McKee Foods
Transportation team prepare
to celebrate at the awards
banquet
David Barr
congratulates
Patrick Wright
(Central States
Manufacturing)
as he finishes the
skills competition
Scott Files (XPO
Logistics) strategizes for
the driving course
Joel DeVries,
John Norsworthy and
Kevin Sandberg (PAM
Transport)
Drivers gather
together for the
national anthem
Congratulations,
Loren Hatfield!
ABF Freight proudly supports Loren
and all of the drivers who help keep
the global supply chain moving.
2023 Arkansas Truck Driving Championship | Grand Champion |
4-Axle Winner | Highest Pre-Trip Score
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 4 2023 51
Heather Yarberry
and Sherry Stittiam (DB
Schenker) check in at
registration
Drivers excited
for roll call
Officers from the Arkansas Highway Police
Ross Hoover (Rush Truck Centers)
and Dustin McKibbin (Tyson Foods)
award William Warren with the Carl Tapp Roger Carson (Oakley
Technician Scholarship Trucking) addresses drivers
Congratulations!
MASON SMITH
SCOTT SHWARZLOSE
2nd Place - Tire and Wheel Division ZACH KHAMSISAVANG
DALTON FIMPEL
Foundational Brakes
1st Place - Tire/Wheel Div,
2nd Place - Flatbed Division
1st Place - PMI Division
52 Issue 4 2023 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Driver roll call
Darren Plumlee (FedEx Freight), Ryan
McDaniel and Jason Ahten (Walmart
Transportation) Billy Stark and Todd
Wood (Tyson Foods)
Drivers analyze
the course
Ashleigh Davis,
Vonda Hicks and
Cailyn Peters (ABF
Freight)
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 4 2023 53
…content on
“
a national
level.”
“I look forward to receiving each edition
of ATR for its relevant content and original
writing. I particularly enjoy the executive
profile articles for the opportunity to learn
more about Arkansas’ industry leaders.
While the magazine is focused on Arkansas,
ATR does a great job of dissecting the
issues that impact the industry on a
national level.”
Rebecca Brewster
Rebecca Brewster
President & COO
American Transportation Research Institute
For advertising information, contact
Katie Thomason at 501-372-3462 or
[email protected]
…content on
“ COUNCIL QUARTERLY
a national Networking Professional Development Service
.
.
level.” ATA members have the opportunity to be represented in a variety of industry councils that address issues specific to
safety, maintenance/technology, accounting/finance and industry leadership. Each council holds quarterly meetings,
hosts speakers and panels on relevant industry topics, serves as a forum for interchanging ideas and best practices, and
discusses new strategies and implementation practices.
40 UNDER 40 COUNCIL 40 Under 40
MEETING
AUGUST 24
“I look forward to receiving each edition Walmart Transportation Building
of ATR for its relevant content and original Walmart Transportation welcomed
writing. I particularly enjoy the executive the 40 Under 40 Council to Bentonville
profile articles for the opportunity to learn in August to tour their distribution
center. Following the tour, the group
more about Arkansas’ industry leaders. heard from DB Schenker’s Chief
While the magazine is focused on Arkansas, Operating Officer George Henry IV.
ATR does a great job of dissecting the Henry shared his experiences through
multiple mergers and acquisitions,
issues that impact the industry on a including the most recent acquisition
national level.” of USA Truck by DB Schenker, and how
those transactions can test a company’s
Rebecca Brewster culture. SAFETY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
40 Under 40
Rebecca Brewster MEETING
AUGUST 31
President & COO SPONSORED BY ACRISURE
American Transportation Research Institute J.B. Hunt Transport
The SMC met at J.B. Hunt
Transport during the third quarter to
discuss workers’ compensation claims
management from an insurance and
legal perspective. Sam Palos, senior
safety and loss control specialist for
Acrisure, presented on trends affecting
workers’ compensation, how experi-
ence modifiers impact premium and
what carriers can do to improve their
overall claims experience. Friday Firm’s
For advertising information, contact Guy Wade closed out the meeting with
Katie Thomason at 501-372-3462 or a case law update and provided a legal
[email protected]
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 4 2023 55
Safety Management ing and thinking about freight stocks.
