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2004 2005 2002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2 Summer 2010 Lifeliner IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION INSIDE: Lead Story” Health Care Reform Part 1 - What does it mean to you business? Carrier Spotlight: Weinrich Truck Line, Inc. Recap of Important Summer Events: Truck Driving Championships Truck Show Tow Show Spring Golf Outing Health Care Reform
48

2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Mar 10, 2016

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Page 1: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

2004 20052002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Summer 2010

Lifeliner

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

I N S I D E :Lead Story” Health Care Reform

Part 1 - What does it meanto you business?

Carrier Spotlight:Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.

Recap of ImportantSummer Events:

Truck Driving Championships

Truck ShowTow Show

Spring Golf Outing

HealthCareReform

Page 2: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

2 Summer 2010Lifeliner

HireRight DAC Trucking SolutionsMaintain compliance and hire drivers more efficiently with HireRight, the leader in driver screening and drug & alcohol testing.

» DAC Employment History File

» Drug & Alcohol Testing

» Motor Vehicle Reports

» Criminal History Reports

Discount available for Iowa Motor Truck Association members

Hire Safe. Hire Smart. HireRight.SM

www.hireright.com

800.400.2761

© 2009 HireRight, Inc. All rights reserved.For a listing of state Private Investigation licensing information for Altegrity, Inc. companies, go to www.altegrity.com/compliance.

DD15PartsServiceSupport

PowerSystems Pride in ServiceMinneapolis, MN Des Moines, IA Billings, MT Lincoln, NE Fargo, ND Williston, ND Gillette, WY800-222-6060 800-348-3062 800-823-4334 888-275-7590 800-999-4903 800-821-7298 800-677-7720

Virginia, MN Davenport, IA Omaha, NE Bismarck, ND Grand Forks, ND Sioux Falls, SD800-292-0149 800-787-4602 800-348-1356 800-999-5812 800-999-5207 800-348-3042 istate.com

Page 3: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 3Lifeliner

In this Issue

18

IMTA StaffBrenda Neville, CAEPresident

Don EgliDirector of Safety and Security

Amanda MadisonAdministrative Assistant

DeAnn MoodyExecutive Assistant

Holly MueggenbergCommunications & Education Manager

Mike SpallaMembership Manager

Our SupportersInterstate Power Systems ................ 2HireRight ...................................... 2Great West Casualty ..................... 4Central Trailer Service ................... 6Northland Insurance ..................... 6Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc. ...... 9Quality Services Corp ................... 9Iowa Soybean Association ........... 11PeopleNet .................................. 23

Iowa Truck Services ..................... 24Midwest Wheel Companies ......... 26JJ Keller & Associates .................. 32Ziegler ....................................... 35Elliott-Hartman Agency ............... 41Iowa City Brake .......................... 45Wilshire Insurance ...................... 45Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions .. 47Midwest Wheel Companies ......... 48

ArticlesChairman’s Message ............................5

President’s Message ..............................7

Legal Update .....................................8-9

New Member Benefit ......................10-11

Safety Update ......................................12

Motor Carriers Foundation - Scholorships ...13

Carrier Spotlight ............................14-17

Feature Article ...............................18-21

Iowa Truck Services ........................22-23

National Update .................................25

Call on Washington Recap ..................27

IMTA Members in the News ............28-29

Spring Golf Outing ........................30-31

Management Conference Update ........33

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships ..34-35

2010 TDC Team Photos .................36-37

2010 TDC Winners ........................38-39

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships ..40-41

Iowa Tow Show ...................................42

IMTA Truck Show ............................43-45

The Final Word ...................................46

30

27

2004 20052002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

18

IMTA Leaders in DC

Health Care Reform-What’s it mean to you?

Spring Golf Outing Results

Page 4: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

4 Summer 2010Lifeliner

Joe Morten & Son dba

MotorWays, Inc.Urbandale, IA515-266-1113

Reback Truck Ins.Sioux City, IA800-383-4848

Reynolds & ReynoldsDes Moines, IA515-243-1724

Donaghy-KemptonDes Moines, IA515-288-8545

Edwards-BrandtMason City, IA641-423-0675

Mel FosterDavenport, IA563-359-5446

Odebolt Ins.Odebolt, IA

712-668-2283

Millhiser Smith Ins.Cedar Rapids, IA

319-365-8611

Peoples Ins.Waverly, IA

319-352-6327

Page 5: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 5Lifeliner

Chairman’s MessageBob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

As I sit down to write this column, I realize a lot has happened since my last column. Back in March, we were immersed in our legislative activities and adjournment couldn’t come fast enough. But now that the session is behind us, I am pleased to report that we had another successful legislative session with some tremendous victories, I urge you to read about one of our most important issues that is the highlight of this session. You will find the article on pages 8-9. That highlight is the passage of anti-indemnification legislation specific to the trucking industry. For some, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but I am here to tell you passing legislation is a HUGE DEAL. It takes a tremendous amount of work to have a bill become a law. The number of people we had to educate on this issue and the hoops that we had to jump through is mind boggling but at the end of the day, most people don’t want to hear all those details, they just want results and we certainly produced some outstanding results this year. This legislation is instrumental in removing some of the unfair liability that is automatically put on trucking companies simply because we are who we are. In order for this legislation to

be even more effective, we need to get it passed in all 50 states and right now, we are closing in on the half way point and I am proud that we were able to get this done in one session. To put it in perspective, most states have worked on this issue for several years and typically that is what it takes, but we were able to get it done in one session. Tort reform has been on our legislative wish list for the past decade and to finally have made some progress in that area is really something extraordinary. Hats off to our lobbyist Dave Scott, our President Brenda Neville and all the IMTA leaders and members that helped seal the deal on this important legislation. Even though the legislative session is over, our political efforts are just gearing up. We are now in a full court press to raise money for our political action committee. If you are like me, there are times that I want to turn the TV off for fear of seeing another political ad, but the reality is that we are at an important crossroads in our state and on the national level as well. I don’t know about you, but I have become pretty fed up with our legislative leaders and the irresponsibility they continue to demonstrate with my money! As a business owner, I am extremely fearful of the direction we are moving and now more than ever, I have come to realize the importance of putting my money where my mouth is. Unfortunately, it takes money, a lot of money to run a successful campaign and Iowa’s trucking industry is being called upon once again to provide the support and leadership needed to invest in pro-business legislators and candidates. Right now, we are reviewing all the voting records of legislators and listening to the campaign promises of candidates. Once we have completed that process, we will determine where our PAC dollars will be invested. In the meantime, we are asking, begging, pleading and urging IMTA members to consider making a contribution to Truck PAC Iowa.

I am no different than you, and over the last several years, I have certainly had to make some changes in my spending habits but this is one of those things that we simply cannot afford to walk away from. Contributions of any size are appreciated and believe me, your money is not foolishly spent; a tremendous amount of effort is put into determining what folks we are going to support. Iowa needs to get back on track and support a pro-business economy and the best way for us to do that will be in November when we all have the opportunity to have our voice be heard when we cast our votes. In the meantime, however, it behooves us to be an active player in the process.

In addition to making a contribution to Truck PAC Iowa, I also urge you to get involved with the process by learning about the candidates, invite them into your business, chances are you are one of the biggest employers in the area and it is important that our elected leaders understand our business. Any resources you invest in this effort, will be of great value because when the dust settles in November, our future will be decided at least for the next several years and in this business that can easily make or break us. If you need more convincing or if you want to talk about our political involvement, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or drop me an email. I am always here for you. Bob Kohlwes (515)[email protected]

Hats off to our lobbyist Dave Scott, our President Brenda Neville and all the IMTA leaders and members that helped seal the deal on this important legislation.

IMTA Chairman of the Board Bob Kohlwes officially welcoming the professional drivers and their families to the annual Iowa Truck Driving Championships. “I have always put great importance on recognizing the drivers because they are the foundation of our industry,” said Chairman Kohlwes.

Page 6: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

6 Summer 2010Lifeliner

We have been using the resources Northland madeavailable to enforce our safety program and good driverhabits, and we’ve definitely noticed improvements.Northland is good at enforcing the good things we do,too. Whatever they suggest, I do. They have an outsideeye and their advice is very beneficial. Northland helpsto keep us on the road.

— Fleet manager

ON THE ROAD RISK CONTROL

St. Paul, MN • Hartford, CTwww.truckinsurance.com

NL_09_Risk(2)_IA:Layout 1 5/5/10 2:41 PM Page 1

Page 7: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 7Lifeliner

President’s MessageBrenda Neville, Iowa Motor Truck Association

Once in awhile, I find it of great value to pick up the phone and randomly call IMTA members. The objective of my call is to find out what that member really thinks of IMTA. I want to know why they write a dues check to the association. As you can imagine, I get a variety of answers and all the feedback is extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. The good news, the vast majority of the members are generally very supportive of IMTA. However, having said that, there are still a large number of members that can’t really answer that question in the manner that I think warrants a dues check each year, which always means IMTA must do a better job communicating to the membership.

In 1942, some truckers were fed up with the way the legislature was treating the industry and they formed IMTA. Our main focus then and now continues to be our advocacy efforts. Representing the interests of trucking and business in general in front of our elected leaders is our number one priority. However, as you can expect, that doesn’t pay the bills. Over the years, IMTA leaders, who also happen to be very astute business owners, have consistently developed programs that provide valuable revenue to our association and enable your dues to stay at a consistent level. This non-dues revenue is essential to our existence but can also detract from our ability to truly support the mission of this organization so we are always wrestling with keeping this delicate balance in check.

Now more than ever, we recognize that a dues increase is not a viable solution yet the need for our constant lobbying efforts continues to grow as the number of BAD legislative proposals increase each year.

It seems that every state and federal agency out there wants a piece of us and legislators seem to be on a feeding frenzy as they look at ways to continue to get involved in our business. Most legislation will end up impacting your bottom line in a negative way so our advocacy efforts are even more important at this point. Thus the reason,

we have been forced to become more aggressive in our efforts to develop new sources of non-dues revenue.

Your association generates revenue from partnerships with JJ Keller, Hire Right, Wellmark, American Trucking Associations and most recently with Heartland Payment Systems and Holmes Murphy & Associates. We do not take these partnerships lightly and in recent years, the decision to move forward with a specific partner is made after a task force comprised of IMTA members thoroughly review bids from numerous vendors. These partnerships must be a win win solution for everyone and as a result of these relationships IMTA receives revenue from these programs which in turn results in no DRAMATIC DUES INCREASES. All of these programs provide a valuable service specific to our trucking, towing and allied members.

We have also created Iowa Truck Services in an effort to provide valuable assistance that is needed by the members and even non-members with the long term goal of providing additional revenue to IMTA. Again, a very thorough process was implemented before we moved forward with ITS and it could realistically take several years for us to truly see the revenue stream that we are projecting but we continue to be very optimistic that this will prove to be very successful in the long term.

