This Edition of the Newsline brought to you by:
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2022 NEWSLINE SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE |
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We are now taking commitments for the 2022 Newsline Sponsorships. If your company would like to be a sponsor, please contact Carol Foster at (615) 777-2882 or email [email protected] to reserve your edition. The cost will be $350.00 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 $550.00 per edition. There will be a total of 24 editions this year.
THANK YOU to those that sponsored in 2021!!!
We would like to thank the attached members for their support of the Tennessee Trucking Association in sponsoring TTA Newslines for 2021. We appreciate your continued support.
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AMERICAN NATIONAL
Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company is an affiliate of American National Insurance Company. The financial ratings are provided by independent rating agencies so that you can make a comparison to other insurance companies.
http://www.slaico.com/
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Jimmy Fox, Market Development Manager
American National
1118 Glasgow Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: (615) 948-2620
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Salem Corporation | Salem Leasing, Salem Carriers, Salem ...
For over 55 years, Salem Corporation has built a reputation for superior customer service. A 94% customer retention rate speaks to Salem's experience and the quality of the work performed. Whether you're looking for dedicated transportation ,...
Read more
www.salemcorp.com
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Scot Mechling, Lease Account Manager
Salem Nationalease Corp.
1321 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: (615) 504-6581 / Fax: (615) 244-3710
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Recycling & Waste Management Company - Lebanon, TN
Rockwood Sustainable Solutions passionately believes that waste materials can be managed in such a way that produce a circular benefit for your business, your community, and your environment, and we are excited to share it with you.
Read more
rockwoodrecycling.com
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Lincoln Young, President
Rockwood Sustainable Solutions
510 Hartmann Dr
Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone: (615) 293-2997
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Maximizing Fuel Discounts For You And Your Drivers
After helping national and regional fleets purchase over $1.6 Billion in fuel during his valuable tenure with Comdata, Ben discovered a more powerful way to make a difference and add value to companies and their owner operators. His unique...
Read more
fuelmentor.com
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Benjamin Roberts, President
Fuel Mentor
652 Pemberton Dr
Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone: (615) 727-4113
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Greetings TTA members and thank you for reviewing the April Newsline. The month of April has some significant events in store for everyone. Major League Baseball season openers will occur soon despite being delayed, The Masters Golf Tournament takes place the weekend of my birthday, and the April 15 tax filing deadline is looming (sorry to remind everyone!).
At TTA, there are also some exciting events in April. The annual Call on Nashville is scheduled for the afternoon of April 6 and the Legislative Reception is scheduled for that evening. A big thank you to Dale Allen and the team at Adams and Reese for hosting what has become the most popular reception for our state representatives and their staff. Also occurring in April is the Middle TN Sporting Clay Shoot which was extremely popular last year and is sure to be just as successful this year.
Looking ahead to May, the TTA is excited to learn that we have been given the green light to once again host the Safety Breaks at Rest Areas this year on May 27th (Memorial Day Weekend). We haven’t been able to hold these events since 2019 so it will be great to have the opportunity to interact again with the motoring public and share about safely operating around commercial vehicles. Be on the lookout for an announcement with details on location and times!
Enjoy the spring weather and stay safe out there everyone!
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May 17, 2022
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST
Objective: Define and Develop a Crash Response Protocol.
Course Description: This course covers what drivers should do when involved in a crash and what safety managers need to be aware of if/when they respond to a scene. An immediate and effective response to a crash is a key part of the company’s toolkit and crucial to protecting you. The lessons learned will help control losses and navigate litigation.
Costs: Non-Members - $249.00
Members - $199.00
Course Includes:
· Reporting the Incident
· Rendering Aid
· Interaction with Law Enforcement Investigators
· Preservation of data from the vehicle
· Preservation of video from the dashcam
· Conversations with adverse parties, witnesses, media
· Photographs
· Analysis
· Crash Prevention Measures
· Best Practices to Control Costs
· Litigation
Benefits: Described roles, communication plans, safe responses, someone who can provide direction.
Location:
Tennessee Trucking Association
4531 Trousdale Dr
Nashville, TN 37204
Lodging:
Four Points by Sheraton
760 Old Hickory Blvd
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 964-5500
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Please get your technician and drivers registered for this year's competitions!