Closing out the day, Bell & Company’s
Richard Bell and Jeff Lovelady reminded
attendees about tax changes and finan-
cial statement items they need to be
aware of as they prepare for a successful
year end.
Because Arkansas Trucking
Association is registered with the
National Association of State Boards of
Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of
continuing professional education on
the National Registry of CPE Sponsors,
AFC attendees received three CPE cred-
its for these sessions.
MAINTENANCE & TECHNOLOGY
COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7
Arkansas Pharmacists Association
Attendees of the MTC convened in
ACCOUNTING & FINANCE Little Rock to talk solar with Purkeys.
COUNCIL MEETING Larry Rambeaux, sales application
AUGUST 24 engineer for Purkeys, shared how solar
ATA Headquarters
solutions can help fleets increase their
In Little Rock for the third quarter, sustainability. Rambeaux answered
AFC hosted discussion on operational questions about applications and cleared
costs, the outlook of the economy and up common misconceptions when con-
tips for preparing for year-end. sidering solar.
American Transportation Research Noregon’s Kevin Bailey, regional
Institute’s Alex Leslie presented the sales manager, addressed the Council
perspective on how best to handle results of their Operational Costs of for the second session. Bailey shared
claims. Trucking 2023 Update. Leslie shared the the results of their recent research,
Following the meeting, J.B. Hunt trends and key differences that resulted “Unpacking the Commercial Vehicle
Transport invited attendees to view in a 21.3% increase in total operational Diagnostics Market,” noting the top
the Arkansas Razorback truck before it cost from 2021 to 2022. Jack Atkins four trends shaping maintenance in the
hauled equipment to Little Rock for the of Stephens shared current trends in commercial vehicle industry. Looking at
first Razorback game of the season. the U.S. freight market and how insti- this data, he shared what fleets should
tutional investors are currently valu- do to alleviate strain and enhance
workforce. ATR
Accounting & Finance
Maintenance & Technology
56 Issue 4 2023 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
Insider Trucking tlgtrucks.com
A look at the latest products, services and news from ATR advertisers
TRIANGLE INSURANCE: AN ARCBEST: 100 YEARS AND COUNTING
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ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 4 2023 57
FILL YOUR TRUCKS, MANAGE YOUR COMPLIANCE, SOUTHERN TIRE MART
AND GET YOUR LIFE BACK FOR THE PLANET
Tenstreet provides a faster, smoother connection between drivers and
carriers for every aspect of their employment relationship. They help thou-
sands of motor carriers and private fleets to market, recruit, onboard, man-
age and retain drivers. Since 2006, millions of drivers have used Tenstreet’s
platform to quickly and securely apply for their next job. Southern Tire Mart (STM) is
We offer powerful technology solutions like: committed to not only serving cus-
• Job Store, an online marketplace where you can eliminate redundant work tomers with quality products and
by seamlessly posting to over 15 job boards with just a few clicks. services but also to reducing the
• The IntelliApp, Tenstreet’s mobile-first application that prefills a driver’s environmental impact of business on
information 90% of the time, allowing you to enjoy more DOT-compliant Arkansas. STM operates two Bandag
applications. retread plants in West Memphis and
• Driver Pulse, the mobile app where carriers not only hire drivers more Little Rock as well as 19 more plants
efficiently, but can also streamline their onboarding processes and engage throughout the country. Retreading
their drivers, leading to higher retention rates. removes the old retread or surface of
To learn more about their suite a tire and replaces it with a new sur-
of interconnected products, visit face while repairing all imperfections
tenstreet.com or email within the tire.
[email protected]. In 2022, STM recycled 1,858,501
used tires by retreading them with
the Bandag process. This process
saved over 27 million gallons of oil,
DRIVE WITH PEACE OF MIND
enough energy to power over 48 mil-
Take advantage of a 7-year/700,000-mile extended warranty on major lion homes in one day and over 77
components for PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines*. This warranty applies million pounds of tire waste from
to engine model years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and covers the following truck landfills in 2022.
components:
• Connecting rod assembly
• Crankshaft
• Cylinder block assembly/cylinder liner interface
• Cylinder head
• Flywheel housing
• Gear train
• Camshaft and cam follower assembly
• Water pump housing
Contact your local MHC dealer for more details. To find a location near
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*Terms and
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model years 2017,
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years or 700,000
miles (1,120,000
kilometers) from
in-service date.