You probably know where I am going with this but I am hopeful that a little background will go a long way in asking for your business. That’s right, I am asking for you to consider looking at every program we offer and consider doing business with your association. If you are buying forms

from a local printer, I certainly appreciate your desire to support a local business but consider this, is that printer at the Capitol fighting for your interests? Is your current credit card processor meeting with regulators on a weekly basis to discuss issues of importance? Understandably, any vendor you are doing business with is making some sort of a profit and putting that profit back into the company or in their own pocket whereas, doing business with us, helps us continue to fight the battles and protect your interests in front of lawmakers or regulators alike.

Non-dues revenue is essential to your association and I hope that you will consider looking at some of the tremendous programs we offer. Our non-dues revenue from these programs is typically a marketing fee that we generate for promoting the program within our membership. Your prices with these programs are not inflated to absorb a percentage that is going back to the association; instead the revenue created from these partnerships is a result of offering assistance in marketing and promotion of the partnership. IMTA does the legwork so by the time we recommend a product or service through one of our partners, you can be assured that a group of members, just like yourself have dedicated a lot of time and energy reviewing the product or service and eventually determining that it is worthy of getting the “IMTA good housekeeping seal of approval”.

Believe me, there are days that IMTA leaders would prefer that we didn’t have to deal with so many different partners and programs but the reality is that your association cannot and will not survive without these valuable programs. So at the very least, look at what we have to offer and be assured that your support of these partnerships only support and strengthen our ability to fulfill the mission upon which IMTA was formed…to be a VOICE for TRUCKING in all the right places!

As always, your input, feedback, ideas and support is always appreciated. I can’t take any of the credit for developing these partnerships, IMTA members made the suggestion so if you have any other ideas for non-dues revenue, don’t hesitate to send those ideas my way.

Holly Mueggengerg & Mike Spalla work closely with the IMTA’s non-dues revenue programs. “Providing quality products and services to the IMTA membership is a top priority.” said Brenda Neville, President of IMTA.

Page 8: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

8 Summer 2010Lifeliner

Legal Update

Motor carriers and shippers have historically argued over the legal responsibility regarding damaged cargo or personal injuries caused by cargo. The shippers have primarily

won this battle because they have had the ability to demand indemnification and hold harmless clauses in shipper/carrier contracts in which the motor carrier would have to pay any claims or damages arising from a shipper’s negligence. However, the advent of anti-indemnification statutes in several states have made such provisions in contracts void and unenforceable. Thankfully, this is now the law in Iowa.

On April 23, 2010, Governor, Chet J. Culver, signed Senate File 2220, sponsored by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, declaring certain indemnity provisions to be unlawful and void in motor carrier contracts. This new statute, found at Iowa Code section 325B.1 reads, in relevant part, as follows:

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a motor carrier transportation contract, whether expressed or implied, shall not contain a provision, clause, covenant, or agreement that purports to indemnify,

defend, or hold harmless, or has the effect of indemnifying, defending, or holding harmless, a promisee from or against any liability for injury, death, loss, or damage resulting from the negligence or intentional acts or admissions of that promisee, or any agents, employees, servants, or independent contractors who are directly responsible to that promisee. This prohibition applies to any provisions or agreements collateral to or effecting a motor carrier transportation contract. Any such provisions, clauses, covenants, or agreements are void and unenforceable.

This article briefly discusses the ramifications of this new statute and how it effects motor carriers in Iowa and elsewhere.

As a general rule, while historically not favored in Iowa, a contract requiring a party to indemnify another for its own acts of negligence is valid and enforceable unless prohibited by statute. It has been said that to be enforceable, agreements to indemnify a party (a shipper) against its own negligence must meet the following three conditions: (1) the parties must express

their intent to exculpate in unequivocally clear language; (2) the agreement must result from an arm’s length transaction between the parties of equal bargaining power; and (3) the exculpation must not violate public policy. Now, if Iowa law is the law of the contract, because of Code section 325B.1, motor carriers will no longer be presented with the Hobson’s choice of either refusing to sign the agreement—and ultimately lose the business—or agreeing to the onerous provision that compels it to pay damages for the shipper’s own negligence.

Numerous other states have enacted anti-indemnity statutes and most of the statutes clearly void that portion of a transportation contract in which the motor carrier must indemnify the shipper for the losses caused by the negligence of the shipper. These statutes have received little attention to date from the court system. The operative part of the Iowa statute–and most of

the other statutes–is that a clause and a contract

Jason Palmer is a shareholder at Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor, & Fairgrave, P.C. where he maintains a general practice, including, but not limited to, trucking and transportation law.  Jason is a member of the Transportation Law Association (TLA) and the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA).  Jason represents national motor carriers, Iowa transportation companies, and insurers with regard to trucking accidents, cargo claims, and other general transportation matters.

Jason PalmerBradshaw, Fowler, Proctor, & Fairgrave, P.C.

Motor carriers and shippers have historically argued over the legal responsibility regarding damaged cargo or personal injuries caused by cargo.

Page 9: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 9Lifeliner

Legal Updateeffecting or collateral to a motor carrier agreement, that purports to, “or has the effect of,” indemnifying a promisee against the promisee’s own negligence is void as against public policy and unenforceable. The Iowa statute even uses the broad words “or has the effect of” indicating that it is the effect, namely, indemnifying the indemnitee for its own negligence that is prohibited. Therefore, a contract provision requiring the motor carrier to pay the cost of having its own insurer indemnify the shipper for its own negligence would have “the effect of” indemnifying the indemnitee for the indemnitee’s own negligence and the provision would fall within the prohibition of the statute.

There are some important factors to consider as it relates to Code section 325B.1. First, the statute only applies to motor-carrier contracts entered into, extended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2010. Therefore, any motor carrier transportation contracts executed before this date that has an indemnification provision is still valid and can be upheld. Because of this fact, a motor carrier should request that the contract be amended to strike the indemnification provision, or the agreement should be renewed or extended in some manner so that the provision would be void under the new statute. Second, Code section 325B.1 does not apply to the intermodal interchange and facilities access agreement which commonly refers to the use of more than one method of transport during a single shipment and

generally in containerized shipments, over both land and sea. Third, it is important to note that this statute only applies to contracts that would be governed by the law of the state of Iowa. It is therefore critical to examine the contract to determine if there is a “choice of law” provision in it so that it is known whether the indemnification provision will be void. Thus, if the contract is governed by some other state, either by an express provision or because of other factors, this statute will not control. Further, as to future contracts, if one party to the contract is not from Iowa, it is important to request that a “choice of law” provision be inserted into the contract and that the law of Iowa govern the terms of the contract. If for whatever reason that is not possible, the motor carrier should make every effort to have the law of a state that has an anti-indemnification statute control the terms of the contract.

Code section 325B.1 is a significant step in leveling the playing field between a shipper and a motor carrier. After July 1, 2010, a shipper will not be able to, despite its own negligence, point to a provision of a contract and demand that the motor carrier, or the motor carrier’s insurer, pay for the defense and damages arising from the shipper’s negligent actions. This is not only fair and equitable, but will also serve to decrease motor carriers’ insurance and operating costs because they will now only be monetarily responsible for their own actions.

Page 10: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

10 Summer 2010Lifeliner

New Member Benefit

Worksite Marketing of Voluntary BenefitsSavvy employers know the importance of offering comprehensive Employee Benefits. Yet rising medical costs

and recent healthcare reform developments have directed most attention to medical insurance. Meanwhile, on the sidelines sit often-overlooked Employee Benefits areas including Ancillary (Life

and Disability) Group Insurance and Individual Voluntary Benefit programs.

Both of these programs can be important budget-friendly components of a comprehensive Employee Benefits package that enhances recruitment and retention. They also allow employees to select personalized coverage and fill unmet risk gaps. Individual Voluntary products can be added with virtually no employer hard dollar cost and the market for Ancillary group plans is extremely competitive allowing employers to provide coverage at a relatively low cost.

Obviously, an employer’s level of satisfaction depends on how well programs are designed, marketed and administered. Companies seeking best results turn to trusted independent insurance brokers who specialize in ancillary and voluntary benefits. Holmes Murphy & Associates (HMA), a Des Moines based independent insurance firm and IMTA preferred vendor, fits this bill and has a wealth of experience and expertise.

Jarret SchmidtHolmes, Murphy& Associates

HMA’s approach to voluntary benefits follows an efficient four step process.

Step 1Integrated Product Selection: We review and assess the existing core Employee Benefits program to identify areas of potential exposure. Then voluntary products are selected that appropriately integrate with the overall benefits program.

Step 2Product Marketing: The voluntary benefits marketplace includes direct insurance carriers who underwrite their own products to be sold by captive career agents. This approach does not allow for a review of the markets. At HMA, we identify suitable insurance carriers, generate request for proposals and compile a marketing report identifying best-in-class products from benefit, underwriting and cost perspectives.

Step 3Education Based Communication and Enrollment: Many voluntary benefit brokers and insurance carriers use commissioned-based sales people to conduct employee meetings. This can lead to a hard sales “pitch” situation. HMA only employs per diem salaried communication specialists who assist employees in understanding the coverage options available.

Step 4Long Term Service Commitment: Broker commitment after the sale is crucial to any successful benefits program. It is especially so with voluntary benefits. HMA stays engaged to coordinate all re-enrollment, billing and administration activities.

Page 11: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 11Lifeliner

New Member Benefit

Funded by the soybean checkoff.Funded by your soybean checkoff

energy

Soy biodiesel energy for today. energy for tomorrow.

The answer to our energy needs is closer than you think. It helps fuel

our economy by providing jobs in our communities and helps reduce

harmful effects on our environment. It’s Soy biodiesel, a renewable

and sustainable resource made from surplus soybean oil that is made right

here in Iowa. Soy biodiesel helps fuel the future so we can all breathe

a little easier.

In addition to our voluntary benefits expertise, HMA is one of a select group of independent brokers utilizing a web-based Life and Disability Insurance procurement system that delivers substantial savings (typically 20% or more) versus current costs.

As an IMTA preferred vendor, HMA is excited to discuss our Ancillary and Voluntary Benefit consulting services with IMTA member firms. Should you have

interest in learning more about Holmes Murphy’s services please feel free to contact either Lori Wiederin at [email protected] or Jarret Schmidt at [email protected] or toll free 1-800-247-7756.

Individual Voluntary products can be added with virtually no employer hard dollar cost

Lori WiederinHolmes Murphy& Associates

Page 12: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

12 Summer 2010Lifeliner

Safety Update

Ruling or Not, Here it Comes...There has been a constant buzz lately surrounding sleep apnea and how it will affect the trucking industry. Most of the mental energy seems to be focused on the possibility of

an impending ruling or mandate coming down from the FMCSA to address the issue. Whether they are addressing the issue at large, at the company program level or even worries with issuing driver cards, everyone seems focused on where the overall liability and payment for such a ruling will ultimately lie.