It's time to submit your best drivers and technicians for the recognition they deserve. Forms are below and have also been posted to the TTA Website for the Truck Driving Championships and the Technician Skills Competition. Download the appropriate forms by clicking the links below as well as from the TTA Website. Complete the necessary forms(s) and mail them to the TTA office or email them to [email protected] by the deadlines posted for each event (no faxes accepted).
Truck Driving Championships
We are excited to announce that we will conduct our TDC this year! The competition Dates will be April 29-30, 2022, click here to download a Registration Form. We will start at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, TN on Friday where we will do the written test. After the written test, we will head over to FedEx Freight 3960 Logistics Way, Antioch, TN 37013 for the pre-trip. We will kick off Saturday morning back at FedEx for the Course Competition. We will then select our Champions and honor them at our TDC banquet at the Embassy Suites.
Make your hotel reservations at the Embassy Suites by clicking this link to book your room from their reservation site. Click on special rates and add TTA under group code and hit update. If calling the hotel, use the code TTA.
The TDC competition allows TTA member drivers to test their knowledge of the industry, driving skills, and overall professional competence. The winners of this competition are eligible to compete in the American Trucking Associations' National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis, IN on August 16-19, 2022.
Technician Skills Competition
We are excited to announce that we will conduct our TSC this year! The competition date will be April 14, 2022, at the Farm Bureau Expo Center, 945 E Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087. Click here to download a Registration Form. Competitors will meet Thursday at 7:00 AM April 14, 2022, in the EXPO CENTER for an overview and schedule of events. Roll call will be promptly at 7:15 am on Thursday, April 14, 2022. The competition will begin at 7:30 am.
The TSC competition allows TTA member technicians to test their knowledge of the medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including both theory and practical application. The Grand Champion is eligible to compete in the Super Tech Competition on September 25-29, 2022 in Cleveland, OH.
If you have any questions or have problems accessing the Website or downloading the forms, call the TTA office at (615) 777-2882.
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MANCHESTER ROADSIDE INSPECTION |
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Our first Roadside Inspection of the year was a success! On March 16, we visited the Manchester Scales and had a great turnout. Thank you to everyone who participated and to TCW, Inc. and Old Time Express, Inc. for sponsoring as well as Huff & Puff Trucking, Inc. for cooking all the food! To view all pictures, click here.
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2022 APRIL SPORTING CLAY SHOOT |
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Mark your calendars and please join us for our Sporting Clay event on April 5, 2022 This event will start at 8:00 am CST with our Crazy Quail kick-off game! This will be followed by the sporting clay shoot immediately after with a 10 am CST shotgun start. Lunch will be at 12 pm CST. This event is open to all skill levels. No shooting experience is necessary. Safety Officers will be on hand to assist.
Registration fee: $195.00 per shooter ($780 for a Team of 4) which includes ammo, gun rental, 75 targets, eye/ear protection, and lunch.
Crazy quail costs $20.00 for 25 targets. You must provide ammo for the Crazy Quail which is available from the gun club.
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The Tennessee Trucking Association will make its annual visit to the Hill in Nashville, TN, on April 6, 2022. The event with members of the Tennessee House and Senate will begin at 12:00 pm. We have not had the opportunity to do this in the past 2 years due to Covid restrictions. Tennessee regulations and policies are important factors in the business decisions made by trucking companies every day. Your participation is invited and needed. As always, we will make appointments with key House and Senate members, but, you are welcome to make visits to your respective Senator and Representative, as well.
Following our visits to the Hill that day, we will hold a Legislative Reception at the offices of Adams and Reese beginning at 4:30 pm. All members of the General Assembly will be invited to attend this event, as well. The reception will be held at Adams and Reese’s new location located at 1600 West End Avenue, Suite 1400, Nashville, TN 37203.
Trucking has a voice on important issues, including our full-time lobbyist, Dale Allen, and his team, working on our behalf with the Tennessee General Assembly. We keep leadership and members informed of important legislation with email alerts and legislative reports during the legislative session. We hope you will be able to join us for the calls during the day or the evening reception.
Please click here to register online for this event or contact Donna England at [email protected] or (615) 777-2882 to advise if you can, or cannot, join our group on this important visit so we can have an accurate count of those who will attend either event. Thanks very much, and we look forward to having you with us!
