2013 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 1)

Lifeliner

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

I N S I D E :

Carrier Spotlight:Mara Transport

New BoardMembers

2013 Committees

Health & Wellness

to Iowa CarriersIssues

Critical

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EDWARDS-BRANDT & ASSOCIATES INC Mason City, IA641-423-0675

JOE MORTEN & SON, DBA MOTOR-WAYSUrbandale, IA 515-266-1113

MEL FOSTER CO. Davenport, IA563-359-5446

ODEBOLT INSURANCE AGENCYOdebolt, IA 712-668-2283

PEOPLES INSURANCE AGENCY LTD Waverly, IA319-352-6327

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Winter 2012 3Lifeliner

IMTA StaffBrenda Neville, CAEPresident

Don EgliDirector of Safety and Security

DeAnn MoodyOffice Manager

Phillip NicolinoMarketing Manager

Mike SpallaMembership Manager

Janelle StevensEvents/Education Manager

Brook RobertsAdministrative Assistant

Our SupportersGreat West Casualty ..................... 2Boyer Petroleum .........................4-5Donaghy-Kempton Insurors ........... 6 Quality Services Corp .................... 6Central Trailer Service ................... 6Iowa Truck Services ..................... 12

JJ Keller ...................................... 32Northland Insurance ................... 35Hawkeye International................. 37IMTA Cornerstone Sponsors ......... 38Truck Country ............................. 39Midwest Wheel Companies ............ 40

ArticlesChairman’s Message .........................4-5

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

Legislative Issue Update ........................8

2013 Legislative Guide .........................9

New Board Members .....................10-11

Iowa Truck Services ...............................13

Legal Issue Update..............................14

IMTA Membership ...............................15

Carrier Spotlight- Mara Transport ...........................16-18

Boxing Night Information ....................19

Health & Wellness ...............................20

Safety & Regulatory Update .................21

Feature Article- Critical Issues to Iowa Carriers ....22-26

IMTA Education Update .......................27

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

IMTA Committees ...........................30-34

Staff Recognition .................................35

Energy Update ....................................36

22

In this Issue

36

Critical Issuesto Iowa Carriers

EnergyUpdate

Carrier Spotlight:Mara Transport16

4 Winter 2012Lifeliner

Chairman’s MessageSteve Schuster, Schuster Company

As you are reading this issue of the Iowa Trucking Lifeliner, I will be in my 5th month as the Chairman of the Board. It doesn’t seem possible that I am almost to the halfway point, but it certainly is

a testament to the truth of the popular adage, “time flies when you are having fun”. And I have truly enjoyed my role as the Chairman of the Board over the last several months.

As many of you know, this is my second time around in this position. Several years ago, I served as the IMTA Chairman of

the Board, but I missed out on several of the final months of my term when I was selected to serve as a member of the jury for a Federal trial. At the time, I didn’t think much of it until I was asked to step back into a role of leadership due to the untimely death of then second vice chairman Dan Stevens. I was more than happy to step in and honestly didn’t think it would be that much different than my first go around.

However, I am here to tell you that it has been an entirely different experience this time around. I think the most compelling reason for the difference is the level of engagement that I see by the membership. I see tremendous commitment by the members not only through their involvement on a committee but by their involvement with the association as a whole. I have seen suppliers step up and pledge financial support in many valuable ways as well

as volunteer their time to various IMTA efforts.

I see several different levels of involvement by people within our carrier members as well. CEOs, COOs, safety directors and other company staff are attending membership outreach

Steve SchusterIMTA Chairmanof the Board

I see tremendous commitment by the members not only through their involvement on a committee but by their involvement with the association as a whole.


Chairman’s Message

meetings, educational sessions and most importantly, showing their support of their association by recruiting others to join the association.

I have also heard from members at a number of different events and through those conversations, I have quickly picked up on their genuine appreciation and approval of the manner in which IMTA is operating and serving the membership. Members are excited and happy to be involved and in the world of associations, that is a huge.

And of course, from this vantage point, I also see the tremendous effort put out by our association staff and all of these factors combined contribute to why I believe we have the best state association in the nation.

While our industry continues to face a number of tremendous challenges…

our association leaders and the legions of members that are actively involved with the association ensure that we are given the tools and the information to deal with anything that comes our way. IMTA staff is always reaching out to the members to get feedback, information and insight so that they can respond to the litany of proposed rules, regulations and legislation that is being drafted on a daily basis that will have an impact on the way we do business. And because of all the different operations that are represented within our membership; member feedback and involvement is key to our ongoing success.

Listening to the members and having an understanding and appreciation of the hurdles they are facing is something that YOUR association leaders and staff take very seriously. Everything we do at IMTA centers around input from the members; from fighting legislation to challenging

rules and regulations to creating educational seminars and member events that are a valuable investment of your time…is a result of “listening” to each and every one of you.

As your Chairman, I ask for your continued involvement and urge you to get a return on your investment by staying involved and engaged. I am confident enough to even say that I guarantee you will quickly see a valuable return on your investment if you make the time to become an ACTIVE IMTA MEMBER. As you page through this magazine, you will see a number of upcoming opportunities that will help you become very active, very quickly. Now you have no excuses! Thanks for your support and I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming event.

Steve SchusterIMTA Chairman of the Board

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We are now well into the 2013 legislative session and frankly, as predicted, it has been a pretty uneventful session thus far. The Governor continues to promote his

two priorities, reduction in commercial property tax and education reforms. Republican leaders on both sides continue to push for legislative measures that will help the bottom line of not only businesses but Iowans in general and Democratic leaders continue to watch, listen and wait to see what their best strategies will be to move forward with their priorities. The gas tax continues to be mentioned among both parties and there is great optimism and hope that this will be the session where we finally pass a gas tax increase. However, it will be a tough and challenging battle and your help will be needed.

The Governor has assured supporters of the gas tax that if a bill reaches his desk, he will not get out the veto pen. He has also indicated that maybe a gas tax increase or this user fee, as the Governor likes to refer to it, will be part of a bigger package that offers relief to Iowans as well. At the writing of this column, initial legislation was drafted that was asking for an 10-cent increase to be phased in over a 3 year period. Every penny increase results in about $22 million of new money to the road fund so if you do the math, this proposed increase only amounts to approximately $220 million of new money and considering the Iowa DOT says we are about $215 million short in meeting our most critical needs, so some are questioning why a bigger increase isn’t being proposed.

Regardless of the increase, the more pressing issue is that the clock is ticking and Iowa’s roads and bridges continue

to deteriorate and every year that this important issue is ignored, we are just pushed further behind. IMTA members talk to me on a regular basis about the condition of the roads and bridges in Iowa. Their concerns are legitimate as they talk about the detours that they have to take because of a bridge that has been embargoed or the bad roads they have to deal with that cause delays and efficiency issues. As is the case in many instances, adjustments are made and the trucks continue to move the products that we all depend upon. But patience is wearing thin and truckers know firsthand the important correlation that exists between good roads and good economy.

Of even greater importance, these same truckers are more than willing to step up and pay their fair share, especially since their livelihoods depend upon good roads. As one trucker recently told me; “I would be the last person to push for increasing my fuel costs but paying a few extra cents at the pump to ensure that we have good roads in Iowa, is just common sense. I don’t understand why legislators don’t see that?”

Sometimes, we don’t understand why legislators don’t see it either, but this a tough issue and made even tougher when groups like “Iowans for Prosperity” begin their anti-tax campaign. Groups such as this are very vocal in their opposition to tax increases of any kind, which means their opposition to a gas tax is relentless and disconcerting…especially when they offer no other solutions to tackle this growing problem. And unfortunately, these are the same groups that somehow convince the average person on the street that they would be tremendously impacted by a gas tax increase and that just isn’t true.

Research from the University of Iowa shows that the average Iowan putting 15,000 miles on in a calendar year would only see an increase of about $50 if the gas tax was increased by 5 cents. Even with a 10-cent per gallon increase in the user fee, registration fees will continue to generate more money into the road fund than revenue from the fuel

tax. With 20% of the traffic on our roads coming from out of state drivers, the gas tax is the only way the state can recoup money from those who reside out of state, but use our roads. That’s why it’s important to remember it is “the road use tax fund.” It’s a fee for using our roads.

IMTA members can play an important role in educating people on this issue and the first group you need to talk to is your own employees. Set the record straight and take the time to educate your employees on this issue and the real facts. If you don’t have time to talk to them, put something in writing and get it out to everyone, including your drivers. These folks are the best advocates we have as we continue to educate people on the value of a gas tax increase. From there, we would encourage you to talk to your banker, your attorney, your accountant and other leaders in your community.

Through these simple outreach activities, you will make a big impact on the success or failure of this important legislation. Talking to your legislator is not enough because he or she is ultimately going to want to hear from several people when it comes to voting for a tax increase, so start a grassroots effort within your own company and community. I think you will be amazed at the groundswell of support that could be built by having these conversations.

We have no illusion that this will be an easy task or something that gets done this year, but we also have no choice but to continue to work on this issue. Because at the end of the day, it will be the trucking industry and ultimately every Iowan that will be impacted the most by the crumbling roads and bridges that are becoming the accepted “normal” in the State of Iowa.