It seems every day at our company, Sleep Access LLC, we take calls and answer these same questions regarding the state of the industry. “Is there a ruling coming?”, “When and how will this all be taking effect?” and “How can I avoid this being a major issue for me or my company?” are some of the most common things we are asked. Allow me to supply what insight I can, for your personal and corporate peace of mind, but the answer to these and other questions might just shock you.

Is there a ruling coming? And when and how will this be taking effect? What is unclear, currently, is the EXACT form and scope the potential ruling(s) are going to take. Most estimates and concerns in regard to a federal ruling or guidance are being directed towards the standardization of protocols to utilize for screening your entire fleet. The key components will be compliance driven testing for the warning signs of prevalence towards having Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). There have been speculations on

BMI (Body Mass Index) levels used for compliance benchmarks and other sleep health industry screening guidelines to come but nothing, as of yet, is concrete. What IS clear is that ruling or not, screening, testing, effective treatment for those positive for OSA, and monitoring for driver compliance to treatment is going to affect you as a company and a driver.

What we DO know is that OSA will be addressed in the near future. Most would assume that by this I am only referring to the announcement that was made by an FMCSA representative in the May 17, 2010 issue of Transport Topics. While this is a clear cut and precise declaration that OSA should be on the Trucking Industry radar, there are other signs that should make it a more pressing issue from the industry perspective.

As we all know the DOT doctor database is transitioning to a new system in October of this year. What may not be as widely known is that with the database change comes a new set of standards of care for DOT physicians concerning many issues; including OSA. Liabilities for driver safety have already started and will be more heavily placed on the shoulders of the DOT Doctor who passes a driver without flagging OSA risk issues. By putting the responsibility back on the shoulders of the physicians’ and their own liability insurance, the industry is poised to have a lot more driver sleep tests in the coming years.

So you’ve talked about drivers and DOT Doctors, but what about the trucking company itself? Do we as Trucking Companies have any skin in the game? The short answer is yes, but it may not be the typical ‘liabilities’ centered yes that you may be expecting. The reasoning can be summed up in one word: Drivers.

It may not look like it or necessarily feel like it right now but the economy will rebound. Since this country’s goods are primarily carried by truck, that increased

economic activity will bring with it an increase in trucking capacities. Over the last few years this industry has lost a lot of drivers to the down economy and the decrease in demand. With the increase in cost to drive that OSA will bring for so many drivers in the industry we stand to lose a lot more as well. Companies use all means necessary and legal to attract drivers during a shortage and according to most national estimates we are poised for a sizable one in the very near future. With all the options available to a company, the best way to attract a driver is showing them you really care about their health, safety and overall happiness out on the road. One of the best ways to do this is by offering a realistic solution for detecting and treating OSA. Some of the known benefits include:• Increase in Rest & Metabolism• Increase in Alertness & Concentration• Decrease in Weight• Decrease in other health conditions such

as diabetes, heart disease & stroke.• Increase in emotional stabilityAll of those reasons add up to savings on the company side as well. Industry analysts hold that treating OSA in your company can yield increased retention, decreased healthcare costs, decreased accidents, as well as a decrease in the cost per accident.

This leaves just one question to answer: “How can I keep OSA from becoming a major issue to me or my company?” The best answer for this is simple. Don’t wait for a rule, address it now. The sooner you address the need for a sleep health solution in your company the better off you and your employees will be when actual rules are laid out. If you are pro-active now you can reduce the headaches, frustration and any negative impacts that possible rulemaking or guidelines may have on you in the future. Then, while other companies struggle to cope with adapting to new legislation, you can continue to focus on what you got in this industry to do, Trucking.

H. Evan Bledsoe is the Managing Partner of Sleep Access LLC, a Nashville, TN based firm focused on delivering fully customized sleep health solutions for the Trucking Industry. Through their nationwide network of strategic partners Sleep Access offers high quality sleep health programs at realistic and affordable levels for any size trucking & Transportation company. Sleep Access LLC is endorsed by the Tennessee Trucking Association and the Kentucky Motor Transport Association.

H. Evan BledsoeSleep Access LLC

Page 13: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 13Lifeliner

Foundation Awards Annual Scholarships Once again, Iowa’s trucking industry invested in the future of our great state by awarding over $8000 in scholarships to individuals pursuing education at an Iowa based college or university through the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation. Established in 1989 by the late Verne Simpson, the Foundation has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and has proudly supported folks that have went on to be amazing diesel mechanics, educators, doctors, lawyers and successful business owners.

“Each year, we get a pile of great scholarship applications and 90% of the time, the folks applying for the scholarships have a connection or a tie to our industry, which is an added benefit to the program. This year was no different, we had a number of outstanding

applications and are very proud of the accomplishments of all the folks that applied,” said IMTA Chairman Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities.

Members of the Foundation Committee will be organizing a fundraiser specific to the Foundation and also looking for ways to increase the awareness of the Iowa

Motor Carriers Foundation.“It is important that we increase the scope of support for this great division of Iowa Motor Truck Association. It serves a very important purpose and we are exploring other ways in which the Foundation can further support the efforts of Iowa Motor Truck Association,” said IMTA Chairman Bob Kohlwes.

Motor Carrier Foundation-Scholarship Winners

Bob Bannister Memorial ScholarshipWinner: Maria FinchHometown: Des Moines, IACollege and area of study: Iowa State University, Fine Arts

General ScholarshipWinner: Joseph HouserHometown: Slater, IACollege and area of study: Currently attending Iowa State University, Agronomy

Darryl Mason Memorial ScholarshipWinner: Colby HannaschHometown: Carroll, IACollege and area of study: AIB College of Business, Business Administration

Iowa Council of Safety Management ScholarshipWinner: Emily PreussnerHometown: Delhi, IACollege and area of study: Wartburg College, Business/Marketing

Paul Crouse Memorial ScholarshipWinner: Ashley HagedornHometown: Irwin, IACollege and area of study: DMACC, Medical Field/Physical Therapy

L.W. “Verne” Simpson Memorial ScholarshipWinner: Branygon KunzieHometown: Corydon, IACollege and area of study: Iowa State University, Animal Science/Pre-Vet

Ziegler/Caterpiller Diesel ScholarshipWinner: Ryan KingHometown: Ankeny, IACollege and area of study: Currently attending DMACC, Diesel Technology

Harold Dickey Memorial ScholarshipWinner: Michaela GretterHometown: Harper, IACollege and area of study: University of Northern Iowa, Business/Finance

Page 14: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

14 Summer 2010Lifeliner

Carrier Spotlight

From Coca-Cola and Honey to Furniture and Popcorn – over the last 50 years, you’ve most likely bought something Weinrich Truck Line hauled. The Hinton-based trucking firm, which has both dry good and liquid tanker services, just celebrated half a century of doing business – and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down.

Today, the company’s fleet of more than 50 trucks travels to the contiguous 48 states as well as a number of Canadian outlets. But it was a bit more of a humble beginning for the organization. In the late 50’s, Bill and Donna Weinrich were a young married couple. Bill had recently entered into the family business – trucking. He became a third generation trucker when he took over his father’s farm-to-market work in effort to help support his recently widowed mother. In 1960, Bill purchased his first Freightliner and Weinrich Truck Line has been moving forward ever since.

Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.50 Years and Going Strong

By: Travis ScottContributing Writer

In 1960, Bill purchased his first Freightliner and Weinrich Truck Line has been moving forward ever since. 50

yearsTom Donohue presenting Bill Weinrich with the 1988 ATA Star Award.

Weinrich Truck painted to celebrate 50th year. 1980 Grand Opening ribbon cutting at their new facility in Hinton, IA.

Donna Weinrich in a Weinrich Truck Line power unit.

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Summer 2010 15Lifeliner

50years

Carrier Spotlight“It was just the two of us back then,” recalls Donna Weinrich, President of Weinrich Truck Line. “Bill would drive the truck and I managed the office – which was really just a phone in our house.”

In the organization’s formative years the bread-and-butter of the organization was dry goods – mainly feed supplements, grain oats, etc. Donna recalls that Bill had a route that often took him to Louisiana to drop off oats for sea shipment. The long haul took him away from home from Sunday to Saturday. But the long hours and long hauls began to

pay off. Within a few years, Weinrich Truck Line’s fleet had grown to three trucks and the office had moved out of the home and into a proper office in Leeds.

As the organization grew, so did its service lines. In the 1980’s, the company began operating its first liquid tanker.

“Our first tank hauled Coca Cola syrup,” said Donna. “Also around this time the Cargill refinery opened up and we started doing business with them.”

Donna says that it was the addition of liquid hauling proved to be the most prosperous years for the firm. The company has hauled everything from Sue Bee Honey and soybean oil to liquid chocolate. Donna estimates that 81 percent of their current business is in hauling liquids. As for dry goods, Weinrich Truck Line has carried everything from All-Terrain Vehicles to Popcorn.

“If it comes out of this area, we have most likely been a part of it at some point,” said Donna.

1989 Hurrican Hugo Aid

1996 Wheels for Humanity

1987 Safety Banquet for Weinrich Truck LineWeinrich Truck Line participates in an educational movie entitled Truck Song

1995 Safety Banquet at which many Weinrich Truck Line drivers qualified for the ATA Million mile Safety Award

Over the years Weinrich Truck Line has helped different causes, by donating time & resources.

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Weinrich Truck Line now has its fifth generation of Weinrich family employees. On staff are two daughters, two son-in-laws and a grandson just recently joined the team.

“Our employees – from those on the road to those here in the office and shop – have been key to our longevity,” said Donna. “We’ve been fortunate to have a number of drivers with us for 20 plus years. And we are especially proud of five of our drivers who had 20 years of driving with a perfect safety record.”

Weinrich Truck Line has been a long-standing member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. She cites the continued presence on Capitol Hill as essential for their business as well as the industry. Furthermore she elaborated that she continually relies on the association as a resource for news and regulations that are coming down the pike.

“The association is always just a phone call away for us,” Donna said. “And that has been an essential resource.”

Carrier Spotlight

Weinrich Truck Line has been a long-standing member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. She cites the continued presence on Capitol Hill as essential for their business as well as the industry.

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Carrier Spotlight

Ranae Allen, Terrie Weinrich, Donna Weinrich, Pam Milton, and Brenda Dittmer.

Bill Weinrich was a very special man and without question, a visible leader for the Iowa Motor Truck Association. He joined the association in the 1960s and quickly became an important advocate for the association and the industry as a whole. In 1977, he was elected the IMTA Chairman of the Board and remained an active and dedicated member and leader until his untimely death in 1994.