Thanks
Donna England
President & CEO
Tennessee Trucking Association
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Women In Trucking Association Names Arnold as 2022...
Women In Trucking Association announces Peggy Arnold, Yellow Corporation, as the winner of the 2022 Driver of the Year award sponsored by Walmart.
Read more
www.womenintrucking.org
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The inaugural “Let the Good Times Roll” bowling event raised just over $5,000 for the Tennessee Trucking Foundation. The Young Professionals Council organized and hosted the fundraiser on March 30th. Jessie Merritt, the current YPC Chairman says, “We hope this grows to be as successful as our annual Top Golf fundraiser in October, which benefits the Haulin’ for the Holidays toy drive. I can’t thank Joe Fischer enough, who secured bowling teams and sponsorships, and Andrea Hall and Patrick Mendenhall, who helped with the planning and hand painting of 11 bowling pin trophies.” Joe Fischer, Territory Sales and Service Manager at Eaton says “We’re really grateful to the TTA members who are so generous with their time and resources. Our folks continue to show up for us whether it’s bowling, Top Golf, or golf tournaments.”
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FAST FORWARD EXPERT ROUNDTABLE WEBINAR |
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Subject: International Roadcheck Blitz is Coming Up. Are Your Drivers Ready to Pass Inspection?
CVSA is getting ready for another International Roadcheck initiative taking place May 17-19, 2022. This year the focus is all about tires, wheels, and lugnuts.
Since these wheel end components account for one-quarter of vehicle out-of-service violations during checks, we want to share some tools you can use to prepare for this upcoming road check blitz. These tools include:
- Best training practices to prepare drivers
- Pre-trip inspection guidance
- What to expect during inspections
And other best practice advice to get you and your drivers ready to pass inspections during the blitz.
Join us on April 13, 2022 from 10 am to 11 am CST to hear how you can best prepare your safety department and your drivers.
Our expert speaker will be Chris Turner, Director of Enforcement Data and Judicial Outreach for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Chris is a return speaker and provided valuable information last year to help companies prepare for the 2021 road checks.
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ATA Announces 2022 Law Enforcement Advisory Board |...
Arlington, Virginia - Today, the American Trucking Associations unveiled its 2022 Law Enforcement Advisory Board-a panel formed last year to advise the ATA Federation on ways to grow and strengthen relationships between the trucking industry and...
Read more
www.trucking.org
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ATRI Issues Call for Carrier Input on Young Employee...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carla Rose (770) 432-0628 ext. 1 [email protected] March 23, 2022 Arlington, Virginia - The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today launched a new survey to quantify the industry's experience in...
Read more
truckingresearch.org
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Russia Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories
This page provides an overview of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA's) assessment of the Russian government's malicious cyber activities. The overview leverages publicly available, open-source intelligence and...
Read more
www.cisa.gov
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Court Reinstates Trump-Era Independent Contractor Definition
A Texas judge has ruled that a new, more business-friendly definition of independent contractor published in the final days of the Trump administration must be reinstated, because the Biden administration failed to give enough time to comment on...
Read more
www.truckinginfo.com
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Operation Safe Driver Week Is July 10-16 With Focus on...
This year's Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled for July 10-16. Law enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will be on roadways throughout that week issuing warnings and citations to commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle ...
Read more
www.cvsa.org
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ELD UPDATE: NEW AND UPDATED FAQS FROM FMCSA |
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On March 10, 2022, to provide additional guidance on the ELD regulations, FMCSA published the following frequently asked questions. To view any of the FAQs below, along with previously published FAQs, visit https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq.
New FAQs
Can an electronic logging device (ELD) allow for a user to switch between ELD mode and automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD mode)?
No. A provider may provide an AOBRD for drivers exempt from using an ELD per 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(iii), but the AOBRD must be a standalone application on a device, with its own driver account and login, separate from a registered, self-certified ELD operating system.
May electronic logging device (ELD) providers configure the ELD to identify potential hours of service violations?
