Newsline

12-16-2024 | Issue 24

TODAY'S NEWSLETTER IS SPONSORED BY:

We are now taking commitments for the 2025 Newsline Sponsorships. If your company would like to be a sponsor, please contact Carol Foster at (615) 777-2882 or email 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.


THANK YOU to those that sponsored in 2024!!!

Sponsorship Information

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please note: We moved to a new software system in June. If you haven’t yet logged into your new account and are having trouble accessing member pricing for events, please email khupp@tntrucking.org for assistance.


WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

About Fifth Third bank

Fifth Third Bank is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a strong presence in Nashville, Tennessee. We offer a comprehensive range of banking solutions for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations.


Primary Contact: Thomas Kilcrease, Relationship Manager

Email: thomas.kilcrease@53.com

Phone: (615) 687-3175

Mailing Address: 424 Church Street Nashville, TN 37219

Website: https://www.53.com


MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Share your company news! Click to submit your story.

Second Harvest Food Bank and Rural Hill Church Distribute 740 Turkeys to Families in Need

Last month, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, in partnership with Rural Hill Church of Christ, distributed 740 turkeys along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and shelf-stable items, providing nearly 750 families with full Thanksgiving meals. 

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The Pete Store's Annual Toys for Tots Event: A Community United

On December 14th, 2024, The Pete Store in Knoxville, hosted its annual Toys for Tots event.


This year's success was made possible by the generous contributions of the Young Professionals Council of the Tennessee Trucking Association, Rob Stone, Jeff Reed & Titan Transfer, the team at Thermo King of Knoxville, Claiborne Hauling & Heavy Haul, Travis Trucking, UPS with America's Road Team Captain John Lemons, Robbie Lloyd, Pemberton Truck Lines, Jim Toussaint from Worldwide Equipment, Denna Mintz from Phillips and Jordan, Mitch Fisher from Cummins, Grosams Towing, and the United States Marine Corps Reserve.


Craig Kendall expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thanks to everyone for your generosity and support. You all helped significantly, and our toy drives wouldn’t happen without you."


The Pete Store's commitment to the Toys for Tots program exemplifies the spirit of community and generosity, ensuring a brighter holiday season for many children in the Knoxville.


Click "Read More" to view all the photos from Saturday's event.

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M&W Logistics Promotes Road Safety at Hume-Fogg High School

This past month, Chris Woody, M&W's Director of Safety, led a Lunch & Learn session at Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville, TN.


Students gained valuable insights into safely sharing the road with large commercial vehicles and the daily challenges faced by truck drivers.

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TTA Members Honored on America’s Most Reliable Companies 2025

The Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) is proud to announce that several of our members have been recognized on Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Most Reliable Companies 2025 list. This prestigious list highlights 300 companies known for their dependability, trustworthiness, and excellence in business-to-business relationships.


We encourage you to explore the full list to see if you recognize any of our outstanding members. Congratulations to those who earned this well-deserved recognition—we celebrate your dedication and success!

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Transport Discusses TMS with Joel Tracy - IMC Newsroom

Transport Topics discusses TMS with IMC's CIO, Joel Tracy ""Each of these parties operates with different data standards, making real-time communication and coordination challenging," said Joel Tracy, chief information officer at drayage provider IMC Logistics."

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Big G Express and Ike Transportation Raise $1,800 for Toys for Tots!

Big G Express and Ike Transportation proudly partnered with the City of Shelbyville, TN, and Johnson City, TN, for Toys for Tots this year! Together, they raised $1,800 and collected several toys to bring holiday joy to children in communities. 

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YPC's Haulin' for the Holidays: Spreading Cheer Across Tennessee

The Young Professionals Council (YPC) has officially begun distributing the generous donations from their annual "Haulin' for the Holidays" initiative, dedicated to supporting families across Tennessee during the festive season. This year, YPC has impressively raised over $75,000, enabling the provision of toys, clothing, food, and essential resources to those in need.


The shopping efforts are set to conclude this week, ensuring distribution to families in time for Christmas.

Averitt Delivers Over 18,000 Holiday Cards Through '10,000 for the Troops' Program

Averitt collected and shipped over 18,000 holiday cards to troops overseas, supporting morale and showing appreciation during the festive season.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 CONVENTION EXHIBITORS

View All Convention Sponsors

2024 ANNUAL CONVENTION DIAMOND, PLATINUM & AUCTION PARTY SPONSORS

For all our Convention Diamond, Platinum, and Auction Party Sponsors, we have added a new benefit for 2024. In addition to the benefits listed on your Sponsorship form, you will have your logo with a link to your website in each bi-monthly Newsline for the remaining issues this year starting with the July 15 edition. Thank you so much for your generous support!