“Bill was someone that was never afraid to speak his mind and always made sure that we understood his concerns and his point of view. But after every conversation, you couldn’t help but walk away and realize how committed Bill was to the association’s success in every way, not only was he a respected and valued member, but was also a dear friend to all of us,” said Brenda Neville, IMTA President. In addition to serving in several leadership roles at IMTA, he was also very active with the American Trucking Association and the Truckload Carriers Association as well and served on the board of both those organizations.

In addition to possessing valuable leadership skills, Bill was also a visionary and it served him well in several ways but most importantly for the company. Bill first started the tanker division, Coca Cola was his first customer. At that point in time, not much was shipped by bulk liquid yet, but Cargill was just building their refinery in Sioux City and Bill saw a big market for the food grade bulk business. Bill also identified that Sioux Bee Honey was a big van customer. Bill explained that a switch in their operation

to allow for shipping bulk liquid could be equally cost effective for them and in the end, they made the switch and Bill retained the business.

Sadly, on May 6, 1994, Iowa’s trucking industry lost a cherished leader and friend. Bill was tragically killed in an airplane accident. “I still remember when we received the call and we were all in a state of shock. We never thought we would lose someone like Bill so suddenly, he was larger than life and had so much yet to give to the company, the association and the industry. It was a sad day for Iowa’s trucking industry,” said Brenda Neville.

At that point, the family had to make some very tough decisions and Bill’s wife Donna stepped up and helped the family navigate through a very difficult time. “The weird thing was that since Bill’s father had died young, he always “thought” he would leave us early too, so to some degree he had planned for an early departure. He had trained all us to be prepared and had done a tremendous job of keeping us in the loop for every aspect of the business. He often spoke to us about how we would have to “go forward” if something was to happen so in a sense we were very prepared because of those detailed conversations. It was because of that foresight and his willingness to share so much with us that we felt confident we could keep the business running after his death,” said Brenda Dittmer, Bill’s daughter and Vice President with the company.

And the company has been operating ever sense and continues to be successful…..just as Bill expected. “I think of Bill from time to time and without question his spirit lives on through his family and many others. He was a true leader in many ways and I would imagine he watching over all of us with great pride,” said Brenda Neville.

1938-1994

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2004 20052002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

HealthCare Reform

FEATURE

By: Travis ScottContributing Writer

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Health Care Reform – Check upLike it or not Health-care reform is here! Many in the industry feel, like Vice President Biden quipped at the signing, “This is a big f----g deal.” In an online survey conducted by etrucker.com, 23 percent of those polled felt their employer would drop coverage. The majority of respondents (53 percent) were not sure what the future held. Closer to home, IMTA did an informal polling of its membership and it included all types of members; truckers, vendors, towers, movers and tire dealers. Of the 100 members contacted, 89 responded that the “future of providing quality health care for their employees” was “questionable”.

One IMTA member’s additional comments exemplified the overall consensus of the members polled. “I continue to give more and more thought about simply getting out of trucking. The constant barrage of government oversight and intervention and the cost of that oversight make it almost impossible for me to operate in a successful and profitable manner. I am not sure I will even be able to find drivers in a few years, what do I tell a prospective driver? Come and work for me only if you have a good enough rating through the CSA 2010 regulations and by the way,

I can’t offer you any health insurance. It is very disheartening and just downright discouraging right now in trucking.”

A general consensus amongst trucking industry leaders is that the proposed mandates will favor smaller carriers already providing insurance. For instance, businesses with 25 or fewer employees making on average less than 50,000 a year will be eligible for tax credits on premium costs. For larger carriers it may not be as easy.

“The reforms passed in Washington appear to mostly benefit the 9 percent of Iowans who don’t have health insurance now,” said John Gilliland, senior vice president, government relations with Iowa Association of Business and Industry. “There’s a growing concern by employers and employees who offer good benefits now that they’re going to have to pay more to subsidize that group in the very near future.”

“The healthcare bill signed into law by President Obama will significantly impact virtually every business in the trucking and warehousing industry, if significant portions of the bill are not repealed,” said Jim Kurtenbach, Associate Dean/ISU College of Engineering, Private Partner/Prairie Oak Capital. Jim is also a former State Senator and felt that passing this legislation was extremely irresponsible and extremely short sighted. “The healthcare bill has significant new taxes that will impact businesses and,

therefore, reduce the amount of money available to pay employees,

create new business products, or to expand your market.”

At its spring board meeting in May, IMTA directors heard from Iowa’s Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss on the issue. “There are great challenges ahead for small employers include tax credits, groups coverage changes, and the ability to educate employees on their

part in making these reforms work.” Ms. Voss was the keynote speaker at the director’s luncheon and she went on to say that this legislation was without question “monumental” in regard to its impact on business.

“I am asked on a daily basis to summarize the impact of this legislation to employers and I can’t even begin to do that,” said Voss. “I think one of the biggest issues we are facing at this point, is the uncertainty of the legislation and because of that uncertainty, we can’t even begin to plan or prepare for it,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board Bob Kohlwes. “I have been told that this is an opportunity to do business a new way and that is accurate. The legislation will require a big paradigm shift but I have yet to feel as though there is anything good for business in this legislation.”

The new law establishes 159 new government agencies. Each agency will be responsible for enforcing some element of the law. For example one item in the law requires that any company operating in the US that receives $600.00 of goods or services must provide a 1099 to the provider of those goods or services. It does exempt non-profit as providers.

“The government bureaucracy will grow geometrically with the taxes -- members of the current ruling government class

Health Care Reform

John GillilandIowa Association of Businessand Indusry

Susan VossIowa Insurance Commissioner

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2004 20052002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Health Care Reformdo not trust business and industry, so look for a significant new government investment, i.e., your increased taxes, for healthcare auditors and agencies that will monitor our healthcare plans -- a new IRS will be created that is may be envisioned as the current IRS

on steroids,” continued Jim Kurtenbach.

With these mandates comes compliance, and where there are compliances there are usually fines. Case in point, individuals without insurance have

until 2014 to gain coverage or face

$95.00 fine, or 1 percent of income, whichever is greater. In the following year, the fine moves up to $325, or 2 percent of income; in 2016 in raises to $695 or 2.5 percent.

George Dunlap, district general manager at Colonial Supplemental Insurance, contends that the minutia paper work and increased government agencies are going to have a direct effect on the day-to-day operations of businesses.

“I will guarantee one observation that is an opinion,” said Dunlap. “Every company operating in the US, whether an individual or employer, will see the work load of the company to be increased beyond belief.”

Gilliland, on the other hand, points out that the road ahead is marred more by questions than by roadblocks.

“Small to medium sized employers have more questions than answers at this point regarding health care insurance changes. Businesses are used to going through the annual renewal process of insurance policies, to find ways to make the product work by either shopping around for new carriers or making changes to the policy deductibles or co-pays.”

“My hope is that the next administration will write legislation that minimizes the negative impact of the healthcare bill, while saving any patient-directed savings or healthcare initiatives that are contained within the plan,” said Jim Kurtenbach

The Road Ahead:Iowa employers have a history of providing great benefits. The state is

consistently ranked in the top five states for percentage of citizens who have employer-sponsored health insurance. Will the changes in the coming years raise or lower that ranking?

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry points out that many of its members were way ahead of the curve when it comes to employee wellness programs. Some small businesses, however, haven’t been as pro-active on the wellness front – hopefully the reforms can bring more incentive to engage their workforce in healthier lifestyles and choices.

“The pieces of the reform that focus on transparency and measurable quality in health care are long over-due and I think all consumers will appreciate those changes,” said Gilliland.

Around The Next Curve:Important health care-related changes in store from 2011 - 2013

2011• Beginning January 1, 2011,

employers will now be required to report the value of employees’ health benefits on W-2s.

• Consumers will no longer be able to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to purchase over-the-counter medications unless prescribed by a physician.

• Manufacturers and importers of brand-name drugs(drugs that are not generic) will be assessed an annual fee. For 2011 the amount is set at $2.5 billion and increases significantly each year thereafter.

Jim KurtenbachAssociate Dean/ISU, Partner, Prairie Oak Capital

“Small to medium sized employers have more questions than answers at this point regarding health care insurance changes.” said Jim Kurtenbach

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Summer 2010 21Lifeliner

Health Care Reform• The beginning of voluntary payroll

deductions into the federally-subsidized long-term care program. After a five year vesting period, contributors are allowed access to the program (if they have a qualifying need) which will pay out $75/day for long term care benefit.

2012• Medicare payments are frozen for

2011. In 2012 a new system of benchmarks will be phased in.

Further Down the Road2014 is big year for the reform. Highlighted at the top of the legislation’s text are “Immediate Improvements” to the healthcare system including variations on the small business incentives mentioned; relief for individuals who have been excluded from most affordable insurance plans due to pre-existing health conditions; elimination of insurance companies’ ability to end your coverage except for cases of policy fraud. Also in 2014, the bill expands Medicaid eligibility to a cutoff point of 133 percent of the poverty line for those not eligible for Medicare. That means individuals making less than $16,572.

Additional provisions effective in

2014• Federal government will define the

“essential benefits package.” All qualified health plans must offer this minimum package.

• The income level for Medicaid eligibility will rise which will allow millions of new people into the Medicaid system.

• Prohibition on pre-existing conditions exclusions for all plan participants, not just for those 19 years old and under.

• Wellness program incentives become effective. All employers will

be permitted to vary their health insurance premiums for employees up to 30% - based on whether or not employees participate in wellness programs and meet certain health standards. This could be increase to 50% by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) which would allow employers to create powerful incentives for employee participation in wellness programs.

• Prohibition on waiting periods that exceed 90 days

There are two certainties inherent in the trucking industry and the healthcare reform: one, change is coming; two, the industry has significant health care issues which need astute attention. The health of the drivers is the backbone of the industry, country and economy. It is not news to anyone in the business that there are a number of health issues rooted

in the business. A life on the road can easily

breed poor eating habits, which are exasperated by long sedentary periods with little opportunity

for exercise, resulting in a number of health problems – including, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart illness and sleep apnea.

While the health care reform is drawing decisive lines in the sand, perhaps what is most important is not that we have all the right answers but that we are looking at the important questions.

PLEASE NOTE: IMTA leaders are working on various forums/sessions to help educate and inform IMTA members about this national legislation. A session will be offered in conjunction with the IMTA Management Conference in September and subsequent sessions will be made available to the general membership as more information comes available in regard to the impact of this legislation to businesses of every size.

Change is coming.

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What Can Iowa Truck Services Do For You?The safety department at Iowa Motor Truck Association/Iowa Truck Services (ITS) is committed to working with members and non-members to provide valuable assistance and expertise as trucking companies continue to improve their safety and regulatory programs. Now more than ever, with CSA 2010 just around the corner, more and more carriers are realizing the importance of looking over their safety and compliance operations and attacking the weaknesses. Fortunately, IMTA is just a phone call away and a team of safety and compliance experts are willing and ready to help you get your compliance and regulatory services up to par. Furthermore, services can be tailored to meet a carrier’s specific needs, but our main objective is to provide you with the tools, support and expertise needed to ensure that you are compliant with the vast number of regulations that impact a trucking operation.

