Newsline
9-1-2021 | Issue 17
This Edition of the Newsline brought to you by:
2021 NEWSLINE SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
We are now taking commitments for the 2021 Newsline Sponsorships. If your company would like to be a sponsor, please contact Carol Foster at (615) 777-2882 or cfoster@tntrucking.org to reserve your edition. The cost will be $300.00 per edition with your logo and a link to your website. If you would like a banner ad linked to your website it would be $500.00 per edition. There will be a total of 24 editions this year.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THAT SPONSORED IN 2020!!!

We would like to thank the attached members for their support of the Tennessee Trucking Association in sponsoring TTA Newsline's for 2020. We appreciate your continued support.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SDI

Built on the strength and experience of our parent company Purco Fleet Services Inc., the nations largest independent adjusting company serving exclusively the car rental industry, Subrogation Division Inc. is a Licensed & Bonded company leading...

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subrodiv.com
James Driessen
Claims & Litigation Manager and Business Development
Subrogation Division, Inc.
136 S Main St
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Phone: (801) 709-2476
FusionSite Services
LET US HANDLE THE DIRTY WORK FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT Get a free quote WHAT WE DO FusionSite is a high-growth provider of portable sanitation, waste management, and luxury trailer rental equipment. We provide...

SF Distributors - Freight brokerage firm &...

Our partners in manufacturing and delivery of goods deserve an innovative tailored solutions company to meet the ever changing needs of today's transportation.

Read more
sfdistributors.com
James Tidrick
CEO
SF Distributors
PO Box 3355
Knoxville, TN 37927
Phone: (855) 887-9352
Ryan Ennis
Safety
FusionSite Services
2818 Whites Creek Pike
Nashville, TN 37207
Phone: (615) 783-0700
WABCO North America LLC

Across all industry sectors, WABCO continues to engineer solutions to lower vehicle weight, optimize energy recovery, improve fuel economy and, as a consequence, reduce emissions. Incorporating more efficient products can lead to leaner operations...

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www.wabco-auto.com
Keith Woods
National Accounts Manager
WABCO North America LLC
1220 Pacific Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Phone: (248) 730-6445
CHAIRMAN'S CORNER
Jeff Reed
Skyline Transportation, Inc.
Hello to everyone and welcome to September! It always seems that September is one of the most active and exciting months for many reasons and this year is no exception. Major League Baseball is approaching its playoffs, football season has kicked off, the NASCAR playoffs are underway, the PGA will soon crown the FedEx Cup Champion and the Ryder Cup is just a few weeks away! Yep, if you’re a sports fan of any type, September is a spectacular month. 

Much like the sports world, our industry is in full swing this September as well. Our annual convention is just a couple of weeks away and you can feel the excitement building for those attending. The annual TTA Raffle tickets are now on sale so be sure to contact your favorite TN Road Team Captain and buy those tickets for your chance to win and to help the TTA Foundation! A couple of other important events coming up include the Southeast TN Big Rigs Golf Outing as well as the annual TTA Fall Conference set to take place at Pickwick Landing in mid-October. If you’ve never attended the Fall Conference, I encourage you to do so. It’s a great, in-depth, and interactive couple of days focused on the safety and health issues that are near and dear to our members. 

On the political front, we are seeing movement related to the infrastructure bill. It was good to see the infrastructure bill is no longer tied to the $3.5 trillion budget bill allowing infrastructure to move forward on its own merit. The bill has bipartisan support, includes a 38% increase in federal funding for roads and bridges as well as a provision for a pilot program for 18-20-year-old drivers to participate in interstate commerce. The House of Representatives has committed to vote by September 27th and we look forward to the passage of this much-needed investment.

I look forward to seeing you in Destin and thank you for your continued support of this great Association! 
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
TTA TOP GOLF NETWORKING EVENT
Reliance Partners Appears on the Inc. 5000 List of...

Inc. Magazine Reveals Annual List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies-the Inc. 5000 Chattanooga, Tenn - August 17, 2021 - Inc. magazine today announced that Reliance Partners is No. 1,559 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most...

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reliancepartners.com
MANCHESTER ROADSIDE
There were 65 in attendance at our Manchester Roadside Event on August 18, 2021. These attendees were able to see how roadside inspections are conducted and technology works at scales locations. A huge thank you to Tennessee Steel Haulers, Inc. for sponsoring this event, and thank you to Huff & Puff Trucking, Inc. for providing the grill to cook all the delicious food!
BOZAC TRANSPORTATION, INC. WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
South Sioux City, Nebraska – Bozac Transportation, Inc. was recently presented a Platinum award by Great West Casualty Company as part of the 2020 National Safety Awards Program. Additionally, Bozac was awarded another Platinum award for Workplace Safety for 2020. This marks the 6th consecutive year that Bozac has earned the highest awards available from Great West. These recognize motor carriers who have achieved stringent year-end crash results and have demonstrated a commitment to promoting safe driving practices and workplace safety within their company.
Pilot Company Brings Back "Trucker Salute" as Driver...