The minimum functional specification requirements in the ELD rule do not require ELDs to identify hours of service violations; however, some ELD providers have elected to offer this as an add-on feature. If an ELD provider offers this add-on feature, but does not update their device to reflect the 2020 changes to the new hours of services rules, the ELD may inaccurately identify hours of service violations. Motor carriers should contact their ELD providers with specific questions about what information their ELD displays.
In section 4.4.2 of 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, Appendix A, the rule requires that “geo-location information must be derived from a database that contains all cities, towns, and villages with a population of 5,000 or greater and listed in ANSI INCITS 446–2008 (R2013).” What is an example of a database that meets these requirements?
USGS maintains the Federal authoritative source of official geographic feature names, known as the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Providers can start with the Populated Places dataset, which includes towns and villages of all populations. Therefore, it meets the minimum requirements (locations with populations of 5,000 or greater and listed in ANSI INCITS 446-2008 (R2013)). Providers may consider cross-referencing this dataset against another dataset to filter out cities, towns, and villages with a population of less than 5,000. To learn more about the GNIS and the Populated Places dataset, visit https://www.usgs.gov/tools/geographic-names-information-system-gnis.
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NATIONAL REGISTRY OF CERTIFIED MEDICAL EXAMINERS |
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National Registry Search Functionality |
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The National Registry is currently experiencing search functionality issues that may cause incomplete search results in the Registry. FMCSA deployed an update to the National Registry over the weekend that partially resolved the search results issue and we are continuing to work to fix any residual issues as soon as possible.
If a Medical Examiner finds that they are not being located through the public search, FMCSA encourages the Medical Examiner to contact the National Registry Technical Support Help Desk to notify FMCSA. In addition, the absence of a Medical Examiner’s information displaying in a search result should not be relied on as evidence that the Medical Examiner is not certified by FMCSA. Until these issues are resolved, if you need to verify a Medical Examiner’s status within the Registry, please contact the National Registry Technical Support Help Desk at [email protected] or (617) 494-3003. Please note that because of these issues, you may experience longer wait times when calling the Technical Support Help Desk. Therefore, we encourage you to send an email if this occurs.
Thank you for your patience.
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Friendly Reminder for Accessing the National Registry |
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It has been determined that Internet Explorer can no longer be used to access the National Registry. Please use a different internet browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) to access the National Registry. Also, please ensure that any browser bookmarks you have for the National Registry are updated to the current website at https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov.
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FMCSA General Vision Exemption
Effective March 22, 2022, the FMCSA amended the regulation to permit drivers who do not satisfy, with the worst eye, the existing distant visual acuity standard (capacity of the eye to see fine detail) with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. The new alternative vision standard replaces the current program for determining physical qualifications.
This rule will eliminate red tape and help qualified; experienced drivers stay in the industry. It maintains necessary safety qualifications, offers a performance-based approach, and will waive excessive wait times for drivers that can meet the new standards. Anyone currently exempted will no longer need to apply with FMCSA and can now be approved through their own vision specialist and medical professionals would evaluate and make medical qualification determinations instead of FMCSA.
Drivers physically qualified under this alternative vision standard for the first time must complete a road test required by 391.31, before driving in interstate commerce. If a driver has had 3 years of intrastate driving experience or has received an exception to drive in interstate commerce with a vision deficiency, then a road test is not required.
The alternative vision standard is intended to enhance employment opportunities while remaining consistent with FMCSA’s safety mission. It anticipates this rule will reduce barriers to entry, thereby increasing the number of qualified drivers and keeping current drivers on the road.
In Tennessee, a driver seeking physical qualification would obtain the Vision Evaluation Form and take it to their ophthalmologist or optometrist. Once filled out correctly, they take the form to their DOT physician. If the physician accepts the document, then the physician can issue a clean bill of health. If the DOT physician doesn’t accept, the driver will still be limited to intrastate driving only.
If you run into issues or need to contact the Tennessee CDL Medical Certification help desk you can do so at: [email protected] or call 615-502-4179.
Focus on Safety! All in favor say “EYE”
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Marty Pollock | Director of Safety
Tennessee Trucking Association
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Dale Allen, Adams and Reese LLP
School Funding Plan Advances in Both Chambers; Gov. Lee Plans to Propose a 30 Day Pause on Sales Tax on Groceries
With committees continuing to close and the announcement of the Lee Administration’s budget amendment, all indications are that the 2022 legislative session is now entering the glide path toward conclusion. While there is still much to be done and a significant amount of legislation still in the pipeline, the unveiling of the budget amendment often stands as the second major step – right behind the closure of committees – that the end of session is on the horizon. With every passing day, Governor Lee’s education funding plan and the state budget will draw increasing attention, and other legislation will gradually ease into the background.