Mock Regulatory Compliance Audits. Mock audit options include a half-day audit and a full-day audit. In the half-day audit the carrier’s Safer Report is reviewed and in that review, the safety consultant will look for patterns or indications of potential problems. In addition, we also review the various processes that a carrier implements on a regular basis, processes such as hiring/firing and how the carrier tracks driver file expirations, hours of service, and compliance with the drug and alcohol testing program.

In a full-day mock audit, the same areas that are covered in the half day audit are highlighted but a more in-depth review and assessment is provided specifically for the driver qualification files, driver log books and hours of service. Vehicle maintenance files are also reviewed in the full day audit package.

Both audit options are valuable learning opportunities for the customers. Many clients have discovered that an “outside set of eyes” is extremely valuable and provides an unbiased and professional analysis of the company’s compliance operation.

Safety and Regulatory Training. Another service offered is safety and regulatory training. This training can be directed either towards management and operations personnel or drivers. The training component of Iowa Truck Services has continued to grow in popularity and many customers have determined the value of ongoing training and continue to work with IMTA/Iowa Truck Services to provide the training. Frequently requested topics include; Supervisor’s drug and alcohol training, compliance seminars, CSA 2010, hours of service, winter driving, roadside inspection, Safer reports and how they affect the carrier, driver qualification, and vehicle inspection. Again, Iowa Truck Services is happy to build a “custom” training program depending on the needs of the member, but this service continues to grow in popularity so IMTA members are encouraged to get on the calendar as soon as possible as each quarter it fills up quickly.

Regulatory Assistance. Our expertise and relationships with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Iowa Highway Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as well as other regulatory agencies, gives us an advantage in servicing our members with assistance in regulatory issues they may encounter.

IMTA has continued to be very successful in providing valuable assistance and expertise in this area. In recent years, IMTA has seen an increase in requests by members for assistance in obtaining an “administrative upgrade” and dramatically improving their overall safety operation.

In an administrative upgrade, we can review your safety process and note improvement in those processes since your original rating assessment, and through a joint relationship we are able create a request, exhibit, and supporting documentation to FMCSA in order to get an upgrade in your rating without FMCSA ever setting foot into your offices.

We have frequently worked with carriers in implementing safety and compliance

processes to ensure that they have the best possible practices and policies in place.

Corrective Action Plans. This area of expertise has taken on even greater importance as carriers are facing some even more challenges as the safety and compliance regulations demand constant oversight and attention. IMTA has a level of expertise in creating a corrective action plan. Corrective action plans are a final requirement by the FMCSA, ITS helps our members in creating corrective action plans when they are required to submit these to FMCSA as the result of a recent FMCSA compliance review. As most carriers know, the corrective action plan is a tool that helps them recover from an adverse compliance review and is often the final requirement for review in order for the carrier to be allowed to remain operational on the highways. We have many years of experience in successfully assisting carriers with corrective action plans and working with them to get back on the road of positive compliance activities within their companies.

CSA 2010. Without question, CSA 2010 is predicted to have a greater impact on the trucking industry than any other regulatory program. For the past two years, IMTA staff has been familiarizing themselves on this new program and as a result of that training, IMTA can provide a tremendous amount of expertise, insight and education to the members on this regulatory environment. IMTA has already conducted numerous CSA 2010 sessions with carriers from across the state and given the carriers the important advantage needed when this full transitions in as the new regulatory standard. IMTA has trained both management personnel and drivers, and continue to get requests for training.

We also have the ability to work with carriers during the transition to CSA 2010 and to assist them in determining how they will fare in the new measurement system of CSA 2010.

A big part of CSA 2010 is the Intervention process. In CSA 2010 carriers will be assessed monthly from data collected on ALL roadside inspections. If a carrier is found to be deficient in one of the seven

Iowa Truck Services

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Iowa Truck ServicesBehavior Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories (BASICS) areas, FMCSA will issue that carrier a letter of intervention, which will require the carrier to submit a corrective action process to work with FMCSA in ensuring that processes are in place to reduce the number of violations of this type. With our expertise in regulatory compliance, processes, and working with FMCSA, choosing ITS to assist you in this intervention process reply would give needed support to your safety personnel who quite possibly have never had to go through something such as this before.

Licensing and Permitting. Iowa Truck Services has enlisted the assistance of retired Iowa DOT licensing specialist, Ruth Skluzacek. This partnership has proven to be a win-win for our members, as Ruth has over 20 years of experience in truck licensing, permitting, IFTA recordkeeping

and is considered one of the foremost experts in this area within the State of Iowa.

Our list of services in this area is virtually limitless. Services performed include; IRP licensing assistance (both new vehicles and renewals), title work, name changes, prorate refund requests, weight increase requests, IFTA applications, renewals, recordkeeping and filing, temporary trip and fuel permits, UCR filing and renewal assistance, assistance with obtaining FMCSA operating authority (DOT number) both interstate and intrastate, MCS150 updates, assistance with heavy use tax for 2290, KYU Kentucky application, New Mexico ID Tax cards, Oregon motor carrier permit application, annual overweigh/over-dimensional permits, as well as special needs of motor carriers.

Iowa Motor Truck Association/Iowa Truck Services has a strong working relationship

with our friends at the Iowa Department of Transportation, and therefore are fully prepared to meet the needs of our members and customers.

GIVE US A TRY. We understand and appreciate that many IMTA members may already have a vendor that they are working with in these various areas. But we encourage IMTA members to consider giving Iowa Truck Services some business. Unlike your current provider, any fees collected by Iowa Truck Services go right back into the association that is fighting for and representing your interests at the Capitol both here and in Washington DC. We are also the respected voice of the industry with regulators and enforcement agencies. We would love a chance to gain your business and encourage you to consider contacting Don Egli or Mike Spalla to learn more about the variety of services provided by Iowa Truck Services.

When it comes to safety and compliance,

WHY BE AVERAGE?

A FLEET MANAGEMENT,

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AND

ONBOARD COMPUTING COMPANY©2010 PeopleNet Communications Corporation.

Tom Schmidt of Iowa-based GSTC Trucking Company utilizes eDriver Logs to maintain a near-perfect compliance record. (Zero acute or critical violations in a recent DOT audit.) If that sounds above average, it is. PeopleNet customers perform 58.4% better than the national average across 3 major safety indices. They experience 43.8% fewer vehicle out of service events, 66.7% fewer driver out of service events and 64.8% fewer moving violations.* And when it comes to CSA 2010, being average can be very costly. Join Tom and other PeopleNet customers outperforming the national average. To prepare your fleet for CSA 2010 visit http://CSA2010.peoplenetonline.com.*When compared against U.S. benchmarks.

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National Update

Meeting Changing Employment Screening Demands Amid CSA 2010 RegulationsThe transportation industry faces unique issues in managing an employment screening program. Regulatory requirements, liability risks, negligent hiring and retention claims, and a historically high rate of turnover all pose significant challenges for transportation employers. In an environment of changing regulations, the impending CSA 2010 initiatives will bring significant changes to motor carrier requirements and processes across the board. One area affected in particular is in pre-employment screening. As part of the CSA 2010 initiative, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was mandated by Congress to provide motor carriers access to driver information contained in their Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) that can be used when screening new applicants. This new program is called the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP). It can be challenging for motor carriers to fully understand how these programs interrelate and how to navigate and manage them effectively, but it is critical that they do to ensure that they hire the best, safest drivers which is a key factor in maintaining an acceptable safety rating.

PSP is designed to assist the motor carrier industry in assessing individual operators’ crash and serious safety violation history as a pre-employment condition. The PSP report will contain the most recent five years of crash data (DOT recordable accidents) and three years of roadside inspection data from the FMCSA MCMIS. Motor carriers are not mandated to use the PSP reports as part of the screening process, so it is a voluntary program at this point. However, the report will provide very useful data regarding the driver’s qualification which will ultimately affect a carrier’s overall safety score.

It’s important to note that FMCSA states that a driver’s history before they are hired by a motor carrier will not affect the carrier’s overall safety rating. A driver’s ratings and performance data are factored into the motor carrier’s score only for the time period that a driver is employed by the carrier. However, if a carrier hires a driver with a marginal driving history, there is a concern that the performance issues may continue, and there is a risk that FMCSA could target those drivers and carriers for enforcement action, fines and penalties. To avoid these risks, motor carriers should continue to conduct thorough driver screening, incorporating the PSP report into the existing screening program to gain visibility into a driver’s history and safety performance.

Amid these changing regulations and procedures, motor carriers must also

keep in mind the competitive hiring environment and develop an efficient screening program with fast turnaround times to help improve time-to-hire. An effective screening program can speed up the hiring process, improve the candidate experience, help identify the most qualified candidates, and make the process more efficient, reducing costs and man-hours. This is especially important in the transportation industry where there tends to be an extremely high turnover rate, leading to increased recruiting, hiring and on-boarding costs. A rigorous, consistent and effective background screening program can help carriers comply with regulatory requirements and protect them from non-compliance penalties; reduce the risk of accidents and cargo theft and risks associated with negligent hiring and retention; and improve the hiring process for more qualified candidates.

By: Kent FergusonTransportation Solutions, Hire Right

In an environment of changing regulations, the impending CSA 2010 initiatives will bring significant changes to motor carrier requirements and processes across the board.

Kent Ferguson has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry and has worked closely with the development of products and services to help transportation companies maintain compliance and hire drivers more efficiently.

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National News

Mike Riggan – TanTara Transportation Corp., Pat Storey – Motor-Ways, Inc., Brenda Neville – IMTA, Congressman Tom Latham, Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Steve Schuster – Schuster Co., and Dave Van Wyk - Van Wyk, Inc.

Mike Riggan – TanTara Transportation Corp., Congressman Steve King, Dave Van Wyk - Van Wyk, Inc., and Steve Schuster – Schuster Co.

Pat Storey – Motor-Ways, Inc., Steve Schuster – Schuster Co., Brenda Neville – IMTA, Senator Chuck Grassley, Mike Riggan – TanTara Transportation Corp., Dave Van Wyk - Van Wyk, Inc., Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

IMTA Leaders Travel to WashingtonA team of IMTA leaders traveled to Washington to call on Iowa’s congressional delegation. The group comprised of carriers from across the state as well as an allied member spent three days in Washington DC, calling on Iowa’s delegation and also taking part in an “issues briefing” provided by the American Trucking Associations. “It has been many years since an Iowa delegation has been to Washington and given all the “bad” legislation that is coming out of this place, we felt it was of critical importance for us to travel to DC and let our voices be heard,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board, Bob Kohlwes. While in DC, the group attended a day of briefings by ATA staff on various issues. Iowa was among five state trucking associations involved with the ATA briefings. West Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois and Tennessee were also in Washington at the same time.