Thanks for your help on this difficult and challenging issue. Information will continue to be distributed to IMTA members and in the meantime, start the conversation about why a gas tax is the right thing to do.

7Lifeliner

President’s MessageBrenda Neville, Iowa Motor Truck Association

Brenda NevilleIMTA President


Legislative Issue Update

IMTA Legislative Issues Update Gas Tax – For the third year, the possibility of raising our gas tax remains in the mix. Each year more groups get involved with this issue as Iowa’s roads and bridges continue to decay. Republicans are reluctant to impose any new taxes on Iowans and are hopeful that they will be able to make some progress in reducing the tax burden to Iowans during the 2013 session, where as Democrats generally seem to have a greater desire to address the issue of Iowa’s infrastructure and are typically more supportive of a gas tax. But this issue is a lightening rod and legislators of both parties “shy away” from it given its divisive nature in campaigns and re-election bids. IMTA joins folks like the Associated General Contractors, Iowa Good Roads Association, Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Bankers Association in supporting an increase. The Governor has continued to say he will not veto the legislation if it gets to his desk, but the real challenge is simply getting it to his desk.

IMTA’s position on the gas tax: The Iowa Motor Truck Association opposes any diesel fuel tax increases that are not part of a comprehensive highway construction and maintenance plan based upon the following:

• The plan must promote the efficient movement of freight and automobile traffic by concentrating spending on the distribution formula passed in TIME 21 in the 2008 session

• The plan recognizes the government mandated loss of diesel engine efficiency and the change in the relationship between the price of gasoline and the price of diesel fuel through the equalization of motor fuel tax rates and a phase in approach of any new diesel taxes would be implemented with any new legislation

• No tolling

• No bonding for highway construction

Commercial Property Tax Reform – This is one of the Governor’s top priorities for the 2013 legislative session and given the fact that this legislation did not get passed in 2012, the Governor’s office has worked very diligently in drafting legislation that will meet the needs of the various groups that will be greatly impacted by this legislation; cities & counties. They believe the time and energy they have invested in this effort has produced legislation this year that will easily be accepted by everyone. However, this too will be very difficult legislation to pass, especially with all the groups that are impacted by property taxes. IMTA, along with several other business associations has been called upon to help on this issue and obviously reforms of any kind are always welcome and goes a long way in making Iowa a much better place to own a business, work and live.

Workers Compensation Reforms – IMTA joined forces with several other business groups and drafted a comprehensive package of possible reforms to our current worker compensation laws. IMTA members are continually facing tremendous challenges with workers compensation rulings in the State of Iowa due to continual changes in the interpretation of these laws. Unfortunately we are seeing reversed rulings by workers compensation commissioners and court rulings that are rarely in favor of the employer. In an effort to address these mounting concerns and challenges, proposed legislation was drafted and introduced in the House. But this will also be a very challenging and contentious battle especially when the trial lawyers get involved. However, the climate needs to be changed in Iowa and this will continue to be a top priority in IMTA’s legislative efforts.


2013 Legislative GuideYour Guide to the

2013 Legislative SessionGovernor: Terry Branstad (R)Lt. Governor: Kim Reynold (R)Official Mailing Address:State Capitol Building1007 E. Grand AvenueDes Moines, Iowa 50319

House:Democrats – 47 seatsRepublicans – 53 seatsHouse Switchboard: (515) 281-3221

Leadership:Speaker of the House:Kraig Paulsen – Republican/Hiawatha(515) 28-3521

House Majority Leader:Linda Upmeyer – Republican/Garner(515) 281-3521

House Minority Leader:Kevin McCarthy – Democrat/Des Moines(515) 281-3054

House Republican Leadership Team:Speaker: Kraig PaulsenMajority Leader: Linda UpmeyerSpeaker Pro-Tem: Steven OlsonMajority Whip - Chris HagenowAsst. Majority Leader - Joel FryAsst. Majority Leader - Walt RogersAsst. Majority Leader - Jeff SmithAsst. Majority Leader - Matt Windschitl

House Democrat Leadership Team:Minority Leader: Kevin McCarthyAsst. Minority Leader: Ako Abdul-SamadAsst. Minority Leader: Mary GaskillAsst. Minority Leader: Mary MascherAsst. Minority Leader: Mark Smith

Senate:Democrat – 26 seatsRepublican – 24 seats

Leadership:Senate President:Pam Jochum – Democrat/Dubuque(515) 281-5933

Senate Majority Leader:Michael Gronstal – Democrat/Council Bluffs(515) 281-3560

Senate Minority Leader: Bill Dix

Senate Democrat Leadership Team:Majority Leader: Michael GronstalPresident – Pam JochumMajority Whip – Joe BolkcomPresident Pro-Tem – Steven SoddersAsst. Majority Leader – William Dotzler, Jr.Asst. Majority Leader – Wally HornAsst. Majority Leader – Matt McCoyAsst. Majority Leader – Amanda Ragan

Senate Republican Leadership Team:Minority Leader: Bill DixMinority Whip: Rick BertrandAsst. Minority Leader: Joni ErnstAsst. Minority Leader: Randy FeenstraAsst. Minority Leader: David JohnsonAsst. Minority Leader: Tim KapucianAsst. Minority Leader: Roby Smith

Email Correspondence:Emails to legislators may be sent [email protected]: [email protected]

General Questions:Legislative Information Center(515) [email protected]

General Legislative Site:Watch live debate, find information about legislators, lobbyists, committee schedules and directory of other links.www.legis.state.ia.us/index2.html


Welcome New Board MembersIMTA WelcomesNew Board MembersIMTA is proud to welcome several new folks to the IMTA Board of Directors. The IMTA Board meets two to three times a year and is responsible for providing the insight, feedback and direction on IMTA’s advocacy and legislative priorities.

“We are proud to welcome these five folks to the IMTA Board of Directors. These individuals represent the various segments of the IMTA membership and possess the qualities we are looking for in folks to serve on the board. We appreciate the service they will be providing to the association and look forward to our continued work in providing leadership to the association,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board Steve Schuster.

IMTA implements a rigorous review process as part of the nomination procedures. IMTA’s Board is comprised of 47 members and plays an instrumental role in determining the direction and scope of IMTA’s activities, services and outreach today and in the future.

Bill Arnold Questliner, Inc. Dubuque, Iowa

Dave HoldsworthFarner-Bocken Company Carroll, Iowa

KJ HuenemanHueneman FarmsGarner, Iowa

Aaron Tennant-Out of State Board MemberTennant Truck Lines, Inc.Colona, Illinois

Greg McCoyFoodliner, Inc. Dubuque, Iowa

W e l c o m e N e w B o a r d M e m b e r sIMTA Board of Directors Meeting IMTA Board members gathered at Glen Oaks Country Club for the annual fall board meeting. A group photo of the board was taken before the meeting was convened. The Board meets in the Fall and the Spring. A group photo of the board was a tradition that was started at the first board meeting in November of 1942.


Your IMTA Board

W e l c o m e N e w B o a r d M e m b e r s

Your Board of DirectorsI have been an IMTA board member for over a decade. I also had the extreme pleasure of serving as the IMTA Chairman of the Board. This was

without question, one of the greatest opportunities I have ever had and will cherish the memories of that service for a lifetime. Fortunately, I still have the pleasure of having a seat on the board and I will tell you that it continues to be a very rewarding and gratifying experience.

I know that some people just shake their head when they hear that we have a board with over 45 people on it. But I ensure you; your board is extremely effective and very engaged. We meet twice a year and sometimes we add a third meeting and over 90% of the board members are in attendance.

Our meetings are very productive and interactive. We work together as a board to discuss issues impacting Iowa’s trucking industry and yes, we can have some pretty interesting debates, but overall, this governing body is only concerned with one thing….looking out for the interests of Iowa truckers. And I believe we do that in a very positive, professional and effective manner.

At our board meetings, we typically will have speakers and experts on different issues and their presentations are both educational and informative. These

presentations are always timely and help us in our discussions and our role as a member of the board. Several of the board members serve on a standing committee or a task force and provide even further leadership to the association and its efforts. The level of involvement is actually quite extraordinary and in my opinion, one of the contributing factors to this organization’s continued success at the statehouse, with its programs and strong membership.

Since the association was formed in 1942, the bylaws have called for a board with a maximum of 50 members and since that time, the board has consistently been near that number. From time to time there is discussion to have a smaller board but quite frankly, I have seen how effective this board is and maybe I am “old school” but I believe strongly in the adage, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it” and I think that is very true for IMTA Board.

However, one of our most pressing priorities is to always be on the lookout for new board members. There are a number of us that may be slowing down in the future or cutting back on our volunteer positions and in an effort to keep our association as strong and effective as it is now, we need to start looking at a new class of recruits to keep the tradition going. I would prefer to always remain active and involved with IMTA because I really do enjoy it and love my work with the association. But I also believe that part of being a good leader is to always be preparing for the future and that is an important priority for the association leaders.

I encourage you to think about possibly getting involved with the Board. We do have a waiting list of folks that want to get on the board, which is another really good problem. But the reality is that we will always need innovative and fresh ideas which come with new leaders.

