
Changes in Arkansas
2020 Census Reveals Changes in Arkansas
In August, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2020 Census population numbers that show the largest
In August, the U.S. Census Bureau released the 2020 population numbers that show the
metro areas in the state continue to add residents. Since the last census in 2010, the overall population
largest metro areas in the state continue to add residents. Since the last census in 2010, the
of Arkansas increased by 3.3% to 3.01 million. The biggest growth occured in Northwest Arkansas, while
overall population of Arkansas increased by 3.3% to 3.01 million. The biggest growth occurred
population shrunk along the south and east borders of the state.
in Northwest Arkansas, while population shrunk along the south and east borders of the state.
The numbers reflect the population as of April 1, 2020. Redistricting discussions began in
The numbers reflect the population as of April 1, 2020. Redistricting discussions began in the Arkansas
the Arkansas Legislature on Sept. 29, 2021, to redraw the maps for congressional districts, and
Legislature on Sept. 29, 2021, to redraw the maps for congressional districts, and state legislative district
state legislative district boundaries negotiation will follow.
boundaries negotiation will follow.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office ATR
60 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
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THE LAST WORD
State Tax Plan: Simple,
Fair, Competitive
By Arkansas State Senator reach 4.9%, and ensure the funding of This provides confidence that our state
Jonathan Dismang our Long-Term Reserve fund to 20% is financially stable and responsible.
Guest Writer of the prior year’s general revenue During the past session, Senate leader-
expenditures. ship made it a priority to plan for the
While it appears Currently, Arkansas has the most future by pushing all possible surplus
we have finally (and complicated income tax system in the balances to the Long-Term Reserve
thankfully) concluded country. Combining the tables will Account.
one of the longest help eliminate some of our tax code’s The immediate income tax cut,
sessions in recent complexity, and it will also result in not including the future reductions to
history, we still have significant tax cuts for middle income 4.9%, will total nearly a quarter of a
unfinished business. earners who have been left out of past billion dollars. With last session’s work
After extending the regular session reductions. With a significant focus on to fully fund the Long-Term Reserve
to wait for the pending redistricting working families, the plan strikes a fair Account, its balance now exceeds one
census data, the legislature completed balance by providing tax cuts to work- billion dollars. We are prepared, we are
the congressional maps in a session ing Arkansans and job creators. planning, and we are working. I could
wrap-up that ultimately had very little When considering the mix of sales, not be prouder of our state’s financial
to do with maps. The close morphed property, and income taxes, it is clear position and our legislative leadership’s
into a difficult discussion on employee we are falling farther behind our neigh- commitment to planning for a better
vs. employer rights and the differences boring states, in terms of competitive- tomorrow.
between government mandates and ness. With an immediate commitment Many at the Capitol are focused
employer requirements. to drop the top rate from 5.9% to 5.5% on long-term, tangible improvements
Amid the noise of the continuing and to lower the top rate to reach 4.9% for our state. Hopefully, the progress
debate related to COVID-19 policies and over the next three years, we are closing doesn’t continue to get lost in the noise.
other hot button social issues, we have that gap. Another benefit of combining If you get a chance, tell President Pro
quietly set the stage to make responsible the tables is that every income earner Tempore Hickey and Speaker Sheppard
strides in reforming our state’s income making above $39,000 will benefit from thanks for their leadership and thanks
tax structure. all top rate reductions. for governing.
The tax plan’s foundations No state wants to repeat Kansas’s
are simplification, fairness, and tax cut missteps. Making certain that Senator Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy)
serves as the Co-chair of the Joint Budget
competitiveness. our Long-Term Reserve Account is ade- Committee. Senator Dismang is owner
As a quick overview, the proposed quately funded is key. Doing so ensures and president of Dismang Consulting
plan will combine the low- and middle- that the state’s essential obligations are Services, LLC, where he provides financial
income tax tables, lower the top tax met in the event of an economic down- oversight services with an emphasis in
rate to 5.5% with a plan to responsibly turn or significant decrease in revenues. real estate.
Opinions expressed on this page may not reflect official policies or opinions of the Arkansas Trucking Association or the American Trucking Associations.
62 Issue 5 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
PATRONS
SUPPORTERS
THANK
YOU DRIVERS
Without that legendary truck driver spirit, our
nation, and our lives, would look very different. You
make a difference in the world every day, and we
sincerely thank you.
WHERE DRIVERS ARE LIKE FAMILY
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