“It is mind boggling the amount of legislation that is being considered and none of it is good for business,” said Dave Van Wyk, Van Wyk, Inc. and a member of the delegation that traveled to Washington. The group called on all of the Iowa lawmakers and also enjoyed time at the State Capitol and at other attractions within this historic city. The group was comprised of Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities, Pat Storey, Motor-Ways, Inc., Mike Riggan, TanTara Transportation, Steve Schuster, Schuster Co., Dave Van Wyk, Van Wyk, Inc. and Brenda Neville, President, Iowa Motor Truck Association.

“It is a sacrifice in a lot of different ways to get these folks to travel to DC for three days but at the end of the trip, we all agreed that it is a bigger disservice not to get out here and have a voice in these national issues that will continue to prevail in the way we do business. Just like at the state level, having a presence reminds these elected officials that we do indeed care and we are engaged, that in itself is extremely important,” said Brenda Neville.

“It is mind boggling the amount of legislation that is being considered and none of it is good for business,” said Dave Van Wyk,Van Wyk, Inc.

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28 Summer 2010Lifeliner

IMTA Members in the News

Local moving company helps “Lend a Hand” to a local charity.Several crews from the Des Moines TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise were on hand to assist with the NBC Today’s Show “Lend a Hand” program.

The crews loaded and unloaded trucks with thousands of donated items for a local charity.

Today’s show weatherman Al Roker presented donations worth $660,595 to Iowa Homeless Youth Centers as part of the ninth annual “Lend a Hand Today” program.

Professional Driver and Iowa Road Team Member Shows His Heroic Side

In May 2010 Richard (Rick) Barre, Con-Way Freight was traveling down Highway 63 in Missouri heading for Kirksville. About 3-4 miles north of town, a vehicle decided to make a left turn onto a road with

traffic coming in the opposite direction, they stopped on a 60 mph road with no turn signal…the car following them did not have time to react and ran into the back of the vehicle, bounced off and ended up in a deep ditch. Rick Barre was right behind the accident.

By the time Rick got stopped, brakes set and out of the truck there was a bystander yelling that the car in the ditch was on fire. Rick ran down to the car, there was fire coming out from the engine compartment. The young lady in the car was conscious

and wanted to get out of the car because of the fire. Rick pulled the young lady through the driver’s window and carried her up the hill to safety where she could be treated by medics when they arrived. Rick gave his information to the police on the scene and continued on his way to make his deliveries for the day.

Rick went above and beyond to help others while performing his daily duties as a truck driver. This shows the concern and commitment to safety truck drivers have each and every day on the road. Rick’s quick action ultimately saved the life of this young lady. Rick is an active Truck Driving Championships participant and a member of the 2010 Iowa Road Team.

French receives Honorary Alumni Award from ISU Alumni Association

Rod French, president and CEO of Kenworth Mid-Iowa, Inc., did not graduate from Iowa State University, however that has not stopped him from being a strong supporter of not only athletics but a

supporter of the University in many aspects and capacities. Rod began supporting ISU Athletics in the 1970s.

“Rod French has been a friend of Iowa State Athletics, and more importantly academics, for a long, long time. Through his generosity and support our student athletes are able to study, learn, and grow in a world class facility on a daily basis. I consider Rod a great friend and a man that makes me proud to be an Iowa State Cyclone,” said Paul Rhoads, ISU Head Football Coach.

Rod French is one of the 2010 recipients of the Honorary Alumni Award. This award is the highest honor given by Iowa State University through the ISU Alumni Association to individuals who are not

graduates of Iowa State University and who have made significant contributions to Iowa State’s welfare, reputation, prestige, and pursuit of excellence. Up to three awards are granted annually.

“The Iowa State family is lucky to be made up of individuals who have adopted the university and its mission just like those who actually attended and graduated from ISU. Rod French is surely one of those exemplary individuals. To us, his heart and actions have become synonymous with all that is truly Iowa State! We gladly bestow the Honorary Alumnus distinction on Rod for his ongoing commitment and loyalty to the growth and excellence of Iowa State University,” commented Jeff Johnson, ISU Alumni Association President & CEO.

Rod and his wife, Connie, live in Des Moines. They were named Cy’s Favorite Alums in 2005, they are members of the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear Society and Campanile Society.

Rod is also a valued IMTA member and supporter.

2009 TCA National Owner/Operator of the Year!

The Truckload Carriers Association has announced that Warren Transport, Inc. independent contractor Steven J. Recker has been selected as the 2009 TCA National Owner/Operator of the Year! The

announcement was made at the TCA’s recent Annual Meeting at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recker, company president Robert Molinaro, and vice presidents Clayton Fisk and Bryan Molinaro-Blonigan were on hand for the award ceremony.

Recker has been driving commercial vehicles for more than 36 years and has logged more than three million accident-free commercial miles. He has been an

Rick BarreCon-way Freight

Rod FrenchKenworth Mid Iowa, Inc.

Steven ReckerWarren Transport, Inc.

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Summer 2010 29Lifeliner

IMTA Members in the Newsindependent contractor with Warren for more than 25 years and has been its Driver of the Month multiple times. Recker has been selected as one of only a handful of Outstanding Professional Drivers by the Iowa Motor Truck Association and has been the IMTA’s Driver of the Year and a member of the IMTA’s Road Team. Recker has also been a multi-time place-winner in the TCA’s national Owner-Operator of the Year contest.

The contest is designed to honor those independent contractor owner-operators who best represent their profession through their safety record, their contribution to their companies, communities and industry, and their ability to operate a successful business. Only the “Best of the Best” from more than one-half million owner/operators in the United States are selected.

Ruan Transport Corporation Names 2009 Driver of the Year

Doug Quick was honored as Ruan Transport Corporation’s 2009 Driver of the Year after being selected from a pool of more than 4,100 professional drivers. Quick, who operates out of Ruan’s

Tampa, FL terminal, has been with Ruan for 14 years and has served as a professional truck driver for 28 years. Quick said he was surprised and humbled to be nominated for the recognition.

“Sometimes it’s hard to quantify the impact of a single individual or driver on the performance of an operation,” said Quick’s terminal manager, Byron McClain. “However, I would be remiss if I failed to point out the leadership, guidance and training Doug provides to both new drivers and veterans alike.”

Quick, who is a dedicated driver for Ruan client Johnson Controls, Inc., was honored with a trophy, $5,000 and the 2009 Driver of the Year title.

Supporting Higher Education

The first of many contributions to Iowa State University from the Sukup family of Sheffield was a very unlikely gift toward the purchase of the school’s first pipe organ.

Since then the Sukup family has been an invaluable supporter of a variety of academic and athletic programs at Iowa State. The Sukup family recently had the lead pledge for the new Cyclone basketball facility in west Ames now named by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa as the Sukup Basketball Complex.

“Iowa State athletics has been a great source of pride and enjoyment for our family,” Steve Sukup said. “The department has a family feel from all their coaches, and we revel in the opportunity to support a first-class complex for our men’s and women’s basketball programs.”

The Sukup family has also made a significant contribution to phase two of the Biorenewables and Engineering Laboratory Complex. This building will be the central location for many of Iowa State’s biorenewables – related activities in research, education and outreach. It will also be the home to the department of agricultural and biosystems engineering.

The Sukups own and operate Sukup Manufacturing Co., the world’s largest family-owned grain bin manufacturer. Sukup Manufacturing Co. has been a long time member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Steve Sukup is currently a member of the Iowa Motor Truck Association Board of Directors.

Bergan, Paulsen & Company, P.C.Cedar Rapids, IA

Denver ConstructionWaterloo, IA

GE Capital Solutions Transportations FinanceUrbandale, IA

Hoy Trucking, LLCBussey, IA

Hueneman Farms L CGarner, IA

Imperial Supplies LLCGreen Bay, WI

J & D TruckingWaukee, IA

Jensen Farms TKG, LLCAnkeny, IA

Martin – BrowerMason City, IA

Multi Service Corp. DBA Open Road Drivers PlanOverland Park, KS

Pratt IndustriesBridgman, MI

Protein TransportEldora, IA

Scheldrup BladesCedar Rapids

Silver Eagle Enterprises, Inc.Quincy, IL

The Legacy Golf ClubNorwalk, IA

Whitfield & Eddy, PLCDes Moines, IA

“These new members are a testament of how IMTA can become your greatest business partner. If you know of a company who should be on this list, let us know!”

Mike Spalla,IMTA Membership Manager

Mike Spalla,Membership Manager

IMTA’ s Newes t Members

Welcome New Members!Doug QuickRuan Tranport

The Sukup Family at the dedication ceremonies for the facility

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30 Summer 2010Lifeliner

Over $15,000 was raised for TRUCK PAC IOWA

The 2010 Truck PAC Iowa Spring Golf Outing was once again a huge success. This year brought the best weather for the event in over five years, along with the encouragement of healthy competition and contests, the 2010 event was successful in raising money for the trucking industry’s political action committee.

A special thanks to Clark Bannister, Central Trailer Service and Eric Aspengren, Truck Leasing Inc. for chairing the event again this year.

Over 120 golfers enjoyed the beautiful weather to participate in this year’s golf outing. This year the golfers had the opportunity to participate in some additional contests. Thank you to IMTA Chairman of the Board Bob Kohlwes and 1st Vice Chairman, Mike Riggan for hosting the chairman’s challenge on one of the holes at the golf outing.

Everyone that participated in the outing provided generous support to the PAC and it is greatly appreciated! We look forward to the same great weather and even more member participation next year.

Championship Flight - 1st Place

Championship Flight - 2nd Place

Championship Flight - 3rd Place

Eric Aspengren - Truck Leasing, Inc., Gary Marker – L & L Insulations, Lonnie Crownover – Kenworth Mid-Iowa, and Scott Smoldt – Smoldt Moving & Storage

Dave Nelsen - Freightliner of Des Moines, Tom Trusty - BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Mike Bagg - Central Trailer Service, and Jeff Miller – Beaver Creek Golf Course

Sasha Monthei – Scheldrup Blades, Brett Lippold – Truck Country, John Ridder – Truck Country, and Jeff Baedke – Truck Country

Bob Kayser, O’Halloran International - 3rd placeKermit White, NuTech Seed - 1st placePat Bishop, Boyer Petroleum - 2nd place

Putting Contest Winners

Spring Golf Outing

Page 31: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 31Lifeliner

First Flight - 1st Place

Second Flight - 1st Place

Second Flight - 2nd Place

Second Flight - 3rd Place

First Flight - 2nd Place

First Flight - 3rd Place

Dave Tingle – Mid States Utility, Jeff Dickinson – Reppert Rigging & Hauling, Tim Darrah – T.D. Hawks, Inc., and Arlan Van Wyk – Van Wyk, Inc.