Serving on the board is a privilege and an honor. We don’t need just a “warm body” to fill a chair at a meeting, we are looking for individuals that will get involved and donate time, energy and financial resources to always make IMTA as strong and effective as it possibly can be. There are attendance requirements and we are only interested in folks that will take the position seriously. We know there are many good candidates out there and the future of the organization lies in the willingness of those good candidates to step up and show their commitment, dedication and leadership to an organization that steps up each and every day for Iowa’s trucking industry.

Mike Riggan TanTara Transportation2011 IMTA Chairman of the Board

Mike Riggan TanTara Transportation

Serving on the board is a privilege and an honor.

Other AvAilAbleServiceS thrOugh itS

Administrative Upgradeof Safety Rating

CorrectiveAction Planning

CSA InterventionProcess Follow-up

FMCSA ComplianceReview Preparation

High-level, ComprehensiveRegulatory Assistance

MOck regulAtOrycOMpliAnce AuditS

In-Depth Look at CSA Ratings

Safety & Compliance Update

Overview ofCompany Processes

(Part of 1/2-Day Audit)

Comprehensive Reviewof Company Processes

(Part of Full-Day Audit)

Evaluation of Logs & Files,Maintenance Records, Etc.

(Part of Full-Day Audit)

cuStOM tAilOredSpeciAlty prOjectS

Company Safety Manuals

Company Training Manuals

Equipment Assessment

Hazmat Site Assessment

OSHA Site Assessment

Safety Training Programs

Security Action Plans

SAfety & regulAtOrytrAining ASSiStAnce

Compliance Seminar

CSA Overview & Training

Driver Qualification

Hours of Service

Load Securement

Roadside/Vehicle Inspection

Supervisor’s Drug &Alcohol Training

Winter Driving

licenSing & perMitting

International Registration Plan

International Fuel Tax Agreement

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290

Unified Carrier Registration

FMCSA Operating Authority

Intrastate Operating Authority

MCS-150 Updates

preventiOn, prOtectiOn & prOfitAbility Iowa Truck Services . . . We Keep You Moving Forward

all you need for safety, compliance, licensing and permitting ...

The Iowa Motor Truck Association and its Iowa Truck Services division provide regulatory, compliance and licensing support specific to the needs of member and non-member trucking operations. Services range from assisting with IRP, IFTA and other licensing requirements to conducting on-site training, compliance assessments and reviews, safety meetings and administrative upgrades. It’s an excellent way to obtain the proper support and guidance while ensuring your company is compliant with all the current regulations.

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Iowa Truck Services

CSA Continues to be a Work in ProgressIt has now been two years since the implementation of the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, yet carriers are still somewhat apprehensive of the program and its effect on the trucking industry.

When CSA was first implemented in December 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration promised it would be a “work in progress.” The concept of the program is for the FMCSA to review the measurements (scores) of carriers and use it as an intervention tool to target specific safety problems in the industry. An intervention can then possibly prevent minor safety problems from becoming bigger safety problems.

Many carriers embraced the fact that there would now be a standard measurement for carriers, and the FMCSA, to identify problem areas. Some took a “wait-and-see” approach while others voiced a concern or dislike of the program.

While there have been changes along the way, CSA seems to be working as it was intended. Early modifications to CSA included some changes in the scoring methodology. But changes as recently as this past December included moving the cargo violations into the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC and developing a stand-alone Hazardous Materials BASIC.

The FMCSA has committed that it will continue to review and make improvements to the program.Coming sometime this year will be

a proposed rule to assign a safety determination to carriers based on their CSA data instead of the present system that assigns a safety rating based on the compliance review process.

Amidst all the changes, one thing is certain – no matter how much we know about CSA, there is always something more we can learn. Carriers, shippers and brokers can still be confused about

how to apply the CSA scores to making safe carrier decisions, including hiring, corrective action plans and on-going safety programs.

So, no matter how positively or negatively you view it, CSA is here to stay and will continue to be a work in progress. Let your association assist you in any of your CSA related issues or challenges.

No matter how positively or negatively you view it, CSA is here to stay and will continue to be a work in progress.

Key CSA Changes Implemented in December 2012

• Adding a new Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC

• Moving non-hazmat cargo violations into the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC

• Lowering the severity ratings of non-hazmat cargo violations

• Adding intermodal equipment violations that drivers should have found on a pre-trip inspection

• Removing speed violations that are 1-5 mph over the speed limit (Retroactive for the prior 24 months)

• Lowering the severity rating to “1” for speed violations with no specific speed listed

• Changing the name of the Fatigued Driving BASIC to the Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC

• Standardizing the severity weighting for paper and electronic logbook violations (Previously had a higher severity weighting on paper logs than on electronic logs)

• Not recording and scoring in the SMS vehicle violations that are discovered during “driver-only” inspections and driver violations discovered during “vehicle only” inspections

• Separating out injury and fatality crashes in the Crash BASIC

• Clarifying the definition of a passenger carrier by adding “9-15 for-hire passenger carrying vehicles.”

• Using more descriptive words for SMS, such as “insufficient” and “inconclusive.”

This is not an entire list of the changes that became effective December 3, 2012. These are some of the most impactful. For a complete list, please visit www.iowamotortruck.com.

To determine if your operation is managing CSA properly, contact the IMTA office to coordinate a consultation or mock

regulatory audit with IMTA Director of Safety Don Egli.


Legal Issue/Update

Staying on Top of Everything is Critically ImportantIt is difficult for a trucking company to anticipate the direction of enforcement

initiatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the various states.

The FMCSA has been justifiably concerned with the trucking companies that attempt to “shed” a poor safety record by starting a new company. I have received numerous calls from carriers (many from outside Iowa) asking me if it is possible. I explain that the FMCSA screens new applications for common characteristics with existing companies in an effort to identify what the FMCSA calls “successor” companies. If the determination is made, the safety record follows the carrier to the new entity.

The FMCSA’s latest proposal would enable the agency to shut down a carrier if someone who has controlling influence over the company’s operations engages in a pattern of avoiding compliance or masking non-compliance. Because of generic terms like “controlling influence”, the proposal may need to be refined to be enforceable in the courts.

I have advised companies that want to change hats to stay where they are and implement training programs, more selective hiring and both incentives and sanctions to improve their record. Generally, significant progress can be made in 3-6 months.

Not all the initiatives from the FMCSA are more restrictive. In the last 1-2 years, carriers are seeing more speeding violations written for five miles per hour or less over the posted limit. FMCSA has changed the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program to remove these speeding violations.

Some of the most perplexing problems arise from state enforcement efforts. A commercial vehicle citation issued to an Iowa driver in another state, which results in a conviction, is reported to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Iowa officials attempt to enter the conviction on their system for the same or as nearly comparable violation under Iowa Law.

Recently, a driver was cited in another state for “coasting” on a downhill section of highway. The out-of-state attorney for the driver entered a plea of guilty after his research showed a somewhat obscure but comparable miscellaneous violation under Iowa law prohibiting coasting. Iowa categorized the violation as “fail to have vehicle under control”, which threatened the driver’s insurability. The mistake was later corrected but points out the need for carriers to monitor driving records on a continuing basis.

At least one midwest state has recently focused on the enforcement of lane use of commercial vehicles. The restriction is frequently communicated by a sign, which in the case of Ohio, indicated “Trucks & Slower Traffic Use Right 2 Lanes”. The language sounds more like a recommendation than a mandate. An enforcement officer cited an Iowa driver for “control device-trucks use right two lanes”. The driver was new to the area and didn’t see the sign in heavy traffic as he moved to the left to avoid slow moving traffic.

Truck drivers are universally concerned with CDL violations since they result in revocation, cancellation or suspension of their commercial driver’s license. Sections 321.208(6) provides:

“A person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if the person receives convictions for committing within any three-year period two or more of the following offenses while operating a commercial motor vehicle or while operating a noncommercial motor vehicle holding a commercial driver’s license if the conviction results in the revocation, cancellation, or suspension of the person’s license or noncommercial motor vehicle driving privileges:

h. Improper lane changes in violation of section 321.306”

Section 321.306 deals with roadways laned for traffic and provides:

“3. Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same directions and drivers of vehicles shall obey the direction of every such sign.”

This illustrates how a minor violation could result in a CDL conviction affecting both the carrier and the driver. Fortunately, the problem was identified early on and resolved.

Training drivers and keeping up on the changes in the regulatory environment are the critical steps in the regulatory compliance process. Take advantage of the seminars and training opportunities available through the state trucking association and more importantly take the time to stay on top of everything relating to your drivers.

Rick HoweHowe, Cunningham, Lowe & Kelso, PLC

Rick Howe serves as managing partner of Howe, Cunningham, Lowe & Kelso Law Firm in Des Moines. He has been involved in transportation for 30 years after beginning his career as executive director of the Iowa Reciprocity Board, which was the commercial vehicle licensing agency in Iowa. Howe has written for numerous trucking publications and has served as an expert witness in litigation involving transportation issues.


IMTA members have an allegiance with their association. Even in times of struggle, IMTA members step up to the plate and deliver. It is apparent members are getting a great

return on their investment. I believe this to be true simply from my conversations with members and the overall attitude of the membership. The level of member dues coming in and the minimal membership turnover demonstrates how the IMTA is getting the job done for the members.