To show gratitude to the men and women that keep North America moving, Pilot Company is encouraging everyone to join in bringing back the Trucker Salute " and will be rewarding professional drivers all month with free drinks, bonus loyalty points ...

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www.prnewswire.com
INDUSTRY NEWS
ATA CALL TO ACTION: IDA RELIEF EFFORTS
August 29, 2021
 
Dear ATA Family:
Your help is needed! With Hurricane Ida making landfall in Louisiana and continuing to cause damage across the Gulf Coast with wind gusts well-exceeding Category 5, we are asking our trucking family to not only keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers, but also to help ATA and our Trucking Cares Foundation coordinate relief efforts, either through cash donations, relief supplies or donated transportation.
 
We are working closely with the Louisiana Motor Transport Association and Mississippi Trucking Association and will be sending ATA’s trucks with much-needed supplies as soon as cleared to do so. We are also working with the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) coordinating donated transportation.
 
If you are able to donate to ATA’s efforts to help those affected in Louisiana and Mississippi, please let us know. You can make a financial donation through Trucking Moves America Forward at www.trucking.org/idarelief. We will coordinate efforts on behalf of our ATA membership. In addition, our America’s Road Team Captains are poised to represent the industry in safely delivering these goods.
 
Please contact Elisabeth Barna, at ebarna@trucking.org or 202-420-8972 should you have any questions.
 
On behalf of our friends in Louisiana and Mississippi, ATA, and the Trucking Cares Foundation, thank you for your consideration.
  
Best, 
Chris
ATA MEMBER UPDATE: FMCSA EXTENSION AND MODIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 WAIVERS
August 31, 2021

Dear ATA Member:

Within the last hour, FMCSA announced several extensions of the COVID-19 Emergency Waivers and Declarations.

EMERGENCY DECLARATION

FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration that was set to expire on August 31st has been extended until November 30th. This extension includes reporting requirements for drivers and motor carriers utilizing the exemptions. Additionally, modifications have been made to this declaration, and additional commodities have been included in the list below. Please review the details to ensure compliance.
ATA, TMC Announce 2021 National Technician Appreciation Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2021 Contact: Sean McNally 703-838-1995 ATA, TMC Announce 2021 National Technician Appreciation Week Arlington, Virginia - Today, the American Trucking Associations and ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council...

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tmc.trucking.org
NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK,
SEPTEMBER 12-18, 2021
Nearly every aspect of daily life is made possible because a truck driver delivered the goods and resources people need.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an important time for America to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. These 3.5 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely, and on time, they also keep our highways safe.

This year's National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 12-18, 2021, and takes on a special significance considering the crucial role truck drivers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
ATRI Issues Call for Driver Input on Job Motivations and ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dan Murray (651) 641-6162 August 18, 2021 Arlington, Virginia -The American Transportation Research Institute today launched a new data collection initiative to better understand the motivating factors for being an...

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truckingresearch.org
ATA'S MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

ATA's 2021 Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) will be October 23-26 in Nashville, TN. MCE is the most important event of the year for trucking industry leaders and is your opportunity to meet with your peers in person as we shift into high gear. This year's event is expected to attract 4,000+ of trucking's top decision-makers for policy discussions, educational sessions, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to meet with colleagues.

Join Celebrating the Growth of Trucking at MCE. Over the past year, the trucking industry played a vital role in keeping the supply chain moving - from providing hospitals and pharmacies with medical supplies and vaccines to keeping grocery stores stocked with food and essentials. We'll celebrate these successes and accomplishments while planning for the road ahead.
LEGISLATIVE CORNER
Dale Allen, Adams and Reese, LLP 
The legislature adjourned in May and the summer has brought about a lot of fundraising activity for members who will be in full campaign mode next year. Also, 2022 will include a governor’s race with Governor Lee up for re-election and many other local elections. TTA has remained active through TruckPAC by supporting those legislators who have been supportive of the industry over the years.

Since May, several lawsuits have been filed over the “gender bathroom bill” that could result in criminal penalties for businesses that didn’t follow legislative guidance on posting signs that direct which bathrooms individuals can use. The legislation appears to be in for a serious legal challenge and at least one major Metro area prosecutor is refusing to enforce the law as passed. Also, the leaders in the House and Senate, as well as the Governor, have been struggling with how to address many developing issues that have arisen as the result of the surge of the Delta COVID virus as it relates to mandatory vaccine requirements by businesses and masking policies. House leadership is calling for a special session. Senate leadership and Governor Lee are balking and leaning toward allowing local schools and businesses to set their own rules as it pertains to vaccine and masking polices.  The Tennessee business community is very concerned about the prospect of a special session based on the possibility that the legislature will enact laws that will limit decision making by businesses to set their own polices for employees to provide a safe work environment.  If Governor Lee doesn’t call a special session, it will take two thirds of the legislature to call a special session. At this time the Senate leadership is not in agreement, so it is not likely we will have a special session. However, it is all still up in the air and if a special session is called this fall, TTA will be engaged. We are always focused on promoting legislation that is critical to the trucking industry and maintains the pro-business climate that we enjoy in Tennessee.