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by time/miles,
whichever occurs
first. There is no engine hour limit. Repairs performed prior to 5/22/23 are not eligible
for reimbursement under this program. Equipment and specifications are subject to
change without notice. See your PACCAR Powertrain authorized dealer for details.
58 Issue 4 2023 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
INTEGRATE PREPASS WEIGH STATION BYPASS ADVERTISER
WITH YOUR TRUCKING TECHNOLOGY
Motor carriers and truck drivers perform in an extraordinarily complex envi- RESOURCE INDEX
ronment. Fortunately, trucking telematics and navigation providers have onboard
platforms to ease this complexity. Weigh station bypass also helps, allowing safe, American Trucking Associations ...............23
qualified motor carriers to skip the scales and inspections, saving significant time,
fuel, and money. Aon ..................................Inside Front Cover
However, the more devices and screens a truck driver must keep an eye on, the ArcBest/ABF ........................................26, 51
less time those same eyes are watching the road ahead. That’s why PrePass partners
with leading telematics and navigation service providers to integrate the PrePass Bruckner Truck Sales .................................24
weigh station bypass application into one device.
Now trucking companies who choose these solutions from Garmin, Geotab, Coastal Truck Driving School ...................27
Pedigree Technologies or Solera Fleet Solutions can also receive PrePass on-screen Custard Insurance Adjusters .....................41
notifications of upcoming weigh stations and bypass decisions. One device, one
screen. DB Schenker ..............................................50
Learn more about integrating PrePass
with your trucking technology by visiting Drivers Legal Plan .....................................35
PrePass.com/partners. FedEx Freight .............................................48
Great West Casualty Company .................21
EXPANDED SERVICES OF FEDEX
FedEx Freight, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), is a leading Maverick Transportation ...........................52
provider of priority, premium, and economy less-than-truckload (LTL) freight McGriff .....................................................13
services, simplifying large and bulky shipping in the U.S., Canada, Mexico,
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., MHC ............................................................8
FedEx Freight is at the forefront of innovation, offering customers total con-
venience and efficiency. PrePass .......................................................34
With expanded service offerings like FedEx Freight Direct, shipments Rush Truck Centers .....................................4
can be safely delivered to and through the door for residences and businesses.
Team members across the network are dedicated to delivering the ultimate Southern Tire Mart .....................................3
customer experience through exceptional
service, reliability, and on-time perfor- Stallion Transportation ...............Back Cover
mance, as well as giving back to the com- TA Petro .....................................................31
munities where they live and work.
Tenstreet ....................................................39
TLG Peterbilt .............................................17
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL AT SMITH PAINT & BODY
Triangle Transportation Agency ................36
Smith Paint & Body has the experience and expertise to
take care of all your paint and body work for mid-size to heavy UCA College of Business ...........................61
trucks of all makes and models. You can count on them to give
you the very best service when it comes to fiberglass/SMC/alu- UPS ............................................................53
minum repairs, glass replacement/repairs, collision repairs, RV Utility Tri-State, Inc.....................................6
and bus repairs, day cab conversions and painting/refinishing.
No job is too small or too large. Smith Paint & Body wel- Wayne Smith Trucking .............................11
comes your insurance claim work and is happy to provide you with free estimates.
Give them a call at 501-354-8406. This edition of Arkansas Trucking Report
was made possible with the support of these
501 Signs & Vinyl is a full service graphic business located in Morrilton, Ark. corporate advertisers. They support the
From signs, banners, vehicle wraps, window clings and everything in between, they trucking industry by enabling ATA to provide
can meet all of your sign and vinyl this publication to its members, prospective
needs. Give them a call at 501-289- members, elected officials and the national
trucking and business community at large.