With the Iowa legislative session in full swing and a stack of issues being battled on the national level, I believe members and non-members are in tune NOW more than ever. I had a smaller carrier the other day tell me without the IMTA, there is no chance he’d be able to stay on top of what’s going on. Many carriers out there don’t realize the significance of having a voice at the Capital or a consistent, RELIABLE stream of information. With membership dues and non-dues revenue, the IMTA has been able to provide these services for many years and we are constantly looking for ways to improve our services for the membership.

IMTA leaders always work closely with the staff to identify and develop programs that will produce revenue. The combination of non-dues revenue and annual membership dues payments are what the association relies upon in financing the operation. Over the last couple of years, the strategic planning committee has spent a great deal of time reviewing the various programs we offer. While these program provide some valuable non-dues revenue, we always keep the mission of the association. IMTA will not pursue any non-dues revenue program that could deter from our mission. With that philosophy in mind, it

was determined that we needed to take a look at our dues structure. A dues task force was appointed and this group of members spent over a year discussing, evaluating and developing a new dues structure. After decades of having several different formulas for the various operations, the decision was made to move to a much more simple formula. As of October 1, 2012, we have now moved to a per truck formula for all carrier members.

The dues task force also determined it would like to generate an additional $225,000 in dues revenue over the next three years. A three-year phase-in approach would be used to help incorporate the new dues structure.

Since implementing the dues increase, we are pleased to announce membership dues collected is already six percent higher than this time last year. Out of 93 members billed, only three have cancelled because of the increase. For some members, the new dues formula

actually decreased their dues amount. Out of the six members this happened to, four decided to “freeze” their dues amount, saving the IMTA over $6,700 in dues revenue.

In conversations with the membership, the majority understand the need for a dues increase. An increase is never what anyone wants. But just as in your business, operating costs go up and adjustments need to be made in order to keep operating at a high level.

Whether the increase was small or large, a special thanks goes out to the members that have paid their dues thus far. You have set the stage for the rest of the membership and we are most grateful for your support. We look forward to our continued work together and making IMTA even stronger.

IMTA Membership Update

Become an IMTA MemberJoin the 700 members across the state and get involved!

Mike SpallaIMTA Membership Manager

Hoker Trucking, LLCDixon, IA

LaMair-Mulock CondonWest Des Moines, IA

Lawrence Cumpston & Assoc. PLLPSt. Paul, MN

Lone Star Truck & TireBrooklyn, IA

Ray Mount Wrecker Service, IncWaterloo, IA

Scott Community CollegeBettendorf, IA

IMTA’s Newest Members

Welcome New Members!


Union, Iowa

Iowa is home to some of the greatest trucking operations in the nation, primarily because many of these trucking companies have their roots in farming and agriculture. Many companies were started by folks who were also farmers. And like farmers, truckers are resilient, determined and possess a lot of tenacity and innate business sense that helps them own and operate successful trucking operations.

Mara Transport is one of those success stories. The company’s founder, farmer Ray Willits, started hauling grain during the off months in 1983. These side jobs eventually led to a lease with Mayflower and, by 1997, the trucking bug had gotten him. Ray obtained his own authority and Mara Transport was open for business. The company started with 12 trucks and never looked back.

Ray, an Iowa State graduate and native of Union, Iowa, saw potential in the trucking industry. He recognized that there would always be a need for trucks and it was out of that vision that this dry van operation continued to flourish. Mara Transport provides service all over the United States, Canada and even Alaska. Providing service into Canada has been a valuable niche for Mara Transport,

especially since many trucking companies do not want to deal with the strict border rules and regulations.

And with any successful trucking operation, Ray and the staff at Mara Transport recognize the important and valuable role that their dedicated drivers play in the ongoing success of the company, especially when drivers may be out for as long as three weeks at a time. It is because of that demanding schedule that drivers may leave the company but Mara Transport is known for giving these drivers a second chance. The folks at Mara Transport believe in second chances and they are always willing to work with a driver that leaves for “greener pastures” and then returns. In fact, they believe this philosophy is what sets them apart from their competitors.

Another contributing factor to the ongoing success at Mara Transport is the loyal and dedicated staff. John Good, the office manager, has been with the company 25 years. Jim Smith and Judy Clark have been with the company for 12 years, working in dispatch and safety, respectively. This dedicated team, in addition to the a team of reliable mechanics and the great drivers, is at the heart of Mara’s continued success and sound reputation as a good company. The company, headquartered on the original farm in the heart of Iowa in rural Bangor, is another testament to the foundation of great trucking companies that are found here.

Carrier Spotlight

Mara Transport

Ray Willits

This dedicated team, in addition to the team of reliable mechanics and the great drivers, is at the heart of Mara’s continued success.


Carrier Spotlight


Carrier SpotlightToday, the company operates a fleet of 33 trucks (25 company trucks and 8 owner operators). Since 1993, the company has been on a slow but steady pattern of growth. With that, they have overcome challenges and developed sound strategies to make safety and compliance a top priority.

Mara Transport leaders are strong proponents of electronic logs and implementing safety programs that ensure they are in compliance. Like many in the trucking industry, they have continued frustration with CSA and hope for ongoing revisions, especially when it comes to the minor infractions and the manner in which these are reported and impact ratings.

Ray and others within the company believe the pool of quality drivers is shrinking and they believe this will be the biggest challenge now and far into the future. Like others in the industry, Mara Transport would like to see a way that younger drivers can be allowed into the industry and would support an

“apprentice” type program to get these younger drivers the experience they need in a truck.

Mara Transport has been an IMTA member since 2008 and the company recognizes the importance of having a voice at the Capitol. They also value the resources that are available through the association, especially when it comes to IMTA’s legislative efforts and it ongoing compliance and regulatory support. But most importantly, they believe they are supporting the industry as a whole through their membership with the IMTA. And, by doing that, they believe Iowa’s trucking industry will remain viable and strong. That is good for everyone at Mara Transport.

Mara Transport has been an IMTA member since 2008 and they recognize the importance of having a voice at the Capitol.

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Health & Wellness

Promoting Dynamic Warm-up Activity with DriversDepending on the type of trucking a driver does,

the demand on the body can vary from sedentary sitting to very heavy lifting. No matter the daily tasks of a company, drivers will benefit from being more proactive with their bodies and focusing on ways to take responsibility for preventing fatigue, discomfort, pain and injuries. Companies should be looking at strategies to hire workers who are functionally able to do the work and to train drivers to incorporate activities within their day that help them feel better, recover quicker and prevent injury.

One area to consider is with incorporating a dynamic warm-up program within your driver training programming. The concept with dynamic warm-up exercises is that drivers are taught the importance of taking responsibility for how they feel day to day by including exercises within their routine.

The idea of dynamic warm-up is different than stretching. One researcher whose results we have incorporated into our programming is Ian Shrier. Shrier reviewed a number of studies on stretching before

exercise as a way to prevent injury. Conclusions from his work include the benefit of injury prevention when utilizing dynamic warm-up activity.

Dynamic means the exercises are movement based repetitions, instead of stretch and hold. The number of repetitions is usually 5-10 times per exercise. The routine can be incorporated throughout the day, usually 2-3 times. This is especially important and impactful when a driver gets out of the truck after driving for a period of time and before working with their load, whether the task is as basic as opening a door or as heavy as unloading their trailer or securing their load.

Benefits of the warm-up include a variety of physiological changes. One, the movements improve blood flow to the tissues of the body to decrease stiffness from driving and prepare the body to work. Also the movements take the body through a range of motion other than the sitting position to promote the mobility needed to do the more physically demanding parts of the job. Overall the activities help to increase body temperature to warm the muscles and lubricate the joints before doing the climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching and lifting activities required.

Other concepts to consider with a warm-up routine are making the routine functional, meaning job specific. The warm-up exercises should reproduce the motion that the work tasks require. If lifting is required, squatting should be a part of the warm-up. If throwing or overhead reaching is needed, then overhead arm motions should be incorporated in the program. If drivers

understand the concepts of a functional program, they can use the concepts to proactively problem solve the demands of their job and adjust the warm-up accordingly.

Some general dynamic warm-up exercises may include arm reaching with trunk rotation, overhead reaching with trunk side-bending and overhead arm reaching followed by trunk forward bending/reaching. These exercises incorporate the arms, shoulders, back, hips, knees and ankles to work through range-of-motion needs after getting out of the seated driving posture.

Another concept of warm-up other than stretching that fits the dynamic conversation is walking. Getting out and walking around the truck after a number of hours of driving is a great way to start committing to injury prevention. Truck inspection can be built into the walking to make it a true functional task. This can start with 1-5 laps around the truck and expand to incorporating a walking program of 20-30 minutes per day to help address health improvement that many drivers need, including high blood pressure and obesity.

Overall, the warm-up program needs to be presented as a way for drivers to take ownership of how they feel and how they have the ability to prevent their own injuries. The routine does not need to take long, but needs to become a habit in their day and become something they want to do because they know how it helps them feel better. Promoting mobility in their life can limit fatigue, decrease discomfort, stop pain and prevent injury.