I look forward to seeing you at the convention in San Destin in September.  We are very fortunate to have legislators who are also members of TTA attend each year and look forward to their insight on legislative developments. I cannot emphasize how lucky we are to have Paul Bailey, Pat Marsh, and Bud Hulsey serving on the legislature. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
FOUNDATION NEWS
1st Prize Sponsored by Titan Transfer, Inc.
2nd Prize Sponsored by Goggin Warehousing, LLC
2021 Raffle Ticket sales began on Wednesday, August 18, and will continue at the TTA Annual Convention with the Road Team Captains' ticket sales contest. For every 10 tickets a Road Team Captain sells, they will receive one free ticket for themselves. If you have a favorite Road Team Captain you would like to support, you can call the TTA Office at (615) 777-2882 to purchase tickets or you can purchase them during our Annual Convention and credit them to your favorite Captain. You can also go to this LINK, and purchase your tickets. At the bottom of the payment page, there is a place for notes where you can enter the name of your favorite Captain if you choose to help with the contest. You may also DOWNLOAD a form and email it to cfoster@tntrucking.org. Tickets purchased will be mailed out weekly.  
2021 ROAD TEAM UPCOMING EVENTS
September

Wednesday, September 1 - Sullivan County High School - Pike Bluff City
Friday and Saturday, September 10-11 - Warren County Fair - McMinnville
September 17-22 - TTA Annual Convention - San Destin, FL
Wednesday, September 22 - Silver Sneakers Yellow Dot - McMinnville
Tuesday, September 28 - Columbia Police Dept. Community Appreciation

October

Saturday, October 9 - Monroe County Yellow Dot -
Saturday and Sunday, October 16-17 - Ford Driving Skills for Life - Nashville
2021 ROAD TEAM IN ACTION
Tennessee Lifesavers Conference and Law Enforcement Challenge bring together individuals from all areas of highway safety to celebrate, educate, and empower highway safety partners across the state. This conference also recognizes the achievements made in improving the safety of our residents and guests on Tennessee roadways." This fits perfectly with our mission statement. On August 18-20, several of our Road Team Captains had the privilege of being part of this conference.
Front L to R: David Gooch, Sharp Transport, Inc., MTN Ambassador Paula Harper, FedEx Freight Corporation

L to R: Rick Tetreault, Averitt Express, Inc., Matt Neary, McKee Foods Transportation, LLC, John Tetreault, Averitt Express, Inc., WTN Ambassador Vernon Brewer, UPS, Cleve McCord, Walmart Transportation LLC
L to R: John Tetreault, Averitt Express, Inc., David Gooch, Sharp Transport, Inc., MTN Ambassador Paula Harper, FedEx Freight Corporation, Rick Tetreault, Averitt Express, Inc., Cleve McCord, Walmart Transportation LLC
2021 SILENT AUCTION
Auction Donations are coming in, but we still need your help. If you have an item to donate, please contact the TTA office. Some popular items are electronics, gift baskets, gift cards, and collectibles. If you have a scale model truck, we would also like to have a collection of trucks again this year. It's become a regular part of our Silent Auction.
 
The auction bidding will be held on an online platform again this year called Givesmart. Items will also be in person at the convention, but you can still bid from home even if you can’t attend the convention! The annual silent auction is one of our largest fundraisers which helps us promote safer highways in Tennessee. We greatly appreciate any donated items and your support to the Tennessee Trucking Foundation!
2021 Tennessee Titans and Tennessee Volunteers Tickets for Auction 
We still have several UT and Titans tickets up for auction!

  •  Titans tickets will be sent electronically to the winner.
  •  Vols tickets can either be picked up at the TTA Office or shipped to the winner.
  • Ticket Auction proceeds benefit the Tennessee Trucking Foundation's Highway Safety Education Programs: Tennessee's Road Team and Teens & Trucks Share the Road Training Program
 
This is a great way to support the Foundation! Place your bids on our auction site today!
Tennessee Trucking Foundation Contribution
Want to make a contribution to our Foundation? You can easily donate to the foundation on our website. Thank you to all that support our Foundations mission. 
  • Advancing highway safety
  • Educating the public through programs designed to make our roads safer
  • Providing Tennessee children’s charities with funds to improve the lives of our state’s children
  • The TTF Scholarship, administered annually by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee