Up Front - Grand Achievements
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- Created: 05.18.2023
Shannon Newton
President, ATA
What should you carry on an 18-mile trek descending 5,000 feet into the Grand Canyon? I’ve spent a lot of time researching this question over the last few weeks. The internet has innumerable lists and a few warnings. A headlamp and some SPF made my packing list. Comfortable shoes were a must. I planned to bring sunglasses, chapstick and layered clothing for protection against the elements. Water, obviously, but how much is enough for a 12-hour hike?
When it was time to step onto the trail, I wanted to be ready to enjoy the awe-inducing view of wind-sculpted rock walls and be prepared for the thirst, hunger, muscle fatigue, blistered feet or any other challenge I might encounter.
I was joining a group of friends to hike seven miles down the South Kaibob Trail to the Colorado River Basin, make a stop at Phantom Ranch, and then climb back up the 10-mile Bright Angel Trail all in one day. Expected to take from sunrise to sunset, this is a feat only 1% of Grand Canyon visitors achieve.
Today—calves sore and memories still fresh—I can say I did it, and though I overpacked, I’m really grateful for all the snacks and that extra pair of socks.
Arkansas Trucking Association Awards Driver, Safety Professional, Maintenance Professional
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- Created: 05.18.2023
On Wednesday, May 17, the Arkansas Trucking Association announced the 2022 Driver of the Year, Ken Geer; 2022 Safety Professional of the Year, Brett Graves; and 2022 Maintenance Professional of the Year, Samuel Satterfield. The top honors were announced at the awards luncheon during the ATA Conference in Little Rock, Ark.
Each year, the Arkansas Trucking Association recognizes one driver for their strong and noteworthy professional qualifications, experience and performance; one safety professional for their qualifications, safety program and safety achievements; and a maintenance professional for their contributions to their company’s maintenance program, certifications and credentials.
Ken Geer, the 2022 Driver of the Year, has been a professional truck driver for Walmart Transportation since 2020. In his 34-year career, he has driven more than 4 million accident-free miles. Dedicated to safety in his professional and personal life, the former firefighter volunteers to run fireworks displays at Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion and local football games. He’s also a committed fundraiser for the Gravette Lion Band Boosters.
The Last Word
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- Created: 05.18.2023
Where camera angles matter: inside a truck cab
By Joey Berkemeyer
To film or not to film? Everyone has an opinion. At Wayne Smith Trucking, we have front-facing cameras in everything we own. The front facing cameras can get you out of a jam or tell you when it’s best to settle a lawsuit before it gets worse. Side-facing cameras offer the same benefits, and my drivers like both cameras. These video perspectives can prove when drivers are in the right in the event of an accident.
Cameras that face the road in the front of and beside the truck and tractor have been popular and therefore easy to adopt. Now comes the problem child: driver-facing cameras. We do not have these rear-facing devices in any of our vehicles, nor will we.
Some of you are asking why? I did a little survey with some of our drivers to get a feel for their thoughts. Not one said, “I want one.” What they did say was, “Guess I will have to find another job.”
FedEx Express Earns Top Safety Award at Trucking Conference
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- Created: 05.18.2023
FedEx Express and other carriers were honored at the Arkansas Trucking Association Conference during the awards luncheon on May 17 in Little Rock, Ark.
The association recognized winners in six categories, as well as an overall grand champion celebrating the safest fleets among the Arkansas Trucking Association member companies.
FedEx Express earned the top award for the second consecutive year. In 2022, the company logged over 11 million accident-free miles on Arkansas highways