Jack Hagar, Tony Schager – West Union Motors, Kermit White – NuTech Seed, and Mark Zieman – Cherry Valley Enterprises

Jeremy Cook – AE Dairy, Jerry Bender – AE Dairy, Dave Wiederin – O’Halloran International,

and Sandy Freeman – AE Dairy

Roger Thompson – Olson Explosives, Inc., Lowell Grunwald – Olson Explosives, Inc., Mark Olson – Olson Explosives, Inc., and Jason Olson – Olson Explosives, Inc.

Curt Schaben – John Deere, Scott Phillips – Ryder, Mike McKinney – McKinney Towing, and Andrew Larson – Ankeny Sanitation

Joel Donaghy – Donaghy Kempton Insurors, Dave Cowman – C & A Transportation & Logistics, Roger Jansen – Lynnville Transport, Inc., and Brian Donaghy – Donaghy Kempton Insurors

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32 Summer 2010Lifeliner

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Summer 2010 33Lifeliner

speakers

IMTAIowa Motor Truck Association

Annual Management Conference

September 22 & 23, 2010

Okoboji, Iowa

Session 4Focusing on Financial Management with Growth OpportunitiesJim KurtenbachAssociate Dean, ISU& Private Equity Partner, Prairie Oak CapitalFirms in the trucking industry are joining firms in other industries as they have restructured to maintain liquidity in one of the toughest markets faced in the past generation. This session will focus on positioning your firm to take advantage of growth opportunities by identifying feasible merger and acquisition targets to support growth as economic stability returns. It

doesn’t matter what your level of expertise is in the world of finance, you need to have an understanding of these concepts and Jim Kurtenbach is known for outlining and showcasing these topics in a manner that everyone walks away with valuable information that they can apply to their operation immediately. For the past three years, this session has been standing room only and it continues to be our most requested session. Come and see what everyone else is talking about…

Thursday, September 23, 20108:30 AM – 9:30 AMIMTA Annual MeetingBarbara Windsor, 1st Vice Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, will be joining us at the IMTA Management Conference. Barbara will give us insight into what is happening in the trucking industry on the national level. Barbara is President and CEO of Hahn Transportation in Maryland. Before entering the family business and the trucking industry Barbara was employed for 20 years by Trans World Airlines. In addition to sitting on the ATA Board of Directors Barbara is a past chairman of the National Tank Truck Carriers and also a past

chairman of the Maryland Motor Truck Association. We are honored that she will be joining us in Okoboji.

Thursday, September 23, 20103:00 PM – 4:00 PMGeneral SessionMarty Schottenheimer-Keynote AddressFormer NFL All-Star LinebackerFormer NFL All-Star Linebacker played 7 Seasons for the Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Colts. After his playing career, Marty quickly transitioned to coaching and has won over 200 games in his 21 years as a head coach. Soon after leaving as head coach of the San Diego Chargers, he was hired by ESPN to work as an NFL Insider on the station. He’s currently been seen on Sports Center and NFL Live. Schottenheimer gave many Head Coaches their first coaching jobs. Bill Cowher,

Pittsburgh Steelers—Gunther Cunningham, Kansas City Chiefs—Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts—Lindy Infante & Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers just to name a few! Marty is joining us during the General Session as our featured speaker. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to a football legend!

Jim KurtenbachAssociate Dean ISUPrairie Oak Capital

Marty SchottenheimerFormer NFL All-Star Linebacker

Barbara WindsorAmerican Trucking Association

Attorney GeneralCandidateBrenna Findley

GovernorTerry Branstad

SenatorKim Reynolds

CongressmanTom Latham

CongressmanSteve King

Due to the exciting legislative environment we are currently in - we couldn’t resist extending an invite to some key leaders and candidates.

But we won’t know if they will be joining us or not.

Thursday, September 23, 20109:45 AM – 10:45 AM Motor Carrier Roundtables11:00 AM – Noon Motor Carrier Roundtables Repeated1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Motor Carrier Roundtables Repeated

Session 1Economic Update & ForecastBob CostelloChief Economist & Vice PresidentAmerican Trucking AssociationsThe nation’s top trucking economist will once again join our group and provide valuable insight on the past, present and future of the economy and its impact on the trucking industry. Anyone that owns either a trucking company or a business that serves the trucking industry will not want to miss this session. Known for his straightforward, easy to understand approach to economics, Bob Costello will provide you the answers and insight that will be of great value in your future decision making

processes. The economy drives everything and in this day and age, relying on the economic forecasts is paramount to ongoing success and viability.

Session 2CSA 2010 Update, Status & ImplementationShirley McGuire –Division AdministratorFederal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationCSA 2010 will have a far reaching impact on the way the trucking industry operates. For the past 24 months, the nation’s trucking industry has been preparing for the implementation of this monumental change in the way carriers are assessed and evaluated in virtually all aspects of their operation. CSA 2010 builds on FMCSA’s current processes for assessing and improving the safety performance of motor carriers and drivers through a new safety measurement system and a new suite of tools. These

include an enhanced compliance review (CR), in addition to more focused and efficient interventions tailored to address specific problems. Discussion will focus on the current status of the program and the timeline for full implementation.

Session 3Understanding National Health Care ReformLori WiederinSenior Vice PresidentHolmes Murphy & AssociatesThe national health care reform legislation is here and the short and long term ramifications of this national legislation on your business are still emerging. Without question, this legislation is predicted to change the way all businesses operate in the future. This session will be a springboard for discussion as the potential impact and strategies related to health care reform will be outlined and discussed by a national expert. What is the financial burden of this national reform, what does it mean to

your business and more importantly, what can you do about it?…come to this session and get the information and answers to help you make some decisions as to the direction your company will take.

Bob CostelloAmerican Trucking Associations

Shirley McGuireFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Lori WiederinHolmes Murphy & Associates

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34 Summer 2010Lifeliner

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships

Bobby Hansen greets the TDC participants at the BBQ

Driver’s participated in a special “Parade of Champions” at the TDC.

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships – A Tribute to Iowa’s Finest The “Best of the Best” gathered once again at the Iowa Speedway as the 2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships was kicked off despite some uncooperative June weather. The group of 76 professional truck drivers proved once again that they came to the competition prepared to showcase their commitment and dedication to their profession with high scores reported in all areas.

“It was another outstanding event with some of the top professionals in the field and as always, a group of volunteers that make this all possible,” said Bridget Nixon, 2010 TDC Chairman, in her concluding remarks at the awards banquet.

Over 75 volunteers once again came out to show their support of the championships and just as many spectators were on hand to cheer on their favorite driver. In addition to the driving portion of the testing, the competitors also took part in an interview process, written exam and vehicle inspection.

“We are very pleased with the 2010 championships and as the economy continues to strengthen, we are optimistic that we will get even more participation and support in the years to come,” said Dan Gardner, 2010 TDC Co-Chairman.

The committee was equally pleased with the number of sponsors that showed support for the 2010 and are already in the process of looking towards the future and working on the 2011 championships.

“This is one of the most important events we can do as an industry because it truly recognizes the drivers and we all know that the drivers are the foundation of this great industry. I am always very proud that we as an industry, take the time and energy to say thank you to these fine professionals by hosting such an outstanding event year after year,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities.

ARGEE TransportBisom Truck LineBTI Special CommoditiesCasey’s General StoresCedar Rapids Truck CenterCentral Trailer ServiceContinental Western InsuranceCost Reduction TechnologiesCummins Central PowerDecker Truck Line, Inc.Donaghy KemptonDR & KW Transtor, Inc.Elliott-Hartman AgencyFedEx FreightGreat West CasualtyGreen Products CompanyGregg Goodenow, Ltd.Hanifen Co., Inc.Harold Dickey TransportHeil TrailerHNI Truck Group LLCHolmes Murphy

Housby Mack, Inc.Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.Interstate PowerSystemsIowa Tanklines, Inc.Jim Hawk Truck TrailersJJ Keller & AssociatesJMT TruckingJoe Morten and Son, Inc. d.b.a. Motor-Ways, Inc.Majestic Truck ServicesMcKenna Truck CenterMichelin North AmericaMidwest Wheel CompaniesMid Seven Transportation Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, Inc.Niagara NationalO’Halloran InternationalPeopleNetPerishable Distributors of IowaPower Service ProductsPrepass – ACSPrins Insurance, Inc.

Qualcomm, Inc.Quality Services Corp.Reppert Rigging & HaulingReynolds & Reynolds, Inc.Schneider GraphicsSchueman Transfer, Inc.Simons PetroleumSolar Transport Stutsman Transportation, Inc.TanTara TransportationThermo King ChristensenTriple J Enterprises CorpTruck CountryTrueNorth CompaniesWal-Mart Transportation, LLCWarren Transport, Inc.West Side TransportWhittemore Truck & TrailerWilson TrailerYRC Worldwide, Inc.

Special Thanks Truck Driving Championships 2010 Sponsors

IMTA Chairman of the Board Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities, Inc. waves the green flag to signal the official start of the Great American Stockcar Series race.

Special Thanks goes to longtime volunteer Darrell Whitehead.

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Summer 2010 35Lifeliner

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships

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2010 TDC CommitteeFront Row: Rodney Glassner – Con-Way Freight, Don Egli – IMTA, Bridget Nixon – Solar Transport, Second Row: Brenda Neville – IMTA, Clayton Fisk – Warren Transport, Gary Handley – BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Third Row: Marvin McGinnis – Casey’s General Stores, Dan Hannasch – Farner-Bocken CompanyNot Pictured: Dan Gardner – Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, Darrell Whitehead – ARGEE Transport, Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Brian George – GTL Transportation

Chairperson Bridget Nixon, Solar Transport and Co-Chair Dan Gardner, Wal-Mart Transportation address the crowd at the TDC, offering their words of encouragement.

2010 TDC Facts: 76 Participating Drivers 20 1st Year Participants 19 Companies Represented

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36 Summer 2010Lifeliner

2010 TDC Participants

FedEx National LTL

FedEx Express

Cherry Valley Enterprises, Inc.

Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.

FedEx Freight

Con-Way Freight, Inc.

Anderson Erickson Dairy Co.

Johnsrud Transport

BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

TEAM

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Summer 2010 37Lifeliner

Solar Transport

Y.R.C. World Wide

Ruan Transportation Management Systems

TanTara Transportation Corp.

Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC

Schuster Co.