View All Convention Sponsors
INDUSTRY NEWS

FMCSA Adds Four Crash Types to Non-Preventable List | Transport Topics

The addition brings to 21 the total number of crash types included in the program, according to a Dec. 3 announcement from FMCSA.

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Shutdown Looms as Congress Debates Transportation Funding | Transport Topics

Congress is working to clear for President Joe Biden fiscal 2025 legislation prior to this month's deadline. A new session of Congress is scheduled to start in early January.

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Preliminary Injunction Halts Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement: What You Need to Know | JD Supra

On December 3, 2024, a United States district court in the Eastern District of Texas preliminarily enjoined the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act ("CTA") in its entirety nationwide,and also specifically stayed the reporting deadline of January 1, 2025 for reporting companies formed or registered to do business in the U.S. before January 1, 2024.

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I-95 Bridge in Connecticut Reopens Months After Fiery Crash | Transport Topics

NORWALK, Conn. - Exactly seven months after a blaze consumed the Fairfield Avenue overpass spanning Interstate 95, the bridge reopened to traffic in roughly half the expected time.

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Treat AI Like an Intern

AI works best as an intern, not an assistant. With clear guidance, training and feedback, it can tackle tasks efficiently while saving you time and effort.

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ATRI Announces 2025-2026 Research Advisory Committee Members

The American Transportation Research Institute today released the names of those individuals appointed by the ATRI Board of Directors to serve on the 2025-2026 Research Advisory Committee (RAC).


Among other activities, ATRI’s RAC is responsible for annually identifying the top research priorities for the trucking industry. RAC members represent a diverse cross-section of trucking industry stakeholders including motor carriers, industry suppliers, commercial drivers, shippers, law enforcement, academia and government. 

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FMCSA Opens Grant Application Cycle for Enforcement Training and Support Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for five separate discretionary grants in the fiscal year (FY) 2025 application cycle. Grant applications are due by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on January 24, 2025.

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SAFETY SPOTLIGHT

When it comes to hiring a truck driver, there are certain qualities and traits that you can look for to increase the chances that your driver is reliable, responsible, and safe. Here are some of the key things to look for when hiring a truck driver.

 

A professional truck driver can and may have several years of experience to be considered for the job. Look for someone who has been driving professionally for at least two or three years and has a clean driving record. Ask potential drivers about their experience in the type of truck your company uses and what kind of routes they’ve driven in the past (rural or urban). You should ask about any safety courses they’ve taken or certifications they’ve obtained. The safety record is one of the most important factors when it comes to hiring. Ask potential drivers about their accident history and if they’ve ever been cited for any traffic violations or received any tickets while driving a commercial vehicle. It’s also important to make sure that your prospective driver has an up-to-date commercial license with all the necessary endorsements required by law.



Drivers should be able to handle responsibility while on the job since they will be carrying valuable cargo over long distances and working independently. Look for someone with an attitude of responsibility towards their job duties and who takes pride in doing them well without cutting corners or taking risks that could put themselves or others at risk.


Reliability is a key factor when considering candidates for hire. Ask potential drivers about their availability, how often they take breaks during trips, what kind of scheduling flexibility they may need, and similar factors. He or she will be spending long hours on the road alone, communication skills are essential to stay connected with dispatch and other drivers on the road — and even with customers at delivery locations. Look for someone who can effectively communicate both verbally and through written reports so that everyone is kept informed throughout each trip. This can help you determine if this person will be reliable enough to meet your needs.


Finding a qualified truck driver isn’t always easy, but following these tips can help you find one who meets all your requirements safely and efficiently. With careful consideration, you’ll soon have someone behind the wheel who’s ready to take care of business and keep the freight moving.


Merry Christmas and Enjoy the Holidays Safely!


Marty Pollock, Director of Safety

Tennessee Trucking Association

FOUNDATION NEWS

Spotlight on Paula Harper: Championing Women in Trucking and Road Safety

Meet Paula Harper, a professional driver for FedEx Freight and Road Team Ambassador for the Tennessee Trucking Foundation. Recently, Paula proudly pulled WITney, the Women In Trucking Association trailer, to raise awareness about women in trucking and promote road safety. Thank you, Paula, for inspiring women to explore careers in trucking and demonstrating what's possible.

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TTA 2024 Foundation Raffle Drawing Winners Announced

The much-anticipated Foundation Drawing raffle has concluded, and we are thrilled to announce this year's winners!


  • 1st Place Winner Gina Billings, Averitt Express, Inc.
  • 2nd Place Winner Scott Schumpert, Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs
  • 3rd Place Mike McFarlin, Pro Trans Leasing



Click below to watch the video from this year's raffle drawing.

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Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Scholarship Applications Open Now!

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee scholarship application is now open!


This is a wonderful opportunity for students to secure financial support for their educational goals. The application will remain open until February 1, 2025, so be sure to spread the word to eligible students in your network!

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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 who support our Foundation's 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


Visit the website to donate.

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