TODAY'S NEWSLETTER IS SPONSORED BY: | |
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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!!!
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Primary Contact: Chris Matelli, Owner
Email: chrismatelli@lcrautodiesel.com
Phone: 423-506-6548
Address: 909 Highway 11 S.
Sweetwater TN 37874
Website: https://lcrautodiesel.com/
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Primary Contact: Greg Raborn,
Email: greg.raborn@crosslintrucking.com
Phone: 615-454-0900
Address: 140 N. Main Street Eagleville TN 37060
Website: http://crosslintrucking.com
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Tennessee is finally warming up after the annual February fake-out, and that means grilling season is here. And when it comes to barbecue, Tennessee is known for some of the best.
At first glance, trucking and barbecue might seem like two different worlds, but they have a lot in common.
In barbecue, ingredients matter. The quality of what you put on the grill determines the quality of what you take off it. The same goes for trucking. Our industry runs on high-quality people: drivers, technicians, dispatchers, customer service teams—the list goes on.
That’s why events like the Truck Driving Championships, Technician Skills Competitions, and recognizing outstanding companies at our Annual Convention are so important. It’s a small way to acknowledge the high caliber of those in the industry and say “thank you” for putting in the work.
Another similarity is that many things in our industry take time. Strong relationships, skills, and knowledge require dedication and patience. Just like you can't rush a brisket, you can't build success overnight. While it’s not always easy, when we put in the time and attention, the results are something that’s fall-off-the-bone good.
And let's not forget the heat. It’s normal to feel frustrated when great employees leave, legislation doesn’t go our way, or the economy shifts. But those challenges are what sharpen our industry. Being able to withstand a little heat is what ultimately pushes us to be better.
Now, the similarities don’t just stop at the grill. There’s one last step that matters almost more than the others—sharing your barbecue. Grilling for yourself is never as rewarding as doing it for family and friends. And this industry is the same. When we focus on our communities, customers, clients, and teams, the impact is far more meaningful than just focusing on ourselves.
As the weather warms up and you start firing up your grills, I hope it serves as a reminder of the value of what you do every day. Wishing you all a warm and prosperous spring. And if I just happen to stop by while you’re out grilling, just know it’s only because I "smelled" success in the air.
Mike McFarlin
M & W Transportation Co., Inc.
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Submit Your News Story to the Tennessee Trucking Association | We are always eager to share the latest developments, successes, and stories from within our vibrant trucking community. Whether you have exciting news about your company, noteworthy achievements, or industry insights, we'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below to submit your news story for consideration. | | | |
Registration Now Open for the Tennessee Trucking Association's 95th Annual Convention! | Join us at the Tennessee Trucking Association's 95th Annual Convention, Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Destin, Florida's Gulf Coast, the convention offers a unique blend of professional development, networking, and relaxation. Make history with us as we celebrate nearly a century of industry excellence. The Coundown is On! | | | |
2025 TTA Truck Driving Championships | May 2-3, 2025 | We are excited to announce the upcoming Tennessee Truck Driving Championships. This event is for TTA member drivers! This competition allows drivers to demonstrate their knowledge of the industry, driving skills, and professional competence. Click the link below to learn more and register. | | | |
2025 Facts for Drivers Books Now Available for Purchase! | |
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Stay ahead of the competition with the newly updated 2025 Facts for Drivers! This essential study guide is packed with the latest safety regulations, industry facts, and historical insights to help drivers prepare for company, state, and national championships.
Click the link below to purchase or contact mpollock@tntrucking.org to purchase from the TTA. Member price is $5.00 each.
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2025 TTA Technician Skills Competition | April 3, 2025 | TTA's Technician Skills Competition is an annual event designed to measure thorough knowledge of medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including theory and practical application. To register and learn more click the link below. | | | |
I-40 to Reopen to Restricted Traffic Between Tennessee and North Carolina for First Time Since Hurricane Helene | KNOXVILLE - In another milestone of the progress made since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, motorists can travel between the two states on I-40 for the first time since September 2024 on Saturday, March 1. | | |
CVSA's International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 13-15 | Inspectors will pay close attention to the driver's record of duty status and the vehicle's tires. | | | |
Preventive Maintenance Solutions From TMC | Now, instead of the federally mandated one-year training requirement, technicians can qualify in as little as four months when trained using TMC's Recommended Practices Manual and Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) Manual Series. With over 500 expert-developed RPs, TMC sets the industry-standard guidance needed to ensure technicians are well-trained, competent, and ready to hit the shop floor faster. | | | |
Gen Z: Welcome to the Transportation Workforce | Gen Z is set to shape the future of the trucking industry. Learn strategies to attract and retain this diverse, tech-driven generation. | | | |
Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting | ALERT [updated Feb. 19, 2025]: Beneficial ownership reporting requirements are back in effect, with a new deadline of March 21, 2025 for most companies. FinCEN will assess its options for further modifying deadlines. For more info, see notice | | | |
How social media and tech are changing diesel tech search strategies | As the recruitment landscape evolves, embracing advanced technology and leveraging social media platforms becomes increasingly crucial for fleets aiming to attract younger technicians. | | | |
Promoting the 'resilient' trucking industry will increase respect and career inquiries | I challenge each of you to go out into your communities, or even with your friends and families, and talk about the many benefits of trucking and its importance to our lives. | | | |
Survey: Nearly All Fleet Owners to Boost Safety Spending - TT | Some 99% of executives surveyed across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and four Western European nations plan to boost spending on workforce safety and security technologies. | | | |
ATA Applauds Bipartisan Truck Parking Legislation | Washington - Today, the American Trucking Associations commended Representatives Mike Bost (R-Illinois) and Angie Craig (D-Minnesota) for introducing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. | | |
USDOT Cancels New Review Step for State Transportation Plans - TT | President Donald Trump's administration is backing off its demand for an extra layer of federal scrutiny whenever states seek even minor changes to their transportation plans. | | | |
'The message was clear, you're on your own' | SA trucking CEO testifies before Congress to address need for oversight into cargo thefts | Thefts are costing the industry $35 billion in losses, ultimately impacting consumer cost. Since 2021, there has been a 1500% increase in cargo thefts. | | | |
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Ashley Harbin,
Adams and Reese LLP
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Dale Allen
Adams and Reese LLP
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There is a lot of activity with the Legislature aiming to adjourn by April 17th. As a result, the calendars are loaded with bills and everything is moving at fast-pace. Also, note that the TTA’s Day on the Hill and Legislative Breakfast Reception had to be cancelled due to a snow event and the closing of legislative offices in February. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to reschedule another event during this legislative session.