Work Systems Rehab & Fitness has a mission of empowering individuals with health solutions that enable them to get well and stay well. Todd can be reached at 515-309-4706 or [email protected].

Todd Schemper, PT, DPTWork Systems Rehab & Fitness

Todd Schemper, PT, DPT is a licensed physical therapist with Work Systems Rehab & Fitness in Des Moines, Iowa. He has been working with trucking companies in the Des Moines area for the past several years in a variety of work injury management capacities.


Safety Update & Regulatory Update

2013 Will be a Year of New Regulations For TruckingAs expected, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced

that it is planning on releasing at least five new proposed or final rules in 2013, which could make for an interesting year for the trucking industry.

Included in that list is a supplemental proposed electronic logging device rule; a proposed drug and alcohol clearinghouse rule; a proposed safety fitness determination rule; a final unified registration rule; and a medical examiner’s certification integration proposed rule.

The electronic logging device rule supplements the FMCSA’s 2011 proposed rule by addressing driver privacy issues that had been raised by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which had vacated the FMCSA’s 2010 final rule. In an effort to not “single out” drivers or carriers, the proposed rule will require that nearly all trucks that are operated in interstate transportation be equipped with electronic logging devices.

The drug and alcohol clearinghouse rule, which in my opinion is long overdue, would assist carriers in their hiring practices by creating a central database for verified positive test results for CDL holders. Too often that information falls through the cracks In many instances a driver can continue to drive for another company and positive drug test information is never passed on to the new employer. This database will eliminate that possibility, as the information will be available to carriers and prospective employers.

A proposed safety fitness determination rule, which is planned to be released later this year, will contain the agency’s plans to use Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program data to evaluate carriers and determine if they are fit to continue operation. Since this proposal was not out at time of print is unknown what parameters will be used in making that determination.

A unified carrier regulations system final rule will combine four of the FMCSA’s computer programs. This will help the agency identify “reincarnated” carriers that have, for one reason or another, started up under a new operating authority/DOT number. This rule is expected to come out sometime in April.

And lastly, a medical examiner’s certification integration proposed rule will require medical examiners to transmit data through the FMCSA to state driver licensing departments. With the inception of the CDL/Medical Certification process at the state level, one of the concerns of the trucking industry has been the “hole in the process” of ensuring that the driver’s medical card gets submitted to the state properly. There is no verification process to alert the company that the driver has submitted the certification to the state. The FMCSA’s plan is to eliminate that potential problem by requiring the “certified medical examiner” to submit that data directly to the state. This proposed rule is expected to be released sometime in March.

In addition to these five final or proposed rules, the 2012 Transportation Funding Law, known as MAP-21 (Moving Ahead with Progress), requires the FMCSA to initiate or complete a total of 29 rulemakings within the next 27 months. By comparison, MAP-21 only requires the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration to complete only 12 rulemakings each.

If you add the five aforementioned rules to the MAP-21 initiatives, you will see that the next couple of years will be very interesting to watch.

Hang on to your hat. It could be a very bumpy ride!

Don Egli, CSS & CDSIMTA Director of Safety

A proposed safety fitness determination rule, which is planned to be released later this year, will contain the agency’s plans to use Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program data to evaluate carriers and determine if they are fit to continue operation.


to Iowa CarriersIssues

CriticalLifeliner

By: Brenda Neville IMTA President

FEATURE

Trucking is not an easy business. It is not uncommon to hear a trucking CEO complain about the challenges of this industry and quickly reflect upon how it has changed from years ago…but this is not unique to trucking. Every business has its share of challenges and the only constant that anyone operating a business today can rely upon is the constant environment of change. For some, the manner in which they deal with change is the only way there can be even a small leveling of the playing field. The regulatory environment that plaques virtually every business is unrelenting and unforgiving and in some cases is overwhelming. A theory, a concept or a business model that was implemented yesterday will more than likely be obsolete or outdated by tomorrow. The pace in which change is coming at us at all levels and in all directions is most certainly the one factor that can be the tipping point for even the strongest companies.

When forced to really think about the change and challenges facing us, I often turn to a quote by Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln addressed Congress

on December 1, 1862. “The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise—with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.” These same words are poignant yet today as business owners scan the horizon and see a number of challenges looming ever closer. These words are also the manner in which your association embraces the challenges of this industry.

As an association, it is our job to identify what changes and challenges we are facing in the short term and the long term. And then there is the million dollar question – how can your association help with these changes and challenges? How can we continue to be a viable factor in really helping you in your efforts to run a profitable and successful business? How can we as an association help you prepare for all the changes that are coming your way at such a fast and dizzying pace? The volunteer leadership of this association is committed to serving the membership in the most effective way

possible and in order to do that, we must constantly be listening to the members.

“I believe that the most important role of IMTA is to identify the challenges that we are facing as owners of trucking companies and then we have to go one step further and develop a strategy to help the members overcome those challenges. This role is paramount to everything we do as an association in my opinion, and really puts some value in the investment we make in the association,” said IMTA Chairman of the Board Steve Schuster.

So the first question has to be, what are the challenges facing Iowa’s trucking industry? What are the critical issues that are impacting the manner in which you are able to operate your company at the level that you desire? So in our quest to determine what the critical issues are, we relied upon the most effective tool of gathering member feedback, a member survey.

This survey was distributed to a sample of more than 250 industry stake holders within the membership and in addition

22 Lifeliner


Critical Issues to Iowa Carriersto the survey; we also made phone calls and asked folks to respond. We reached out to every size and type of carrier we have within the IMTA membership. And through that effort, we had responses from over 106 individuals that were either the owner, CEO, COO, CFO or upper management of the trucking operation. These great results will help IMTA more effectively provide the leadership needed to protect the interests of the members. It is our goal going forward that this survey will become an annual effort and we will be able to identify from year to year what changes and challenges are foremost on the minds of the members and then we will take it to that next step of developing strategies to address each issue.

CSAThe number one issue as identified by IMTA members was Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA). Despite the fact that CSA was first implemented in late 2010, uncertainty and mounting dissatisfaction with the impacts of CSA make it a number one concern among the IMTA membership. Many members expressed frustration with the way the program is constantly changing the way it weighs violations and the inconsistency in which it is enforced. CSA has changed the way the industry operates and Iowa carriers still believe that the program is of value but they are extremely frustrated, and disappointed with the constant changes and its implementation.

Also noteworthy, CSA reached the number one position for the survey of carriers nationwide that is implemented on an annual basis by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). ATRI annually surveys more than 4000 industry stakeholders and asks respondents to rank in order of importance a list of 10 issues. Now in its eighth year, the ATRI survey on critical issues has become an extremely important tool not only for ATA but for all the state trucking associations as they are developing their public policy and advocacy programs for the year. 1

In 2012, a record 943 respondents completed the ATRI survey, representing

industry stakeholders from both the U.S. and Canada. ATRI then provides strategies to help address these issues and this valuable work is something that IMTA relies upon as it moves forward in developing focus on the issues impacting carriers in Iowa as well. In many cases, IMTA looks to ATRI and the strategies that they have developed as a springboard of development for strategies on the state level as well.

Proposed Strategies for CSA:

1. Education, Education, Education – One of the top priorities is to

continue to educate members, shippers and enforcement personnel on the reliability, accuracy and significance of CSA scores to the carriers. IMTA will be once again partnering with the Iowa Council of Safety Management (ICSM) to put an effective outreach program in place. Regular meetings with the DOT and Iowa Highway Patrol specifically on CSA are held in an effort to educate these folks on CSA and remind them of the impact this has on a carrier and driver’s record. The same education outreach efforts need to be directed at shippers as well.

2. Support ATRI’s proposed strategy to continue to advocate for a crash

accountability determination process for the removal of non-preventable crashes from the development of carriers’ score. This was the number one proposed strategy identified through the ATRI survey. According to research conducted in 2012, this issue has widespread consensus between motor carriers and enforcement personnel, however disagreement remains over choosing a definitive method for assigning fault. 2

Driver ShortageThe number two issue identified by IMTA members as a top concern in 2013 was the shortage of qualified drivers. This came very close to being the top issue but CSA ended up with a few more votes when everything was tabulated. This is clearly an issue that is on the minds of many IMTA members especially as the average age of the driver employed by

IMTA members is now 58. It is predicted that the exodus of quality, veteran drivers over the next 3 to 5 years is going to be record breaking. According to the ATRI report, some industry analysts estimate that there will be a shortage of 100,000 to 200,000 drivers over the next two year. 3

A survey was distributed to 250 industry stakeholders with 106 members responding to survey to identify what they believed to be their top concerns. The top ten concerns were:

1. Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

2. Driver Shortage

3. Economy

4. Hours of Service

5. Fuel Issues/Prices

6. Electronic Onboard Recorders (EOBRs)

7. Highway Infrastructure

8. Driver Distraction

9. Truck Parking

10. Truck Size & Weights

Iowa Carriers Feedback


Critical Issues to Iowa CarriersIn some cases, these veteran drivers are exiting the industry even earlier than they would like as the threat of added regulations, EOBRs and other pending changes are pushing these long time drivers to make the decision to retire rather than changing the way they operate. As one survey respondent wrote, “Teaching an old dog new tricks may sound good in theory but the reality is that some of these drivers are just tired of all the changes and added oversight. I know that in some cases, these changes are for the better but when you have a driver that is closing in on 55 years of age and they have been doing this job for many, many years…they just aren’t willing to learn more new stuff because all they really want to do is get behind the wheel of the truck and drive. And these are typically some of my best drivers but there is nothing I can do to change the environment that we have to operate in.”