The other byproduct of committees closing is that more and more bills have seen their fate determined. Any bill that is still parked in a closed committee is highly unlikely to move this year, and the same can be said for any bill that is still parked in a committee and not on that committee’s final calendar. In the past few weeks, the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, House Insurance Committee, House Education Instruction Committee, and Senate Education Committee have completed their work and closed subject to the call of the Chair. A number of other committees are on final calendars, including Senate Health, Senate State and Local, Senate Judiciary, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, the House State Government Committee, and the House K-12 Subcommittee.
School Funding Plan Advances in Both Chambers
Governor Bill Lee’s K-12 education funding overhaul has started to clear critical hurdles, and its journey through the legislative process is now underway. The legislation, which has been dubbed Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement -- or “TISA” for short -- would allocate more than $9 billion in state and local funds for education, including $1.8 billion for students with specific needs, such as those living in substantial poverty or students with disabilities. The legislation (SB2396/HB2143) passed out of the House K-12 Subcommittee on March 22nd after nearly three hours of testimony and questions. The Senate Education Committee also advanced the bill a day later on the 23rd, along with five amendments to the bill. The adjustments to the bill’s original language allude to the Lee administration having to compromise on language with lawmakers and stakeholders in order to address increased feedback and a growing number of concerns associated with the legislation. The bill moved on to the House Education Administration on March 30th, and an additional five amendments were adopted. The legislation is set to appear in the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee the week of April 4.
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Register for the East TN Big Rigs for Little Kids Charity Golf Tournament
A 3.50% Convenience Fee Will Be Added for Credit Cards Only. THERE IS NO FEE FOR DEBIT CARDS.
Registration is now available for the East TN Tournament
EAST TENNESSEE - MAY 5, 2022
Egwani Farms Golf Course
Benefiting East Tennessee Children's Hospital and the TTF Scholarship Fund
Complete you Registration Form and mail it to:
Tennessee Trucking Association
4531 Trousdale Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
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Register for the Middle TN Big Rigs for Little Kids Charity Golf Tournament
A 3.50% Convenience Fee Will Be Added for Credit Cards Only. THERE IS NO FEE FOR DEBIT CARDS.
Registration is now available for the Middle TN Tournament
MIDDLE TENNESSEE - MAY 11, 2022
The Hermitage Golf Course
Benefiting the Nashville Ronald McDonald House and the TTF Scholarship Fund
SPONSORSHIP - We need your generous support to make this the best one yet! Show your support by selecting one of our sponsorship opportunities. You can download the sponsorship form here .
Complete you Registration Form and mail it to:
Tennessee Trucking Association
4531 Trousdale Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
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2022 ROAD TEAM UPCOMING EVENTS
April 6, 2022 - Call on Nashville
May 5, 2022 - ETN Big Rigs for Little Kids Golf
May 5, 2022 - Whitten Elementary Career Day
May 11, 2022 - MTN Big Rigs for Little Kids Golf
May 11, 2022 - Knoxville CarFit
May 12, 2022 - Fairfield Glade CarFit
If you would like to schedule an event, please contact
the TTA Office at (615) 777-2882.
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Road Team Captains were honored to meet Robin Hutcheson, Acting Administrator for FMCSA at the Mid-America Truck Show last week in Louisville. Robin is in front with Road Team Captains L-R Ambassador Eddie LeSueur-Skyline Transportation, Captain David Gooch-Christenson Transportation, and Captain Cyndi Sliger-Old Dominion Freight Lines. |
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CONTRIBUTIONS TO TENNESSEE TRUCKING FOUNDATION IN MEMORY OF... |
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Charles Douglas
Contributions were made by: John Walton, Averitt Express, Inc., and Tommy Hodges, Titan Transfer, Inc., Greg & Michael Shipman, Vertical Alliance Group
Acknowledgement Sent to: Ashlee Taylor
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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
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