9460 or visit us on Facebook at 501 They deserve your consideration and patronage
Signs & Vinyl. when making your corporate purchasing
ATR decisions. Thank you!
ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT | Issue 4 2023 59
S TAT VIE W
Power of Association: Safety
Power of Association: Safety
In a recent study, the American Transportation Research Institute wanted to discover if state trucking associa-
tions and the American Trucking Associations provide a specific benefit to their member companies. Are carriers
State Trucking Association Member Carriers Are Safer
who join trucking associations safer?
In a recent study, the American Transportation Research Current members average 95.10 crashes every 100 million
It has always been anecdotally assumed that association membership supports safety through a variety of asso-
Institute wanted to discover if state trucking associations and miles, Former members average 121.21 crashes every 100
ciation services and resources, but the necessary industry safety data and methodology had never before been
the American Trucking Associations provide a specific benefit million miles, and Never members average 146.33 crashes every
assessed. The research confirms that association membership is an important and proven safety tool for trucking
to their member companies. Are carriers who join trucking 100 million miles. As motor carriers chronologically move away
companies.
associations safer? from STA membership, their crash count per 100 million miles
Current members average 95.10 crashes every 100 million miles, Former members average 121.21 crashes
It has always been anecdotally assumed that association increases. Current STA members have a lower average injury
every 100 million miles, and Never members average 146.33 crashes every 100 million miles. As motor carriers
membership supports safety through a variety of association and fatal crash rate than Former members along with Former
chronologically move away from STA membership, their crash count per 100 million miles increases. Current STA
services and resources, but the necessary industry safety data members having lower average rates than Never members.
members have a lower average injury and fatal crash rate than Former members along with Former members
and methodology had never before been assessed. The research The higher the rate, the more crashes a membership status
having lower average rates than Never members. The higher the rate, the more crashes a membership status
confirms that association membership is an important and experiences every 100 million miles.
experiences every 100 million miles.
proven safety tool for trucking companies.
Crashes per 100 Million Miles by STA Membership Status
Current Members 95.10
Former Members 121.21
Never Members 146.33
Crashes per 100 Million Miles by Crash Type and STA Membership Status
200
180
160
Crashes Per 100 Million Miles 120
140
100
80
60
40
20
0
Fatal Crashes Injury Crashes Towaway Crashes
Source: American Transportation Research Institute ATR
Issue 4 2023 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
60 Source: American Transportation Research Institute
“ I have always been
interested in the
rationale behind
operations, large
or small, and after
the experience I
gained during my
internship, I look
forward to starting a
career in logistics and
supply chain.
CLAIRE COON ”
Senior Logistics & Supply Chain
Management major, anticipated
graduation in December 2023
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080723_UCA_COB_LSCM_Trucking_Ad_Fullpg.indd 1 8/8/23 2:21 PM
THE LAST WORD
To Save Lives and Create Jobs
By James Reed is not at fault. Ours is a unique opportunity lic. Thankfully, few bumpers have been
Guest Writer to use new technologies to save lives. With scratched: as of this writing, there have
safety and societal impact as my focus, in only been 15 incidents involving autono-
I think there are two immutable late 2022 I decided to accept a new role mous trucks, all but one of which were the
facts about Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). as COO of Kodiak Robotics, a leading AV fault of roadway debris or other vehicles
First, and most importantly, they will save truck developer. and none of which resulted in a signifi-
lives. Second, they are no longer a few The economic need for AVs is nearly cant injury.