As a result of this feedback the following strategies have been

proposed by IMTA leaders.

Strategies Proposed by IMTA Leaders:

1.Outreach program to

attract folks into the industry – for

the past five years, IMTA has taken every opportunity to promote the number of good

jobs that exist in this industry. But now this priority has

taken on even more urgency. IMTA is reaching

out to numerous state agencies that focus on

employment and economic development. Conversations

and presentations illustrate the need

for qualified drivers.

IMTA continues to work closely with several military agencies as well to highlight the need for qualified truck drivers.

As a part of this effort, IMTA also works closely with the 350 high schools in the State of Iowa to promote the career of truck driving. However, one of the most frustrating aspects of this campaign is that the pool of possible driving candidates between the ages of 18 to 25 are being lost because of the various restrictions that are placed on drivers of this age. This is not a new problem for the industry but one that is now getting even more attention as the driver shortage reaches a more critical point.

Many leaders in the trucking industry are advocating for changes in these regulations however, it will be slow in coming since concerns over putting these young drivers behind the wheel of truck hamper any progress that can be made in changing these regulations.

“As an industry, we have to look at this age group very seriously and figure out a way that we can allow these young drivers the opportunity to choose a career as a truck driver. We will need to get the insurance industry as well as the regulators at the table and then we will need to all work together to come up with a strategy to capitalize on this age group. I am seeing some really good 18 year olds that want to drive truck but because they aren’t able to, they take another job and then by the time they are 22, they are established in another job and lifestyle that I simply cannot compete with. We really need to make this a priority.” responded one IMTA member.

2. Support ATRI’s proposed strategy to examine the competitiveness

of truck driver pay and benefits as compared with other industries. 4 A group of IMTA members were very vocal in their responses saying the best strategy to deal with the driver shortage is to raise the pay for drivers. IMTA gathers information on annual basis from the work force development on the pay

for drivers in Iowa and through this information, IMTA members will be

in a better position to compete with other industries to recruit and retain quality driver candidates.

EconomyThe economy came in as the third most important issue among IMTA member concerns. IMTA members are still very concerned with the economy and are less than optimistic that there is going to be great change to the economy in the future. Iowa’s economy has probably fared better than many states given the tendency by many Iowans to be slow to take on too much risk or debt. However, for IMTA members, the economy as a whole impacts their operations tremendously and “cautious optimism” was the most prevalent description we heard when we asked for predictions on the direction of the economy.

As one respondent wrote, “I think there are still too many issues that have not been solved in Congress that are impacting the rate at which the economy will improve. I believe that consumers in general are still not confident that things are improving and that impacts everything. Because of the struggling economy I know that I am still holding off on buying new equipment or hiring additional people.”

Implementing strategies to help the economy may seem like a pretty lofty job but IMTA leaders agreed that the proposed strategies as outlined by ATRI in relation to the economy were extremely good and something that IMTA should also adopt.

The economy was ranked third as well in the ATRI survey, however, in previous years it had held the 2nd and 1st place spot respectively. Also notable, the economy is the only issue in the history of the ATRI survey to rank as the top issue for three consecutive years. 5 So the economy is clearly on the minds of people in the trucking industry and continues to be a top concern. In an effort to address this concern, IMTA would support the following strategies as outlined by ATRI.


Critical Issues to Iowa CarriersStrategies IMTA will Support:

1. Advocate for pro-business policies that would stimulate the economy

and benefit the trucking industry through increased freight demand. This strategy is the key to improving the economy. Promoting policies that increase consumer confidence, consumer spending and policies that generate additional hiring and investment will get the economy moving in the right direction. 6

IMTA has always been a strong proponent of supporting a pro-business agenda in the state of Iowa. IMTA is constantly monitoring the actions of legislators and supporting legislative proposals that will help strengthen the business environment in Iowa. This continues to be a top priority at the statehouse this year as well. IMTA is part of a business coalition that is pushing for a workers’ compensation reforms that would help business tremendously. In addition, IMTA is often called to help on other legislative priorities that support a friendly environment to business.

2. Promote the employment opportunities that exist in Iowa.

One out of every 11 person in Iowa gets a paycheck related to their employment in the trucking industry. That is a very powerful statistic that IMTA shares regularly. Similar to the strategy as identified by ATRI which is “Promote the role of the trucking industry as an employment generator that puts Americans back to work.” 7 IMTA believes the greatest role to be played in strengthening the economy in Iowa is putting people to work and there are plenty of jobs in the trucking industry. IMTA is regularly distributing information about their role as a strong employer in the State of Iowa and reminding people that good paying jobs are available in Iowa’s trucking industry.

Hours of ServiceThe fourth issue identified by IMTA members as of critical importance was Hours-of-Service (HOS). This came of no surprise to us as we polled the membership especially with the July 2013 compliance date looming on the horizon.

Several key provisions of HOS were changed in 2011 and IMTA members continue to express concern over some of the changes. The final rule on the 34-hour restart seems to be the provision that causes the most concern although the constant changes over the last decade to these rules are of equal frustration to the members as well.

“I find the ongoing changes that are being made to hours of service to be one of the most frustrating things I deal with. I have never understood why all these changes had to be made when the safety record of the trucking industry continues to improve. I would really like to see some of these regulators get in a truck and try to operate under the rules that they make up. Constantly changing the rules of the game is not the way to do things. I believe these changes to hours of service are the main reason why some of my best drivers are leaving the industry entirely.” Survey respondent

Like every other trucking association, IMTA has actively been involved with this ongoing debate. Over the years, IMTA submitted comments and spearheaded efforts to get as many members as possible to show up at the hearings and speak to the regulators on the proposed changes.

IMTA leaders have discussed strategies for many years as it relates to the HOS rules and they rely upon national organizations like ATA to fight the battle on the national level but on the state level the association is committed to implementing strategies that will help the members understand and implement the changes.

IMTA Implemented Strategiesto Help Members:

1. Education, Education, Education – IMTA is committed to providing

information, training and ongoing education to all of its members on the HOS rules and the continual changes on these rules. Every quarter the association offers a compliance and regulatory session that focuses on the HOS and offers regular assistance to the members

on HOS. IMTA staff also regularly meets with FMCSA personnel to discuss the HOS rules and ensure that IMTA is providing accurate and helpful information to the membership in regard to HOS compliance.

“HOS education has been one of our top priorities for as long as I can remember. Questions pertaining to HOS are still probably the most frequently asked by the membership and we are committed to taking a very pro-active approach to ensuring that IMTA members are the experts when it comes to HOS,” said IMTA Director of Safety Don Egli.

This education also is extended to regulators and the shipping community. IMTA has had the opportunity to discuss the HOS rules with both of these groups and encourages its members to always reach out to their customers to make sure they have the same understanding of the issue. Some industry leaders believe that the upcoming changes to the Hours of Service rules will have some of the most significant impacts on the entire supply chain.

FuelIMTA members believe that fuel and the volatility in pricing is another important issue and it was ranked fifth in the area of concern among the membership.

As IMTA leaders looked at the results of this most recent survey, they once again reviewed the strategies as outlined by ATRI in


Critical Issues in Truckingaddressing this issue and felt that the ATRI proposed strategies were right on. However, they felt that IMTA’s work a few years ago to set up a fuel purchasing program for the small to mid-size carriers was a valuable strategy as well.

Through the work of IMTA’s strategic planning committee, a fuel purchasing program was set up two years ago. This program was in direct response to the growing concern among the membership to the fuel prices. The development of this program was one way that IMTA felt it could address the issue and at least provide an alternative to a segment of the membership that were unable to enter into agreements based on volume. Since its inception, the program has done well and members continue to sign up for the program and take advantages of the discounts. The fuel program also provides some non-dues revenue to the association so it has been a win-win strategy for everyone involved.

However, IMTA leaders also recognize the need to work on other strategies that will address the continued concern over fuel.

ATRI Strategies Supported by IMTA:

1. Advocate for measures to reduce speculation on energy sources in

financial markets which result in large price fluctuations/volatility.8 Reducing price volatility is a primary concern and many of the respondents to the ATRI survey feel that market speculation is artificially impacting the prices of energy beyond simple supply and demand forces. As an industry we need to push for measures to reduce these practices that create tremendous price fluctuations and ongoing uncertainty.

2. Support the expanded development of less price-volatile sources of

fuel through domestic production and alternative energy sources. A key strategy for dealing with price volatility is to ensure a stable supply of fuel. 9 In a separate survey that had went to IMTA members in mid 2012 specifically on fuel issues, there was overwhelming support for domestic production and this sentiment continues

yet today. IMTA has aligned with Consumer Energy Alliance, a national group that focuses solely on developing legislation and public policy that will promote domestic production.