UPS Freight

2010 TDC Participants

TEAM

Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd.Martin-Brower Panama Transfer

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38 Summer 2010Lifeliner

2010 TDC Winners

WINNERS

3 Axle VanBridget Nixon - Solar Transport , 2nd Place - Jim Stinemates - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 1st Place - Ryan Kelley - FedEx Freight, 3rd Place - Jim Schuster - Con-Way Freight, Inc. , and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

5 Axle VanBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, 2nd Place - Gary Baker - Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd., 1st Place - Tom Goddard - Hy-Vee, Inc., 3rd Place - Bob Nesselroad - Anderson Erickson Dairy, and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Flatbed DivisionBridget Nixon - Solar Transport ,2nd place - Ron Bloom - Johnsrud Transport, Inc., 1st Place - Mark Brown - Wal-Mart Transportation, 3rd Place - Ron Brown - Johnsrud Transport, Inc., and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Twin TrailersBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, 3rd Place - Jim Lair - FedEx Freight, 1st Place - Tony Maiefski - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 2nd Place - Kevin Garlick - Con-Way Freight, Inc., and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

4 Axle VanBridget Nixon - Solar Transport , 3rd Place - Glen Frick - Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd., 1st Place - Jeff Wickwire - Con-Way Freight, Inc., 2nd Place - Todd Anderson - Hy-Vee, Inc., and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Sleeper DivisionBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, 2nd Place - Jeff Bean - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 1st Place - Jason Skalicky - Perishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd., 3rd Place - Michael Lundberg - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Tank DivisionBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, 1st Place - Chris Dougherty - Solar Transport, 2nd Place - Jeff Cooper - BTI Special Commodities, Inc., and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc. Not Pictured: 3rd Place - Jason Kremer - FedEx Freight

Straight TruckBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, 2nd Place - Brian Steenhoek - Anderson Erickson Dairy, 1st Place - David Bean - Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC, 3rd Place - Robert Ratliff - FedEx Express, and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Page 39: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 39Lifeliner

2010 TDC Winners

Highest Overall ScoreBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Ryan Kelley - FedEx Freight and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Highest Pre-Trip ScoreBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Joe Myers - FedEx Freight, and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Team Sportsmanship Award Con-Way Freight, Inc.

Team Awards - 2nd PlaceHy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.

1st Year ParticipantBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Chris Dougherty - Solar Transport, and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Individual Sportsmanship AwardBridget Nixon - Solar Transport, Joe Myers - FedEx Freight, and Bob Kohlwes – BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Team Awards - 1st PlacePerishable Distributors of Iowa, Ltd.

Team Awards - 3rd PlaceAnderson Erickson Dairy

WINNERS

Page 40: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

40 Summer 2010Lifeliner

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships

Competition Equipment Donated By:

Anderson Erickson DairyBTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Casey’s General StoresCon-Way Freight

FedEx FreightJohnsrud Transport

O’Halloran InternationalRuan Transportation Management Systems

Wal-Mart Transportation, LLC

Show Trailer for Driver Holding Donated By:

Anderson Erickson DairyCrouse Transportation

Tow Truck Flatbed Announcer’s Stand Donated By:

Barney’s, Inc.

Pre-Trip Equipment Donated By:Bisom Truck Line

BTI Special CommoditiesPerishable Distributors of Iowa

Van Wyk Freight LinesWal-Mart Transportation, LLC

YRC Worldwide

Generator Donated By:Cummins Central Power, LLC

IMTA Show Trailer Power Unit Donated By:

BTI Special Commodities, Inc.

Safety Vests Provided By: Manatt’s, Inc.

Special Thanks!2010 Equipment

Donators

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Summer 2010 41Lifeliner

2010 Iowa Truck Driving Championships

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Page 42: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

42 Summer 2010Lifeliner

Iowa Tow Show

Iowa Tow Show ExhibitorsHanifen Co. Inc.

Trebron, Inc.

Twin Cities Wrecker Sales, Inc.

Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC

Zip’s Truck Equipment

Iowa Tow Show Held June 11 & 12, 2010 at the Iowa Speedway!The Towing & Recovery Professionals of Iowa once again decided to hold the annual Iowa Tow Show in conjunction with the Iowa Truck Driving Championships and IMTA Truck Show at the Iowa Speedway. Many companies brought their tow trucks to display at the show for attendees to walk through. This year TRPI members also had the opportunity to attend a membership meeting, attend a Great American Stockcar Race, view recovery demonstrations, and attend a variety of education seminars including; Towing Safety on the Race Track, CSA 2010, Brake Inspector Certification, and Preventive Maintenance and Servicing the 2010 Engine.

This year’s show brought many veteran attendees together with those who had never attended the Iowa Tow Show. This event presented time for networking and socializing among those who attended, it was once again a great opportunity to showcase and promote the importance of the towing industry in Iowa.

There were many tow trucks on display & the Iowa Tow Show presented time for networking

and socializing among those who attended!

Virginia and Norbert Bertling with Trebron, Inc. are long time attendees and supporters of the Iowa Tow Show

Lyle Chaney and Jeff Bussanmas – Bussanmas Towing & Recovery take time to catch up at this year’s event.

Attendees of the Iowa Tow Show enjoy the Great American Stockcar Series Race which ran Friday night and was open to all attendees.

Doyle Kepley – Dave’s Auto & Truck Service networks with an attendee of the 2010 Iowa Tow Show

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Summer 2010 43Lifeliner

IMTA Truck Show

Chris Finch – Central Trailer Service, Val Lind – Central Trailer Service, Mike Bagg – Central Trailer Service, Steve McEnany – Midwest Wheel Companies, and John Minor – Midwest Wheel Companies

Allison Show Trailer Display was available for attendees to view.

Bobby Hansen, Iowa Speedway stands with the official pace car on display at the Truck Show.

The Detroit Diesel Show Trailer

The Bandag Bandit was once again on display for attendees to view at the IMTA Truck Show.

IMTA Truck Show SponsorsBridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions

Crouse Transportation Services, LLC

Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc.

Great West Casualty / Joe Morten & Son, Inc. d.b.a. Motor-Ways, Inc.

Iowa City Brake, Inc.

Midwest Wheel Companies

Wilshire Insurance Co.

Special Thanks!We would like to thank

John Minor – Midwest Wheel Companies and Jim Farr – Farr

Transport, Inc. Co-Chairmen of the Truck Show for their hard work and

dedication to this event.

John Minor

Jim Farr

Page 44: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

44 Summer 2010Lifeliner

IMTA - Truck Show

IMTA Truck Show Exhibitors

Dharl Bagley with Ziegler visited with attendees in the exhibit area at the 2010 Truck Show.

M.D. Alignment Services, Inc. took advantage of the opportunity to promote their company in the exhibit area of the Truck Show.

Steve McEnany and John Minor both with Midwest Wheel Companies are ready to share information with attendees who visit their booth.Wendi DeHaai with Des Moines Truck

Brokers, Inc. networked at an exhibit display available during the Truck Show.

Mike Sullivan – Kenworth Mid-Iowa and Steve Powers, Kenworth Mid-Iowa visit at the Kenworth Mid-Iowa display.

Randy Calanca – Qualcomm finishes setting up his exhibit at the Truck Show.

Allison Display Trailer

Bauer Built Tire

Boyer Petroleum

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions

Central Trailer Service

Cummins Central Power / Peterbilt

Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc.

Detroit Diesel Display Trailer

Equipment Systems / Hunter

Freightliner of Des Moines, Inc.

Iowa City Brake

Iowa DOT

Iowa Speedway

Karl Chevrolet

Kenworth Mid-Iowa

Lucas Oil Driving Simulator

McKenna Truck Center

M.D. Alignment Services, Inc.

Medix Occupational Health

Midwest Wheel Companies

O’Halloran International, Inc.

Qualcomm

Truck Country

Ziegler Caterpillar

Boyer Petroleum had an exhibit at the Truck Show where Jim Proctor and Charlie Williams presented information to attendees.

Page 45: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 45Lifeliner

Mike HarbisonMorning Sun, IA

Best Working Truck 1984-1991

IMTA - Truck Show

Iowa City Brake, Inc.

Hunter Total Wheel Alignment SystemHeavy Duty Truck Repair

Roadside Assistance Available

Ph. (319) 339-9453 2930 Industrial Park Rd.Fax (319) 339-9459 Iowa City, IA 52240

Pride & PolishJake Nolan

Atkins, IA

Best of Show

Best Paint

Best Lights

Best Tractor Trailer Combo

Best Working Truck 1995-2003

Best Interior

Ron BrubakerBrubaker TruckingSigourney, IA

Best Engine

Best Tractor

Mack SmithTanTara TransportationMuscatine, IA

Best 2006-2010 Tractor Trailer Combo

Special Thanks!We would like to than Mike Riggan – TanTara

Transportation for his work as the Chairman for the 2010 Pride and Polish event.

Mike Riggan

Page 46: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

46 Summer 2010Lifeliner

The Final Word

Dear IMTA,

I wanted to write you a letter because I felt it was important to thank you and your

organization for hosting the Iowa Truck Driving Championships. My father was a

participant on and off over the years and it wasn’t until we were with him on his final days

that we understood the importance of this event in his life.

He didn’t do very well at the roadeo, but he loved the event. In fact we used to get frustrated

when he went to the roadeo and would come home with no awards because trucking was his

life. We didn’t realize what the roadeo meant to him until he told us on his death bed that it

was his most favorite part of being in trucking. He said that it always gave him great pride

to “rub elbows” with all those great truckers and he said it was always the best 2 days of his

year because he would hear trucking stories for 48-hours straight and he loved that.

Nothing gave him more pride than to say he was a truck driver and be at the roadeo. He

always said that being a truck driver was the most important job there was because everyone

relies on the products that only trucks can bring. Sadly, we took for granted all the sacrifices

he made as a long haul trucker and we never appreciated the life we had as a bunch of snot

nosed kids because of those sacrifices he made. It wasn’t until the last five years that we

really learned to appreciate everything he did as a professional truck driver. And we found

great peace in knowing that he was able to do something he loved for over 30 years. It also

gave us great comfort in knowing that while we were never appreciative or supportive of

his profession, at least the roadeo provided him with the respect and recognition that he

deserved.

He would light up as he was fighting cancer whenever he would talk about the roadeo. He

would reminisce about something that happened at the roadeo and it instantly took away his

pain. I regret that me and my family were not more supportive and never even attended a

roadeo.

Trucking is a great industry and now I understand the continual battle that truckers face to

get the credit they deserve. I’m embarrassed and ashamed by my lack of support but will be

eternally grateful that my father was able to participate in those roadeos and feel so good

about what he did.

For people like my father, I urge you to keep up the fight, keep up the tradition and please

know that you now have 12 more people who have finally come to our senses and truly

understand how great the industry is. Thank you for your work and please tell every truck

driver that you see at the next roadeo that they are the most important professionals that this

country has and they should be very proud of what they do.

Thank you.

This is a letter the IMTA President Brenda Neville received anonymously a few months prior to the Truck Driving Championships. She shared the letter as part of her presentation at the awards banquet.

Page 47: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

Summer 2010 47Lifeliner

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Page 48: 2010 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 2)

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

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