This is the year of the “immigration bill.” Many bills have been filed which are in conflict with federal laws. We are tracking all of those that directly affect the trucking industry. It is disappointing to see bills filed that have a negative impact on the trucking industry that are filed without any notice by the sponsor. Please be assured that we are monitoring very closely.
SB492/HB1023 sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R) and Representative Lowell Russell (R) requires an officer to, among other things, issue an out-of-service order to a driver with a CDL if the officer determines that the driver is unable to read or speak English at a level that is in violation of a federal requirement. Currently the ability to speak English is not as strict as taking the CDL exam in English. Trucking companies and employers would be responsible for penalties and fines . TTA opposes this legislation. As a result of the substantial fiscal note created by the potential loss of federal funds, the House sponsor now has amended the bill to make it a “trigger bill” so that the bill only becomes law should the federal law change to allow for such enforcement. We have drafted an amendment that Rep. Russell has agreed is needed that will remove all employer liability.
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Hazardous Materials shipping is one of the most dangerous jobs in trucking today and requires special handling to minimize the risks. The materials are among the most complicated, regulation-heavy, and expensive to ship. Because they could pose a danger to people, property, or the environment, there are many rules and regulations required to transport them. HazMat Truckers are typically experienced drivers who have proper training in handling and delivering toxic items.
Following the safety guidelines of each class can safeguard life and property. When shipping hazmat materials, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standard element guide on how products should be handled and includes information like the properties of each chemical, its hazards, first aid, and clean-up procedures. There is a correct method of transportation and goods must be packaged in such a way that poses no threat during their journey, so they arrive in good condition. The importance of training for the skills to handle any emergency cannot be understated! And DON’T FORGET the personal protective equipment (PPE) that helps you remain healthy, despite exposure, and prevents harm if accidents occur.
Here are some of the most frequent HazMat Violations from roadside inspections:
Ø Package not secured
Ø No copy of USDOT HazMat Registration Number
Ø No or improper shipping papers (
Ø No Placards/Markings when required
Ø Placard is damaged, deteriorated, or obscured
Ø Failing to register with PHMSA before transporting
Being a HazMat truck driver is not a walk in the park, and it takes a lot of attention to detail. Having a successful driving career is all about dedication to the job.
For more information related to Hazardous Materials Regulations and How to Comply, click on the link:https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials/how-comply-federal-hazardous-materials-regulations. Specific requirements are found in 49 CFR Parts 100-185.
REMINDER: On January 1, 2024, Tennessee adopted new legislation and Commercial Driver License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement expires every five (5) years. You renew your CDL, take the HM test, and obtain a TSA background check with the implementation of the new renewal schedule.
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Marty Pollock, Director of Safety
Tennessee Trucking Association
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Tommy Hodges Scholarship Winners Selected
The 2024 Tommy Hodges Scholarship winners have been selected! A huge thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to this year's recipients!
- Isaac Brooks
- Alexi Smart
- Kendra Luster
- McKenzie Coe
- Luke Beadles
- Kaleigh Cash
- Caleb Henderson
- Olivia Truelove
- Angela Jefferson
- Evan McGowan
- Kaylee Victory
- Lilyan Saner
- Olivia Roth
- Kamryn Shupp
- Michael Toussaint
If you weren’t selected this time, or did not get a chance to apply, we encourage you to apply again when applications open in Fall 2025.
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Captains Rick Bennett, Kenneth Hutchison, and Paula Harper of FedEx share road safety tips with the students at Fred J. Page Middle School | Tennessee is warming up, but even the chilly weather earlier this month couldn't slow down our Road Team Captains! | | | |
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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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