These were the top five concerns among IMTA members. The input provided by the respondents of this IMTA survey was extremely valuable and helpful as IMTA leaders continue to develop their plan of action for 2013 and beyond.

“It is always our desire to know what issues are truly on the minds of our membership. Too often it is easy for IMTA staff and the elected leaders to assume they know the top concerns of the IMTA members, but until we actually get feedback from the members, we cannot make that assumption. These types of surveys continue to help us shape and craft our plan for the year and I am extremely grateful that more and more members are willing to give us that feedback, it is very valuable and we will continue to move forward with these concerns in mind,” said IMTA Chairman Steve Schuster.

Footnotes 1-9 American Transportation Research Institute. Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2012.

For a complete copy of the ATRI report, please contact the IMTA office.515-244-5193

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has issued a survey on a national level for the past 8 years. This year the survey was issued to 4000 industry stakeholders and a record 943 respondents completed the survey. The critical issues as identified by this group of respondents were as follows:

1. Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

2. Hours of Service

3. Economy

4. Driver Shortage

5. Fuel Issues/Prices

6. Electronic Onboard Recorder/Electronic Logging Device

7. Driver Retention

8. Truck Parking

9. Drive Health/Wellness

10. Highway Infrastructure

Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry 2012



Members in the News

Robert and Jane Sturgeon Honored for Service to Iowa State University

Robert and Jane Sturgeon were recently honored by the College of Business at Iowa State University with its John D. DeVries Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the college. Bob and Jane are long-time volunteers and supporters of Iowa State University and the College of Business.

Robert is an ISU Foundation governor and past member of the College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council. Jane presently serves on the council. Both were members of the college’s committee for Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose. Through their volunteer work, the Sturgeons have built strong relationships with many College of Business faculty members. They often attend the College of Business’ Faculty and Staff Awards to help honor and celebrate great achievements in teaching, research and professional development. As much as anyone, they have come to appreciate the impact that great faculty have on students.

Because of their commitment to Iowa State and the school of Business, Bob and Jane created the Robert and Jane

Sturgeon Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Business, which will allow the college to recruit and retain the finest business faculty to teach and mentor tomorrow’s business leaders.

Jane is a 1985 graduate of the College of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Robert Sturgeon is the founder and director and Jane the chief executive officer of Barr-Nunn Transportation, a dry van truckload carrier in Granger, Iowa, that recently celebrated its 30th year. Four of the Sturgeons’ five children are College of Business alumni. The Sturgeons are Order of the Knoll members, and Jane is a life member of the Alumni Association.

Decker Truck Line Recognized for Support of Toys for TotsIMTA member Decker Truck Line was recently recognized for its outstanding support of long time program Toys for Tots. While Decker Truck Line has always been involved in worthy causes, they really stepped up and help this program when it was in need.

In June 2012, the Des Moines Toys for Tots Coordinator, First Sgt. Brandon Eckardt, was informed that he had to move the Toys for Tots inventory from

one warehouse to another due to the occupied space being leased. With only two weeks to locate a new warehouse space and move all inventory, Eckardt turned to Decker Truck Line in Fort Dodge for assistance.

Without hesitation, Decker Truck Line provided a truck and driver for two full days to transport all inventory from the old facility to the new warehouse. In recognition of Decker’s generous and quick support of the Des Moines Toys for Tots Campaign, Eckardt presented Decker Truck Line with a decorated paddle made by the Marines of the Inspector-Instructor Staff on September 26.

Paddles like this are given occasionally to Marines and organizations deemed worthy of such recognition as a testament to their commitment and contributions to the Marine Corps. Decker Truck Line is indeed deserving of such recognition and the Des Moines Toys for Tots Campaign is proud to consider the Decker family a loyal supporter of the Marine Corps.

In addition to the paddle ceremony, a $1,000 donation was given to the Toys for Tots Campaign in Memory of Dale Decker Sr., who was a World War II Marine Corp Veteran.

Michael Crum, Interim Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the College of Business at Iowa State University, with Jane and Robert Sturgeon.

(L to R) Mark Gleason, Decker Truck Line Director of Flatbed Operations; Tony Russell, Decker Truck Line Vice President of Flatbed Operations; Don Decker, Decker Truck Line President and CEO; Sergeant Nathan Russell (nephew of Tony Russell); and First Sergeant Brandon Eckardt.


Members in the News

Midwest Wheel Named 2012 Distributor of the Year

Midwest Wheel Companies was honored with the Truck Parts & Service 2012 Distributor of the Year award

at the recent Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Las Vegas.

Mike Callison, president of Midwest Wheel, and John Minor, MWC executive vice president and COO, were both present at the ceremony that made the Des Moines-based company the first two-time winner in the award’s 11-year history. The company also won the award in 2004.

“This is a great honor for us and our company,” Minor said. “We are very proud to win this award.”

Midwest Wheel was one of five companies nominated for the award. Other finalists included Inland Truck Parts; Parts For Trucks; Point Spring & Driveshaft; and Six Robblees.

“I have a great deal of respect of all of those guys,” Minor said. “I have known some of those guys for 30-plus years. I know they were happy for us, and we appreciate that. I’ve learned a lot from them over the years.”

Iowa-based Peterbilt Dealers Earn National Awards

For the second year in a row, two Peterbilt dealerships in western Iowa brought home major awards from

the recent annual PACCAR Parts & Service Conference.

Peterbilt of Council Blu�s was again named a Best in Class Parts & Service

Dealer of the Year for 2011. Meanwhile, Peterbilt of Sioux City received a 2011 Platinum Oval Parts & Service Dealer of the Year award for “Outstanding Customer Support.”

PACCAR Corp. officials presented awards during its annual Parts & Service Conference.

“These dealerships consistently deliver excellent parts and service support to our customers, and continually exceed their goals by performing at the highest levels,” said Bill Kozek, PACCAR vice president and Peterbilt Motors general manager.

The awards were given to recognize dealer excellence and outstanding achievements in customer support; parts and service operations; facilities; and financial performance. The judges compared all 250-plus Peterbilt locations in the United States and Canada for dealership activities during the 2011 calendar year.

Peterbilt of Sioux City President Nominated for ATD Truck Dealer of the YearBrad Wilson, president of Peterbilt of Sioux City, is one of six commercial truck dealers who were recently nominated for the 2013 Truck Dealer of the Year award, a national honor presented by the American Truck Dealers and Heavy Duty Trucking magazine.

The winner and runner-up will be announced at the 50th Annual ATD Convention and Expo. Nominees for the annual award were selected by their peers and will be evaluated on dealership performance, civic contributions and industry leadership. The winner and runner-up will be chosen by a panel of professors from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Ty Smith Joins TrueNorthTrueNorth is pleased to announce the addition of Ty Smith to itsTransportation Division.

Ty started his career at a large national transportation

company and that experience culminated into the formation of his own company where, over a 25-year period, he helped hundreds of transportation companies with risk transfer, risk finance, claims management and loss prevention.

Ty will establish an office near Tulsa, Okla., with the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, headquarters providing client service.

Ty Smith -- TrueNorth


2013 IMTA Leadership

30 Lifeliner

Ralph ArthurRuan Transportation Management Systems

Murry FitzerFlorilli Transportation, LLC

John SmithCRST International, Inc.

George CrouseCrouse Transportation Services, LLC

Jackie JohnsrudJohnsrud Transport, Inc.

Dave Van WykVan Wyk, Inc.

Don DeckerDecker Truck Line, Inc

Bob KohlwesBTI SpecialCommodities, Inc.

Mark OlsonOlson Explosives

Jeff WangsnessJMT Trucking Company

Donna Weinrich-LuchtWeinrich Truck Lines

Dave DickeyHarold DickeyTransport, Inc.

Kevin GassPerishable Distributorsof Iowa Ltd.

Michael RigganTanTaraTransportation Corp.

Mike GerdinHeartland Express

Executive Committee

Steve Schuster-ChairmanSchuster CompanyIMTA-Chairman of the Board

The main responsibility of this committee is to oversee, assist and direct the operations of the association. Individuals on this committee are potential candidates for moving into an officer position and eventually serving as the Chairman of the Board.

A special thanks to the following individuals that are serving on IMTA’s core committees. These individuals commit a great deal of time, energy and expertise to their respective committee assignments and their contributions are greatly appreciated.

“IMTA’s Executive Committee is instrumental in helping IMTA move forward in a manner that is positive and effective for the members of all sizes and types of operation. Their leadership is greatly appreciated.



31Lifeliner

Carl SchwabFreightliner of Des Moines

Jack SawyerDes MoinesTransportation Company

Pat StoreyMotor-Ways, Inc.

Robert SturgeonBarr-Nunn Transportation

John MinorMidwest Wheel Companies

Finance Committee

Foundation Committee

The main responsibility of this committee is to provide assistance and oversight to the association’s financial operation. This committee also reviews the IMTA’s investment and makes recommendations in regard to investments.

The main responsibility of this committee is to provide oversight, direction and support to the foundation. This committee assists with development and implementation of long and short term goals to strengthen the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation.

“I’m very proud of the financial oversight that is provided to the IMTA through the work of this committee. Through the systems and processes we have in place there is effective management of IMTA’s financial resources.