years out — AVs are on American roadways as acute as the safety case. While truck So we have a critical need for this
every single day. Driverless robotaxis from drivers are the lifeblood of the American technology both to save lives and protect
Waymo and Cruise drive the streets of San economy, the reality is that the trucking the American economy, and yet in 2023,
Francisco carrying paid customers 24/7; industry simply cannot find enough driv- organized labor decided to take the unprec-
Waymo partnered with the NFL to offer ers to meet ever-rising freight demand. edented step of demanding a flat ban on AV
rides to Super Bowl fans in Phoenix; and The American Trucking Associations esti- trucks in seven states. While these efforts
fully-loaded class 8 trucks deliver freight mates the driver shortage to be at 80,000 received little attention in most states, an
across the southern half of the U.S. daily. drivers and rising: that shortage is why a AV truck ban passed the legislature in labor-
Trucking industry leaders saw this recent USDOT-funded study shows that friendly California. Thankfully, Governor
revolution coming. Over the last three AV trucks will grow the economy and cre- Newsom chose to veto the bill to prevent it
years, the trucking industry’s interest in AV ate jobs. Autonomous technology stands from becoming law. More bills will likely be
trucks has grown significantly, with most poised to help augment — not replace — the considered next year across the country. The
of the country’s biggest fleets piloting the professional driver by providing safe, flex- adoption of these bills would put lives at
technology. Arkansas companies, including ible and fungible capacity to the existing risk by banning potentially life-saving tech-
Tyson, Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and my former pool of remarkable men and women who nology, while hurting American economic
company, USA Truck, have been on the fore- drive for a living. competitiveness and ultimately killing jobs.
front of testing. These companies are doing The potential safety and economic I know how hard truck drivers work
the hard work of preparing their logistics benefits of this technology are why 23 and how critical they are to our economy.
for this self-driving future by ensuring they states, including Arkansas, have passed laws I also know that we sometimes ask a lot
have experience with the technology. creating regulatory frameworks for AVs, and of drivers, including long days and weeks
My own career reflects the trucking many more states have implemented other on the road. Rather than fight the future,
industry’s increasing focus on AVs. After types of regulations for testing and deploy- we in the trucking industry should oppose
six years as CEO of USA Truck and 12 ment. knee-jerk efforts to ban AV trucks. Instead,
years leading transportation companies, I While allowing for the development we have an opportunity to partner with
knew I wanted to help change the world of this technology is critical, it’s also regulators and labor to implement these
for good and influence the lives of everyday important that safeguards are in place for life-saving new technologies and ensure
Americans in my next role. We are facing America’s motoring public. Thankfully, their adoption works for everyone. And
a safety crisis on American highways. In there is an almost unprecedented level as a proud 4 generation Arkansan, I
th
2022, the U.S. saw roughly 43,000 traf- of oversight into AVs at both a state and am thrilled that Arkansas, like much of
fic deaths. Nearly 14% of those crashes federal level. Since mid-2021, the USDOT the South, is leading the way on the safe
involved a truck, and one in three long- has required AV developers to publicly deployment of this critical technology.
haul truck drivers is involved in a serious report any on-road incident that so much
crash in their lifetimes. In the vast majority as scratches a bumper, so that it can James Reed is the COO of Kodiak
Robotics and former CEO of USA Truck.
of those cases, the professional truck driver take necessary action to protect the pub-
Opinions expressed on this page may not reflect official policies or opinions of the Arkansas Trucking Association or the American Trucking Associations.
62 Issue 4 2023 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT
PATRONS
SUPPORTERS
Vol. 23 | Issue 3 2018 | $4.95
Award-Winning Magazine of the Arkansas Trucking Association Vol. 24 | Issue 6 2019 | $4.95
Award-Winning Magazine of the Arkansas Trucking Association
BRAD KLEPPER
Brad’s Excellent Adventure
KORY LARSON
An Uncommon Man
Drives a Peterbilt
2018 Conference Coverage | DRIVER RELATIONSHIPS | TECHNOLOGY Recruiting Language | ATRI TOP 10 | MARIJUANA POLICIES
The Founders Club is comprised of members who invest their time and resources to support
Arkansas Trucking Association. They believe, like we do, that trucking is the backbone of our economy.
Thank you to our 2023 Founders for strengthening the power of our association.
Contact Katie Thomason at [email protected] or 501-372-3462
to become a member of the Founders Club.
The Stallion family would like to remember former
Operations Manager Pat Armstrong for his dedication
and loyalty to our customers and drivers. His unwavering
commitment to the well-being and success of his drivers was
evident each and every day. Pat was loved by all of us here at
Stallion and will be deeply missed. Butch Rice
1952-2023
2409 West Dewitt Henry Drive //P.O. Box 1113 //Beebe
501.882.2600 // 800.597.2425 // [email protected]