“The Foundation will be taking on an even greater role going forward with an emphasis in education and other programming, and I’m grateful for the folks that are serving in this leadership capacity for the foundation.”


Murry FitzerFlorilli Transportation, LLC


Steve SchusterSchuster Company


Steve SukupSukup Manufacturing Company

George Crouse-ChairmanCrouse Transportation Services, LLC

Murry Fitzer-ChairmanFlorilli Transportation, LLC Dave Dickey

Harold DickeyTransport, Inc.

Dave Van WykVan Wyk, Inc.



2013 IMTA LeadershipCompensationCommitteeThe main responsibility of this committee is to conduct the annual salary review and evaluation process of the IMTA president. They will provide expectations, objectives and goals for the IMTA President/CEO.

“I appreciate the efforts of this committee in helping to ensure we are following the required guidelines in evaluating and directing IMTA’s President.”

Bob Kohlwes-ChairmanBTI Special Commodities, Inc.




Don DeckerDecker Truck Line, Inc

John SmithCRST International, Inc.

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Clayton FiskWarren Transport, Inc.

David BoyerBoyer Petroleum Company

Fred GraskCedar Rapids Truck Center

Dave NelsenFreightliner ofDes Moines, Inc.

Mark Zieman Cherry ValleyEnterprises, Inc.

Delwin Van WykInterstate PowerSystems

Legislative/PAC CommitteeThe main responsibility of this committee is to provide assistance and oversight with the advocacy efforts of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. This committee will play an important role in several different areas which include; Advocacy, Fundraising Efforts through Truck PAC Iowa and Legislative efforts.





Building CommitteeThe main responsibility of this committee is to provide added oversight and advise the association leaders on the priorities of the ongoing maintenance of the building. The building is one of the Iowa Motor Truck Association’s biggest assets and a source of pride to IMTA.

“We are committed to providing the leadership needed to protect IMTA’s greatest asset. We will continue to look towards the future and be responsible in allocating the resources needed to always ensure that our headquarters is a source of pride to the members.”



Ralph Arthur-ChairmanRuan Transportation Management Systems Kevin Gass

Perishable Distributorsof Iowa Ltd.






TDC/Convention Chairman

2013 IMTA Management Conference Chairman

2013 Management ConferenceSeptember 17 & 18

Arrowwood Hoteland Conference Center Lake Okoboji, Iowa

Chairman: Matt DeSchepper Great West Casualty Company

Matt DeSchepper is serving as the 2013 IMTA Management Conference Chairman. A graduate of IMTA’s leadership program, Matt vowed to get involved with IMTA and has followed up on his promise. Matt has served on the conference committee the last two years and is looking forward to heading up the 2013 conference. His main objective as the chairman of IMTA’s management conference is to continue to follow the tradition of providing a first class experience to IMTA members that combines quality educational sessions as well as valuable networking opportunities for IMTA members.

Matt’s favorite part of the conference – “I have always found the planning part of the event to be a lot of fun. I have really enjoyed serving on the committees because not only does it allow a person to be involved from the very beginning of the planning phases, but it also is a great opportunity to establish some great friendships with other IMTA members.”

2013 Iowa Truck Driving Championships Chairman

Iowa Truck Driving Championships June 13 & 14, 2013

Prairie Meadows Casino& Conference Center Altoona, Iowa

Chairman: Rodney Glassner Conway

Rodney is proud to serve as the 2013 Iowa Truck Driving Championships Chairman. Rodney has been involved with the Truck Driving Championships for many years and believes that the Iowa event is the best TDC in the country. Rodney especially likes the way that Iowa puts all the focus on making the experience as valuable as possible for the drivers and their families. Rodney likes all the special “little” touches that really makes the event memorable for all the participants. He is excited to plan another first class event in 2013 and is hoping to get even more IMTA member companies to send at least ONE DRIVER to the event.

Rodney’s favorite part of the Truck Driving Championships – “I really enjoy seeing all the drivers arrive to the TDC and have a good time. I like to welcome back the veterans and also meet all the new participants. It is very enjoyable to be a part of something that truly focuses on the driver and is designed for the sole purpose of showing our appreciation of how important they are to this industry.”

IMTA Members Step Up Again

Matt DeSchepperGreat West Casualty Co.

Rodney GlassnerConway


Staff Recognition

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IMTA Director of Safety Receives Safety CertificationIMTA Director of Safety and Compliance, Don Egli recently received his certification in Safety from the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI). Don has been with the IMTA for the past 6 years and is a 25 year veteran of the trucking industry. Don started his career in the trucking industry first as a professional driver and then moved into operations and safety. Prior

to coming to IMTA he worked for Great West Casualty and Ruan Transportation Management Systems. A native of Indiana, Don credits his hard work and commitment to doing a good job to his roots on the family farm in Central Indiana and to the foundation of faith that was at the center of childhood home.

Don had received his certification as a safety supervisor (CSS) in the late 1990’s but continued to have the goal of receiving the final and highest certification in safety by completing the coursework and successfully testing to be named a Certified Director of Safety (CDS). He recently finished up his coursework

which required attendance at several safety related educational sessions and then sat for the exam.

Don oversees all the safety and compliance activities for the Iowa Motor Truck Association. In this role he also interacts closely with regulatory officials and collaborates with the staff to provide the regulatory and compliance services needed to ensure that IMTA members have access to the most up to date and accurate compliance information.

“We are very proud of Don’s accomplishments and congratulate him on this latest achievement. Safety is by far Don’s top priority and something that he is tremendously dedicated to. We are fortunate to have him working with the IMTA members as well as our state regulators. He is knowledgeable, committed to helping the members and a tremendous asset to our staff and operation,” said IMTA President, Brenda Neville.

Don EgliIMTA Director of Safety

We are fortunate to have him working with the IMTA members as well as our state regulators,” said IMTA President, Brenda Neville.


Energy Update

Tim Smith, Iowa Energy ForumIn 2010 truck transportation was one of Iowa’s fastest growing industries as reported in Iowa’s Career, Industry,& population report of October 2012 In order for the transportation industry to continue to grow and provide good-paying jobs for Iowan’s, trucking companies need a consistent inexpensive fuel source.

Natural gas is that fuel source. The Energy Information Agency (EIA) reports that the United States holds over 750 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable shale gas and 24 billion barrels of technically recoverable shale oil resources in discovered shale plays.

Now truckers and travelers driving through Iowa will be able to take advantage of clean-burning natural gas with companies, such as Clean Energy and Kwik-Trip, committing to building stations equipped to supply Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Many will be co-located at Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers. Trucking companies and manufacturers are also converting their trucks to run on CNG and LNG, driving up the demand for natural gas as well as for the infrastructure to support these vehicles.

Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling hold the key to unlocking the rich natural gas resources from the rock formations deep below the earth’s surface that will supply the demand for natural gas. Although some have voiced concerns about hydraulic fracturing, companies have safely been developing shale for decades using hydraulic fracturing by adhering to established standards and regulations. Additionally, development of natural gas using hydraulic fracturing will generate jobs, economic growth and our nation’s energy security.

Let’s look at some facts about hydraulic fracturing:

•JobCreation. Shale development generates jobs, not only in the oil and natural gas industry, but also in support businesses, such as the manufacturers, suppliers and the trucking industry which carries the tools, pipelines and other supplies used for the process. In a study conducted by IHS, unconventional oil and gas production – a transformation that supports 1.7 million jobs today - would generate a total of 3.5 million jobs by 2035.

• Economic growth. Oil and natu-ral gas development brings billions in federal, state and local revenues through royalties, leases and taxes. Additionally, IHS estimates that capi-

tal investment in unconventional oil and natural gas over the next two decades will average $200 billion annually, with the industry’s cumula-tive investment by 2035 surpassing $5.1 trillion.

• Increased energy security. The boom in oil and natural gas devel-opment using hydraulic fracturing is driving America’s energy security and reducing our need to rely on im-ported sources.

• Improving the Climate. Accord-ing to the EIA’s latest Annual Energy Outlook 2013, the move to natural gas has also reduced projected growth rates for U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions. As cost-effective technologies come to market, such as natural gas-powered trucks and vehicles, the reduction in CO2 emis-sions will continue.

• Regulated and Safe. Hydraulic fracturing is regulated at the federal and state level with stringent stan-dards in place to guide its usage. Furthermore, hydraulic fracturing has been taking place for decades and there have not been any cases of groundwater contamination. Even EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, has said: “In no case have we made a definitive determination that the fracking process has caused chemi-cal contamination of groundwater.” (Fox News, April 27, 2012).

With these benefits in place for natural gas development and the proven safety of the hydraulic fracturing process, America’s trucking industry should embrace this fuel and the technologies that secure it.

Iowa Energy Forum is a community of concerned Iowa Citizens who are dedicated to broadening the public’s understanding of and support for a balanced approach towards increasing our supplies of energy. The forum members come together to better educate folks about energy issues.

2013 IMTACornerstone

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2013 Lifeliner Magazine (Issue 1)

Documents

iowa truck services

imta education update

imta membership

imta committees

legislative issue update

local repair

truck country

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